Charles Darwin University
Graduate Diploma of Accounting Studies
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Improve your knowledge of accounting theories, concepts and skills.
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma of Accounting Studies will develop your understanding of accounting theory, concepts and skills. Completing this course provides a pathway into the Master of Professional Accounting.
Master of Professional Accounting graduates meet the entry requirements for membership of CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) in the UK.
Key facts
20th July, 2026
What you will study
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points, as detailed below. Unless otherwise indicated, all units are valued at 10 credit points.
Core unit (10 credit points)
- Accounting Principles
Specialist elective units (70 credit points)
- Management Accounting
- Corporate Accounting
- Auditing
- Accounting Theory
- Accounting Information Systems
- Economics of Sustainability
- Aspects of Corporate Finance
- Australian Tax Law
- Corporate Law
- Commercial Law
- Business Statistics
Entry requirements
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor's degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master's degree or equivalent international qualification.
Applicants who have fully satisfied the entry requirements of the accounting professional bodies in their first degree are not eligible for entry.
English language requirements
This course's minimum English language requirement is met by undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or by undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
- CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40): Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4
- IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake): A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0.
- Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169.
- Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency: A minimum overall C1 grade valid for three years from the test date to commencement at CDU.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module: A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50.
- TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT): A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of units that you need to study to finish your course. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
You'll network with industry leaders while you develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in roles across the finance and banking industry, as well as diverse roles in the public and private sector.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated full fee in 2025: From $28,888 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Estimated fees are determined by individual units of study and the year the course was commenced.
A student’s annual fee may vary by:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.