Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Ara Institute of CanterburyBachelor of Accounting
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Bachelor's Degree
Duration
3 years
Next start date
Expected Feb 2027
Campus
Christchurch - City Campus
Summary
Becoming an accountant will open doors for you across the globe. Our graduates are known not only for being highly skilled, but also for being able to hit the ground running.
Through active and applied learning in small classes, you’ll learn a skills and knowledge in a range of accounting topics such as accounting systems and processes; taxation; finance and financial management; economics; accounting information systems; quantitative methods for accounting; audit and assurance; management accounting; financial accounting and reporting; and business law.
Alongside these accounting areas, you’ll also cover core business topics enabling you to develop comprehensive professional accounting skills, knowledge and capabilities, while an elective will enable you to focus on another topic of interest in business.
In your final year you’ll undertake a professional accounting project which involves applying your learning within a real business environment. You’ll undertake a deep-dive project into a specialist area of accounting and on successful completion you’ll have real-life work experience to add to your CV.
This programme has accreditation from both CAANZ and CPA, and meets CAANZ Chartered Accounting academic entry eligibility. Part-time and full-time study options are available, as well as regular evening class offerings.
Entry criteria
Academic RequirementsUniversity Entrance: NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at level 3 and 20 credits at level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and:
- Literacy* - 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing,
- Numeracy* - 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)
Or satisfied the criteria for entrance to a New Zealand University with an equivalent to the above from another secondary qualification.
Or successful completion of an approved qualification at Level 4 or above with a relevant pathway.
Alternative RequirementsStill want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
English RequirementsWhat if English is not my first Language?
Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic
- 5.5 Listening
- 5.5 Reading
- 5.5 Writing
- 5.5 Speaking
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
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