QUALIFICATION
Postgraduate Diploma (Level 8, 120 points)
Duration
10 Months Full-Time
Location
Hamilton Campus
Fees
Domestic: ~$10,000 – $12,000 (standard postgraduate rate). / International: ~$33,000 – $36,000 (total program estimate).
Entry Score
IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (with no individual band lower than 6.0).
Next Intake
January each year
Programme Overview
The PGDipPA is a unique, intensive program delivered in partnership with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ). It allows accounting graduates to complete all eight academic modules of the CA Program while still at university, rather than the typical three-year path of working while studying part-time.
Graduates of this research-based diploma may also be eligible for a one-year credit towards the three years of Mentored Practical Experience (MPE) required for full CA membership.
What You'll Study
The program consists of eight 7.5-point CA modules (8 weeks each) and two 30-point research papers.
CA Professional Modules (Exams assessed by CA ANZ)
- Risk & Technology: Focus on AI, process automation, and data risk management.
- Financial Accounting & Reporting: Application of IFRS and ethical reporting.
- Taxation: NZ domestic and international tax regimes.
- Audit & Risk: Professional skepticism and addressing audit risk.
- Business Performance: Strategic analysis and performance management.
- Integrated CA Practice: Capstone module applying technical skills to business advice.
- Sustainability for Accountants: ESG impacts and Mātauranga Māori in decision-making.
Research Specializations (Choose Two)
- ACCTN506: International Accounting
- ACCTN541: Forensic Accounting (Fraud and Analytics)
- ACCTN502: Advanced Financial Reporting
- ACCTN531: Advanced Management Accounting
Why Choose This Programme?
- Speed to Market: Complete the entire CA academic requirements in just 10 months.
- MPE Credit: Potentially reduce your post-study practical experience requirement by 12 months.
- Triple Crown Status: Waikato Management School is in the top 1% of business schools globally (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA).
- Supportive Environment: Learn in a cohort with peers and dedicated faculty, rather than isolated distance learning.
Career Pathways
| Sector | Roles |
|---|---|
| Public Practice | Chartered Accountant, Auditor, Tax Consultant |
| Corporate | Financial Controller, Forensic Accountant, Business Analyst |
| Public Sector | Government Auditor, Policy Advisor, Financial Manager |
Entry Requirements
- Academic: Must have completed a CA ANZ-accredited Bachelor's or Master's degree (e.g., Waikato’s Bachelor of Business or Master of Professional Accounting).
- GPA: At least a B- average across 300-level papers.
- Prerequisite: Must complete the Ethics and Business CA module from CA ANZ prior to starting (offered 4 times a year).
- English: IELTS Academic 6.5 (all bands 6.0+) or equivalent.
