The Bachelor of Business (Professional Accountancy) is a broad-based business degree with specialisations in accounting aimed at providing you with the necessary technical skills and business knowledge for a career in accounting. The focus on work integrated learning (Cooperative Education) aids RMIT graduates to develop generic skills and professional capabilities that are highly sought after by employers.

RMIT is an established university with an excellent reputation for the delivery of accounting education. RMIT provides high quality programs responsive to the needs of industry both locally and internationally. RMIT’s mission is to produce graduates equipped with the knowledge and competence to meet the challenges of a changing, international business world.

RMIT’s accountancy program is offered in the heart of the city’s business district.

The program provides stimulating and rigorous studies in accountancy and other disciplines relevant to business which, together with up to one year of professional experience, contributes to the future supply of professionally qualified and broadly trained accountants.

The program is centred around the study of accountancy, law, economics and business computing. You can undertake electives in a variety of courses (subjects) from business streams or other disciplines.

Global passport

Incorporating an international experience into your studies gives you the competitive edge needed in today’s global business economy. You do not have to speak a foreign language and the benefits of studying overseas include: enhancing job opportunities and professional networks; developing interpersonal skills by living and studying in another culture; experiencing different teaching styles and ways of learning; and gaining an international perspective on your studies and professional knowledge. As a degree student, you can gain credit points towards your studies by doing:

a study tour
a semester/year long exchange
an international work placement.

Study tours
Complete two RMIT courses during the Australian summer or winter vacation. Destinations include London, China, France, Germany, Italy, USA, Canada and Vietnam.

Education abroad (exchange)
Study overseas for up to one year. Full-time business students are encouraged to study at an overseas institution which has an exchange agreement with the university. A limited number of exchange scholarships are available each year.

International work placement
Work placements, for example, as part of a Cooperative Education Year, may be undertaken overseas with appropriate approval.

Work Experience

Employers are increasingly demanding not just graduates with degrees, but graduates with the experience and capability to add value to the organisation. As a Professional Accountancy student, you have the opportunity to integrate work with your learning activities. The Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program provides you with an education that enables you to combine the theory acquired through coursework into a practical environment or application, resulting in a greater understanding of the nature of business. There are many forms of WIL, including Cooperative Education, the Professional Skills Program, industrial or workplace experience, industry speakers and projects and simulations.

Cooperative Education (Co-op)
A feature of this program is a compulsory, paid work experience component ‘sandwiched’ between periods of study.

Professional Accountancy students are required to undertake two years of study, plus a 12-month discipline-related full-time paid work experience component in Year 3 of the program, followed by a final year of study. You will participate in a preparation program during the second year, to assist you in finding a suitable work placement.

Students become full-time employees, entitled to the normal benefits, terms and conditions offered by the Co-op employer. This first-hand industry experience provides Professional Accountancy graduates with a competitive edge in seeking employment.

Some of the organisations that employ students during the Cooperative Education Year are from industry, public accounting practices, commercial and government organisations.

Professional Skills Program (PSP)
If you do not obtain a Cooperative Education work placement, you must complete the Professional Skills Program, designed to provide you with the skills that employers seek. The program is one semester undertaken full-time and provides unpaid work experience in industry.

PSP is currently being reviewed for 2009.

Work Integrated Learning requirement

A successful Police Check may be required to participate in the work experience component of various RMIT courses and programs. Some professional registration bodies require you to complete a successful Police Check. Prospective students are advised to check with the relevant professional body as to specific requirements. RMIT is required to notify some professional registration bodies if you attract a positive response to a completed Police Check.

Duration

Four years full-time incorporating 96 credit point work integrated learning component (Cooperative Education).

Classes for full-time students are usually held between 8.30 am and 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday.

Students who wish to transfer to the Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) must apply through VTAC. Note: These transfers are not automatic.

This program is not offered by external study (correspondence).

Pathways

Graduates of the Advanced Diploma of Business (Accounting) who have been successful in gaining a place in the Bachelor of Business (Professional Accountancy) may be eligible to apply for exemptions of one-and-a-half years leaving an additional two-and-a-half years (including industry experience) to complete the degree program.

Gaining credit for previous study or experience
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfer are ways that RMIT recognises applicants’ skills and knowledge gained through formal and informal education and training, work experience, and/or life experience (including volunteer work; committee responsibilities; family duties, hobbies).

Further information about gaining credit for previous study or experience

Further information about pathways

Career Prospects

The Bachelor of Business (Professional Accountancy) program provides a business qualification which enables graduates to advance in a variety of careers. About one-third of graduates gain employment in public accounting practices, supporting staff teams in areas such as auditing, taxation, management consulting, business services and receivership. Others are recruited into commercial and government organisations in treasury, internal audit, strategic business planning, financial reporting and management accounting roles.

Professional Recognition

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Business (Professional Accountancy) entitles you to apply for associate membership of CPA Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and the National Institute of Accountants. You must then undertake the chosen professional body’s qualification program and gain three years relevant practical experience to gain full membership.

In addition, if you plan to live and work in countries such as China, Hong Kong, Singapore or Malaysia, you have the option of applying for entry into the final stages of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification program.

Entrance Requirements

Current Year 12 prerequisite units 3 & 4—English (any).

Non-Year 12 applicants are encouraged to apply and may be required to have relevant employment or evidence of experience and/or ability to meet the demands of the program.

Equity admissions schemes
RMIT understands that people’s backgrounds and circumstances can affect their access to education and training. RMIT’s equity admissions schemes allow applicants to explain the circumstances that have adversely affected their education, and demonstrate their capacity for future academic success.

Further information is available at equity admissions schemes

Click here for further information.

Application Procedures

Semester one

Full-time applicants—VTAC application
Note: All applicants must comply with any extra requirements listed.

VTAC application
Applicants must apply through Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) and are advised to check detailed information on entrance requirements, application procedures and closing dates. Applicants must meet all extra requirements and selection procedures listed through VTAC.

Application closing date: Late September
Further information:
Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC)
40 Park Street, South Melbourne
Tel. 1300 364 133
www.vtac.edu.au
Note: RMIT program codes listed on this page should not be used when applying through VTAC.

Semester two (midyear intake)

RMIT University has places available for the midyear intake in many TAFE and degree (bachelor and postgraduate) programs. From 1 May check to see if this program offers a midyear intake
Note: Applicants must confirm availability of program offered at midyear prior to applying. All applicants must comply with any extra requirements listed.

RMIT direct application
Applicants must apply directly to RMIT University using an RMIT direct application form.

Application closing date: 31 May
Further Information:
Info Corner
330 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Tel. 03 9925 2260
Email: study@rmit.edu.au
www.rmit.edu.au/programs/enquiries

Click here for further information.

Fees

Degree

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
A CSP is jointly funded by the Commonwealth Government and the student. In 2009, the fees ranged between $4,162 and $8,677 per year for a standard full-time program. The exact cost varies according to each course.

Changes to fee paying undergraduate places in 2009
The Australian Government has announced that it will phase out fee paying domestic undergraduate places from 1 January 2009 in public universities. However, the Government has announced that it will replace fee paying places with up to 11,000 new Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) by 2011. Therefore, expectations are that there will be more HECS (Higher Education Contribution Scheme) places on offer at RMIT University in 2009.

There will be no full-fee places at RMIT University offered through VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre) for new domestic students in undergraduate programs in 2009. There are some exceptions to the Government’s prohibition on new full-fee undergraduate places which will affect a very small number of students.

Further information is available at: www.rmit.edu.au/programs/fees/highered

Or you can go to the Federal Government’s Going To Uni web site www.goingtouni.gov.au or phone the hotline: 1800 020 108.

Scholarships

RMIT University is committed to providing wider access to education and supporting students to achieve their full potential. Scholarships are available to people from a range of backgrounds for a variety of reasons. Students from regional and farming communities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Record spend on RMIT scholarships
RMIT University will spend more than $60 million on student scholarships over the next five years. RMIT has many scholarships and funding opportunities to offer students.

Further information is available at RMIT Scholarships

Click here for further information.

Program Structure

The program structure consists of 24 taught courses (each of 12 credit points) and two semesters (96 credit points) of Work Integrated Learning. Full-time Professional Accountancy students undertake Work Integrated Learning in the form of a Cooperative Education placement or Professional Skills Placement in the third year. You will also undertake six electives of which at least one must be an accounting elective. The School of Accounting and Law also offers several accounting and law electives to students from programs across the university.

The following program structure(s) are linked to this program.

Contact Details

Professional Accountancy Coordinator
School of Accounting and Law
Building 108, Level 15
239 Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel. +61 3 9925 5700
Fax: +61 3 9925 5741

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Owning School

Accounting & Law

Disclaimer

Although RMIT endeavours to ensure the accuracy of this information, there is no guarantee it will remain accurate all year. Applicants are advised to confirm program details with the appropriate school before making an application.