Graduate Certificate in Business Forensics

The overall aim of the Graduate Certificate in Business Forensics is to improve students' applied knowledge, skills and capabilities as accounting professionals and broaden students' horizons intellectually. The degree is designed to stimulate students' awareness of existing and emerging issues, and advance students' skills in identifying and solving accounting and business analysis problems of an applied nature. The Graduate Certificate aims to provide students with the opportunity to gain specialist skills and knowledge in business forensics. The four subjects taken in the Graduate Certificate can be credited towards the Master of Accounting.

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

• Understand the investigative processes involved in recognising and collecting accounting and business evidence which is used in law courts in Australia;
• Recognise the key differences in legislation across Australian jurisdictions;
• Understand the role of legal practitioners and the processes involved in working with regulatory authorities;
• Apply knowledge of accounting and business to practical case studies as well as legal and investigative issues;
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of information technology; and
• Know the requirements for obtaining, preserving, analysing and presenting digital evidence that will be acceptable in legal proceedings.

Sequence of Study

Year 1 Semester 1

• ACCT90026 Forensic Business Processes
• One elective subject

Year 1 Semester 2

• BISY90013 Information Technology Forensics
• ACCT90008 Accounting Information and Security Valuation

Two core subjects:

Two elective subjects:

Students may select two Masters-level elective subject from the offerings within the Faculty of Business and Economics. This will be subject to the student having the required pre-requisite subject(s) and the approval of the Program Director and subject co-ordinator.

1. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant’s ability to pursue the course successfully using the following criteria:

• An undergraduate degree in accounting, finance, law or another relevant discipline; and at least one year of documented relevant professional work experience or an undergraduate degree in any discipline plus one year of relevant work experience (students in this latter category will not be permitted to proceed to the Master of Accounting program); and
• The applicant's submitted statement of intent in seeking entry.

2. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and call for referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

The Faculty of Business and Economics welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and Faculty policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the Faculty’s programs.

The BCom and Masters degrees of the Faculty of Business and Economics equip graduates with the knowledge and technical skills necessary to understand and participate in the modern business world. The degrees include the following academic requirements for study:

(1) The ability to explain and evaluate concepts, theories, institutional arrangements and operations of modern mixed economies;
(2) The ability to critically evaluate the economy, commerce and business in the broader social and political context;
(3) The ability to explain and apply concepts across a range of commerce and business disciplines in solving business and policy problems; and
(4) The ability to contribute positively to the development of organisations and society in relation to business, government and the commercial professions.

All students of the Faculty’s courses must possess intellectual, ethical, and emotional capabilities required to participate in the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the Faculty. Candidates for the BCom degree and for FBE Masters degrees must have abilities and skills in communication; in conceptual, integrative, and quantitative dimensions; and in behavioural and social dimensions.

I. Communication: The student must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and/or written form. A student must have the ability to clearly and independently communicate knowledge and application of a discipline, principles or practices during assessment tasks, and in some discipline streams.

II. Intellectual‐Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: The student is expected to have the ability to develop problem‐solving skills and demonstrate the ability to establish study plans and priorities. These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving requires all of these intellectual abilities. Students should also have the ability to comprehend complex disciplinary and cross disciplinary information related to the BCom and Masters degrees.

III. Behavioural and Social Attributes: A student must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment and the emotional health required for full utilisation of his/her intellectual abilities. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students. Integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that are deemed necessary for students enrolled in FBE courses.

Students who feel their disability will prevent them from participating in tasks involving the inherent academic requirements of the BCom and FBE Masters courses are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit. Adjustments can be provided to minimise the impact of a disability, but students should participate in the course in an independent manner.

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to demonstrate the following attributes and skills:

• Critical thinking;
• Analysis and synthesis of information;
• Problem solving;
• Written communication; and
• Oral communication, including presentation skills.

Assessment

Students must pass four semester length subjects (50 points) under the structure listed above in order to qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Business Forensics.

Students who have successfully completed the Graduate Certificate and who satisfy the entry requirements of the Master of Accounting program may proceed to the Master of Accounting program. Students who do so are eligible for a 4 subject credit in the Master of Accounting program.