Graduate Certificate in Forensic Studies (Accounting)

Course code: 3378 ~ Course abbreviation: GradCertAcctg ~ Total credit points required: 24 ~ 6 months full-time ~ Managing faculty: Law

Study mode and course location

Multimode (Melbourne city - F/T only)

Course description

This postgraduate degree has been developed for accountants by Monash Law's International Institute of Forensic Studies in conjunction with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA) and The Australian Advocacy Institute (AAI).

The course is aimed specifically at professionals and has been developed for accounting practitioners who may be involved in litigation and will be especially beneficial for those who are called upon to give expert evidence in the courts.

First offered in 2003, the course is the first of its kind in Australia. It has been developed in conjunction with the forensic accounting community and has both a conceptual and practical emphasis, particularly relevant to the interaction between the accounting and legal professions and the court process.

It is designed to provide minimal disruption to professional practice and to encourage attendance by practitioners from all states.

Course objectives

On completion of the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Studies (Accounting), students should be able to: explain the role and responsibilities of the expert witness within the adversary system; prepare reports; analyse and prepare evidence to be given at trial; give evidence at trial; and identify and apply the basic rules relating to the assessment of damages.

Course structure

The course comprises four compulsory units, each worth 6 points.

Course requirements

Students must complete the following four core units:

LAW7281 The expert witness in the adversary system
LAW7282 Pre-trial analysis and preparation
LAW7283 Loss, causation and damages
LAW7284 The expert witness in the courtroom

Contact details

Course inquiries: telephone +61 3 9641 6230 or email nina.massara@law.monash.edu.au.