Bachelor of Accounting and Business Information Technology (Professional)

Learning outcomes

The aim of the Bachelor of Accounting and Business Information Technology (Professional) is to prepare highly capable graduates to meet industry requirements as accounting and information systems specialists, particularly in future management and leadership roles. These graduates would have the capacity to adapt to a variety of workplace conditions and the opportunities to develop other qualities that are highly sought after by employers. It is anticipated that graduates will be recognised by both the accounting professional bodies and the ACS for professional membership.

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

• integrate a substantial and coherent knowledge of the underlying theoretical principles and concepts within the field of accounting and business information systems and technologies and apply those principles in a range of practices
• apply critical thinking, reflection and judgment in the selection and application of the appropriate accounting and IS/IT related concepts, frameworks and/or methods as part of the process to identify and propose solutions to organisational problems
• evaluate research from a variety of sources to make informed judgments and solve a range of problems that arise in business contexts
• approach and analyse problems from multiple points of view, design and/or source alternative innovative solutions based on soundly articulated business requirements, and make appropriate choices and recommendations
• communicate and articulate clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge, arguments and innovative ideas appropriate for the problem context, the stakeholders, and the organisational environment through a variety of communication media
• evaluate the professional and ethical issues, dilemmas, and considerations, including those related to Indigenous contexts, perspectives, and contributions, pertaining to accounting and business information systems and technologies in various environments
• work in a self-reliant, independent and responsible manner, show leadership and take initiative where appropriate particularly in a collaborative and diverse team environment.

Career opportunities

Graduates may pursue careers in a variety of roles including, among others: accounting, business and systems analysis, internal audit, advisory services, project management, business analytics, risk advisory and technology consulting roles with large professional services firms, enterprise systems consultancy, forensic accounting, banking, IS/IT consultancy, and with experience, as an IT director and chief information officer.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Accounting is professionally accredited through CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ). Graduates of this program   are therefore eligible to apply for membership of these professional bodies and Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). Graduates  are eligible to receive a number of exemptions from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and from The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).The degree is also  accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. The alumni of AACSB accredited business schools are among the world’s most influential leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs impacting business, government, and non-profit sectors. Only the top six per cent of business schools worldwide are AACSB accredited.

The Bachelor of Business Information Technology is accredited  by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at the professional level

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Accounting and Business Information Technology students must complete 400 credit points comprising of:

• Eight (8) Core Units of study (100 credit points)
• Eight (8) units of study in the Accounting Major (100 credit points)
• Eight (8) units of study in the Business Technology Major (100 credit points)
• Four (4) units of study from the Professional Placement Co-Major (100 credit points) (between 1672 and 1976* hours of professional placement)

Students have the option of 2 x 6-month placements or 1 x 12-month placement.

* The total hours may vary depending on the number of weeks of placement completed.

The same unit cannot be counted more than once. Where there are overlaps in units, the 400 credit points of study must be made up of additional units of study as directed by the Course Director.

Academic Progress – Special requirements

In addition to the standard academic progress rules, the BABIT(Prof) course has the following additional academic progress rules which are established in accordance with Academic Courses Regulation 62(2):

1. A student is classified as 'at risk' of unsatisfactory progress if they:

(a) Fail any unit of study

(b) are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Placement two months before Week 1 of their final year of study

(c) Behave in a manner that breaches the Swinburne Student Charter whilst on a professional placement

2. A student is classified as 'unsatisfactory progress' and will be required to ‘show cause’ if they:

(a) fail any unit of study in the next Progress Review period after being classified as being 'at risk'

(b) Fail a Professional Placement or Work Experience in Industry unit

(c) Have their professional placement terminated early by an industry partner. In the case of early termination of an industry placement by an industry partner, the student will be deemed as having 'unsatisfactory progress' and a progress review hearing may be convened within 2 weeks of the cessation of the placement. 

(d) are unsuccessful in securing a Professional Placement two months before Week 1 of their final semester of study

Students who are identified as having unsatisfactory progress will be subject to the show cause provisions in the Progress Review section of the Academic Progress Policy.

Volume of Learning

The Bachelor of Accounting and Business Information Technology consists of a total of 400 credit points. Units normally carry 12.5 credit points (cps). A standard annual full-time load comprises 100 credit points and a part-time load comprises 50 credit points.

The volume of learning of the Bachelor of Business Accounting and Business Information Technology (Professional) is 4 years.

This course requires students to complete between 1672 and 1976* hours of professional placement.

*The total hours may vary depending on the number of weeks of placement completed.

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Bachelor of Accounting and Business Information Technology (Professional) is 150 credit points (normally 12 units).

B. Applicants with higher education study

Educational history

This course only accepts applicants who have just completed Year 12 or have not commenced any studies after completing Year 12 (ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered).

Meeting course prerequisites

As for Year 12 or equivalent.

C. Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Educational history

This course only accepts applicants who have just completed Year 12 or have not commenced any studies after completing Year 12 (ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered).

Meeting course prerequisites

As for Year 12 or equivalent.

D. Applicants with work and life experience

Educational history

This course only accepts applicants who have just completed Year 12 or have not commenced any studies after completing Year 12 (ATAR results from the last seven years can be considered).

Meeting course prerequisites

As for Year 12 or equivalent.