Master of Professional Accounting
Postgraduate
ECU-MPA-MAS 2025Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Jump start your career in finance
Immerse yourself in the study of accounting. Learn standard practices, including taxation and auditing techniques, and the principles of business law. Graduates will have the knowledge needed for accreditation with professional accounting bodies.
- Study method
- 100% online study with practicum placement
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 2 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 12
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Master of Professional Accounting
About this degree
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 first year fee
$30,450
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.
Explore ECU courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 28
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 25
How to apply
Edith Cowan University manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Edith Cowan University who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
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.
Study method requirements
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.
Career opportunities
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 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 (CAANZ). Registration with the CAANZ is required to practice in the profession.
- Students completing this course can access Associate level membership of the Institute of Public Accountants.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
---|---|---|
Accountants | $75K to $93K | Up 8% |
Auditors, Company Secretaries and Corporate Treasurers | $93K to $120K | Up 37.6% |
Finance Managers | Over $120K | Up 24.7% |
Financial Investment Advisers and Managers | Over $120K | Up 25.4% |