Accounting
What’s on offer for postgraduates?
Postgraduate programs in the accounting field fall into five groups.
First, some offer specialist or upgraded skills for those who are already qualified and/or who practise in the accounting profession.
The second and unusually large group comprises ‘conversion’ programs. Accounting is one of those professions which accept those deciding to join after completing a degree in another field. If you want to join the profession as a postgraduate, check out accreditation requirements with care; this is a closely guarded occupational group.
The third group of programs is for accounting graduates from both undergraduate and conversion programs seeking professional accreditation as a chartered accountant or certified practising accountant. These qualifications generally require a specialist postgraduate qualification in addition to the basic accounting qualification, and some work experience under supervision.
The fourth group comprises general programs designed for those in related occupations who want to hold up their end of the conversation with the numbers people, without going to the extreme of actually becoming an accountant.
Last, and rarest, are postgraduate research programs. There is virtually no tradition of research in the accounting field and research students comprise only a small proportion of graduate students.
One of the advantages of accounting is that there are enough people studying it to support a relatively wide range of postgraduate programs, including some which can be taken by distance education, so you can shop around.
The experience and rewards
Visit the University Ratings section for accounting course ratings or to see how accounting rates in the Fields of Study Compared table.
According to the national Course Experience Questionnaire survey, those completing postgraduate programs in accounting are not very satisfied with their experience. Despite industry claims of a skills shortage, the number of graduates seeking work has risen significantly in recent years, earning the field a one-star rating for job prospects.
Salaries are around the national average, at $66,623.
For more information
If you are interested in postgraduate programs in accounting you should also browse through the offerings in business and management .
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Leo — Graduate Diploma of Accounting |
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