Master of Professional Accounting

Graduates of the course will be equipped to work in a range of industries in Australia and abroad including, business, government and not-for-profit organisations in accounting, financial services and management positions. Management roles and activities undertaken by graduates include developing financial plans, conducting audits, advising company directors, shareholders and clients.

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.

Students have the option of studying this course on-campus or online.

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.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $60,900

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

ECU is ranked one of the world’s best young universities and Australia’s best public university for teaching quality. That quality extends to more than 30,000 students, many studying online through Open Universities Australia. ECU offers the same quality of teaching to you, regardless of where you’re studying in the world. Their flexible study solutions include a huge range of online courses, recognising your need to juggle work, family or other commitments.

Learn more about ECU.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

29

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

24

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.

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 Edith Cowan University (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.

If you have completed units of study at University or have relevant professional experience, you may be eligible for Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning (CRPL).

To assess your eligibility for credit, we first need you to apply for and accept an offer in your course of interest with us. You can then submit an Application for Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning via your Student Portal. 

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.