Master of Professional Accounting

Graduates of the Master of Professional Accounting will have a body of advanced knowledge that includes the understanding of advanced theoretical and technical accounting knowledge which includes a selection of auditing and assurance, finance, economics, quantitative methods, information systems, commercial law, corporation law and taxation law; and an understanding of the principles and methods that underpin research within the accounting field.

If you are from a non-accounting background or do not have a hold a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) accredited undergraduate degree with a major in accounting, the Master of Professional Accounting conversion program will give you the training in accounting and related areas needed to meet the academic requirements for Associate membership with Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) Australia and admission to Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) Australia's Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) Program, and the Chartered Accountants (CA) Program of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

This program will enable you to develop the technical and conceptual skills needed to become an accountant and will develop your ability to analyse, critique and synthesise various accounting and related principles, methods and techniques.

The program has a foundation component (Graduate Certificate of Commerce) which allows those without a prior degree in Accounting (or equivalent) and those looking for a career change to participate. Those with experience in the field or related fields can also enter the program and progress to the advanced level study.

Recommended study pattern

The Master of Professional Accounting is offered full-time and part-time at the Nathan campus and online in Trimesters 1 and 2, and part-time online only in Trimester 3.

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

• Accounting and Governance
• Management Accounting and Strategy
• Principles of Business and Corporations Law
• Corporate Finance

Plus there’s a selection of electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

For the award of Master of Professional Accounting (MProfAcc), you must successfully Complete 160 credit points for one of the following:

• 160 credit points for all Pathway 1 - duration 1 year (80CP of study and 80CP for prior learning), or
• 160 credit points for all Pathway 2 - duration 1.5 years (120CP of study and 40CP for prior learning - related degree), or
• 160 credit points for all Pathway 3 - duration 1.5 years (120CP of study and 40CP for prior learning - any degree and work experience), or
• 160 credit points for all Pathway 4 - duration 2 years (160CP study)

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

Indicative total fee $65,000

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.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

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21

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Professional Accounting you must have one of:

Pathway 1 - 1 year program (80CP):

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a *related discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale; AND 5 years full-time (or equivalent) relevant ^professional experience.

Pathway 2 - 1.5 year program (120CP): 

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in Commerce or Business with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale.

Pathway 3 - 1.5 year program (120CP):

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale AND a minimum 2 years full-time (or equivalent) relevant ^professional experience.

Pathway 4 - 2 Year program (160CP): 

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale; OR  
• A combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal, and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to either of the above. 

*Related Discipline: Accounting (where the prior study does not satisfy the CA/CPA accreditation requirements), economics, financial planning, finance.

^Professional Experience: Substantial accounting or finance responsibilities including: Accountant, financial adviser, financial analyst, stockbroker, personal banker, bank manager, superannuation fund manager, risk management, investment fund manager, financial manager. Assessed via CV and/or record of professional development and/or 2 x professional references.  

A higher qualification refers to a qualification at a higher level than a Bachelor qualification, which includes any of the following: a Bachelor Honours Degree; Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters Degree, MPhil or PhD. 

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including:

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE.
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training.
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.