Overview (2027)
Key Information
Duration
Minimum 0.5 years, up to a maximum of 2 years.
Location
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the list of distance courses (i.e. online and taken outside Australia) that are offered to international students
Are you ready to take action against climate change?
The Australian Treasury has drafted legislation which will ultimately make it mandatory for companies to report on climate issues including carbon reporting. This elevates climate reporting to the same importance as traditional financial disclosures for Australian investors, banks, and corporations. The initial phase of a proposed federal reporting system is planned to implement mandatory climate disclosure for large corporations starting in 2024-25.
The Undergraduate Certificate in Climate Accounting will equip you with the essential knowledge and hands-on skills for this change in law and to excel in the rapidly evolving field of climate accounting within businesses.
In this course, you'll dive into the science of climate change, learn to navigate the ever-evolving climate policy landscape, and harness the power of climate accounting, a pivotal global strategy for achieving 2030 carbon emissions goals and net-zero carbon by 2050.
You'll also gain experience in collecting and analysing carbon impact data, use insights to inform strategic decisions and become a proficient communicator to internal and external stakeholders. Completing this course will enable you to lead sustainable business practices, leveraging contemporary accounting theory and real-world expertise to drive a brighter, greener future for organisations and the planet.
- 1 Describe the basis and impacts of human-induced climate change
- 2 Apply climate policies and frameworks to inform internal and external stakeholder decisions
- 3 Evaluate climate related data to inform sustainable business solutions
- 4 Communicate climate-related information to aid sustainable business decision-making
In this course, you’ll engage with thought leaders and practitioners working in the field of climate and carbon reporting through regular guest lectures, real world case studies and bespoke video recordings.
Career outcomes
The Australian Government has identified climate skills as one of five megatrends, in current, emerging and future workforce needs, specifically ‘the range of skills required to transition to a net zero carbon economy and respond to the impacts of climate change’ (Australian Government, 2022, p. 9). Given the new and emerging climate reporting standards being released globally, graduates with climate accounting will be in high demand for accounting firms, business consultation and advice, and for most larger businesses and organisations in Australia and globally. Graduates can use the skills and knowledge developed during this course to apply for roles such as climate accountant, carbon accountant, sustainability manager, climate advisor and ESG advisor.
Course structure
The Undergraduate Certificate in Climate Accounting requires the completion of 50 credit points of core units.
Understanding carbon accounting methods is essential for interpreting what organisations communicate through their carbon accounts and climate reports. The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol is widely recognised as the best practice for carbon accounting, making a thorough understanding of it essential…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 |  |  |  | |
- Key:
On-campus- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for BFA110 Introduction to Carbon Accounting
As a carbon accountant, your choices about reporting frameworks can greatly impact business’ climate strategies and their ability to reduce emissions. With the global climate policy environment in constant flux, it’s crucial that you have a deep understanding of these…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for BFA111 Climate Reporting Frameworks and Policy
Carbon Accounting is a highly valued skill set that is growing in demand. A robust carbon accounting knowledge is vital to fully participate in this emerging field. This unit is designed to give you the hands-on experience and deep understanding…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 2 | | | | |
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Human-induced climate change is the most serious problem currently facing our planet - a global problem with increasingly obvious local impacts. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has said that the next 10 years will be critical to averting…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Semester 1 | | | | |
| Semester 2 | | | | ||
- Key:
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
View all details for KGA104 Introduction to the Science of Climate Change
Entry requirements
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study at UTAS.
Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education (in the past two years)
This course does not use ATAR as part of the admission process. To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) or an equivalent qualification.
Domestic applicants with higher education study
To be eligible for an offer, you must have:
- Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). You must have completed at least one unit of study (equivalent to 12.5 UTAS credit points) at 100 level or higher and which may include 100 level units completed in the UTAS Diploma of University Studies. If you have failed any units, your application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; OR
- Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).
Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study
To be eligible for an offer, you must have completed a Certificate III or higher (or equivalent) in any discipline.
Applications on the basis of work or life experience
Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement. Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and / or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.
Prerequisites
Nil.
Special Consideration
If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors for special consideration, including economic hardship, a serious medical condition or disability.
We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.
If you’ve already completed some study from either another institution or in another course at this University, it may be eligible to count towards this course. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Advanced Standing. More information about RPL, including how and when to apply, is available here: https://www.utas.edu.au/study/apply/admission-requirements/recognition-of-prior-learning.
Students completing the Undergraduate Certificate in Climate Accounting can receive advanced standing for up to 50 credit points of the Bachelor of Business (B3A).
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for this course. For eligible domestic students, this means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.
Commonwealth Supported Place indicative annual fee: $7,532
How is this calculated?
This is an estimate. The calculation is based on the average part-time enrolment for this course in 2026. All figures are indicative only for 2027. Actual tuition fees will depend on specific unit enrolment, and are subject to annual increases each year. You can find the complete fee details for each unit of study on the individual unit pages. The units for this course are found in the course structure section of this page.
These figures do not include other costs such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). For further information, please visit Scholarships, fees and costs.
HECS-HELP loans
You may be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.
Further information on student loans and a CSP eligibility checker can be found at Australian Government Study Assist.
Domestic scholarships
Each year, the University offers more than 900 awards to students from all walks of life, including: those who have achieved high academic results, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, students with sporting ability, students undertaking overseas study, and students with a disability.
For information on all scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please refer to scholarships.
Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior to study.
Course year 2027
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