Deakin University
Graduate Certificate of Public Accounting
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Gain knowledge of imposed ethics and public, accounting-related advice requirements. Graduate qualified to become an Institute of Public Accountants member.
Course overview
Take your finance and accounting skills to the next level with a Graduate Certificate of Public Accounting. Whether you're seeking a career change, a boost to your existing skill set or looking to gain the expertise required to secure a management role, this course will prepare you to make an impact.
Develop the in-demand skills and professional recognition required to thrive in accounting and finance. Tailor your learning to your career goals with various course electives in accounting, tax law and financial planning. Learn from industry experts while gaining the practical skills and knowledge needed for the next step in your career.
Key facts
November, 2026
What you will study
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Public Accounting, you must attain four credit points from specified course electives and complete the compulsory Academic Integrity Module (zero credit points) in your first trimester.
Ethics course electives
Complete one unit from:
- Ethics for Financial Services
- Governance and Fraud
Students requiring FAS accreditation must complete the Ethics for Financial Services unit.
Plus
Complete three units chosen from any of the following units listed below:
Accounting course electives:
- Accounting
- Principles of Finance
- Accounting Systems and Analytics
- Accounting for Management
- Corporate Auditing
- Financial Accounting
- Advanced Accounting Principles and Practice
Tax Law course electives:
- Business Law
- Principles of Income Tax Law
- Business Taxation Law and Policy
- Financial Advice Regulation ^
Financial Planning course electives:
- Financial Planning and Economic Fundamentals
- Superannuation and Retirement Planning
- Financial Behaviour and Decision Making ^
- Financial Planning Development
These are intensive units that are completed within a short time frame.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements and individual circumstances. You must meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree, you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree or higher.
- At least two years of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).
English language requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Bachelor's degree from a recognised English-speaking country.
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent.
- Other evidence of English language proficiency (contact the university for more information).
Recognition of Prior Learning
The university aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to Deakin's Recognition of Prior Learning system, which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Members of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) who have successfully completed the Ethics for Financial Services unit will receive credit for either MAA769 Ethics for Financial Services or MAA763 Governance and Fraud.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate conceptual knowledge on accounting and ethical theories and principles to public accounting practice and business decision models.
- Communicate the merits of alternate solutions to real-world business issues with reference to relevant accounting and ethical standards.
- Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise information in the application of accounting frameworks for business decision making.
- Determine ways to resolve a firm’s financial constraints through appropriate match with the theoretical solutions.
Career outcomes
Graduates of this course are typically already employed and seeking enhanced employment opportunities in areas of accounting such as:
- Financial Accounting
- Taxation
- Financial Advising
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $15,800 (domestic full-fee paying place).
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of four credit points (normally four units) per year.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- 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.