Course details

Summary

The Master of Professional Accounting is a conversion taught master's qualification that provides graduates with the skills, knowledge, and competencies to be a highly effective accountant in both domestic and international organisations. Through applied research, students will gain an understanding of the theoretical considerations facing the Accounting profession while developing the confidence to challenge existing practices, and develop innovative new ways to solve issues in the field.

The qualification is aligned with professional accounting bodies in the industry (such as the Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand, (CAANZ), Certified Practicing Accountants Australia (CPA Australia), and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), allowing graduates to gain provisional membership.

The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) is also part of the Executive Development Programmes, providing opportunities to pursue new career pathway options. Candidates with a background in any discipline may apply and no prior experience in Commerce or Accounting is required.

The Master of Professional Accounting graduate

• Demonstrates in-depth knowledge and understanding of current theoretical concepts, frameworks and industry practice within the fields of accounting and business.
• Thinks logically, analytically and critically with respect to the academic literature and professional journals within the field of accounting and business.
• Plans and carries out independent research that demonstrates critical awareness of issues and challenges in the fields of accounting and business.
• Synthesises academic and professional information and effectively communicates findings to a range of audiences in different ways.

Qualification structure

The MPA programme consists of 14 courses taught over five terms, in ten-week blocks. The first 13 courses are 15 points each, and must be completed to an overall B grade average in order for the student to move on to the capstone Research Project (MBAZ680 Research Project) or Internship (MBAZ681 Internship) (45 points).

Career opportunities

Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.

Entry criteria

A degree with at least a B grade average in 300-level courses is required. Candidates must be approved by the Dean of Commerce who will take account of the relevance and standard of previous studies and experience.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 575 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum B+ grade; CAE or CPE score of 176 with a minimum of 169 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 64 and no PTE communicative skills score below 58.