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Specialise in Accounting for your Graduate Diploma in Business Studies at Massey
The Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Accounting) is useful if you wish to keep up with professional developments in your field and are short of time. Or you may have found yourself working in a different field of business to that in which you hold a qualification.
You need to be a university graduate to enrol in this qualification. The Graduate Diploma in Business Studies enables you to study another subject without completing a second bachelor’s degree. The graduate diploma is a bridging tool to gain the equivalent of an undergraduate major in a specific area so you can go on to postgraduate study.
The accounting endorsement provides students with a focused programme of study. Successful completion demonstrates an undergraduate level of competency within your chosen area of accounting studies.
Flexibility
It is a flexible qualification, with no core or compulsory subjects. You can tailor your study to your interests or needs.
The Graduate Diploma in Business Studies is designed to be completed part-time over at least two years or up to eight years. It may be possible to complete the Graduate Diploma in Business Studies in one year of full-time study if you do not choose an endorsement.
Further study
If when you complete this graduate diploma, if you would like to progress to a Bachelor of Business (BBus), you may be able to credit your courses towards it.
A Graduate Diploma in Business Studies in Accounting is a good fit if you:
- would like to change from the major of your first degree to study accountancy
- want to update your knowledge with the latest developments in your field.
Planning information
The Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Accounting) is designed to be completed part-time over at least two years.
Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
Meeting prerequisite requirements may require you to study courses in addition to those specified for the GradDipBusStuds. Please note: No 100-level credits can be included in the GradDipBusStuds.
The 200-level courses require specific prerequisites, you should take 110109 Introductory Financial Accounting and 115112 Accounting for Business before you start the Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Accounting) unless equivalents have been completed previously. Normally, you would study these courses as a Certificate of Proficiency (Undergraduate).
Course selection at 200-level also needs careful consideration to ensure you will meet the entry requirements for the 300-level courses.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Courses you can enrol in
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Compulsory course selections (90 credits)
Course code: 110209 Intermediate Financial Accounting credits 15
A detailed study of financial reporting, with particular emphasis on corporate regulatory requirements, both professional and statutory.
View full course detailsCourse code: 110229 Management Accounting credits 15
A study of cost accumulation and allocation processes used for internal routine reporting to managers for cost management and operational planning and control; internal non-routine reporting to managers for strategic and tactical decisions; inventory valuation and income determination for external reporting. Where appropriate, examples and applications in primary industries and the public sector will also be considered.
View full course detailsCourse code: 110249 Accounting Information Systems credits 15
A study of systems for the measurement and reporting of information for internal and external decision-making, including the emerging technologies that lend support for this. The accountant’s role in the formulation, design, implementation and management of these systems, including risk management and controls will also be addressed.
View full course detailsCourse code: 110279 Auditing credits 15
An introduction to the basic principles of auditing, including the function of audits and the concepts that govern audit processes and practices.
View full course detailsCourse code: 110289 Taxation credits 15
An introduction to the basic principles of taxation, the elements of taxation and the concepts that govern tax practice. The course will also provide an awareness of the economic implications of taxation at both local and global levels.
View full course detailsCourse code: 110303 Integrative Accounting credits 15
An integrated study of accounting sub-disciplines and other related disciplines to create an appreciation of how accounting operates in practice. Emphasis will also be placed on integration of expanded competencies with knowledge-based skills.
View full course detailsCourse code: 110309 Advanced Financial Accounting credits 15
A study of advanced financial accounting topics and contemporary professional and conceptual issues relevant to financial reporting.
View full course detailsCourse code: 110329 Advanced Management Accounting credits 15
A study of advanced topics and contemporary issues in management accounting in a range of industry settings, including strategic management and performance management.
View full course detailsCourse code: 110369 Forensic Accounting credits 15
A study of forensic accounting, fraud auditing and investigation.
View full course detailsCourse code: 110379 Advanced Auditing credits 15
A study of advanced topics and contemporary issues in auditing.
View full course detailsCourse code: 110380 Estate and Tax Planning credits 15
Practical issues arising in estate and tax planning for investors and small business in New Zealand.
View full course detailsCourse code: 110389 Advanced Taxation credits 15
A study of advanced topics and contemporary issues in taxation, including tax policy, international taxation and tax administration.
View full course detailsElective courses
Up to 15 credits from courses at 200 level or 300 level from the Schedule to the Graduate Diploma in Business Studies or the 110, 114, 115, 125, 127, 137, 152, 153, 155, 156, 178, 219, 290 or 295 course prefix series.
At least 15 credits from courses at 300 level from the Schedule to the Graduate Diploma in Business Studies or the 110, 114, 115, 125, 127, 137, 152, 153, 155, 156, 178, 219, 290 or 295 course prefix series.
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Accounting) you will:
- have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent; or
- have demonstrated equivalent practical, professional and/or scholarly experience.
You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
If you are applying for admission with equivalent practical, professional and/or scholarly experience you will need to provide a current CV containing details of academic and work history.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
This qualification is classified as NZQF Level 7 and requires the same English language standard as most undergraduate bachelor degrees, diplomas and certificates.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Fees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Scholarship and award opportunities
Search our scholarships and awardsFees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
For those already working in the field, the diploma will give you additional skills and bring you up-to-date on theory and practice. It may also be useful if you have found yourself in a role outside of your key area of specialty and wish to upskill.
People with accounting skills and qualifications are employable in a wide range of occupations, not necessarily solely as accountants. Their education enables them to take leadership roles within most organisations.
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Accreditations and rankings
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Massey Business School is rated in the top 5% of global business colleges by AACSB International.
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Massey's accountancy qualifications are internationally accredited by the UK's Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
Massey's accountancy qualifications have accreditation from Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. Representing more than 120,000 members, CA ANZ is committed to upholding ethical standards, delivering world-class member services, educating and advocating for the public good.
CPA Australia - Certified Practising Accountants
Accountancy at Massey University has been accredited by CPA Australia – one of the world’s largest accounting bodies.
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
Accountancy at Massey University is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
QS Ranking – Accounting and Finance
Massey is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 200 universities for accounting and finance.
QS Ranking - Business Management Studies
Massey University is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 400 universities for business and management.
Related study options
Accountancy – Bachelor of Business
Become an accountancy specialist with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the world of business.
Accountancy – Master of Business Studies
The Master of Business Studies (Accountancy) will give you the business and accountancy skills to take your career to the next level.
Bachelor of Accountancy – BAcc
Keen to become a professional accountant? New Zealand’s only Bachelor of Accountancy will lead you to an accountancy career, and membership of a professional accounting organisation.
Master of Professional Accountancy – MPAcc
Take your accountancy career to the next level. You'll gain an excellent understanding of accountancy principles and practical applications, skills that employers are looking for.
Master of Professional Accountancy (Chartered Accountant) – MPAcc(CA)
Unleash your potential and start your journey to become a Chartered Accountant. You will gain an in depth understanding of accountancy principles and practical applications, plus be one step closer to achieving full Chartered Accountant status with the integration of the CA Program.
Professional Accountancy (Chartered Accountant) – Postgraduate Diploma in Business
This qualification seamlessly integrates the CA Program, guiding you to Chartered Accountancy. Further develop your understanding of accountancy principles and practical applications, and elevate your accountancy career to new heights.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz