Master of Professional Accounting

Master of Professional Accounting

POSTGRADUATE

Invest in your future and study accounting.

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Reduced duration available
Fees:

AU$33,600 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years or 1.5 years accelerated
Fees:

AU$45,120 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) is designed primarily for students from non-accounting backgrounds who want to develop an understanding of the technical and social dimensions in accounting and business.

It is a broad-based qualification that combines core accounting studies with authentic learning experiences delivered through industry-informed, work-integrated learning subjects and global study experiences.

Through this combination of accounting studies and electives designed to develop valuable professional and cross-cultural skills, the MPA is suited to current workers who have progressed into a role that requires accounting knowledge, as well as people contemplating a career in accounting for the first time.

Why study the accounting at RMIT?

Designed with industry

Designed in partnership with professional bodies, this degree provides you with the skills and knowledge needed by industry.

Broaden career choices

Obtain a flexible accounting and business qualification, enabling you to have a career across many industries and sectors.

Put theory into practice

Undertake work-integrated learning activities, integrating academic learning with practical workplace experiences.

Three female students seated at a desk, taking notes

Job-ready when you graduate

Through case studies, industry feedback and design-led problem-solving, you will develop professional capabilities so you can confidently apply your knowledge in any workplace.

What you will study

This accounting degree will also provide you with the capacity to address the international regulation of business and critically evaluate the impacts of decisions and practice through case studies and interactive and experiential learning activities.

Develop an understanding of:

  • the technical and social dimensions of accounting and business
  • professional and cross-cultural skills required in global work places
  • the expectations facing accounting professionals through projects with industry and community based organisations
  • the importance of management accounting to effective decision-making through a major team project
Night time view of Bangkok city skyline

Learn here, succeed anywhere

At RMIT, we understand the importance of providing students with real-world experiences and the skills to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market.

The Master of Professional Accounting is designed with the oversight of an Industry Advisory Board to ensure students graduate with the skills required to be successful in business in both domestic and international environments.

Details

Learning and teaching

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

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, presentations, group projects, research projects, quizzes and tests, blog journals and practical assignments. 

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

The MPA has been developed in consultation with stakeholders including employers, professional bodies, alumni and students, the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), CPA Australia, and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

A key feature of the Master of Professional Accounting is the focus on work-integrated learning (WIL) activities in which students integrate academic learning with practical workplace experiences such as projects with industry and community based organisations. The WIL experience can give you an edge when you’re ready to start your career.

The designed WIL subject for this degree is Strategic Management Control Systems. In this subject, you will work on a major team project to demonstrate your understanding of management accounting as a system for recording, processing, reporting and analysing information for effective costing and managerial decision-making. You will be involved in authentic engagement with partner organisations who provide feedback and insights about changes in a range of industries that affect management accounting systems in organisations.

Work-connected and industry-relevant options available for this degree include:

  • Working in a student team as part of the Fastrack Innovation Program. In this elective subject, you will work with mentors to develop and present a solution to a real problem. This form of fast-prototyping is designed so that external organisations can tap into fresh thinking from RMIT students.

  • A Postgraduate Business Internship elective where you take up a position for one or two days per week for one semester. This position is normally unpaid and is designed to develop your soft skills and increase your overall employability upon graduation.

While the MPA is delivered at our Melbourne City campus, global study and work is a unique feature of this accounting degree.

You can combine an overseas travel and cultural experience with coursework completed in intensive mode and have this credited towards your degree. They depart during the Australian summer or winter vacations and are usually undertaken in the final semester of study.

If you are planning to include a study tour as part of your studies, you are advised to check that you have the required number of student electives or credit points available.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

  • 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent (with advanced standing)
  • 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent (without advanced standing)

For further information about advanced standing see Pathways.

Depending on your previous studies and experience you could also be eligible for credit towards your course. Credit granted may reduce the amount of study you need to complete.

For more information please see RMIT’s credit transfer and recognition of prior learning policy.

  • 1.5 years (with advanced standing)
  • 2 years (without advanced standing)

For further information about advanced standing see Pathways.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

View the learning outcomes for each stream:

The MPA comprises core and elective subjects.

Elective subjects in this degree provide an opportunity for you to study in a range of business areas or to select subjects from disciplines such as languages and science.

If you are interested in starting up your own business, you may want to find out more about Business Skills for Start Ups, an elective subject that covers the key stages of enterprise formation from concept through to launch.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Professional Accounting
Program code: MC194

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Professional Accounting
City Campus
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent (or 1.5 years FT or PT equivalent with advanced standing)
MC194EXE15
077509A
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent (or 1.5 years FT or PT equivalent with advanced standing)
Plan code
MC194EXE15
CRICOS
077509A
Master of Professional Accounting
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC194EXE15
077509A
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC194EXE15
CRICOS
077509A
Master of Professional Accounting
City Campus
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
MC194P15
077509A
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Plan code
MC194P15
CRICOS
077509A
Master of Professional Accounting
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC194P15
077509A
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC194P15
CRICOS
077509A

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Brighly lit room with a seated man wearing glasses, taking hand-written notes in front of an open laptop screen

Take your career to the next level

By studying the MPA, you’re making a long-term investment in your career development, and the development of the accounting profession globally.

MPA graduates may work in small, medium or large organisations in public accounting practice, commerce, government or the not-for-profit sector. You may even consider starting your own business.

Graduate roles may include:

  • Working with senior managers on planning and disclosing social and environmental activities of the organisation
  • Monitoring and reporting on the cash flow and financial resources of the organisation
  • Preparing information for organisational strategies
  • Preparing integrated reports for financial and sustainability reporting
  • Participating in the preparation and evaluation of business plans
  • Participating in the development and review of performance management systems
  • Providing financial and taxation advice
  • Running a small business.

Course accreditation or membership offered by professional bodies signals to employers the quality and relevance of RMIT's courses and opens up career pathways and networks.

Professional bodies accredit or recognise courses as meeting professional and academic standards deemed to be essential for a new graduate entering into that profession. An accredited course will either enable the graduate to enter directly into a professional qualifications program or provide the graduate with exemptions or credit towards a post university professional qualification. 

Statutory accreditation

This type of accreditation is where a statutory body must approve a course of study in order for a graduate to practise in that profession. 

Membership

Professional bodies or associations are representative organisations of professions that provide membership and other career development support to its members. Many professional bodies offer membership opportunities for students and new graduates with benefits such as career advice, networking within the profession and access to resources not available through the university. The aim of these benefits is to assist with your transition from university into the profession.

Master of Professional Accounting

Current course accreditations and information about membership and development opportunities for students and graduates.

CPA Australia

Course satisfies the academic requirements for direct entry into the CPA Australia Program. 

Membership and opportunities
  • Students and graduates eligible to enrol in the CPA Australia Network
  • Graduates eligible to enrol in CPA Australia program
  • Graduates eligible for membership category: Associate

Visit the CPA Australia website

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ)

Course satisfies the academic requirements for entry into the CA Program. (Accredited for course delivery in Melbourne and via Open Universities Australia.)

Membership and opportunities
  • Students and graduates eligible for membership category: Student Affiliate
  • Graduates eligible to enrol in CA program
  • Graduates eligible for membership category: Student Affiliate

Visit the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand website

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

Course satisfies the academic requirements for entry into the ACCA Qualification Program. (Accredited for course delivery in Melbourne and via Open Universities Australia.)

Membership and opportunities
  • Graduates eligible for specified credit in the ACCA Qualification Program of up to 9 fundamental level papers
  • Students eligible for accelerate program and can register and prepare for ACCA professional level exams prior to graduation

Visit the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants website

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

Course satisfies the academic requirements to be streamed into the Advanced Route 2 pathway for the CIMA Program. (Accredited for program delivery in Melbourne and via Open Universities Australia.)

Membership and opportunities
  • Students can enrol in the CIMA Program with specified credit for all papers except the Management Case Study Exam (MCSE) which can be taken in the last semester of the Masters program. The CIMA qualification will be awarded on confirmation of the awarding of the degree
  • Graduates can enrol in the CIMA Program and are eligible for specified credit for all papers except for the MCSE

Visit the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants website

The Association of International Accountants (AIA)

Course satisfies the academic requirements for entry into AIA professional qualification programs.

Membership and opportunities
  • Graduates eligible for specified credit of up to 12 papers

Visit the The Association of International Accountants website

Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)

Membership and opportunities
  • Graduates eligible to apply for IPA program
  • Graduates eligible for membership category: Associate or Graduate Associate

Visit the Institute of Public Accountants website

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

1.5 year duration (with advanced standing)

  •  An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent), or higher level qualification, in a business or related discipline from a recognised tertiary*

    OR

  • An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent), or higher-level qualification, from a recognised tertiary institution in any discipline plus a minimum of two years relevant work

    OR

  • The RMIT Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting^.

We offer Recognition of Prior Learning, or the recognition of previous study or learning. This means you can apply for credit and reduce the number of courses you need to complete. Your application will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

If you do not meet the entry requirements for the 1.5-year duration masters, you may be considered for the 2-year duration masters.

2 year duration (without advanced standing)

  • An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent), or higher-level qualification,  in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution.

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted advanced standing.

^Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate you will have the opportunity to progress to the Master degree. 

Commonwealth supported place (CSP)

A limited number of Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available in this course. The minimum GPA to be considered for a CSP is 2.7 out of 4.0. To be considered for a CSP you must apply for the CSP offering through the RMIT Application System.

Students currently enrolled in this course in a full-fee place may apply to transfer to a CSP upon completing 48 credit points (not including credit transfer), subject to meeting minimum GPA requirement in full-fee course.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

2 year duration

You must have successfully completed an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) or higher level qualification in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution.

1.5 year duration

You must have successfully completed:

An Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) or higher level qualification in a Business (or a related) discipline) from a recognised tertiary institution*.

OR

The RMIT Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting^.

*Qualification must have been completed within the last 10 years.

^Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate you will have the opportunity to progress to the Master degree.

Please note:

This degree is suitable for graduates who hold a bachelor degree in any discipline who wish to obtain a qualification that is recognised by CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.  

  • Holders of an Australian bachelor degree in accounting that was accredited by CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (formerly known as the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia) do not need to complete this degree for Australian professional accounting association recognition purposes.
  • This degree may not be suitable for applicants who have completed a non-Australian bachelor degree in accounting with courses/subjects equivalent to those which are specified for Associate membership of CPA Australia. For further information about CPA Australia Associate membership requirements, visit the CPA Australia web site.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

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

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

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

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

The Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting is a pathway to the Master of Professional Accounting.  
  
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting you can continue your studies in the Master of Professional Accounting and receive 48 credit points worth of credit (equivalent to one semester of full-time study) for courses completed in the Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting. 

Masters advanced standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications within the last 10 years with a major in a business or related discipline, you may be eligible for advanced standing as follows:

Qualification level Masters exemptions offered Remaining program duration*
Bachelor degree (AQF level 7)   48 credit points (equivalent to one semester of full-time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters of full-time study)
Bachelor degree (Honours) (AQF level 8)   Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semester of full-time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study)
Graduate Certificate (AQF level 8)   48 credit points (equivalent to one semesters of full-time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters of full-time study)
Graduate Diploma (AQF level 8)   Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study)
Master degree (AQF level 9)   Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Applicants with a bachelor degree (honours), graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

When you successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting you are guaranteed entry into the Master of Professional Accounting with 1 semester of advanced standing (equivalent to 48 credit points).

Alternatively, you can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Master Advanced Standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications within the last 10 years with a major in a business or related discipline, you may be eligible for advanced standing as follows:

Qualification level Advanced standing Remaining program duration
Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Bachelor honours degree (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)
Graduate certificate (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Graduate diploma (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit.

Credits

Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and weightings, and reference to the learning resources.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

2024 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$33,600 (2024 annual fee)*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$351 maximum fee for 2024*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2024 is $351.  

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

The annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$45,120.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$91,200 (full 2 year program plan MC194P15).

For students who meet the entry requirements for the 1.5 years program (program plan MC194EXE15), the total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$68,160.

If you do not meet the entry requirements, you will be offered a place in the full two year program.

 

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.