Master of Professional Accounting

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to: 

1. Solve contemporary business problems using critical research techniques, applied accounting concepts, and innovative thinking, while applying a sustainable business model lens.
2. Justify business ideas in complex contexts using effective oral and written communication techniques with both accounting and non-accounting professionals.
3. Research and analyse business performance and impacts to make recommendations to decision makers
4. Demonstrate cooperation and teamwork when making collaborative decisions and working with people from diverse backgrounds.
5. Seek and reflect on feedback to improve personal, professional and ethical conduct and initiate learning for self and others

Accounting is an exciting career choice. The modern accountant has evolved beyond the traditional ‘bean counter’ role to a trusted and respected business adviser who is adaptable, tech-savvy, and has a global outlook through a sustainability lens. Accountants play an important role in business and society, and the profession is therefore in high demand. 

 The professionally accredited Master of Professional Accounting degree equips you with the necessary skills for a meaningful career in business through authentic learning approaches focusing on contemporary business practices utilising work-integrated learning experiences. By studying the Master of Professional Accounting program, you will be allowed to develop advanced knowledge of the holistic perspective of accounting, critique the broader application of accounting in real-world settings, and communicate with a wide range of stakeholders and decision-makers while engaging with Tasmanian businesses to work on practical tasks and real-life scenarios that you are likely to encounter in practice. The University of Tasmania’s work-ready program provides a unique experience of working with local organisations and mastering the professional skills required to be a successful business advisor. In addition, one specialisation Sustainable Business further grooms your skills to enable you to become true leaders in your chosen field.

The degree meets all necessary academic requirements of both CPA and the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.  

Recommended study pattern

The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) welcomes students with a background in accounting, in addition to those without that background but with an interest in a postgraduate accounting qualification.

The MPA is a 2 year full time program for those without prior study in a related area. If you have completed prior study in accounting or a related area, you may be eligible for 50 credit points worth of credit which will allow you to complete the program in 1.5 years. Alternatively, if you have completed prior study in a related area you may wish to forego that credit and instead study a 2 year program.

To graduate from the Master of Professional Accounting program, a student must satisfactorily complete 200 credit points of study comprising:

• 50 credit points of Transition units
• 100 credit points of Core units
• 50 credit points of specialisation subjects in one of the specialisation areas: Accounting for Sustainable Business

The MPA is a 2 year full time course for those without prior study in a related area. If you have completed prior study in accounting or a related area, you may be eligible for 50 credit points worth of credit which will allow you to complete the course in 1.5 years. Alternatively, if you have completed prior study in a related area you may wish to forego that credit and instead study a 2 year course.

Transition Subjects:

• TAS-BEA683 Economics for Managers
• TAS-BFA503 Principles of Financial Management
• TAS-BFA507 Accounting and Accountability for Decision Making
• TAS-BFA601 Business and Corporate Law in Practice

Core Subjects:

• TAS-BFA605 Contemporary Financial Accounting and Reporting
• TAS-BFA612 Management Decision Making and Strategy
• TAS-BFA713 Assurance and Audit Services
• TAS-BFA714 Australian Tax Law and Practice
• TAS-BFA715 Contemporary Accounting Perspectives and Research
• TAS-BFA746 Pathway to Accounting and Finance Careers
• TAS-BFA747 Data Analytics for Accounting
• Select one of the following subjects:
  • TAS-BAA539 Fundamentals of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • TAS-BAA708 Business Placement
  • TAS-BFA509 Risk and Estate Planning
  • TAS-BFA610 Financial Planning Skills
  • TAS-BFA739 Professional Clinic Placement
  • TAS-BMA799 Strategic Management

Specialisation (select one)

Accounting for Sustainable Business: Complete 4 subjects (50 credit points) from the following list:

• This specialisation also includes the option of completing an internship unit providing students with the opportunity to directly apply theoretical learning in a practical and real-world environment.
  • TAS-BFA739 Professional Clinic Placement
  • TAS-BFA757 Socially Responsible Investing
  • TAS-BFA758 Organisational Social Responsibilities
  • TAS-BFA759 Managing and Reporting Sustainability Related Performance
  • TAS-BFA760 Sustainability Related Governance and Assurance

Sustainable Finance Complete 4 subjects (50 credit points) from the following list

• This specialisation equips you with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of modern finance. You'll learn about the dynamic interplay of global markets, technological disruptions, sustainable practices, and human behaviour to make informed financial decisions. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks and practical applications, you'll develop expertise in the following areas:

1. Applying Core Financial Concepts: You'll build a strong foundation in fundamental financial principles, allowing you to analyse and interpret financial data, evaluate investment opportunities, and understand the broader economic landscape.
2. Analysing Financial Scenarios: You'll learn to critically assess complex financial situations, incorporating insights from sustainable finance, behavioural finance, and fintech to identify risks, opportunities, and potential solutions.
3. Developing Effective Financial Strategies: You'll create innovative financial strategies that address the needs of diverse stakeholders, balancing financial goals with ethical considerations and regulatory requirements.
4. Communicating Financial Insights: You'll hone your communication skills to effectively present financial information and recommendations to various audiences, including investors, managers, regulators, and the general public.

• By completing this specialisation, you'll be prepared to tackle real-world financial challenges with confidence and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable financial system.
  • TAS-BEA704 Sustainable Finance
  • TAS-BEA706 International Financial Management
  • TAS-BEA708 Behavioural Finance
  • TAS-BEA709 FinTech

Award requirements

Satisfactory completion of 16 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 2-5 years from commencement.

Choose your subjects

Majors

Accounting for Sustainable Business

The Accounting for Sustainable Business specialisation equips students with an in-depth understanding of the sustainability related issues necessary in a society increasingly concerned about the social and environmental performance and impacts of organisations. This specialisation also includes the option of completing an internship unit providing students with the opportunity to directly apply theoretical learning in a practical and real-world environment.

Sustainable Finance

This specialisation equips you with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of modern finance. You'll learn about the dynamic interplay of global markets, technological disruptions, sustainable practices, and human behaviour to make informed financial decisions. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks and practical applications, you'll develop expertise in the following areas:

1. Applying Core Financial Concepts: You'll build a strong foundation in fundamental financial principles, allowing you to analyse and interpret financial data, evaluate investment opportunities, and understand the broader economic landscape.
2. Analysing Financial Scenarios: You'll learn to critically assess complex financial situations, incorporating insights from sustainable finance, behavioural finance, and fintech to identify risks, opportunities, and potential solutions.
3. Developing Effective Financial Strategies: You'll create innovative financial strategies that address the needs of diverse stakeholders, balancing financial goals with ethical considerations and regulatory requirements.
4. Communicating Financial Insights: You'll hone your communication skills to effectively present financial information and recommendations to various audiences, including investors, managers, regulators, and the general public.

Exit points

Students will be permitted to exit the course and graduate with the C5B Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting or the C6B Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting exit award where the requirements of the exit award have been met.

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• Core Subjects

• Transition Subjects

• Accounting for Sustainable Business

• Sustainable Finance

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

Indicative total fee $51,030

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.

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• A completed undergraduate or postgraduate course in any discipline at Bachelor level (AQF level 7) or higher (or equivalent). Students having a prior qualification in accounting will be considered for recognition of prior learning (up to 4 subjects).

Please note that although the Master of Professional Accounting is available to students with an existing undergraduate qualification in Accounting, we would recommend seeking further advice about the best program options for your background and goals as you may have already met the requirements of the CPA and the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand through your previous study and the amount of credit that can be granted towards the Master of Professional Accounting is limited. For example, a number of the specialisations can be taken as standalone Graduate Certificates and this may be the better choice for students primarily looking to enhance their existing undergraduate accounting qualification.

Qualifications, relevant work experience or other special circumstances, as approved by the College Executive Dean or delegated authority. 

You must provide evidence to support your application based on work experience. This includes submitting a copy of your CV and two letters of reference from your line managers or equivalent positions. If your work experience is as a sole trader or consultant, you must provide a copy of your CV and two testimonials or references from clients that provide evidence of capability consistent with the entry requirements.

Students articulating into the MPA from one of the following articulating programs will receive full credit for subjects completed in the articulating program. This includes:

• credit of 50 credit points for students articulating from the Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting or Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Business , and
• 100 credit points for students articulating from the Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting (C6B).

Students who have completed a cognate Bachelor award at AQF level 7 can be given recognition for prior learning of the entire transition study block, comprising 50 credit points.

A cognate discipline for the MPA means related study in another business area such as: Management, Human Resources, Sales and Marketing, Industrial/Public Relations, Public and Health Care Administration, Tourism, Business and Commercial Law, Information and Communication Technology, Banking, Finance, Insurance, Investment and Securities, Economics, or other areas of Commerce and Trade.

Please note that if you are awarded credit for any subjects in this degree, the accounting accrediting bodies will assess this credit separately when you apply with them for registration / membership and the credit may not be approved. You should seek advice from the accrediting bodies on any units you wish to seek credit for, as it may affect your membership eligibility if not approved.