Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
240Course code
Overview
This course provides students with a sound knowledge base in the complementary fields of accounting and law. Students enrolled in the accounting degree can graduate with two qualifications including a Bachelor of Accounting and Diploma of Laws in a three year period when studying full-time. The Bachelor of Accounting includes financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, business law and finance. This vocationally oriented and student-centred course provides students with employment and professional skills needed in a rapidly changing business environment. It allows for flexibility of study and prepares students for careers in a variety of business fields. This course also develops communication, presentation and problem solving skills. Successful completion of the degree will satisfy the entry requirements of the professional accounting bodies in Australia.
The Diploma of Laws is designed to give you an understanding of aspects of law without committing to a full law degree. You will gain a broad understanding of the legal system, legal processes and some areas of the law. Select from a wide range of law elective units for both a general understanding of the law and legal principles, and some specialised knowledge. Upon completion of the diploma, you can apply to study a Bachelor of Laws degree with full credit for units completed so you can finish your degree faster.
Career opportunities
Completing a Bachelor of Accounting/Diploma of Laws dual qualification can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in small, medium and large organisations. An accountant with knowledge of the law is better equipped to handle legal issues relating to money. As a dual qualification graduate, you may become a financial accountant, management accountant, financial auditor, tax auditor/preparer, business financial analyst, or work in a large multinational company or 'Big Four' accounting firm. Or, you could run your own business, work in a small local accounting firm, or work in other areas of business management. There can be other career opportunities due to the combination of knowledge of accounting and law putting you in a unique advantage which a single qualification otherwise cannot offer.
Professional recognition
Completion allows graduates to apply for membership of CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) or Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) (UK).
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline, subject to meeting criteria. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2025 is AUD $28,376.00. This equates to $ $3,547.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study accounting at CDU?
Start a career in accounting as a forward-thinking CDU graduate. You'll network with industry leaders while you develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in roles across the finance and banking industry, as well as diverse roles in the public and private sector.
- Study electives from other areas to complement your career options or interests
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study accounting at CDU?
Start a career in accounting as a CDU graduate. You'll network with industry leaders while you develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in roles across the finance and banking industry, as well as diverse roles in the public and private sector.
- Study electives from other areas to complement your career options or interests
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study accounting at CDU?
Start a career in accounting as a forward-thinking CDU graduate. You'll network with industry leaders while you develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in roles across the finance and banking industry, as well as diverse roles in the public and private sector.
- Study electives from other areas to complement your career options or interests
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study accounting at CDU?
Start a career in accounting as a CDU graduate. You'll network with industry leaders while you develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in roles across the finance and banking industry, as well as diverse roles in the public and private sector.
- Study electives from other areas to complement your career options or interests
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
Course structure
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (19 units) | 190cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 190 credit points as detailed below. Law Core Unit |
| Specialist Electives (5 units) | 50cp | Law Specialist Elective units totalling 50 credit points from the list of available units detailed below. Students may enrol in other law as a specialist elective with the prior approval of the Course Coordinator. See the Bachelor of Laws course structure for a full list of units. LWA110 Legal History and Jurisprudence (unit title change 2023) (offered each year) |
| 240cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)
- A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
- A minimum of 60 credit points may be taken from 300 level units, or above.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
If course commenced prior to 2023:
No more than 20 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in a Bachelor AQF Level 7 course award and no more than 10 credit points at "PC" may be received at the highest level of the program of learning.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ACT102 Introduction to Accounting | CO | LAW105 Introduction to Business Law | CO |
| COM105 Business Communications | CO | QAB105 Quantitative Analysis of Business | CO |
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | ECO107 Economics and the Modern Business Enterprise | CO |
| LWZ115 Legal Process | CO | Specialist Elective 1 | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| ACT202 Management Accounting | CO | FIN205 Business Finance | CO |
| ACT204 Financial Accounting | CO | LAW205 Commercial and Corporate Law for Owners, Managers and Professionals | CO |
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | Specialist Elective 4 | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| ACT301 Accounting Theory and Contemporary Issues | CO | ACT304 Accounting Information Systems | CO |
| ACT302 Strategic Management Accounting | CO | TAX305 Taxation | CO |
| ACT303 Principles of Auditing | CO | ACT410 Ethics, Governance and Professional Applications | CO |
| ACT305 Corporate Accounting | CO | Specialist Elective 5 | SE |
Specialist Elective Offerings
| Offered 2025 | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Intensive Periods (INT) | Summer Semester |
| LWA120 Law in Context | LWA110 Legal History and Jurisprudence | LWA113 Customary Law (INT-4) | LWA210 Contemporary Issues |
| LWZ114 Criminal Law | LWA115 Comparative Legal Systems | LWA210 Contemporary Issues (INT-2 INT-4) | |
| LWZ210 Equity | LWA213 Family Law | LWA225 True Justice: Deep Listening (INT-4) | |
| LWZ223 Property Law | LWA219 Criminology | ||
| LWZ116 Torts | |||
| LWZ204 Constitutional Law | |||
| LWZ211 Trusts | |||
| Next Offered 2026 | |||
| LWA112 Environmental and Planning Law | LWA111 Indigenous Peoples and the Legal System (INT-4) | LWA217 Resources and Energy Law | |
| LWA221 Human Rights Law (INT-2) | |||
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ACT102 Introduction to Accounting | CO | ||
| ECO107 Economics and the Modern Business Enterprise | CO | ||
| LAW105 Introduction to Business Law | CO | ||
| QAB105 Quantitative Analysis of Business | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| COM105 Business Communications | CO | ACT202 Management Accounting | CO |
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | ACT204 Financial Accounting | CO |
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | LAW205 Commercial and Corporate Law for Owners, Managers and Professionals | CO |
| LWZ115 Legal Process | CO | Specialist Elective 1 | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| FIN205 Business Finance | CO | ACT304 Accounting Information Systems | CO |
| ACT301 Accounting Theory and Contemporary Issues | CO | TAX305 Taxation | CO |
| ACT302 Strategic Management Accounting | CO | ACT410 Ethics, Governance and Professional Applications | CO |
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| ACT303 Principles of Auditing | CO | ||
| ACT305 Corporate Accounting | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 5 | SE | ||
Specialist Elective Offerings
| Offered 2025 | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Intensive Periods (INT) | Summer Semester |
| LWA120 Law in Context | LWA110 Legal History and Jurisprudence | LWA113 Customary Law (INT-4) | LWA210 Contemporary Issues |
| LWZ114 Criminal Law | LWA115 Comparative Legal Systems | LWA210 Contemporary Issues (INT-2 INT-4) | |
| LWZ210 Equity | LWA213 Family Law | LWA225 True Justice: Deep Listening (INT-4) | |
| LWZ223 Property Law | LWA219 Criminology | ||
| LWZ116 Torts | |||
| LWZ204 Constitutional Law | |||
| LWZ211 Trusts | |||
| Next Offered 2026 | |||
| LWA112 Environmental and Planning Law | LWA111 Indigenous Peoples and the Legal System (INT-4) | LWA217 Resources and Energy Law | |
| LWA221 Human Rights Law (INT-2) | |||
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SUMMER SEMESTER
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester (Sem-3) | |||
| Calendar Year 1 | |||||
| ACT102 Introduction to Accounting | CO | ||||
| LAW105 Introduction to Business Law | CO | ||||
| QAB105 Quantitative Analysis of Business | CO | ||||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | ||||
| Calendar Year 2 | |||||
| COM105 Business Communications | CO | LWZ115 Legal Process | CO | ||
| MAN105 Introduction to Management | CO | ECO107 Economics and the Modern Business Enterprise | CO | ||
| ACT204 Financial Accounting | CO | Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 3 | SE | ||
| Calendar Year 3 | |||||
| ACT202 Management Accounting | CO | ACT304 Accounting Information Systems | CO | ||
| FIN205 Business Finance | CO | ACT305 Corporate Accounting | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | TAX305 Taxation | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 5 | SE | LAW205 Commercial and Corporate Law for Owners, Managers and Professionals | CO | ||
| Calendar Year 4 | |||||
| ACT301 Accounting Theory and Contemporary Issues | CO | ACT410 Ethics, Governance and Professional Applications | CO | ||
| ACT302 Strategic Management Accounting | CO | ||||
| ACT303 Principles of Auditing | CO | ||||
Specialist Elective Offerings
| Offered 2025 | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Intensive Periods (INT) | Summer Semester |
| LWA120 Law in Context | LWA110 Legal History and Jurisprudence | LWA113 Customary Law (INT-4) | LWA210 Contemporary Issues |
| LWZ114 Criminal Law | LWA115 Comparative Legal Systems | LWA210 Contemporary Issues (INT-2 INT-4) | |
| LWZ210 Equity | LWA213 Family Law | LWA225 True Justice: Deep Listening (INT-4) | |
| LWZ223 Property Law | LWA219 Criminology | ||
| LWZ116 Torts | |||
| LWZ204 Constitutional Law | |||
| LWZ211 Trusts | |||
| Next Offered 2026 | |||
| LWA112 Environmental and Planning Law | LWA111 Indigenous Peoples and the Legal System (INT-4) | LWA217 Resources and Energy Law | |
| LWA221 Human Rights Law (INT-2) | |||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Australian Defence Force (ADF) members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
- Current School Leaver Pathways:
- Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
- School recommendation program
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 all applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | 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. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30) | Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B2. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2024
| ATAR based offers only | ATAR (excluding adjustment factors) | Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
| Highest rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
I love CDU! The faculty staff give out such positive vibes, inspire you to work hard and cheer you on with every step you take.
Rafat
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
I love CDU! The faculty staff give out such positive vibes, inspire you to work hard and cheer you on with every step you take.
Rafat
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Student profile
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2024.
| Applicant background (Semester one intake 2024) | No. of Students | % of all Students |
|---|---|---|
| A. Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | <5 | N/P |
| B. Vocational education and training (VET) study | <5 | N/P |
| C. Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | <5 | N/P |
D. Recent secondary education
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | <5 | N/P |
| International students | <5 | N/P |
| All students | <5 | N/P |
Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn more about accounting at CDU
Rafat is a CDU Alumni from Bangladesh and studied a Master of Professional Accounting (Professional Practice). Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn more about accounting at CDU
Rafat is a CDU Alumni from Bangladesh and studied a Master of Professional Accounting (Professional Practice). Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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