Master of Professional Accounting

Possible future job titles

Director of Finance, Financial Controller and Support Manager, Tax Advisor, Senior Consultant, Accountant, Strategic Analyst, Chief Ratings Analyst, Global Investment Banker

Professional recognition

Accredited by: Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ)

Accredited by: CPA Australia

Accredited by: Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)

Students completing this course can access Associate level membership of the Institute of Public Accountants.

Higher education

The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.

All applicants are required to meet the published entry requirements.

Applicants with an Accounting undergraduate degree from an Australian institution should not apply.

Successful applicants with a Graduate Certificate qualification or higher in Accounting may seek reduced course duration by applying for recognition of prior learning.

Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• Bachelor degree; or
• Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.

English Proficiency Requirements

Students can satisfy English competency requirements by showing any of the following:

• An IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0).

• Completion of a Bachelor degree from a country specified by ECU.

• Completion of 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).

• Equivalent prior learning courses including at least five years relevant professional experience – as accepted by ECU.

• Completion of other tests, courses or programs as accepted by ECU.

Special requirements

Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the CPA Australia. Registration with the CPA Australia is required to practice in the profession.

Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. Registration with the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand is required to practice in the profession.

Practicum placement

Clinical or professional work placement option

BUS6900 Management Practicum unit allows students to develop a practical appreciation of their

field of study through integrating the material covered in the discipline course and applying their knowledge and skills to unstructured, authentic problems in work settings. Host organisations will be secured through the Work Placement Coordinator, or as a result of pre-approved networking and contacts developed by the student.

Attendance requirements

Students must complete between 100 and 150 hours in an approved work environment within a

public, private or non-profit organisation. This work will occur in a workplace, or wherever appropriate to fulfil the needs of the defined program of work.

Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

Students will be advised of the necessary clearances during the application process. Student

visas do allow for full-time paid employment, as long as this is part of a formal, academic learning program.

The management of risk is addressed in the induction process on-campus and by the host organisation.

Professional practice rules

Enrolled students will be issued with a guide which outlines the expected code of conduct and

responsibilities.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. For eligible students, ECU offers credit and recognition of prior learning (CRPL). There are 2 CRPL options:

• Credit transfer to acknowledge students’ formal learning at uni or TAFE.

• Recognition of students’ informal learning gained outside of the education system (for example workplace experience or volunteer training.)

This coursework Masters provides an opportunity for graduates whose first degree is in a discipline other than accounting, to undertake major studies in accounting and law.

This course will lead to the acquisition of accounting skills and knowledge, and fulfilment of the entry requirements of the accounting professional bodies.

Recommended Study Pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include: 

• Accounting Concepts and Applications

• Quantitative Skills for Business

• Business Finance

• Corporate Accounting and Reporting

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.