Graduate Diploma in Accounting

Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL | Te Pūkenga is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

From 2023, UCOL | Te Pūkenga and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL in 2023, you will be awarded Te Pūkenga certification. And, if you are a current learner graduating in 2023, you will be awarded a co-branded certificate.

This programme consists of 120 credits. The course includes:

Level 6 courses

Intermediate Financial Accounting (15 credits)
Learn to apply the regulatory and technical aspects of financial accounting and external reporting for companies, and evaluate financial and non-financial information.

Intermediate Management Accounting (15 credits)
Learn to collect, interpret, present and use relevant management accounting information for an organisation to effectively plan, control and make appropriate decisions regarding business operations.

Taxation in New Zealand (15 credits)
Apply knowledge of taxation rules to New Zealand taxable entities in a range of situations.

Level 7 courses

Advanced Financial Accounting (15 credits)
Gain a sufficient understanding of New Zealand's financial reporting environment, and sufficient technical skills to prepare complex financial statements that comply with generally accepted accounting practice. You'll also gain a wider appreciation of financial reporting to enable you to respond and contribute to the development of the accounting profession.

Advanced Management Accounting (15 credits)
Learn advanced techniques and gain skills to be able to provide and evaluate accounting information, including its behavioural implications and contribute to organisational success.

Professional Practice (15 credits)
Preparation for transition into an applied business profession. You'll source an industry project/internship and produce appropriate documentation.

Industry Project/Internship (30 credits)
An applied research project involving a work placement at an organisation to which theoretical learning and self-reflection is applied.

A bachelor's degree in any field excluding Accounting

Alternative:
Level 6 or 7 Diploma and relevant work and/or life experience (equivalent to a Bachelor's degree) or Evidence of equivalent practical, professional or educational experience e.g. 3 - 5 years full time work experience [relevant to business studies].

Places are available to international learners on a full-fee basis. 

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international learner applicants.

English language proficiency
International learner applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL | Te Pūkenga is a TOEFL testing centre.

Under 20 years of age
In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency. 

It is recommended that the applicants for this programme have some background and knowledge in Accounting. A conversation with the programme manager before enrolling is highly recommended.

Recognition of prior learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a learner believes all learning outcomes for a course have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL | Te Pūkenga Academic Statute and other relevant policies and procedures.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme
• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email (not via the online application form).