Master of Professional Accounting

Program summary

Program title: Master of Professional Accounting
Award abbreviation: MPA
Degree type: coursework
Study mode: on campus
Duration: 2 years minimum full-time, 6 years maximum part-time
Commence: Semester 1; Semester 2*
Fee type 2012: postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places 
Total courses: 12
USC program code: BU771
CRICOS code: 059557J

* Students who have successfully completed ACC106 or an approved equivalent may be permitted to commence in Semester 2.

The MPA introduces you to business with a focus on accounting.

The program enables you to gain recognition by the two peak professional accounting bodies in Australia—CPA Australia and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia.

You develop knowledge of concepts fundamental to successful business operation including economics, business law, research methods, and information and communications technology (ICT). You also gain specialised knowledge of accounting topics such as auditing, corporate and management accounting, taxation law and business finance.

Through a range of in-depth courses, you acquire a deeper understanding of the function of accounting in today’s complex business environment. You discover the basic principles of taxation law, and the nature, scope and operation of different business structures.

You learn a range of analytic tools for costing, decision-making, planning and control. You examine contemporary accounting and disclosure issues from inception and acquisition, to trading and termi-nation of a company. You gain a firm foundation in ICT, and explore the specific application of ICTs to accounting.

Delivery includes face-to-face lectures, tutorial participation and assessment.

Professional recognition

Graduates of the MPA program will meet the educational requirements for admission as an associate member of CPA Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, and the National Institute of Accountants. To gain full membership, you must complete the requirements of the chosen professional body’s qualification program.

Credit policy

It is the responsibility of the student to confirm with the three Australian accounting bodies (CPA, ICAA and NIA) whether any advanced standing granted will impact on their eligibility for professional association membership.

Scholarships

Candidates wishing to apply for a scholarship must complete a GMAT. Scholarships are available at several levels, including a half waiver of full fees, and a quarter waiver of full fees. The level of scholarship awarded will depend on the achievements evidenced by prospective students as part of their admissions process. Further information will be provided on request for prospective students interested in applying for a scholarship.

For more information, visit scholarships for business masters programs.

Enquiries

International students:
USC International
Tel: +61 7 5430 1156
Fax: +61 7 5430 2836
Email: international@usc.edu.au

Australian and New Zealand students:
Faculty of Arts and Business
Tel: +61 7 5430 1221
Fax: +61 7 5430 1231
Email: FABinfo@usc.edu.au

Admission requirements

Entry to the Master of Professional Accounting program will normally require:

a non-accounting major, undergraduate degree from an Australian university
or
an undergraduate degree from a recognised non-Australian university

Refer also to the University's English language proficiency requirements.

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:

• Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
• Select the program in which you are enrolled.
• Scroll down to your relevant Program Structure.

Program requirements and notes

• Student must complete a minimum of 12 courses including all required courses listed below.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
• Online study mode not available to international students on a Student Visa.

Required courses: (12)

TOTAL UNITS 144

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer. 

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business