Honours level work may be undertaken either within the three-year pass program or as part of the four-year Honours program. The main purpose is to provide additional disciplinary training to that provided in the pass courses and an introduction to research training by an exposure to a range of research questions within the discipline.

Honours classes are generally smaller than pass groups and, being comprised of high achievers with an interest in Accounting research, provide an exciting and challenging study environment. While the pass program provides a context for study of present professional methods and standards and a perspective for exploring possible innovations, the honours program is able to provide graduates with additional skills. By means of maximum participation and interaction, students are encouraged to think clearly and critically about the objectives of accounting and financial management, and to become familiar with present methods of achieving those objectives and the actual operation of accounting information systems. The program also helps students to critically appreciate how and why accounting changes in the face of new competitive pressures, different government priorities and technological development.

As a consequence, students who choose (a) Honours streaming and (b) an Honours degree have a more developed critical sensibility and improved ability to obtain, categorise and evaluate information and its impact. In addition, an Honours degree is a requirement for anyone contemplating an academic career.

Honours classes commence during third year where extra seminar classes involve an average of one hour per week. Intending third-year Honours students enrol in special Honours courses (shown below) which include material covered in the normal pass courses and additional research material covered in the seminars. Students typically undertake research projects and sit for pass examination papers which have been modified to include question(s) on the Honours work. The composite mark covers both the pass and Honours material. Provided grades are satisfactory, third-year students can then advance to fourth-year Honours studies.

The following baseline requirements apply for admission to the Honours program. The applicant must:
• Be enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce degree (or combined degree) majoring in accounting.
• Have never failed a course
• Have completed a minimum of seven accounting courses
• Have demonstrated academic excellence in their second and third year accounting courses (or equivalent units of study).
Academic excellence will be determined by the Head of School but as a guideline, an average of at least 75% would usually be expected
The Head of School has authority to recommend admission if these requirements are not strictly met, but in doing so will consider the student’s ability to perform at an appropriate level in fourth year.

Candidates intending to apply to the Honours programs are encouraged to discuss their eligibility and study program with the Undergraduate Honours Coordinator for Accounting

CPA Australia
Associate membership of CPA Australia may be obtained with a UNSW undergraduate degree that incorporates a major in Accounting and completion of the other accredited courses to satisfy its core knowledge requirements. A list of the required courses can be accessed through www.cpaaustralia.com.au or the Professional Recognition of Programs for Undergraduate Students in the Online Handbook.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia
Graduates who have completed the required accredited courses in a UNSW undergraduate degree are eligible to enter the Chartered Accountants Program leading to membership. A list of the required courses can be accessed through www.charteredaccountants.com.au or the Professional Recognition of Programs for Undergraduate Students in the Online Handbook.

Institute of Public Accountants (formerly the National Institute of Accountants)
The Institute of Public Accountants has approved UNSW for the purpose of its membership qualifications. Further information is available from Professional Recognition of Programs for Undergraduate Students in the Online Handbook.

Please refer to the Stream Structure for the Academic requirements.

Please note that these requirements may be subject to change.
Students are advised to follow requirements according to the year they commenced. Please refer to previous editions of the Online Handbook for your program requirements.

Contact the Australian School of Business Student Centre for advice.
tel: + 61 2 9385 3189
location: Ground Floor, West Wing, Australian School of Business Building
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