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

Critically evaluate and synthesise complex problems or theories from a discipline area to arrive at solutions with justifications.

Develop innovative solutions to complex problems from a discipline area or within cooperative environments to reflect on self and team participation and performance.

Critically evaluate challenging interpersonal, organisational and governance issues with consideration of their ethical and responsible implications.

Demonstrate and apply advanced discipline knowledge and skills in a specialised management area with a global perspective.

Apply and develop discipline knowledge and skills using integrated research principles and methods of critical thinking, problem solving and leadership skills to complex management situations.

Prepare and deliver advanced disciplinary advice, knowledge and ideas on complex issues orally or through written communication for a business or public context.

Apply advanced disciplinary knowledge and skills in situations that require a high level of responsible behaviour in various cultural contexts.

As part of this course, students may choose to undertake a 150-hour internship (equivalent to one unit) in either a paid or unpaid position. This practical experience, combined with theoretical understanding, enhances the learning experience for students. 
 
The pre-requisite unit, BUSN5002 Business Professional Practice, assists students to identify suitable roles and prepare an interview-standard job application. Access to a database of potential employers and positions and ongoing support from the dedicated Work Integrated Learning team is provided.

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 Term 1 N/A N/A
Online Term 1 N/A N/A

Fee information

Fee paying

International

Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Gold Coast Term 1 $30,400 ($3,800 per unit) 078675A
Melbourne Term 1 $35,440 ($4,430 per unit) 081533M
Perth Term 1 $35,440 ($4,430 per unit) 081533M
Sydney Term 1 $35,440 ($4,430 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:

  •  14 core units (180 credit points), and
  •  1 equivalent elective unit (12 credit points).

Exit Awards

Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Diploma of 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.

Course progressions

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment

Browse uni-wide elective units by selecting Uni-wide elective in the advanced filter of the Unit search.

Browse shared majors and their units at Shared majors

Title Note

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

ACCT5001 - Business Accounting
BUSN5003 - Management Communication
LEGL5001 - Legal Studies
ECON5003 - Economics
Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Accounting after completing the above 4 (four) units.
ISYS5004 - Accounting Information Systems and Processes
STAT5001 - Business Analytics
ACCT6002 - Managerial Accounting
ACCT6001 - Company and Financial Reporting
Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Diploma of Accounting after completing the above 8 (eight) units.

Second Year

BUSN7003 - Industry Research Project Note 1
ACCT6015 - Corporate Governance
ACCT6006 - Contemporary Issues in Accounting Theory
Elective
ACCT6004 - Finance
ACCT6003 - Professional Auditing
ACCT6005 - Taxation Law and Practice

Notes

Note 1: Double-weighted unit