University of Western Australia

What you'll study

The programme combines core accounting theory with applied professional skills. Typical topics include financial reporting, management accounting, auditing and assurance, taxation, corporate and commercial law for accountants, and accounting information systems. Students also study advanced areas such as corporate governance, ethics and professional conduct, forensic accounting principles, and strategic management accounting.

Structure is usually comprised of a mix of core coursework units, elective units and a capstone or professional project that integrates technical knowledge with real-world scenarios. Where required, bridging or preparatory units are offered for students without an accounting background to build foundational knowledge in quantitative methods and introductory accounting.

• Core subjects: Financial Reporting and Analysis; Management Accounting; Auditing and Assurance; Taxation Principles; Corporate Law and Governance; Accounting Information Systems.
• Professional and research skills: Ethics and Professional Conduct; Applied Research Methods; Capstone Project or Professional Practice unit.
• Electives and special topics: Forensic Accounting, Advanced Taxation, Corporate Finance, Sustainability Reporting, and Data Analytics for Accountants (availability varies by intake).

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor degree with a satisfactory academic record. Candidates with an undergraduate degree in accounting, commerce, business or a related discipline may gain direct entry to the full programme.

Applicants from non-accounting backgrounds are welcome but may be required to complete bridging or preparatory units to attain foundational accounting and quantitative skills before progressing to advanced coursework. Relevant professional qualifications or demonstrable work experience in an accounting or finance role can also be considered in place of formal study.

All applicants must meet the University’s English language proficiency requirements; international applicants should consult the University’s published guidance for acceptable evidence of English competence.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers in public practice, corporate accounting, government and not-for-profit sectors. Typical roles include:

• Chartered Accountant (upon completion of the required professional practical experience and membership pathway with Chartered Accountants ANZ)
• External auditor, internal auditor or assurance specialist
• Tax adviser or tax manager
• Management accountant, financial controller or chief financial officer in corporations
• Forensic accountant, compliance officer or risk consultant
• Financial analyst, corporate finance advisor or consultant in advisory firms

The degree’s vocational focus, combined with industry connections in Perth and nationally, supports graduate recruitment into both large accounting firms and in-house finance teams, particularly in sectors prominent in Western Australia such as resources, energy and professional services.

Why study at University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia offers this programme through its business faculty with experienced accounting academics and strong links to the profession. The curriculum is designed to align with professional accreditation requirements to support a pathway to Chartered Accountants ANZ, and it also complements other professional bodies’ pathways.

Students benefit from practical learning opportunities, a capstone project that emphasises applied problem solving, career services and employer engagement activities such as networking events, industry projects and recruitment fairs. Studying in Perth gives access to a diverse business community with significant activity in resources, finance and professional services, providing a useful context for applied accounting practice.

Prospective students should consult the University of Western Australia’s official programme pages for the latest details on course structure, admissions processes and professional accreditation pathways.