Program summary

Program title: Master of Professional Accounting
Award abbreviation: MPA
Degree type: coursework
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 2 years minimum full-time, 6 years maximum part-time
Commence: Semester 1
Fee type 2011: postgraduate coursework places, international fee-paying places 
Total courses: 12
USC program code: BU771
CRICOS code: 059557J

Highlights

• Build on your undergraduate study to pursue an accounting career
• Become an associate member of CPA Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, and the National Institute of Accountants
• Apply for scholarships to help meet your study expenses

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.

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

All applicants will need to meet one of the following English language requirements:

• IELTS - 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all subtests
• TOEFL - 575 with TWE of 5 (paper-based test) or 230 (computer-based test)
• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English - Level A Pass
• Previous degree completed in English

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.

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.

Program structure

Required courses: (12)

TOTAL UNITS 144

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 Business
Tel: +61 7 5430 1221
Fax: +61 7 5430 1231
Email: businessfaculty@usc.edu.au

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