Master of Professional Accounting DMPC University of South Australia

Degree overview

• Designed to develop advanced knowledge and skills for accounting practice.
• One of only five Australian universities to offer professional CPA elective courses within an accounting degree.
• Develop crucial analytical, business management, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Complete 150 hours of an industry placement as an elective course.
• Focus on key areas such as commerce, tax, law, auditing, financial management and public practice.
• Provide advice under the supervision of qualified tax professionals to members of the community and small businesses in our student-run Tax Clinic.
• Be mentored by a senior business leader through the Executive Partners Programme.
• Qualify for Advanced Standing for previous qualifications and complete your degree in just 1.5 years.
• Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Accounting1.

12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Why Master of Professional Accounting

The University of South Australia Business School is one of the largest leading providers of accounting and finance education in Australia and Asia and is ranked in the top one per cent worldwide1.

UniSA Business is the only business school in South Australia accredited by both AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies recognising excellence in business education and research at a global level. These dual accreditations demonstrate the high standards we hold across all areas such as teaching, student learning and research, as well as our commitment to continually improving the quality of our programmes.

An enriching student experience

The University's flexible delivery and extra-curricular opportunities are designed to suit your lifestyle, preferred way of learning and career interests. You can benefit from Summer and Winter School intensive courses, mentoring and networking opportunities with industry, and leadership skill development. You can also explore accelerated learning pathways and seek programme support from our Business Student Hub.

1UniSA Business is one of just 11 institutions in Australia and 191 globally to be accredited by EQUIS (from over 16,500 worldwide). EFMD, February 2021.

Real-world connections

Teaching staff are industry experienced and maintain close working links with leading professional bodies such as CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. This collaboration ensures the knowledge you take into your career will meet the dynamic needs of industry, and your qualification remains relevant and applicable.

While you study you can get valuable industry experience through industry placements in Australia, or an international study experience through more than 60 exchange partners across Asia, Europe, North America and South America. Links to the University's research facilities ensure your learning is connected to the latest technologies, theories and applications of knowledge.

Placements and internships bridge the gap between study and work. The University's connections to industry create opportunities for you to grow. These experiences build confidence in the business world and give you a competitive edge.

Professional accreditation and recognition

The programme is accredited by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and satisfies the educational requirements for entry into the Chartered Accountants Programme.

The programme is accredited by CPA Australia and satisfies the educational requirements for entry into the CPA Programme.

This programme is recognised for maximum exemptions toward the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants' (ACCA) professional programmes of study.

Duration: 2 years (full-time)
Format: Full-time

The Master of Professional Accounting will prepare you for practice as a professional accountant. You will develop analytical, general business management and problem-solving skills, and gain a comprehensive understanding of accounting practice.

In the Master of Professional Accounting, you will study five core courses and nine accounting specialisation courses. You will gain a solid grounding in the latest accounting methods by studying areas in auditing, taxation, financial and management accounting, and corporate finance. You will also study two electives as part of your studies. One of your elective options is a 150-hour industry placement either in Australia or overseas.

The University's summer and winter schools offer exciting study and learning opportunities. With options such as intensives and internships, you can spread your study load across the year and increase your exchange opportunities.

If you already have a business degree or another related qualification, you could be eligible for Advanced Standing and complete this degree in just 1.5 years.

Your studies will focus on financial and management accounting, finance, commercial law, taxation law, and auditing. You’ll study contemporary research and real-life case studies with the opportunity to complete an industry placement in Australia or overseas. You will graduate well-equipped for a global career, knowledgeable in areas such as accounting, tax, financial management, and public practice.

You will gain an advanced understanding of accounting practice and develop analytical, business management, problem-solving, and communication skills. The University's industry-experienced teaching staff work closely with leading professional bodies, ensuring the knowledge you take into your career will meet the dynamic needs of the accounting profession.

You will also have the opportunity to participate in the professional level of the CPA Program with CPA Australia as part of your master studies. You will graduate with a master's degree fully accredited by CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and recognized for maximum exemptions toward the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants' (ACCA) professional programs of study.

Graduates of this degree use their broad range of skills and specialist knowledge to pursue management roles, both locally and abroad.

You could consider roles such as senior accountant, corporate tax consultant, business adviser, insolvency and reconstruction adviser, and management accountant in areas such as:

• auditing
• business advisory
• financial reporting
• management accounting
• tax
• forensic accounting

UniSA Business is ranked in the top one per cent worldwide1 and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence in the QS Stars Ratings (UniSA Business is one of just 11 institutions in Australia and 191 globally to be accredited by EQUIS (from over 16,500 worldwide). EFMD, February 2021. QS Stars Ratings 2020)