Course details

Summary

Build on your existing academic excellence with a postgraduate qualification that prepares you for specialist positions in the public and private sectors and can be a pathway to doctoral study.

Programme overview

An MCom allows you to develop an advanced level of knowledge and competencies with an intellectually rewarding postgraduate programme in your specialist field.

Accounting

Accounting provides information for decision making. Almost every business and organisation needs accountants to measure performance and provide information for decisions. You will learn how to present financial statements that can be used to assist business planning and decision making. You will also learn financial analysis techniques. Should you wish to study accounting at postgraduate level, you will cover more advanced subjects and methods to enable you to further develop your skills, knowledge, and career options.

Areas of study

There are two areas of study: Financial Accounting and Management Accounting. Financial accounting involves consideration of the presentation of financial statements and techniques for their analysis. Management accounting explores the use of accounting data for managerial planning, decision making, and control.

Students commencing study from 2012 can choose to complete a three-year degree programme that satisfies the academic requirements for obtaining membership to two professional accounting bodies - the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA) and CPA Australia. To become fully qualified both organisations require a further two years distance education and practical experience.

Requirements

• 30 points: ACCTG 701, 702
• At least 60 points from ACCTG 711-782
• Up to 30 points from FINANCE 705-782
• 60 points: ACCTG 791 Dissertation

Career opportunities

The study of accounting can be regarded as either a specialist professional area in itself or as a basic tool which can be applied across the broad spectrum of business or non-profit organisations. If you study accounting at undergraduate level, you may decide to embark on a career in one of these careers:

Financial accounting: accountant or auditor in a chartered accountancy practice, industry, or the public sector. Management accounting: business consultant or financial manager in a manufacturing, service, or consultancy organisation. You can further develop your knowledge with postgraduate study leading to more senior or specialised career roles in both financial and management accounting. An academic career specialising in accounting is also an option when you complete either an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree.

Programme structure

The MCom is a 120 or 180-point specialist masters degree that builds on a first degree in the same discipline.

The MCom (180 point) is a 12 or 15-month taught specialist masters comprising coursework and a short dissertation. If you have a first degree you can pursue an advanced specialized qualification in the same discipline.

If you have completed a BCom (Hons) or equivalent, you may be eligible to undertake a 120-point MCom degree by research comprising a supervised thesis.

Further study options

Doctor of Philosophy

Master of Commerce other subjects: Commercial Law; Economics; Finance; Global Management and Innovation; Information Systems; Marketing; Operations and Supply Chain Management.

Entry criteria

Taught 180 points: You must have completed an undergraduate degree in the same field as your intended specialisation at a recognised university (or similar institution). You will need a GPE of 5.0. Specialisations in accounting and finance require a higher GPE.

Research 120 points: You must have completed one year of postgraduate study, following an undergraduate degree, at a recognised university (or similar institution). Your study must have been in the same field as your intended specialisation and you will need a GPE of 5.0. Specializations in accounting and finance require a higher GPE.

English language requirements: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL (iBT) 90; TOEFL (paper-based) 575; CAE or CPE 176; PTE 58; MELAB 85.