Master of Professional Accounting
Domestic
International
The Master of Professional Accounting provides graduates with a foundation in business and accounting principles in less than two years.
Faculty
UNSW Business School
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Award
Master of Professional Accounting
Commencing Terms
Term 1, Term 2, Term 3
Duration (Full Time)
1.7 Year(s)
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & scholarships
Overview
The Master of Professional Accounting is suitable for graduates with little to no background studying accounting. You'll gain an excellent foundation in business with a strong accounting focus and learn accounting principles, their applications and other relevant knowledge in economics, finance, information systems and law.
The skills and knowledge you gain through this degree will provide you with the tools to pursue a successful career in accounting.
Who should choose this degree?
This degree suits graduates with minimal prior exposure to accounting who are seeking a career as an accountant, as well as those looking to acquire professional accreditation or build a career in financial management.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
UNSW Business School is ranked the #1 business school in Australia by AFR BOSS*. That means our business education leads the way in career impact, quality and reputation.
Our strong industry connections ensure the knowledge, skills, and experience you gain will be relevant and in-demand. Alongside a rigorous education, you'll grow professionally and socially through Career Accelerator networking, mentoring and internship opportunities and diverse student-led societies.
By choosing this degree you'll acquire professional accreditation and be able to build a career in accounting or financial management.
*AFR BOSS 2022 Best Business School Rankings
Program Code
8409
CRICOS Code
051221J
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
72
Indicative Enrolments
337
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Entry requirements
Recognised bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) with a credit average as determined by the UNSW Postgraduate Coursework Entry Score Calculator.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you are applying for a Masters’ degree, up to four courses, or 24 Units of Credit (UOC) may be awarded based on your previous business studies (bachelor or higher). You’ll be notified of the credits in your official letter of offer.
Recognised bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) with a credit average as determined by the UNSW Postgraduate Coursework Entry Score Calculator. Note: This degree is designed for graduates with no or limited accounting studies. If you have studied a Bachelor of Accounting or completed an Accounting major, you are not advised to apply and enrol into this degree.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you are applying for a Masters’ degree, up to four courses, or 24 Units of Credit (UOC) may be awarded based on your previous business studies (bachelor or higher). You’ll be notified of the credits in your official letter of offer.
Program structure
The courses in the Master of Professional Accounting span financial, strategic, and management fields. You’ll cover financial accounting, corporate accounting and regulation, accounting information systems, and more.
The degree offers a deep understanding of the structures that set rules and hold organisations responsible – study essential legal foundations, and laws related to corporations, business and taxation. See the degree structure for more detailed information.
For further specialisation, consider the Master of Professional Accounting (Extension), which offers more electives.
For current and detailed course information, visit the Professional Accounting Handbook.
Future careers
UNSW Business School's Career Accelerator portfolio offers students exclusive access to a suite of for-credit, co-curricular and business experience opportunities to kick start your career.
Potential careers
- Auditor
- Business Risk Manager
- Chief Financial Officer
- Financial Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Insolvency and Reconstruction Specialist
- Management Consultant
- Treasurer
Accreditation
Graduates may be eligible for the following memberships. CPA Australia Please refer to the CPA Australia website Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand Please refer to the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand website. For further information on professional recognition please contact UNSW Business School.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$35,760*
2023 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$53,955*
The indicative tuition fee for domestic postgraduate students shown is for fee paying students, not students in Commonwealth Supported Places. To find out more about the student contribution amounts for Commonwealth Supported Places visit Postgraduate Commonwealth Support.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year). Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website. Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed below.
Commonwealth Study Assistance such as Ausstudy, and Youth Allowance is available for some Masters degrees. For the most up-to-date information and list of degrees visit UNSW Current Student Financial Support.
2023 Indicative First Year Fee
$48,700*
2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$74,040*
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
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Top 20WorldwideQS World University Rankings, 2024.
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MostEmployable GraduatesAFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
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LeadingInnovation#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
The learning culture at UNSW, which challenges the status quo, helped set me apart from others.
