Charles Darwin University
Graduate Diploma of Accounting Studies
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Build advanced accounting knowledge through postgraduate study, combining financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation and commercial law to prepare for further professional accounting qualifications.
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma of Accounting Studies from Charles Darwin University is a postgraduate qualification designed for graduates seeking to extend their knowledge of accounting and related business disciplines. Delivered full-time or part-time through online study, the course builds on foundational accounting knowledge while developing an advanced understanding across financial reporting, auditing, taxation and business law.
You will complete compulsory core units that develop advanced knowledge across financial and management accounting, auditing, taxation, business finance, commercial law and business information systems. The curriculum strengthens analytical and professional accounting capabilities while exploring financial reporting, governance, business decision-making and contemporary accounting practice.
The course provides a pathway to the Master of Professional Accounting. Graduates of the Master of Professional Accounting meet the entry requirements for membership of CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
Key facts
March, 2027
What you will study
To earn the Graduate Diploma of Accounting Studies, you must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points as detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, each course is worth 10 credit points.
Core unit
- Accounting Principles
Specialist elective units
- 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
Applicants for this course must meet all of the following:
- 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
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidence of one of the following:
- Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years.
- Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5 FTE (40 credit points).
- Successfully completing a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia.
- Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement.
- Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores.
Contact the university or visit their website for more information.
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 reduce the number of units you need to study to finish your course. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
The Graduate Diploma of Accounting Studies will develop your understanding of accounting theory, concepts and skills. Successful completion of 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.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated full fee in 2026: $29,576 (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.