Master of Professional Accounting

What is a Master of Professional Accounting?

The Master of Professional Accounting is a high-level degree covering accounting, auditing, finance, economics, quantitative methods, information systems, and tax law. CPA Australia and CAANZ accredited, this course prepares you for a career in global accounting and financial organisations.

During this course, you will learn from our industry-experienced academics through practical and work-integrated learning. You will gain hands-on experience with industry-leading software used in the industry, including SAP and Xero.

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Learning outcomes

Apply ethical, legal, social and environmental responsibilities in both local and global contexts.
Interpret and apply rules, regulations and theories to an array of complex accounting-related situations.
Communicate accounting advice and knowledge to a range of stakeholders.
Stay at the forefront of accounting research, laws and software for best practice.

Industry software certified

This course is designed in collaboration with SAP, giving you the opportunity to become SAP-certified.

Industry software certified

This course is designed in collaboration with Xero, giving you the opportunity to become Xero-certified.

Download course guide Start online application

Study mode

Online, On campus, Blended

Campus locations*

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide

Student

Domestic

International

Course duration

1.5 years full time, part-time options available, 1 year accelerated

Start date

20 Feb 2023

05 Jun 2023

18 Sep 2023

View all key dates

Fees

View Fees

This is an AQF Level 9 course delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd.

*For more details on international student study options.

Tap into the best business minds

Their insights will help shape you into the next generation of business leaders.

Future-proof your career

Our diverse academics and industry partners will help you gain new perspectives and a wide-reaching business network.

Ultimate flexibility

With the option to study full or part time and all your course materials online, you can tailor your study to suit your lifestyle.

Move past number crunching with an Accounting degree

Career opportunities

The Master of Professional Accounting will prepare you for an array of high-level careers across organisations that require more than baseline accounting skills. You will bring a mastery of your profession to any role where attention to detail and broad-ranging knowledge is required.

Potential career paths

Business Consultant
Average salary: $75,000 - $122,000
Financial Analyst
Average salary: $90,000 - $135,000
Finance Manager
Average salary: $110,000 - $150,000
Accountant
Average salary: $78,731 - $116,452

Learn more about careers in Business

Subjects and units

This course comprises of 12 subjects. Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 hours of facilitated study and 7 hours self-directed study.

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Year 1
Year 2

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Requirements

These eight core subjects must be completed.

Core subjects

Introduction to Financial Accounting | ACC601

This subject will introduce you to the role and purpose of accounting processes, systems and the regulatory and ethical frameworks. You will gain an understanding about processes for identifying, measuring, recording and communicating financial information thorough the financial reports of different business types, such as sole traders and companies. The double-entry accounting knowledge will be developed using both manual and computerised accounting systems. This subject will introduce the conceptual framework of accounting and the code of ethics for professional accountants which will set you up for success in later accounting subjects. You will study the full accounting cycle and apply it to key areas such as cash management, non-current assets, accounts receivables and payables.
Economic Principles | ECO601

Management makes rational decisions that take cognisance of the complex competitive and often volatile economic environment in which a business operates. In this subject, you will critically assess the micro and macroeconomic context needed for making these decisions. You will evaluate how institutions, particularly the government and the Central Bank, shape and constrain the environment. You will critically assess the potential impact of regulatory and economy-wide changes to business environments, and will apply economic models to make decisions about the optimal allocation of business resources. In your evaluation of the macroeconomic environment, you will consider key variables such as GDP, inflation, unemployment, trade balance and exchange rate and will acknowledge how the authorities apply fiscal and monetary policies in an attempt to achieve sound macroeconomic management.
Business Communications | MGT502

This subject introduces students to the concepts of business communications and transferrable academic skills. This subject presents an analysis of the types of communication processes, which occur in the internal and external business environment, including an examination of the theoretical underpinnings of communication in business. Emphasis is placed on writing skills, reports and presentations and on using technology to communicate. The subject introduces students to research skills, information literacy, critical analysis, writing and language techniques. The aims of this subject are to provide knowledge and skills needed for success in Higher Education, to help students manage their own success and to assist them in reaching their academic potential.
Financial Accounting and Reporting | ACC602

This subject expands on foundational financial accounting concepts and practices, advancing your understanding of key competencies and contemporary trends in financial accounting. Enhance your understanding of the Australian regulatory and ethical environment for financial reporting, along with the purpose and interpretation of accounting standards (AASB) and its equivalent international Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). You will critique selected accounting standards in areas such as revenue, assets, and liabilities, and evaluate how these standards influence the preparation of General-Purpose Financial Statements (GPFS) of reporting entities. These learnings will be demonstrated in your ability to critically reflect on the importance of regulations to accounting practice through written and practical software-based assessments.
Business and Corporate Law | LAW600

You will explore and analyse the areas of law related to business and corporations and learn how to apply that law in the creation and operation of businesses in the Australian regulatory environment. You will gain an understanding and reflect on the role of agency in facilitating business operations and the law of negligence. You will also learn how to identify and manage risk and to understand and apply consumer law in the business and corporate context. You will gain an understanding of the classification of property and the factors that determine the types and use of appropriate business structures.
You will further learn how valid contracts are formed, discharged and understand the implications of breach of contract. There will, further, be focus on the nature, formation, operation and winding up of the company structure, including key duties and responsibilities of directors and the corporate governance and capital management strategies to equip you to apply corporate law in the business environment. You will also apply laws and regulations to data protection and privacy.
Statistics and Applied Analytics STA601

You will be introduced to the role of statistical analysis in business decision making. You will learn quantitative techniques to evaluate financial and non-financial data. You will develop analytical and statistical skills through Excel data analysis. You will acquire technical and communication skills through interpreting statistical results, conducting hypothesis testing, and communicating statistical analysis through business reports.
Advanced Financial Reporting | ACC603

This subject expands on foundational financial accounting concepts and practices, advancing your understanding of key competencies and contemporary trends in financial accounting. Enhance your understanding of the Australian regulatory and ethical environment for financial reporting, along with the purpose and interpretation of accounting standards (AASB) and its equivalent international Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). You will critique selected accounting standards in areas such as revenue, assets, and liabilities, and evaluate how these standards influence the preparation of General-Purpose Financial Statements (GPFS) of reporting entities. These learnings will be demonstrated in your ability to critically reflect on the importance of regulations to accounting practice through written and practical software-based assessments.
Accounting for Management Decision Making | ACC604

This subject aims to develop your understanding of management accounting concepts related to communicating financial and non-financial information to support internal business decisions. You will learn to apply various analytical techniques to accurately deliver reporting information and interpretations to guide organisational decision making. You will be introduced to modern enterprise resource planning systems related to product and service costing, budgeting, and managing cash flows, working capital, and business performance. This subject will develop your ability to evaluate management accounting problems in conjunction with business and ethical requirements.

Requirements

These four core subjects must be completed.

Core subjects

Auditing and Assurance | ACC605

This subject aims to develop your understanding of management accounting concepts related to communicating financial and non-financial information to support internal business decisions. You will learn to apply various analytical techniques to accurately deliver reporting information and interpretations to guide organisational decision making. You will be introduced to modern enterprise resource planning systems related to product and service costing, budgeting, and managing cash flows, working capital, and business performance. This subject will develop your ability to evaluate management accounting problems in conjunction with business and ethical requirements.
Taxation Law | LAW6001

You will be equipped with advanced knowledge of the operation of the Australian taxation system and its application to individuals and businesses via collaboration with their peers on researching and interpreting more complex taxation topics, tax planning and developing comprehensive client solutions. The principals underlying taxation include assessable income, deductions and tax offsets. This will introduce you to various types of taxation such as income tax, capital gains tax, fringe benefit tax and goods and services tax for different types of taxpayers such as individuals, sole trader, partnership, trust, company and superannuation funds. You will acquire integrated understanding of the key taxation rules and principles identifying different sources of income including analysis of basic international transactions. You are expected to learn professional responsibilities placed on tax agents in compliance with tax administration including tax planning, tax evasion and tax avoidance.
Managing Finance | FIN601

This subject will expose you to a range of financial decisions made by the financial manager of a corporation, diverse types of information, and how to evaluate the outcomes of those decisions. You will apply finance theory, financial mathematics and techniques to solve major financial problems. Other topics covered in the subject include business goals and governance, risk and return, capital budgeting, capital structure and cost of capital, working capital management and distribution policy. The subject also exposes you to practical applications using cutting-edge financial tools.
Engaging with Industry Capstone EMP600

Transition to a successful professional business career by applying your skills and disciplinary knowledge in real-world scenarios. Evaluate technical knowledge and soft skills obtained from the Master’s program in a simulated real-world context. Learn about cutting-edge software, techniques and communication tools as you research, resolve and communicate solutions to complex business problems.

International students must not enrol in more than one-third (33%) of online subjects over their course, and must study at least one face-to-face subject each study period. Please note that due to COVID-19, authorities have provided exceptions to the usual face-to-face learning requirements. For more information, visit Study in Australia.

International students on a student visa are required to study full time (i.e. must complete a minimum of 1.0 EFTSL of study per year). For the latest information on study locations, please check the entry requirements flyer.

Entry details

Domestic
International

Fees

Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.

FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.

Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP

Scholarships

If you are truly passionate about business, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of business scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the business industry:

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Successful completion of a Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) in any discipline.

OR

Applicants without formal qualifications are eligible to apply if they have five (5) years of professional accounting experience or equivalent professional business experience. Applications will be assessed on a case by case basis

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Fees

Check the international course fee schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.

Fee payment

Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.

Scholarships

We want you to have the best possible chance to succeed, which is why we offer a range of financial scholarships to support our international students during their study journey.

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as an international student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Australian bachelor's degree or equivalent.

Academic IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) or equivalent.

OR alternative entry requirement may be available. Contact the International Admissions team for more information.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification you may be able to credit this against your degree with us, even if it’s from another institution. This is called Recognition of Prior Learning. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply for a course?

Domestic students:
Check the entry requirements for the course you’re interested in and submit your initial application form online to begin your journey at Torrens University Australia.

If you have any difficulty, please contact our Future Student Advisors, who can talk you through the process.

ALL SA/SACE and Victorian high school students must apply through SATAC and/or VTAC. Search for Torrens University Australia, Billy Blue College of Design or Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School.

International students:
If you are an international student hoping to begin your studies in Australia, study online, or transfer from another university, you may choose to do so through our Education Agents. Our agents are located throughout the world and will make sure the enrolment process runs smoothly. View the full list of International Education Agents. You can also apply online. For anything else, please contact our International team.
Can I get course credit for previous experience?

Yes, course credit is available for most courses upon application and academic approval (excluding Higher Degree by Research programs). 

If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Review our Course Credits page or chat to our Future Student Advisors.
What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?

Recognition of Prior Learning is an assessment process that recognises experience, previous study and qualifications, and other forms of informal and non-formal learning, to determine if you meet course requirements.

If you have relevant qualifications or experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course and a reduction in tuition costs.

Please speak to our Future Student Advisors to discuss your prior learning experiences.

For more information, please visit Course credits.
How do I apply for a scholarship?

Torrens University has a wide range of scholarship options to support new, returning, international and Australian students. They all include a reduction in tuition fees, and some scholarships include a mentoring component with our industry partners.

Domestic students

When you speak to our Future Student Advisors, let them know you wish to be considered for a scholarship in your application form. They will show you how to apply for a scholarship.

International students

Please contact your Education Agent for further information. Alternatively, you can call us on 1300 575 803 or by email.

For more details, explore our range of scholarships.

What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?

Torrens University Australia no longer considers ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) as our primary entry requirement. We have removed ATAR as the key admissions criteria for applicants aiming to study at Torrens University Australia. We strongly believed an alternative to the ATAR system should be found, which more broadly assesses students, especially when soft skills are emerging as important employability attributes. So, students with a recent secondary school education are now considered for admission if they have a Year 12 (Australian secondary school) certificate. Exceptions may apply to some courses.
What if  I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?

Torrens University Australia has a range of application pathways to help you gain entry into our degrees based on different criteria.

To find out more, visit Study Pathways or contact our Future Student Advisors.
Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
If you are a domestic student attending university or an approved higher education provider, you can get a FEE-HELP loan to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

You are eligible for FEE-HELP assistance for a unit of study (i.e. subject) if you:

Undertake study with an approved provider.

Meet the citizenship and residency requirements:

An Australian citizen or a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets the long-term residency criteria and who will undertake, in Australia, at least one unit of study contributing to your course; OR

A permanent humanitarian visa holder who will be a resident in Australia for the duration of your unit; OR

Are a permanent visa holder who is undertaking bridging study for overseas-trained professionals, and will be a resident in Australia for the duration of the study.

Enrolled in an eligible unit of study by the census date for the unit.

Have not exceeded the FEE-HELP limit.

For full details, visit the Australian Government website Study Assist.

If you are still unsure, please contact our Future Student Advisors who can talk you through the information.

View all FAQs

Master of Professional Accounting