Master of Professional Accounting

1.5 years full-time or 3 years part-time

International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Learning and teaching

RMIT's new Swanston Academic Building, offers interactive lecture and tutorial spaces, lectorial theatres, small-group rooms and other innovative spaces.

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work. These are primarily in English.

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.

Program structure

You must complete 144 credit points, which generally equals 12 courses (12 credit points each).

This includes the compulsory work-integrated learning course, Management and Cost Accounting, 5 additional core courses and 6 electives.

Currently no program handbook (program guide) is available online. Please contact the school listed under "Owning school" below.

This program has been developed in consultation with stakeholders including: employers, professional bodies, alumni and students, the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), CPA Australia and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia.

Guiding the development of the College of Business, both nationally and internationally, is an Industry Advisory Board of high-profile executives chaired by Gerhard Vorster, Chief Strategy Officer, Deloitte. The Board creates a strategic bridge between the latest in technology and design thinking and business.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

Graduates work in the following sectors:

• Public accounting practice - supporting staff teams in areas such as auditing, taxation, management consulting, business services and receivership.
• Commercial and government organisations - in roles such as treasury, internal audit, strategic business planning, financial reporting and management accounting.

Graduate roles may include:

• reporting to senior management on the resources of the organisation
• monitoring the cash flow and financial resources of the organisation
• advising business on strategies for increased profits - providing financial advice
• preparing financial reports, reconciling accounts and maintaining registers and records
• evaluating business plans
• refining financial systems
• providing taxation advice
• running a small business

Professional recognition and accreditation

The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) is specifically designed to comply with the accreditation requirements of the professional accounting bodies in Australia: CPA Australia and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia.

Successful completion of specific courses within the MPA entitles you to apply for associate membership of CPA Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and the Institute of Public Accountants.

You must then undertake the chosen professional body's qualification program and gain three years' relevant practical experience to gain full membership.

Each year, the School of Accounting conducts international study tours to Thailand and offers two multi-country international study programs to Europe and North America.

In addition to the global perspective provided by our international experienced lecturers, an overseas study experience gives you the chance to visit a foreign location and complete a 24-credit-point course in intensive mode

Program entry requirements

Prerequisites

Selection tasks

English language requirements:

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

• Academic IELTS (minimum scores) overall band of 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0
• TOEFL (Paper-based): minimum score of 580 (with a Test of Written English (TWE) score of 4.5)
• TOEFL (Internet-based): minimum score of 92 with a minimum of 20 in each section
• Cambridge English (Advanced CAE): CAE Grade B
• Pearson: Minimum score of 58 (no band less than 50).

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

1. Check program entry requirements and confirm you're eligible.

2. Ensure you have your supporting documents ready – this includes certified copies of all academic transcripts.

3. Complete and submit your application using one of the following options:

• Apply online. Please read these important notes before proceeding.
• Print and complete the Application form for international students (PDF 316 KB 4p) and submit following the instructions on the form.
• Use a registered RMIT representative in your country.

There are no application deadlines for international students; however, we encourage you to apply early as acceptance into programs is subject to the availability of places. An application fee may apply.

Learn more about the International application process.

Other fees

• In addition to tuition fees you are required to pay the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF).
• All international student visa holders are required to maintain valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the total duration of their visa.

Additional fees

• Some programs incur additional expenses.
• Here is an estimate cost of living you can expect to pay each year.

View the schedule of program fees for international students.

Advanced standing

Graduates of RMIT's Juris Doctor program may be eligible to receive up to 8 course exemptions from the MPA. This will depend on equivalent course content and are assessed on a case-by-case basis. In general, credit for prior undergraduate study is not granted in the MPA.

Learn more about pathways or if you are eligible for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.

Further study

Business research programs are offered at master and doctoral level.

Accounting

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