Graduate Certificate
The Graduate Certificate of Public Accounting is an Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) requirement for IPA Associates to become IPA Members. In this course you will choose four course elective units, including an ethics unit in keeping with the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) move to bolster ethics training requirements. Depending on the entry pathway, the ethics unit meets both Financial Adviser Standards (FAS) and the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board (APESB) ethics requirements. The course offers a range of course electives to enable you to pursue your interests in accounting, tax law, and financial planning. It also offers a pathway into Deakin's Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
To complete the Graduate Certificate, you must complete one ethics course elective (either MAA769/MAI769 or MAA763*), and three additional course elective units from the range agreed by the IPA. Students are advised to choose course elective subjects that best suit their personal and professional development needs and provide the potential to contribute towards any relevant professional requirements (e.g. financial advisers).
* There is an option for IPA students to complete a summative assessment covering the three CPD modules and one annual refresher. Completion of this program through DeakinCo will provide full credit for MAA763.
Graduates of this course are typically already employed and seeking enhanced employment opportunities in areas of accounting such as:
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Public Accounting, students must attain a total of 4 credit points of course electives from a list of specified units, plus completion of the compulsory 0-credit point module, DAI001 Academic Integrity Module.
Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point.
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 the 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 the 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 IPA001 Ethics for Financial Services unit will receive credit for either MAA769 Ethics for Financial Services or MAA763 Governance and Fraud.