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Master of Professional Accounting - (MPA). Available online

Masters by Coursework

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    MPA

  • Course code

    1208210

  • Credit points

    192

  • Equivalent units

    16

  • Indicative Fee

    Fee paying

Overview

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.

Graduate AttributeCourse 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.

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.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
SCU Online Study Period 4, Study Period 5, Study Period 6 N/A N/A

Career Outcomes

With an MPA and some professional experience under your belt you could apply for professional memberships and licences recognised the world over:

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

  1. Applicants for admission to candidature in the Master of Professional Accounting may be selected where they can demonstrate professional standing approved by the School Board to be equivalent to the requirements of Rule 2, Section 3.
  2. With reference to Schedule B in Rule 2, Section 1 the level of attainment should be at least equivalent to IELTS 6.5.

Credit for prior learning

  1. Candidates who have completed a Graduate Certificate in Accounting or equivalent may be granted four (4) units of Advanced Standing from Part A of the Schedule;
  2. Candidates who have completed a Graduate Diploma in Accounting or equivalent may be granted eight (8) units of Advanced Standing from Part A of the Schedule;
  3. Candidates who can demonstrate academic or professional standing approved by the School Board to be equivalent to the requirements of Advanced Standing Rules (a) or (b) may be awarded the equivalent advanced standing.
  4. Candidates for the Master of Professional Accounting may be granted advanced standing of up to four (4) units on the basis of five (5) years relevant work experience or professional qualifications obtained through formal or non-formal study.

 

Course requirements

  1. To be eligible for the Master of Professional Accounting a candidate must successfully complete not less than sixteen (16) units comprising all units in Part A and Part B of the Schedule and two (2) units from Part C.
  2. To be eligible for the Master of Professional Accounting a candidate who has completed a Bachelor Degree with a major in Accounting or equivalent must complete no less than twelve (12) units comprising all units in Part B plus any six (6) units from Part C.
  3. To be eligible for the Master of Professional Accounting a candidate who has completed a Bachelor Honours Degree in Accounting with a minimum of second class honours division two or equivalent must complete no less than eight (8) units comprising four (4) units listed in Part B excluding MNG93003 Industry Research Project plus any four (4) units from Part C.
  4. To be eligible for the award of Graduate Diploma in Accounting a candidate shall successfully complete not less than eight (8) units from Part A.
  5. To be eligible for the award of Graduate Certificate in Accounting a candidate shall successfully complete not less than four (4) units from Part A.
  6. A candidate in the Master of Professional Accounting who has completed (8) units 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.

Course structure

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Part A
ACC92110 Business Accounting (Online) Intermediate
ACC92210 Accounting Information Systems and Processes (Online) Intermediate
ECO82210 Economics and Quantitative Analysis (Online) Intermediate
LAW81110 Business and Corporation Law (Online) Introductory
ACC92211 Company and Financial Reporting (Online) Intermediate
ACC93110 Managerial Accounting (Online) Intermediate
FIN91110 Finance (Online) Introductory
ACC93112 Contemporary Issues in Accounting Theory (Online) Advanced

Part B
ACC93211 Professional Auditing (Online)
ACC92212 Taxation Law and Practice (Online)
ACC93111 Corporate Governance (Online) Advanced
MNG91212 Project Management (Online) Introductory
Industry Research Project (Online) Note 1

Part C
Company Valuation (Online)
Global Business (Online)
MNG91210 Entrepreneurship and Marketing (Online) Introductory
Leading and Managing People (Online)
Managing Information Systems (Online)
Asia Pacific Business Environment (Online)
FIN93210 Financial Management of Asia Pacific Business (Online) Advanced