Course summary
Interpreting the language of business is no mean feat. It takes an accountant with commercial know-how and lateral thinking skills, who can exercise professional judgement and communicate complex financial information with clarity. Even in times of economic downturn professional accountants are hot property - expert accountants with broad skills in managing business finances, regulatory compliance, spotting anomalies and opportunities, are vital in helping a business flourish and grow.
Southern Cross University’s Master of Professional Accounting can help you get there. It’s CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA) accredited, satisfies all CPA foundation units, and provides a clear path to becoming a Certified Practising Accountant - a professional title that will open doors all over the world. You’ll also qualify for entry into the CA Chartered Accountants Program.
But this degree isn’t only for accountants or those wanting to become a CPA or CA. Accounting is universally applicable - every organisation, no matter how big or small, needs one. So whether you already work in accounting or finance, or come from other fields like health, business, communications or IT, our MPA can help you meet the challenges and grab the opportunities in this global growth sector - from Tweed Heads to Hong Kong, and anywhere in between.
Interpreting the language of business is no mean feat. It takes an accountant with commercial know-how and lateral thinking skills, who can exercise professional judgement and communicate complex financial information with clarity. Even in times of economic downturn professional accountants are hot property - expert accountants with broad skills in managing business finances, regulatory compliance, spotting anomalies and opportunities, are vital in helping a business flourish and grow.
Southern Cross University’s Master of Professional Accounting can help you get there. It’s CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA) accredited, satisfies all CPA foundation units, and provides a clear path to becoming a Certified Practising Accountant - a professional title that will open doors all over the world. You’ll also qualify for entry into the CA Chartered Accountants Program.
But this degree isn’t only for accountants or those wanting to become a CPA or CA. Accounting is universally applicable - every organisation, no matter how big or small, needs one. So whether you already work in accounting or finance, or come from other fields like health, business, communications or IT, our MPA can help you meet the challenges and grab the opportunities in this global growth sector - from Tweed Heads to Hong Kong, and anywhere in between.
Our Master of Professional Accounting consists of compulsory core units and elective units.
Depending on the units you choose, your electives could further broaden your understanding of accounting theory and practice, or hone your skills in a particular area - for example business and finance in the Asia Pacific.
A key feature of the MPA program is the opportunity to undertake a double-weighted industry research project that can be applied to your own company or organisation.
| Graduate Attribute | Course Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| Intellectual rigour | 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. |
| Creativity | Incorporated in Intellectual rigour |
| Ethical practice | 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. |
| Knowledge of a discipline | 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. |
| Lifelong learning | Incorporated in Intellectual rigour |
| Communication and social skills | 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. |
| Cultural competence | Incorporated in Knowledge of a discipline. |
With an MPA and some professional experience under your belt you could apply for professional memberships and licences recognised the world over:
- Associate, CPA Australia (MPA aligns with CPA foundation exams)
- Affiliate, Institute of Management Consultants
- Associate, Financial Planning Association of Australia
- Associate, Finsia
- Associate, Institute of Actuaries of Australia
- Associate, Institute of Internal Auditors Australia
- Associate, Institute of Public Accountants
- Associate, Tax Institute
- Fellow, Association of Taxation & Management Accountants
- Financial services licence, company auditor registration, credit licence, self managed super fund auditor, managed investment scheme operator, registered liquidator, ASIC
- Provisional membership, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (formerly ICAA)
Course overview
Course code
1208210
Course abbreviation
MPA
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCU Online | Study Period 1 | N/A | N/A |
Fee information
International
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCU Online | Study Period 1 | N/A | N/A |
Course requirements
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
-
To be eligible for the Master of Professional Accounting a candidate must successfully complete not less than sixteen (16) units (192 credit points) comprising:
- all units in Part A and Part B; and
- two (2) units (24 credit points) from Part C
- To be eligible for the award of Graduate Diploma in Accounting a candidate shall successfully complete not less than eight (8) units (96 credit points) from Part A.
- To be eligible for the award of Graduate Certificate in Accounting a candidate shall successfully complete not less than four (4) units (48 credit points) from Part A.
- A candidate in the Master of Professional Accounting who has completed (8) units (96 credit points) and met the requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Accounting may elect to be awarded the Graduate Diploma in Accounting following withdrawal from candidature for the Master of Professional Accounting.
- A candidate in the Master of Professional Accounting who has completed four (4) units (48 credit points) and met the requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Accounting may elect to be awarded the Graduate Certificate in Accounting following withdrawal from candidature for the Master of Professional Accounting