Diploma of Accounting

Diploma of Accounting - FNS50217

VOCATIONAL

Extend your accounting skills in our simulated practice firm environment and explore a range of specialisations.

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Student type:
Mode of study:
On campus
Online
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Part-time 1.5 years
Fees:

Fee finder

*Free TAFE course

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Mode of study:
On campus
Entry score:

IELTS 5.5

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Fees:

AU$5,875 (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This Qualification has been superseded by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and will change in 2023.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.

Improve your career prospects in your current accounting role or prepare for further accounting studies.

Build essential business skills with experience in accounting transactions, their behaviour, and their effects on organisations. 

The Diploma of Accounting has been designed to assist you with developing foundational skills in:

  • financial management
  • management accounting
  • company accounting
  • taxation of individual returns 
  • budgeting
  • internal controls
  • business ethics
  • advanced features in spreadsheets
  • leadership and management.

In addition to these core skills, this diploma will also equip you with the soft skills you require to thrive in the workplace, including communication, leading effective professional relationships, and legal and ethical decision making.

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

*This is a JobTrainer and Free TAFE priority course. Check your eligibility.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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In this program you will undertake structured learning activities and authentic assessments within a Practice Firm environment that simulates real-world job roles.

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.

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

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.

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.

While undertaking this program, you can expect scheduled classes up to four days per week.

Days and hours of your study will vary according to your study load and the units you undertake.

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

The Diploma program comprises 11 units (6 core and 5 elective units).

Major areas of study include:

  • leadership and management
  • financial management using advanced spreadsheeting
  • taxation for individuals
  • budgeting and management accounting
  • company financial accounting
  • internal controls.

Course structure

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

Diploma of Accounting
Program code: C5390
National curriculum code: FNS50217
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Accounting
City Campus
Six months full time study
C5390
099256B
Location
City Campus
Duration
Six months full time study
Plan code
C5390
CRICOS
099256B
View plan
Diploma of Accounting
City Campus
Six months full time
C5390
099256B
Location
City Campus
Duration
Six months full time
Plan code
C5390
CRICOS
099256B
View plan

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

Career

This program is designed for those wishing to undertake further studies in accounting, having already completed entry level studies in the Certificate IV.

It introduces students for the first time to a range of common accounting specialist job roles and provides the basis for articulation into the Advanced Diploma of Accounting.

Those gaining employment at the conclusion of this program are likely to work as bookkeepers/BAS agents, assistant accountants, payroll officers or accounts clerks. 

Graduates from the Diploma are encouraged to undertake the Advanced Diploma of Accounting, particularly if they wish to ultimately pursue a career as a tax agent, but also if they wish to undertake higher education studies in a related Bachelor program.

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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.

Statutory accreditation

This type of accreditation is where a statutory body must approve a course of study in order for a graduate to practise in that profession.

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.

Diploma of Accounting

Current course accreditations and information about membership and development opportunities for students and graduates.

Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)

Membership and opportunities
  • Student eligible for membership category: Student
  • Graduate eligible for membership category: Affiliate

Visit the Association of Accounting Technicians website

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 is eligible for specified credit in the CIMA program of up to 2 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.

Completion of the FNSSS00014 Accounting Principles Skill Set

OR

Completion of FNS40615 Certificate IV in Accounting or equivalent

OR

Completion of FNS40215 Certificate IV in Bookkeeping or equivalent

OR

Completion of FNS40217 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping.

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 Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping 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.

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 eligible for exemptions from the courses below, subject to meeting the entry requirements.

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

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You are guaranteed entry to the Diploma of Accounting when you successfully complete the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping you are guaranteed entry to 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 the Advanced Diploma of Accounting when you successfully complete the Diploma of Accounting.

You may also enter one of the following RMIT programs:

  • Associate Degree in Business – you will receive 1 semester of credit (equivalent to 48 credit points)
  • Bachelor of Business – you will receive 2 semesters of credit (equivalent to 96 credit points). Note: This is only available for entry to a non-Accounting major in the Bachelor. You must complete the Advanced Diploma of Accounting if you want to study the Accounting major.
  • Bachelor of Business Professional Practice – you will receive 2 semesters of credit (equivalent to 96 credit points). Note: This is only available for entry to a non-Accounting major in the Bachelor. You must complete the Advanced Diploma of Accounting if you want to study the Accounting major.

Alternatively, 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.

JobTrainer courses

JobTrainer is a joint initiative between the Commonwealth and State Government which provides additional funding for free or low-fee (20% of the listed tuition fee) training courses for young people and job seekers. Eligible applicants will be able to access up to one full qualification and one short course or skill set under the JobTrainer fund.

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 or JobTrainer 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$6,000* per annum
  • 2023 full-fee place: AU$9,000* 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

*The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The fee information will be published when they are available.

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$315 maximum fee for 2022*.
  • 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.

*The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The fee information will be published when they are available.

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 2022* is $315. 

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.

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$5,875.

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