Bachelor of Business (Professional Accountancy)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 4 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, July
Entry score
ATAR 80.45
Duration
Full-time 4 years Location
Melbourne city
Overview
What you will learn in this program
A rigorous and stimulating accounting program designed to give you the ability to make key business decisions and identify, measure, analyse and communicate economic information.
Your career in professional accountancy
Graduates gain employment in public accounting practices, commercial and government organisations. They support business function 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.
Details
By studying accounting you will understand how and why key business decisions are made, and how to have input into those decisions.
You will study core accounting and business courses in the first two years. In third year, you will undertake a compulsory, supervised work placement in industry. In final year you will complete a business design project that involves identifying a specific business issue, and testing and communicating creative solutions in a coherent manner.
Most of your classes will be held in RMIT's Swanston Academic Building which features innovative learning spaces interspersed with retail and social spaces resulting in a stimulating environment for students.
RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, workshops, presentations, group discussions and project work.
Through RMIT University’s online learning portal, myRMIT, you will be able to view online resources and learning activities created by lecturers, access course materials via Blackboard, collaborate with lecturers and fellow students, and access your student email account.
Educational software, the Learning Hub, resources and printers are accessible on campus via the RMIT wireless network using your own laptop, tablet or smart phone or via computer facilities on-campus. You will be able to access the same software from home using myDesktop.
Find out more about student computing at RMIT.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral presentations, group projects, research projects and practical assignments.
The School’s mission is evidenced by the provision of high quality academic programs which, not only are responsive to the needs of the accounting and financial planning professions, but also provide leadership in innovative thinking pertinent in creating strategic directions for the professions in the public interests.
In achieving its overall aim, the School actively develops an effective student-centred learning environment through strategies in flexible delivery, quality teaching, and continuous student support. The School also focuses on innovative teaching areas and establishes its international reputation by continuously recognising global perspectives and addressing contemporary issues in the accounting and financial planning professions. These foci are evidenced in the development of programs in corporate governance, compliance and assurance, areas in international accounting, financial planning and wealth management. The School offers high standard educational programs in Melbourne, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia and online.
Development of staff expertise and reputation involves the promotion of relevant research activities, fostering closer relationships with the profession, industry and commerce, and encouraging regular communications and interactions with other universities and institutions on a global basis.
Accounting
Our staff are active in conducting applied research in accounting, and are well regarded in the provision of consultancy and training services such as financial planning, audit reviews, public sector accounting issues, international accounting development and environmental projects. The School supports an extensive range of staff development programs and participates in high quality professional development initiatives.
Financial Planning
Our financial planning discipline is led by Associate Professor Abdullahi Dahir Ahmed, Associate Professor in Wealth Management as well as Dr Daniel Richards, Senior Lecturer in Wealth Management, both of whom are active researchers in the area. Mr Ashley McAuliffe, Industry Fellow in Wealth Management, brings an invaluable knowledge of current industry practices and industry connections. The School is well positioned to offer two undergraduate financial planning degrees with an unrivalled blend of academic excellence, industry relevance, and insight from leading professionals that will give students a rewarding experience throughout their studies. RMIT offers Victoria’s only Financial Planning/Accounting double degree which prepares graduates for successful careers in business, financial and wealth management and professional advisory services.
Completing a global mobility program can help you to stand out in the job market.
In most cases you can gain credit points towards your studies while experiencing another culture and teaching style overseas.
Global mobility options available for this program include:
- Study tours
- First Year Study Tour
- Student exchange
- RMIT International Industry Experience and Research Program (RIIERP)
- Global Entrepreneurship and Internship Program (GEIP).
Find out more about international opportunities in the College of Business.
The program consists of 28 taught courses including core business and accounting courses, work-integrated learning courses, flexible courses, a one-year compulsory industry placement and a business design project. The business design project in final year consolidates this practical experience, theory and your problem-solving skills.
Flexible courses can be selected from a business minor that is different from your major area of study, or a minor from another discipline, or from student electives.
In order to meet the requirements for membership of the professional accounting bodies in Australia you should undertake specified accounting courses.
Year 1
You will do 7 of the compulsory common business core courses plus 1 accounting major course.
Year 2
You will study the final compulsory common business core course, and focus on your major by completing 4 core accounting courses and 2 compulsory specialist accounting courses.
These specialist courses include Taxation 1 and Auditing 1 which must be successfully completed in order to meet the requirements for admission for membership of professional accounting bodies in Australia.
Year 3
The third year involves a compulsory industry placement as part of the Cooperative Education program.
Year 4
After completing your industry placement, you will return for your final year of study. You will complete courses in your accounting major area of study, flexible courses, and the Business Design Project courses - capstone courses that bring together your theoretical learning from the first two years and your supervised work placement.
In the Business Design Project courses you'll need to produce a brief that outlines a current or potential business issue. You must then reflect on theory, test creative solutions, communicate the issue; and demonstrate your ability to analyse and problem-solve in a coherent manner.
Business minors include:
- behavioural business
- business analysis
- economics
- economics and finance
- entrepreneurship
- finance
- financial planning
- human resource management
- human resource practice
- information systems
- international business
- IS security and risk management
- logistics and supply chain management
- management
- marketing
- flexible business minor.
Other minors (PDF 201KB 14p) can be chosen from many disciplines offered across RMIT.
When planning your studies, you are advised to check which elective and minor courses are offered each year.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Business (Professional Accountancy) | City Campus |
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
|
4 years full-time
|
BP129P9 | 062993G |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP129
Career
In third year you will undertake a compulsory eight to 12-month supervised work placement in industry through the Cooperative Education Program. By being immersed in full-time work in your field of study you can apply the knowledge you’ve gained at university to a real workplace, deepen or broaden your knowledge of your discipline, industry and the organisation, and be introduced to real world performance and workplace expectations.
You are responsible for finding your own placement, however job search assistance is available. If you are unable to secure a placement you can transfer to a related three-year business degree.
In addition you will undertake specialist accounting work-integrated learning courses such as Financial Accounting Theory and Performance Analysis and Simulations which may involve interaction and feedback from industry, the community, clients and/or practitioners.
In addition to the expertise provided by the College of Business an Industry Advisory Board, industry and professional representatives actively participate in the Program Advisory Committee, which ensures that links with industry standards and international business practice remain current.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
Career outlook
There are good job prospects both pre- and post-graduation. The Department of Education forecasts that employment prospects for accountants are expected to grow strongly.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), the Singapore Accountancy Commission (SAC), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
The program is recognised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
Membership
Professional bodies may offer students and/or graduates membership, opportunities for entry into professional qualification programs and other career enhancing benefits.
For further details about accreditation and information about membership opportunities for students and graduates, please visit our accreditation and membership page.
- The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has recognised the program and awarded credit for modules in their ACA qualification.
- The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has recognised the program and awarded credit for modules in their ACCA qualification.
- The Singapore Accountancy Commission (SAC) has granted Accredited Degree status to the program and awarded credit for modules in the SAC Foundation Program.
- The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) has accredited the program and awarded credit for modules in the CIMA Qualification Program.
Industry and professional representatives actively participate in the Program Advisory Committee which ensures that links with industry standards and international business practice remain current.
Admissions
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
You must meet the minimum academic entry requirements for this program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee you entry due to the competitive nature of this program. Overseas qualifications will be assessed for Australian equivalence.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent year 12 applicants.
RMIT’s selection criteria, outlined below according to your highest completed level of education, will provide you with a better understanding of the minimum admissions requirements needed for this program.
Selection criteria
This information is for applicants who are currently undertaking an Australian Year 12 or equivalent or whose highest qualification is a completed secondary education within the last two years (2017, 2018).
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
ATAR profile
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in 2019.
This information is for applicants who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of any Australian diploma or advanced diploma (or equivalent)
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education program.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian higher education diploma (or equivalent overseas qualification); or
- successful completion of an associate degree; or
- successful completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or equivalent) and no double-fail in any required course of the receiving degree; or
- successful completion of two Open Universities Australia higher education units with a GPA of 2.0. Scored or graded results are required
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) more than two years ago, including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
Available only to current or recent Year 12 applicants
Subject adjustments
A study score of 25 in Accounting, Business Management, Economics, Geography, any Information Technology, Legal Studies, any Mathematics or Psychology equals 1 aggregate point per study. A study score of 35 in any English equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 5 points.
Regional adjustments
RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to Year 12 applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all certificate IV, diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree and degree level programs that select primarily on ATAR. Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
Available to all applicants
Equity access schemes
Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, higher education study or work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
- have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
The STAT overall score will be competitively ranked for selection.
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English and Year 11 Mathematics prerequisites. You must meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
This program targets high performing students and selection is based on high academic merit.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 75% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree and helping you get the degree you want.
Use our Pathways finder or contact Info Corner for more information.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience. Find out if you might be eligible.
When you successfully complete this program you may be eligible for entry into the Bachelor of Business (Honours).
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT honours or other postgraduate programs.
Fees
2020 indicative fees
In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308 maximum fee for 2020.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2020
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2020 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,684 per standard year $835 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,527 per standard year |
|
$11,155 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
SA-HELP Loans
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2020 is $308.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2020 is AU$34,560.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$120,960*.
*This program includes a Work-Integrated-Learning (WIL) component. The Cooperative Education Program undertaken in the third year is a one year work placement of at least 34 weeks duration, plus the completion of two courses. Fees for this year are 25 per cent of the annual tuition fee, and this is reflected in the total indicative fee.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living ;in Melbourne.