Graduate Diploma of Forensic Accounting
FORA19DPV1
• GPA of 4.00 (out of 7.00) or overseas equivalent
| Minimum number of credit points | 32 |
| Minimum number of credit points at 600 level | 16 |
| Minimum number of credit points at 800 level or above | 16 |
| Completion of other specific minimum requirements as set out below |
In order to graduate students must ensure that they have satisfied all of the general requirements of the award.
Specific minimum requirements:
Credit points
600 level
800 level
TOTAL CREDIT POINTS REQUIRED FOR THIS PROGRAM
| AQF Level | Level 8 Graduate Diploma |
| CRICOS Code | 097428C |
| Overview and Aims of the Program | Forensic accountants are highly skilled in analysing and preparing financial information for a court of law. Forensic Accounting is a field that requires a combination of accounting, auditing, law and investigative skills and knowledge. The aim of this program is to produce graduates within this highly specialised field. Macquarie University will be the only university in Sydney offering a Graduate Diploma of Forensic Accounting and is the only Australian university program that CA ANZ has agreed to accredit. |
| Graduate Capabilities | The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows: Interpersonal or social capabilities |
| Program Learning Outcomes | By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to: 1) Demonstrate advanced theoretical knowledge in forensic accounting, fraud detection, dispute resolution and the legal system; 2) Apply advanced technical skills in fraud detection, dispute resolution and legal obligations to forensic accounting engagements; 3) Critically appraise financial records and information and evaluate issues related to their preparation and use; 4) Conduct fraud investigations and apply problem solving skills to resolve complex problems; 5) Demonstrate communication skills relevant to an appropriate professional environment. |
| Learning and Teaching Methods | Learning styles used in the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Accounting may include: • Case studies, which provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge to real or simulated scenarios in individual or group situations. • Simulations, modelled on real-life situations and providing learning experiences that promote integration of knowledge, skills and critical thinking. • Project work, which may be independent or involve group learning. Projects assist students in developing more in-depth knowledge and skills in conducting research, communication, and in planning, organisation and time management. • Readings taken from textbooks, journals, websites and other sources provide material to further develop concepts and knowledge referred to in individual units in the program. • Reflective activities, such as journals, assist students in integrating the course content and in developing the ability to transfer knowledge and skills from the learning environment into the workplace. • Self-study activities, such as questions with worked examples, online quizzes, and textbook questions and answers. • Online discussion forums, in which students may be required to submit responses to set questions, and/or to participate in a set discussion topic. Learning in the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Accounting may be facilitated through the following teaching methods: • Lectures or Seminars: lectures and seminars are presentations designed to communicate a body of knowledge to a group of students and provide insight into key concepts and understanding of the subject matter relating to the unit of study. Lectures and seminars in this program are typically delivered in the traditional face-to-face mode and are generally interactive, with students participating in discussions or other learning activities during the class. They may be recorded using the Echo 360 lecture audio recording system, enabling students to access lecture material on an 'on demand' basis. • Tutorials: tutorial classes, designed for interactive learning with a small group of students, may also be scheduled in a number of units in the program. Tutorials provide students with the chance to ask questions, seek clarification, resolve problems, enhance their communication skills, and develop their ability to work in a collaborative manner with their peers. • Computer lab workshops or practicals: the environment in which our graduates will work is one requiring high level quantitative skills. These quantitative skills are developed, in part, in computer lab workshop sessions. |
| Assessment | Assessment in the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Accounting is carefully aligned with the program's learning outcomes, and is both formative and summative. Formative assessment provides students with feedback on their learning, but is often not graded, or makes a small contribution to the final grade. Summative assessment gives students a judgement on their learning, for grading purposes. For each unit of study, students will typically complete between 3 and 4 assessment tasks. The unit guide will indicate the relationship between the assessment tasks and program learning outcomes. The types of assessment tasks employed in the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Accounting are diverse and may include the following: • Written assessments in traditional academic format ranging from short essays to longer, self-directed research papers, literature reviews and annotated bibliographies. • Case studies or reports, written documents outlining the results of a detailed analysis of a situation using empirical data and research. Case studies are used to assess critical thinking, analytical and research skills. • Assignments, in a variety of formats such as the analysis of a data set, or a brief written response to a topic question. • Online quizzes, designed to assess knowledge, skills or capabilities, and typically consisting of a series of questions requiring brief responses. • Class participation, including engagement in seminar or tutorial discussions, or online discussions. • Written class tests, time limited assessments designed to assess a student’s knowledge or skills. • Individual or group oral presentations which may incorporate presentation technologies or be accompanied by handouts. • Final examination, an invigilated assessment conducted at the end of session and designed to assess a student’s body of knowledge and critical thinking skills. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning | Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit. Information can be found at: https://mq.edu.au/rpl |
| Support for Learning | Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus. |
| Program Standards and Quality | The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability | Many opportunities exist in both the private and government sectors. Graduates can work as a Forensic Accountant/Manager, Forensic/Financial Analyst, Investigation Manager, Auditor, etc. Employers include: - Accounting and consulting firms - Investment and commercial banks - Insurance companies - Financial institutions - Management consultancies - Government |
| Assessment Regulations | This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
| Accreditation | This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification. The Graduate Diploma of Forensic Accounting also meets the educational requirements for the Forensic Accounting specialisation of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ). |
Inherent requirements are the essential components of a course or program necessary for a student to successfully achieve the core learning outcomes of a course or program. Students must meet the inherent requirements to complete their Macquarie University course or program.
Inherent requirements for Macquarie University programs fall under the following categories:
Physical: The physical inherent requirement is to have the physical capabilities to safely and effectively perform the activities necessary to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.
Cognition: The inherent requirement for cognition is possessing the intellectual, conceptual, integrative and quantitative capabilities to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.
Communication: The inherent requirement for communication is the capacity to communicate information, thoughts and ideas through a variety of mediums and with a range of audiences.
Behavioural: The behavioural inherent requirement is the capacity to sustain appropriate behaviour over the duration of units of study to engage in activities necessary to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.
For more information see https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/inherent-requirements