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, 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 collaboration, 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 can take you far beyond the office desk and computer screen, both during your studies and after graduation. With our practical internships and work experience opportunities, you'll engage with our Australian industry partners, such as KPMG, CPA, Blundstone, and Hazell Bros, and investigate real-world case studies on businesses from all around the globe. Our supportive and interactive learning environment provides real-world experience, helps you build connections to forge your future career. 

Accounting is all about providing expert consultation and helping businesses make sound financial decisions. As a graduate, you could find yourself providing financial advice for an exciting new start up business, or advising innovative solutions for organisations to be more sustainable in their operations as a climate change accounting specialist 

There are three specialisations available online including Financial Planning, Accounting for Sustainable Business, and Healthcare Accounting and Administration. 

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 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 four subjects’ 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.

The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) includes the following options:

• 2-year MPA - this is the default course option for students who have not completed prior study in a related (cognate) area.
• 1.5-year MPA - this is the default course option for students who have completed prior study in a related (cognate) area.
• 2-year MPA with specialisation - this option is available to students who have completed prior study in a related (cognate) area but who wish to complete further study in an area of specialisation.

Transition Subjects:

• TAS-BEA603 Statistical and Economic Analysis for Decision Making
• 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 Corporate Internship
  • TAS-BFA508 Introduction to Financial Planning
  • TAS-BFA739 Professional Clinic Placement

Choice of Specialisation

• 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
• Financial Planning: Complete 4 subjects (50 credit points) from the following list:
• The Financial Planning specialisation equips students with an in-depth understanding of financial planning arrangements in relation to investment planning, retirement planning and socially responsible investing, and their applications for use in real life business situations. Successful completion of this specialisation along with completion of BFA508 Introduction to Financial Planning in the core MPA subjects, will provide prerequisite for admission into the professional year as a new financial adviser.
  • TAS-BFA508 Introduction to Financial Planning
  • TAS-BFA515 Ethics and Professionalism
  • TAS-BFA607 Investment Planning
  • TAS-BFA608 Retirement Planning
• Healthcare Accounting and Administration: Complete 4 subjects (50 credit points) from the following list:
• The Healthcare Accounting and Administration specialisation equips students with an in-depth understanding of the structural arrangements of healthcare in Australia including exploring leadership and organisational behaviour.
  • TAS-BAA753 Health Ethics, Law and Governance
  • TAS-BAA754 Health Finance, Economics and Accounting
  • Choose 2 subjects from the following
    • TAS-BAA755 Healthcare Organisational Behaviour
    • TAS-BAA756 Healthcare Systems, Safety and Quality
    • TAS-BFA739 Professional Clinic Placement
    • TAS-BMA701 Leadership and Change Management
    • TAS-BMA799 Strategic Management

Award requirements

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

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

• Financial Planning

• Healthcare Accounting and Administration

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

Indicative total fee $48,600

The amount shown here is 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 who have completed a cognate Bachelor award at AQF7 can be given recognition for prior learning of the entire transition study block and complete the remaining 150 credit points to be awarded the Masters.

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 subjects you wish to seek credit for, as it may affect your membership eligibility if not approved.