By studying accounting you will understand how and why key business decisions are made, and how to have input into those decisions. You will study core accounting and business courses in the first two years. In third year, you will undertake a compulsory, supervised work placement in industry. In final year you will complete a business design project that involves identifying a specific business issue, and testing and communicating creative solutions in a coherent manner. Electives and program structure The program consists of 28 taught courses including core business and accounting courses, work-integrated learning courses, flexible courses, a one-year compulsory industry placement and a business design project. The business design project in final year consolidates this practical experience, theory and your problem-solving skills. Career In third year you will undertake a compulsory eight to 12-month supervised work placement in industry through the Cooperative Education Program. By being immersed in full-time work in your field of study you can apply the knowledge you’ve gained at university to a real workplace, deepen or broaden your knowledge of your discipline, industry and the organization, and be introduced to real world performance and workplace expectations. You are responsible for finding your own placement; however job search assistance is available. If you are unable to secure a placement you can transfer to a related three-year business degree. In addition you will undertake specialist accounting work-integrated learning courses such as Financial Accounting Theory and Performance Analysis and Simulations which may involve interaction and feedback from industry, the community, clients and/or practitioners. In addition to the expertise provided by the College of Business an Industry Advisory Board, industry and professional representatives actively participate in the Program Advisory Committee, which ensures that links with industry standards and international business practice remain current. RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice. Pathway options You are guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Business (Professional Accountancy) from a range of RMIT programs. Successful completion and the grades you achieve determine the amount of credit you will receive. When you successfully complete the Associate Degree in Business, you will receive 3 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 156 credit points). If you achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the following programs you are guaranteed entry with credit: Advanced Diploma of Accounting – you will receive 3 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 168 credit points) Advanced Diploma of International Business – you will receive 2 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 108 credit points) Diploma of Commerce – you will receive 2 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 96 credit points) Diploma of Information Technology – you will receive 1 semester of advanced standing (equivalent to 60 credit points) Diploma of Financial Services – you will receive 1 semester of advanced standing (equivalent to 48 credit points) Alternatively, you can gain entry from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs. Further study When you successfully complete this program you may be eligible for entry into the Bachelor of Business (Honours). Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT honours or other postgraduate programs.