Course summary

Accountants are vital to the operation and success of businesses and organisations at all levels and, not surprisingly, there is high demand for skilled accountants worldwide.

This CPA Australia and CA ANZ accredited course is designed for business professionals who are pursuing a career change as an accountant. It will also suit those already in the industry who need a recognised accounting qualification.

You'll become adept in complex accounting and business issues, and grow your expertise in financial management, accounting information systems, financial reporting, auditing, corporate governance and contemporary accounting standards and research.

Graduates are equipped to work in business, government and not-for-profit organisations in accounting, financial services and management positions. Advanced standing may apply to students who have completed relevant undergraduate and postgraduate study. 

Accountants are vital to the operation and success of businesses and organisations at all levels and, not surprisingly, there is high demand for skilled accountants worldwide.

This CPA Australia and CA ANZ accredited course is designed for business professionals who are pursuing a career change as an accountant. It will also suit those already in the industry who need a recognised accounting qualification.

You'll become adept in complex accounting and business issues, and grow your expertise in financial management, accounting information systems, financial reporting, auditing, corporate governance and contemporary accounting standards and research.

Graduates are equipped to work in business, government and not-for-profit organisations in accounting, financial services and management positions. Advanced standing may apply to students who have completed relevant undergraduate and postgraduate study. 

The MPA comprises a core sequence of units that meet the professional accounting educational requirements and includes study in the following areas: business accounting, accounting information systems, financial reporting, management accounting, economics, quantitative analysis, company and commercial law, finance, accounting, theory and research.

Students also study advanced topics in accounting such as taxation law and practice, auditing and assurance and corporate governance. Management skills are also honed through study of communications and a number of electives. A key feature of the MPA program is the opportunity to undertake a double-weighted industry research project that students can apply to their current or future workplace.

Course Learning Outcome

Develop and create effective solutions to complex problems from a discipline area. Critically evaluate, analyse and synthesise a complex issue or theory from a discipline area to arrive at a conclusion/decision with justification.

Incorporated in Intellectual rigour.

Critically evaluate challenging interpersonal, organisational and governance issues in terms of their ethical implications. Apply discipline based knowledge and skills in situations that require autonomy and a high level of responsible behaviour.

Demonstrate and apply advanced discipline knowledge and skills in a specialised management area within a global perspective. Apply and integrate research principles and methods to complex management situations.

Incorporated in Intellectual rigour.

Prepare and deliver advanced discipline advice, knowledge and ideas orally in a business or public context on complex issues.

Prepare and deliver advanced written communications of justified advice for a business context and general public on complex issues.

Critically analyse leadership research and practice in the management of people and self.

Critically reflect on self and team regarding participation and performance.

Incorporated in Knowledge of a discipline.

As part of this course, students may choose to undertake a 150-hour internship (equivalent to one unit) in either a paid or volunteer role. This practical experience, combined with theoretical understanding, enhances the learning experience for students. 
 
Students are responsible for securing their internship placement and are given extensive assistance in interview and application procedures, access to an extensive database of potential employers and roles and ongoing support from the dedicated Work Integrated Learning team. 

The Master of Professional Accounting fulfils the academic pre-requisites for registration as a professional accountant in Australia and is accredited by CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ).

Graduates may also be eligible to apply for admission to the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).

Course overview

Course code

1207045

Course abbreviation

MPA (16 unit)

Credit points

192

Equivalent units

16

Duration

2 years full-time; 4 years part-time

Duration

2 years full-time

Availability details

Domestic

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Gold Coast Session 1 N/A N/A
Online Session 1 N/A N/A

Fee information

Fee paying

International

Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Gold Coast Session 1 $29,200 ($3,650 per unit) 078675A
Melbourne Session 1 $32,400 ($4,050 per unit) 081533M
Perth Session 1 $32,400 ($4,050 per unit) 081533M
Sydney Session 1 $32,400 ($4,050 per unit) 081533M

Course requirements

See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.

To be eligible to receive the Master of Professional Accounting students must complete the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points), comprising:

  •  13 core units (168 credit points), and
  •  2 equivalent elective units (24 credit points).

 

Exit Awards

Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Diploma in Accounting after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising 8 core units.

Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Accounting after completing the equivalent of 4 units (48 credit points), comprising 4 core units.