Advanced Diploma of Accounting

Advanced Diploma of Accounting - FNS60217

VOCATIONAL

Deepen your understanding of contemporary accounting practice and apply your skills in an industry-based work placement.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus and blended, Online
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Part-time 1.5 years
Part-time 2 years
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus and blended, Online
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$22,750 (2023 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

This Qualification has been superseded by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and will change in 2023.

You can still apply for this program and you will be supported to transfer into the new qualification once it becomes available. This may result in changes to the program structure, content and fees.

Pursue your career as a tax agent or prepare for further accounting studies.

Apply your skills and knowledge of financial systems as you undertake a practical placement with an accounting entity.

The Advanced Diploma of Accounting has been designed to equip you with the theoretical and technical skills required to pursue work in the varied accounting and financial services industries.

The skills you will learn in this diploma will include:

  • introducing and maintaining accounting systems
  • maintaining internal control systems
  • preparing financial statements for a non-reporting entity
  • preparing tax returns
  • reporting on business performance
  • managing small teams
  • developing business plans
  • preparing accounting reports for management.

Study options include full-time and part-time Blended delivery, or part-time Online.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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In this advanced diploma, you will undertake structured learning activities and authentic assessments in a largely face-to-face setting.

In the latter part of your study you will then have the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge acquired to the real-world tasks undertaken as part of an industry-based practical placement.

In addition to the practical placement opportunity, RMIT offers a variety of other learning and teaching approaches including seminars, workshops, presentations, group discussions and project work.

We offer a blended learning model with opportunities for both face-to-face and live online classes. Most of your face-to-face learning will take place in RMIT's Swanston Academic Building which features innovative learning spaces interspersed with retail and social spaces resulting in a stimulating environment for students.

Through RMIT University’s online learning portal, you will be able to access online learning resources, collaborate with teachers 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.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes supervised tests, reports, oral presentations, group projects, and practical assignments.

Students can choose between full-time or part-time on-campus/blended classes, or part-time online only classes delivered in the evenings.

 

Blended learning options

Courses offered as part of blended learning programs include a meaningful blend of online, on-campus, and workplace based learning tailored to the type of study you undertake. This learning is active, prioritising tasks that involve exploration and development of skills and knowledge through interaction and engagement.

Online aspects provide positive benefits such as flexibility and adaptability using digital activities and materials, while also strengthening the interaction and connection with timetabled and on-campus experiences such as tutorials, practicals, or workshops.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

In addition to industry events, industry guest speakers are invited to speak about current issues and will provide you with an experienced perspective on study topics and work-simulated scenarios. 

The Industry Advisory Committee includes representatives of major accounting and bookkeeping professional bodies (Association of Accounting Technicians, Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, Institute of Public Accountants, Chartered Accountants [Australia and New Zealand] and CPA Australia) as well as high-profile industry practitioners from a broad cross-section of small and large organisations.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this advanced diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

This advanced diploma comprises 14 subjects (3 core and 11 elective subjects).

Major areas of study include:

  • corporate governance
  • commercial law
  • economics
  • financial systems
  • taxation for legal entities
  • auditing
  • financial management
  • insolvency
  • management accounting
  • company financial accounting.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Advanced Diploma of Accounting
Program code: C6163
National curriculum code: FNS60217
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Advanced Diploma of Accounting
City Campus
One year full time study
C6163
099257A
Location
City Campus
Duration
One year full time study
Plan code
C6163
CRICOS
099257A
View plan
Advanced Diploma of Accounting
City Campus
One year full time
C6163
099257A
Location
City Campus
Duration
One year full time
Plan code
C6163
CRICOS
099257A
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

This advanced diploma is designed for those wishing to undertake further studies in accounting, having already completed a diploma level qualification in this discipline.

It extends the skills and knowledge applicable to a number of key accounting specialist job roles and provides the basis for articulation into undergraduate level programs in accounting or other business disciplines.

Those gaining employment at the conclusion of this qualification are likely to work as tax agents or assistant accountants. 

Graduates will meet the educational requirements for registration as a tax agent as prescribed by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) under the Tax Agent Services Act (2009). 

There are other conditions to be met in order to register as a tax agent (including a supervised work experience component) and graduates seeking tax agent registration are urged to check current licensing requirements with the TPB.

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Course accreditation or membership offered by professional bodies signals to employers the quality and relevance of RMIT's courses and opens up career pathways and networks.

Professional bodies accredit or recognise courses as meeting professional and academic standards deemed to be essential for a new graduate entering into that profession. An accredited course will either enable the graduate to enter directly into a professional qualifications program or provide the graduate with exemptions or credit towards a post university professional qualification.

Membership

Professional bodies or associations are representative organisations of professions that provide membership and other career development support to its members. Many professional bodies offer membership opportunities for students and new graduates with benefits such as career advice, networking within the profession and access to resources not available through the university. The aim of these benefits is to assist with your transition from university into the profession.

Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)

Membership and opportunities
  • Graduate eligible for membership category: Graduate.

Visit the Institute of Public Accountants website

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

TAFE programs in accounting satisfy the academic requirements for entry into the CIMA Program.

Membership and opportunities
  • Graduate eligible for specified credit in the CIMA program of up to 4 modules.

Visit the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants website

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

Successful completion of the RMIT Diploma of Accounting (or equivalent)

OR

Completion of Accounting Principles Skill Set and Advanced Accounting Principles Skill Set

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed the Diploma of Accounting at RMIT University, or an equivalent program at other institution.

Visit the Entry requirements by country page to find the equivalent to an Australian Year 12.

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.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 162 with no less than 154 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) Upper Intermediate Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.

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.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

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You are guaranteed entry to the Advanced Diploma of Accounting when you successfully complete the Diploma of Accounting.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

You are guaranteed entry to one of the following RMIT programs when you successfully complete the Advanced Diploma of Accounting:

  • Bachelor of Accounting - you will receive 4 semesters of credit (equivalent to 192 credit points)
  • Bachelor of Business 
    • you will receive 3 semesters of credit (equivalent to 144 credit points) into one of these majors: Blockchain Enabled Business; Business and Technology; Economics; Entrepreneurship; Finance; Global Business; Innovation and Enterprise; Logistics and Supply Chain; Management and Change; Marketing; People and Organisation; Social Impact; or no major
    • you will receive 2 semesters of credit (equivalent to 120 credit points) into the Financial Planning major
    • you will receive 2 semesters of credit (equivalent to 108 credit points) into the Business Information Systems major

You may be eligible for entry into other RMIT undergraduate programs.

Fees

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Free TAFE for priority courses

The Victorian Government is currently waiving tuition fees for this program for students who meet eligibility requirements for government subsidised places.

Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether you may be eligible.

If you have any questions you can contact Study@RMIT.

The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a Free TAFE fee waiver.

2023 fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2023 government subsidised place: AU$8,000* per annum
  • 2023 full-fee place: AU$12,500* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Defer your payment

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

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 2023 is $326. 

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.

VET Student Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

How does a VET Student Loan work?

If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.

Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (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.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.

It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date. 

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$22,750.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

More information
aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information