What is a Master of Professional Accounting?

A Master of Professional Accounting covers accounting, auditing, finance, economics, information systems and tax law. Study with us and know that your course is CPA Australia and CAANZ accredited. Graduate prepared 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.

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

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.

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, which includes 11 core subjects and 1 elective subject.. Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising 3 hours of facilitated study and 7 hours self-directed study.

Year 1
Year 2
Electives

Requirements

These seven core subjects must be completed. Additionally, you’re required to select one elective from the electives tab.

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.
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

This subject introduces you to the role of statistical analysis in business decision making. Quantitative techniques will be utilised to evaluate financial and non-financial data. Produce, critically analyse, discuss and present descriptive data including frequency and probability distributions using statistical calculations, Excel tools and R language. Evaluate inferential statistics by estimating parameters and testing of hypotheses using a variety of parametric tests. Determine causes of variation and make forecasts through simple and multiple linear regression data analysis and time series forecasting. Develop your statistical skills by analysing machine learning and big data analysis techniques. Communicate statistical analysis to support business decision making.
Advanced Financial Reporting | ACC603

This subject will continue to apply Australian and International Financial Reporting Standards, as you critically analyse and evaluate financial reporting issues for public listed companies such as foreign currency and investment in associates. You will learn to prepare consolidated general-purpose financial statements, and evaluate accounting policies and their limitations, using professional judgement. You will utilise your communication skills as you explain the concepts and theory within practical case studies.
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

You will be introduced to auditing and assurance concepts and practices, legal and regulatory requirements, and professional ethics for auditors. This enables you to apply International Auditing Standards to authentic scenarios, and to conduct the entire audit process from gathering an understanding of the client's operations and risks, planning and executing an audit, reporting on the findings. The theoretical and practical perspectives underlying audit practices will be covered.
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.

Choose one elective subject in year one.

Elective subjects

Business Communications | MGT502

This subject introduces you to the concepts of business communications and transferrable academic skills. This subject presents an analysis of the types of communication processes expected in industry, 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 you to research skills, information literacy, critical analysis, writing and language techniques.
Business Environment | MGT501

This subject introduces the student to the foundations of business. The focus of this subject is on providing fundamental concepts and context for students to enrich their mastery in subsequent studies while developing as a reflective practitioner. Students will examine the functional operations of business and the environments in which it operates. This may include analysing the economic, social, political, legal, technological and ethical influences on contemporary businesses. Students will also examine the viewpoints of internal and external stakeholders.
Management, People and Teams | MGT600

This subject introduces you to how organisational behaviour, politics, dynamics and environments impact on the role and legitimacy of management. Constraints that managers and emerging leaders face in developing strategies to leverage advantages and overcome barriers in organisations and projects will be explored. You will identify, analyse and make effective decisions to resolve people-related issues, lead and manage change, facilitate employee development, performance and sustain effective teams in complex and diverse global operating environments.
Dynamic Leadership | MGT601

In this subject you will build upon your current self-understanding to develop your strategic and ethical leadership capability. You will explore your key formative experiences and self-image using the techniques of reflective research, psychometric assessment and support from a mentoring partner. Develop your emotional competency to be authentic, confident and resilient in your leadership practices. Built on a foundation of self-reflection, topics covered include scenario thinking, influencing and motivating others, developing cultural sensitivity, and becoming resilient and tolerant of ambiguity. At the conclusion of the subject you will bring together the knowledge and skills you have acquired through the preparation of a personal leadership development plan.
Principles of Project Management | PROJ6000

This subject introduces you to the practice of contemporary project management and its relevance in industry. You will be introduced to fundamental concepts of project management, project definition and project delivery methods. Contemporary project management methodologies will be examined in the context of industry best practice. An overview of industry standard tools and techniques required to manage projects successfully throughout a project life cycle will be provided. This includes industry terminology and the rationale behind the commencement of a project.
Project Planning and Budgeting | PROJ6002

Understanding the relationships between operational factors and projects is a core skill to be effective in the project management landscape. This subject focuses on an in-depth understanding in project planning and budgeting. The project planning emphasises developing effective management plans for scope, time, cost, resources and quality to deliver successful projects. You will critically analyse and apply appropriate tools, techniques, processes and methods to create different plans and effectively communicate them to diverse groups of stakeholders.
Project Execution and Control | PROJ6003

This subject will equip you with the knowledge and skills to manage projects and communicate objectives to diverse stakeholders. You will evaluate and apply a range of different tools, techniques and methods to monitor and control local and global projects. This includes managing changes, risks and quality, measuring project progress, and developing communication strategies to ensure that tasks are executed as planned for successful project completion.
Contracts and Procurement | PROJ6004

Procurement and contracts are integral to successful project management. In this course, students learn about planning for purchases and acquisitions, requests for proposal, vendor selection, contract administration, and contract closure. Students learn how to approach key issues with regard to short and long‐term contracts, and small and large contracts. Topics covered include the examination of procurement strategies, responsiveness, and supplier‐client relationships. Students will also examine tendering, bidding and order management processes, relevant legal and commercial implications, as well as managing the relationship between buyer and seller, assessing vendor performance, contract change control, and conflict resolution.
Business Decision Analytics | MGT602

Today's decisions have to be made quickly, individually and in groups, with what often appears to be ambiguous or too much data. How does one select, observe and distil the most pertinent data sets to make decisions that will positively impact tomorrow's firms and communities? This subject engages students in the nuances of data collection, how to filter data and how to use it most effectively in decision-making. The subject develops the student's qualitative and quantitative research skills, and digital literacy.
Systems Thinking | MGT603

This subject builds on systems theory and introduces you to a holistic view of the organisation, and the broader ecosystem it operates in. Apply Systems Thinking to optimise operations, improve competitive advantage, and address change. You will use several Systems Thinking tools to diagnose and propose innovative solutions to contemporary business issues.
Strategic Management | MGT604

This subject explores sustainable approaches to managing the symbiotic relationship between organisations and their environments. Organisations are increasingly facing disruption and the basis for delivering products and services is rapidly changing. Sustaining performance requires careful management of business processes, fostering corporate competencies, and aligning the firm to its internal and external environment. The student will learn and then practice strategising through a number of theories and practical settings.
Managing Information Systems | MGT609

Managing information systems is critical in business decision-making. Using a systems perspective, in this subject you will explore the role of information systems in the business administration context, the impact of technological innovation on the management of information, and the risks associated with poor information management.
Marketing | MKT600

21st Century professionals who aspire to hold a leadership position must have a clear understanding and appreciation of the importance of marketing. This subject is designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of marketing theories and the strategic application of marketing concepts in various contexts, including profit and not-for- profit organisations, and government. You will be equipped with the ability to formulate marketing strategy and the use of strategic marketing mix elements in developing and maintaining a market orientation. Assess organisational performance in relation to ethical and socially acceptable business practices and use strategic marketing to gain a competitive advantage.
Foundations of Information Systems | MIS500

This subject introduces students to the key concepts and technologies of information systems that drive change and support organisations to achieve strategic goals. This includes data and information management, application of business information systems, disruptive technologies and issues such as ethics, privacy and cyber security. This subject will prepare students to better understand the technologies that are disrupting and transforming society both now and into the future.
Principles of Programming | MIS501

This subject introduces you to coding for business as a tool for developing systems and addressing business needs. You will learn Unified Modelling Language (UML) and Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to design, create, compile, test and run programs, applying object-oriented concepts to solve organisational problems. This subject will introduce you to an object-oriented paradigm and will equip you with the skills to assess and apply requirements in business environments.
Data Modelling and Database Design | MIS602

This subject will introduce you to database fundamentals. You will learn about creating, storing, and managing data in an organisational context. You will explore relational database design and modelling techniques. Including how to resolve data anomalies and the process of data management. Key topic areas covered in this subject are normalisation, SQL and emerging trends in database technology.
Requirements Engineering | MIS604

This subject introduces you to activities, techniques, and methodologies a business analyst uses to elicit, analyse, model, document and maintain requirements throughout a project. You will learn how to develop techniques and use tools for different methods to identify and model good requirements. This will support the management of change and communication to relevant stakeholders. This subject will contribute to your understanding and capability in developing, documenting and managing requirements for software development in projects.
Systems Analysis and Design | MIS605

This subject introduces students to activities, techniques, and methodologies a systems analyst uses to design information systems that, when built, enhance the organisation’s ability to meet its business goals via available technology. These include define requirements for system, model high-level behaviours of system, and design blueprint, that is, planning and implementation and will move through object-oriented approaches to analysis and design, the transformation of user requirements to system design. User empathy is promoted in this subject, using the unified modelling language (UML).
Cybersecurity | MIS607

Information is a vital organisational asset. Information systems store, process and exchange information, and most economic sectors are dependent on electronic and automated systems. Interconnectivity is important for many organisations, but this also increases the exposure to adverse events, necessitating the need for thorough information security management. This subject builds upon fundamental information security concepts, including the management of information systems that affect organisational information security: identity management, authentication, access control, monitoring, risk management, incident response and disaster recovery. Since cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, having the basic knowledge to prevent attacks, mitigate risk, and get up to speed with best practice cyber governance is an essential ingredient to succeed in today’s digital world.

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 until 30 June 2023 only. 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.

Industry partners and work placements

When you study with Torrens University Australia, you will benefit from our extensive network of industry partners. You’ll learn from industry professionals, gain invaluable insights and build key industry relationships.

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.

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

Learn more about study pathways

Frequently asked questions

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.

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 (RPL) 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.

View all FAQs

Master of Professional Accounting

What is a Master of Professional Accounting?

Learning outcomes

Industry software certified

Industry software certified

Career opportunities

Potential career paths

Subjects and units

Requirements

Core subjects

Requirements

Core subjects

Elective subjects

Industry partners and work placements

Entry details

Fees

FEE-HELP

Scholarships

Admission criteria

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Fees

Fee payment

Scholarships

Admission criteria

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Frequently asked questions

Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)

Master of Business Administration

Master of Professional Accounting (Advanced)

Want to find out more?

Study

Students

International students

Torrens University Australia

Study

Students

International students

Torrens University Australia

Master of Professional Accounting

What is a Master of Professional Accounting?

Learning outcomes

Industry software certified

Industry software certified

Career opportunities

Potential career paths

Subjects and units

Requirements

Core subjects

Requirements

Core subjects

Elective subjects

Industry partners and work placements

Entry details

Fees

FEE-HELP

Scholarships

Admission criteria

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Fees

Fee payment

Scholarships

Admission criteria

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

How to apply

Get started

Apply

Offer

Frequently asked questions

Similar courses

Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)

Master of Business Administration

Master of Professional Accounting (Advanced)

Want to find out more?

Study

Students

International students

Torrens University Australia