Graduate Diploma of Business (GDBS) - GradDipBus

CRICOS code (International applicants): 072355K

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In this section:

• Program focus
• Accounting specialisation
• Information systems specialisation

Program focus

The Graduate Diploma of Business gives students the opportunity to enhance their career prospects by obtaining knowledge in a specialist field. Students may choose between the fields of accounting or information systems.

Accounting specialisation

Accounting specialisation provides non-accounting university graduates and other approved applicants the opportunity to acquire the skills necessary to pursue entry level and para-professional employment in public practice, commerce and industry or in the government or not-for-profit sector. Upon completion students have the option to articulate to the Master of Professional Accounting to acquire an accounting qualification recognised by the Australian accounting professional bodies.

Career opportunities

Entry level and para-professional employment in public practice, commerce and industry or in the government or not-for-profit sector.

Graduates should have a strong understanding of relevant academic disciplines and possess knowledge and skills in problem resolution that will enable them to work effectively in their chosen area of specialisation.

Information systems specialisation

Information Systems provides professional qualifications in computing for graduates from disciplines other than computing or information systems. It is vocationally oriented emphasising the resolution of technological problems leading to the effective management and analysis of information in both private and public sectors.

Career opportunities

Graduates can expect a good commencing salary working in a range of jobs such as: Web Developer, Developer/Programmer Analyst, Systems Analyst, Database Development and Administration, Help Desk Support and Trainer.

Professional accreditation

The Information Systems specialisation in the Graduate Diploma of Business is accredited by the Australian Computer Society and, through the Seoul Accord, is recognised in other countries.

Program aims

The Graduate Diploma of Business gives students the opportunity to enhance their career prospects by obtaining knowledge in a specialist field. Students may choose between the fields of accounting or information systems.

Graduates will have an in-depth understanding of relevant academic disciplines and possess knowledge and skills in problem resolution that will enable them to work effectively in their chosen area of specialisation.

Program objectives

The objectives of the Graduate Diploma of Business are to enable graduates to:

• acquire specific knowledge and skills in accounting or information systems which are relevant to their disciplines

• become better problem-solvers and innovative thinkers, who are able to learn new skills independently and efficiently, and consequently to succeed in a competitive professional environment

• identify information needs appropriate to their area of specialisation, and apply the techniques required to gather and interpret such information

• understand the ethics of their profession and the need for a commitment to that profession.

Admission requirements

Requirements for the Graduate Diploma of Business:

Accounting specialisation option 1:

Applicants must have successfully completed an accredited post year 12 qualification equivalent to at least 2 years full-time study provided that such qualification is accepted by the Director of Coursework Studies, as sufficient for admission to the program.

Accounting specialisation option 2:

Applicants must have completed a minimum of at least 5 years relevant work experience.

Applicants with overseas academic qualifications in accounting should write to either of the following professional bodies for an assessment of their qualifications (prior to applying for enrolment in the program):

Information Systems specialisation:

For admission to the Information Systems specialisation applicants must hold at least a 2-year diploma from an Australian or other recognised university, or an approved equivalent qualification, in an area other than computing; and have introductory knowledge of computing consistent with that found in the CIS1000 Information Systems Concepts course.

International candidates for admission into this program must meet the University's English language proficiency requirements for postgraduate students. Please refer to Section 2.2.3 of the Admissions Policy .

How to apply

Domestic students

Application for postgraduate programs may be made directly to USQ.

International students

This program is offered to international students. An international student is a person who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen and not an Australian permanent resident. Please refer to USQ International for information about entry requirements, visa arrangements and how to apply.

Program fees

Domestic full fee paying place

Domestic full fee paying places are funded entirely through the full fees paid by the student. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.
Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders, Permanent Resident visa holders and New Zealand citizens who reside outside Australia pay full tuition fees.
Domestic full fee paying students may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government loan called FEE-HELP.

International full fee paying place

International students pay full fees. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken and whether they are studied on-campus, via distance education/online. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.

Program structure

The program consists of 8 courses each of one unit and students must complete either the Accounting specialisation or the Information Systems specialisation

Accounting specialisation

Pre-requisite requirements must be satisfied for the courses selected.

Information systems specialisation

Students must successfully complete 4 undergraduate 2000 or 3000 level courses before attempting postgraduate 8000 level courses.

Pre-requisite requirements must be satisfied for the courses selected.

Required time limits

Students have a maximum of 4 years to complete the program

IT requirements

For information technology requirements please refer to the minimum computing standards.

Other program requirements

Students must maintain good standing in this program. Please refer to Section 2 of the Academic Standing, Progression and Exclusion Policy.

Exit points

A student who chooses not to complete or who does not maintain good standing in this program may be permitted to exit with a Graduate Certificate in Business provided that they have successfully completed 4 units.

Exemptions

Candidates for the Graduate Diploma of Business may be eligible for up to 4 courses of exemptions on the basis of completed equivalent undergraduate and/or postgraduate study from a recognised university.

Exemptions approved in the program may not automatically apply to other programs offered by USQ.

Note Where exemptions are granted, maximum and minimum duration will be adjusted in the same proportion as the exemptions, eg. where the maximum of 50 per cent exemptions is granted, maximum and minimum duration will be reduced by one-half.

Recommended enrolment pattern

Please refer to the Program Structure for course details.