Master of Professional Accounting

Year

View in 2021+ Handbook

Course Overview
Further Information
Course Rules & Plans
Course Outcomes

Why study the Master of Professional Accounting at UNE?

If you already have an undergraduate degree in another discipline, the Master of Professional Accounting is the best way to gain entry to the professional accounting bodies. The course is open to graduates but non graduates may enter following successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Accounting. The course covers introductory as well as advanced units in financial and management accounting, finance, tax and company law and auditing. On successful completion, graduates can apply for Associate Membership of the Professional Accounting Bodies. The course is accredited by the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, CPA Australia and the Institute of Public Accountants.

This is an approved Student Income Support course. Eligible students may apply for Youth Allowance or Austudy.

Career Opportunities

Students who complete this award will be eligible for Associate membership of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, CPA Australia and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). They can then pursue full professional status with the organisation of their choice.

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

1.5 or 2 Years Full-time
Up to 6 years Part-time

FEES

CSP (quotas apply)
Full Fee
International

2017 STUDY OPTIONS

Armidale

Trimester 1, Off Campus
Trimester 1, On Campus
Trimester 2, Off Campus
Trimester 2, On Campus
Trimester 3, Off Campus

Official Abbreviation

MPA

Course Type

Postgraduate

CRICOS Code

084073K

Commencing

Location	Admission Period	Mode of Study
Armidale	Trimester 1	Off Campus
Armidale	Trimester 1	On Campus
Armidale	Trimester 2	Off Campus
Armidale	Trimester 2	On Campus
Armidale	Trimester 3	Off Campus

Course Duration

1.5 or 2 Years Full-time
Up to 6 years Part-time

Fees

CSP (quotas apply) / Full Fee / International

Total Credit Points

Intensive Schools

Optional weekend schools are available for some units.

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall:

(a) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification; or

(b) hold the UNE AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate in Accounting or equivalent; or

Advanced Standing

Candidates admitted under Rule (b) shall be granted a maximum of 48 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature. Up to a further 24 credit points may be granted based on units that were not part of the degree on which admission was based.

Candidates admitted under Rule (c) are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing . The maximum advanced standing shall be for units counting 48 credit points which are deemed to be equivalent to units offered by UNE and approved for the course.

Academic Colours

Spectrum Orange (BCC 57)

Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE

These course rules & plans are ONLY to be used if you commenced, transferred or changed versions in the Master of Professional Accounting in 2017.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall:
(a) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification; or
(b) hold the UNE AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate in Accounting or equivalent; or
(c) for international students, hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification in a non-relevant discipline.

Advanced Standing

Candidates admitted under Rule (a) shall be granted a maximum of 24 credit points of block advanced standing based on their admission to candidature. Up to a further 36 credit points may be granted based on units that were not part of the degree on which admission was based. Candidates admitted under Rule (b) shall be granted a maximum of 48 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature. Up to a further 24 credit points may be granted on units that were not part of the degree on which admission was based.

Candidates admitted under Rule (c) are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing. The maximum advanced standing shall be for units counting 48 credit points which are deemed to be equivalent to units offered by UNE and approved for the course.

Period of Candidature

For candidates admitted under Rule (a), the period of candidature shall be:
(a) one and a half years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to six years as a part-time candidate.

For candidates admitted under Rules (b) the period of candidature shall be:
(a) one year as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to four years as a part-time candidate.

For candidates admitted under Rules (c) the period of candidature shall be:
(a) two years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to six years as a part-time candidate.

Course Requirements

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 96 credit points including at least 36 credit points at 500-level.

Program of Study

Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:

For candidates admitted under Rule (a)

Course Structure	Credit Points
Block Advanced Standing	24 cps
Core Units	72 cps
Total	96 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

For candidates admitted under Rule (b)

Course Structure	Credit Points
Block Advanced Standing	24 cps
Specified Advanced Standing	24 cps
Core Units	48 cps
Total	96 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

For candidates admitted under Rule (c)

Course Structure	Credit Points
Core Units	72 cps
Listed Units	24 cps
Total	96 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Master of Professional Accounting.

Exit Pathways

Subject to Advanced Standing rules, candidates admitted under Rules (a) or (c) may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Accounting on completion of AFM403, AFM406 and 12 credit points from AFM410, AFM505, AFM519, AFM531, AFM575, LSSU592, LSSU594 or QM461. Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies must apply for readmission and will be subject to the current course requirements of the Master of Professional Accounting. This may mean that they will not receive full recognition for their previous studies should the course structure have changed in response to University requirements.

Subject to Advanced Standing rules, candidates admitted under Rules (a), (b) or (c) may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Diploma in Accounting on completion of AFM403, AFM406, ECON406, LSSU594 and 24 credit points from: AFM410, AFM501, AFM505, AFM519, AFM531, AFM575, LSSU592 or QM461. Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies must apply for readmission and will be subject to the current course requirements of the Master of Professional Accounting. This may mean that they will not receive full recognition for their previous studies should the course structure have changed in response to University requirements.

Course Aims	The Master of Professional Accounting aims to prepare students from non-accounting backgrounds to gain professional qualifications in accounting and to apply for Associate Membership with the Professional Accounting Organisations.
Learning Outcomes	Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate mastery of knowledge within the accounting discipline, that includes understanding of recent developments and ability to reflect critically on theory and to undertake professional work in accounting; identify complex problems in accounting and finance, collect relevant data, evaluate and synthesise a range of solutions and recommend the best course of action; demonstrate a current knowledge and understanding of research principles and methods as they apply to accounting; communicate effectively with both accounting and non-accounting professionals on accounting and finance issues in a coherent and sustained manner; demonstrate a proficiency with the researching, presentation and dissemination of information within and outside accounting; demonstrate application of knowledge and skills acquired within the accounting discipline with high level of creativity, initiative and personal autonomy; and plan and execute a substantial research-based project or capstone experience and/or piece of research.
Graduate Attributes	Knowledge of a Discipline Demonstrate advanced knowledge within the accounting discipline suitable for professional practice and for progression to further study in the accounting discipline. Demonstrate an awareness of the global and international developments within the accounting discipline, including international regulatory frameworks. Communication Skills Communicate to a range of stakeholders using appropriate methods to present technical information and build rapport; justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions whilst recognising the particular importance of adequate disclosure of information and transparency in the accounting profession. Problem Solving Apply logical, critical and creative thinking to a range of problems; identify critical issues in the discipline or professional area; conceptualise problems and formulate a range of solutions that are appropriate to the national or cultural context of the problem; collect, collate and analyse relevant information to assist problem solving. Information Literacy Recognise the need for information and the nature and extent of information required; collect information effectively and efficiently; critically evaluate information; use appropriate technology, methods and techniques to collect and evaluate information; and present information in formats relevant to professional practice and scholarship in the accounting discipline. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility Demonstrate an understanding of the nature and importance of the integrity and professional ethics in the accounting discipline, including an awareness of relevant professional codes of conduct, strategies to identify and deal with unethical behaviour and of their professional responsibility towards clients and the community as a whole. Lifelong Learning Reflect on limitations of, and have the capacity to evaluate their current knowledge; identify, evaluate and implement personal learning strategies for lifelong personal and professional development; practise critical thinking; learn both independently and cooperatively; learn new skills and apply learning to new and unexpected situations; recognise opportunities for further learning in both familiar and unfamiliar national or cultural settings. Independence and Collaboration Work independently, in a team or collaboratively within a multidisciplinary group to achieve common goals and to solve problems; contribute specialist knowledge as required; take responsibility and carry out agreed tasks; take initiative and lead others; operate in a range of supportive roles within teams; negotiate, assert their own values and respect the values and contributions of others; and evaluate team performance. Graduates also become aware of the multicultural environment, acting with dignity and showing respect to the fellow members of the group.