Master of Professional Accounting (CPA Australia Extension)
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 2 years, Part-time 4 years -
Location
Online, Melbourne City -
Fees
AU$27,840 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February, July, RMIT Online Entry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 2 years Location
Online, Melbourne city
Overview
Your career as a professional accountant
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 the exciting possibility of starting your own business as a professional accountant.
Excel at RMIT
The distinctive structure of the program aligns the content of six of its 16 courses with the content of six subjects within the CPA Program™ conducted by CPA Australia. You will also benefit from studying in a familiar university environment while preparing for CPA Program™ subject examinations.
Studying with a diverse cohort has taught me to utilise the different strengths and experiences that people bring to team projects. Not only have I learnt technical skills in accounting but, through group based activities and class presentations, I have also developed soft skills which will help me in my future career.
- Tom Kielczynski, RMIT Master of Professional Accounting graduate.
Learn here, succeed anywhere
At RMIT, we understand the importance of providing learning experiences that allow creative and collaborative problem-solving. Exposure to realistic experiences and industry feedback during your studies gives you the skills to succeed in the global job market.
Our approach to teaching and learning has seen RMIT ranked in the top 4 universities in Australia, and top 10 worldwide, for graduate employment rates.
RMIT is also recognised as being among the top 10 universities in Australia for the teaching of accounting and finance.
Details
RMIT’s Master of Professional Accounting (CPA Australia Extension) is a professionally accredited program delivered in partnership with CPA Australia.
The distinctive structure of the program aligns the content of six of its 16 courses with the content of six subjects within the CPA Program™ conducted by CPA Australia. By enrolling in RMIT’s Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) (CPA Australia Extension) program you can achieve a masters degree and the academic component of the CPA designation concurrently.
Courses in the MPA (CPA Australia Extension) program are delivered by leading academics, many of whom have been involved in the design, writing and/or examination of CPA Program™ subjects.
The MPA (CPA Australia Extension) program offers you an opportunity to focus on the dynamics of strategy, leadership, and international business and contemporary issues in risk management, forensic accounting and sustainability. An additional feature is the focus on work-integrated-learning activities in which students integrate academic learning with practical workplace experiences such as projects with industry and community based organisations.
At the conclusion of the program, you will appreciate accounting as a technical and social practice and emerge with the confidence, skills, capabilities and accounting know-how to apply your learned theories to solve technical challenges and accounting problems.
If you don't wish to pursue full membership with CPA Australia, you may wish to consider the Master of Professional Accounting.
This program is available:
- at the Melbourne City campus, offering up to two intakes a year
- online through Open Universities Australia (OUA), offering up to three intakes a year.
RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations andgroup discussions.
Through RMIT University’s online learning portal, myRMIT, you will be able to view online resources and learning activities created by lecturers, access course materials via Blackboard, collaborate with lecturers and fellow students, and access your student email account.
Educational software, Canvas, other online and digital resources and printers are accessible on campus via the RMIT wireless network using your own laptop, tablet or smart phone or via computer facilities on-campus. You will be able to access the same software from home using myDesktop.
Find out more about student computing at RMIT.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester may include examinations, essays, reports, presentations, group projects, research projects, quizzes and tests, blog journals and practical assignments.
CPA Program™ subjects (CPA courses)
The materials used in these courses will be a combination of the study materials and online resources CPA Australia provides to applicants in its CPA Program™ and materials prepared by the RMIT School of Accounting.
You will undertake examinations in the CPA Program™ subjects in addition to ongoing assessment in the related Master of Professional Accounting course.
RMIT is a Registered Tuition Provider – Category B for the CPA Program™.
Business practitioners, lecturers from industry, guest speakers and industry-relevant projects underpin the work integrated learning components of this program. An industry advisory board ensures current standards and practice are reflected in this program.
As part of the program, you will have an opportunity to apply your academic skills to a work-based context in the core course Strategic Management Control Systems. In other courses, the practical application of theoretical concepts will be achieved through activities such as case studies, projects and assignments. These opportunities to integrate academic learning with practical workplace experiences can give you an edge when you’re ready to start your career.
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent.
Depending on your previous studies and experience you could be eligible for credit towards your program. 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.
This masters degree comprises 16 core accounting courses.
Features
- Case studies, projects and assignments will give you the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts in a practical way.
- Explore a complex problem, and test and evaluate potential solutions with industry and community stakeholders in the course Business Research Design.
- Six CPA Program™ subjects are embedded in the final part of the program.
- Complete CPA Program™ subjects in a familiar university environment, designed to enhance your preparation for CPA Program™ examinations that lead to attaining the academic components of the CPA Program.
- Graduates eligible for Full CPA Australia membership (If they meet the work experience requirement of CPA Australia and have passed the six CPA exams in the program).
You will complete RMIT accounting courses in the first part of the program, followed by the Business Research Design course later in the program where you will explore complex and ambiguous problems, and test and evaluate potential solutions to demonstrate your discipline knowledge and your understanding of relevant research methodology.
The program includes six CPA Program™ professional level segments (CPA courses). To successfully complete the CPA Program™ you will need to undertake all specified courses and assessment including the CPA Program™ examinations.
It is recommended that you follow the sequence of courses presented in the enrolment structure.
RMIT students will receive high-level academic support and guidance by leading professors, many of whom have played a role in the development of the CPA Program™ subjects.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Professional Accounting (CPA Australia Extension) | City Campus |
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
|
2 years full-time
|
MC260 | 088092G |
Choose a program structure
Program code: MC260
Career
Our program offers specialised studies in accounting and the opportunity to focus on strategy, leadership and international business so you will emerge with the knowledge and confidence to apply technical accounting and theories to accounting problems.
Adding a Master of Professional Accounting and the CPA professional qualification to existing qualifications gives graduates a wide range of career options.
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 the exciting possibility of starting your own business as a professional accountant (CPA).
Graduate roles may include:
- Working with senior executives on managing and disclosing social and environmental activities of the organisation.
- Monitoring and reporting on the cash flow and financial resources of the organisation
- Advising business on strategies for value creation
- Preparing integrated reports for financial and sustainability reporting
- Preparing and evaluating business plans
- Developing and reviewing performance management systems
- Providing financial and taxation advice
- Running a small business.
This program is accredited by CPA Australia.
Membership
Upon completion of the first year of this masters program, students are eligible to apply for associate membership with CPA Australia. Students must be an Associate member and enrol in the CPA Program™ prior to commencing the six CPA courses. Fees for these courses are additional to RMIT tuition fees.
Students are also eligible to join the CPA Australia Network.
For further details about accreditation and information about membership and opportunities for students and graduates, please visit our accreditation and membership page.
Accredited accounting program.
Find out how the Master of Professional Accounting (CPA Australia Extension) will shape your next career move.
Admissions
An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent, or higher level qualification, in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution;
OR
The RMIT Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting.
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.
You can gain entry from the RMIT Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting, or from a range of undergraduate programs.
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.
Entry requirements
To study this program 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 (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- 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 Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications you will be eligible for exemptions as detailed in the table below.
The masters exemptions listed indicate the maximum exemptions offered, including advanced standing and courses where content matches previous study.
| Qualification level | Masters exemptions offered | Remaining program duration* |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate (AQF level 8) - in the same discipline | Up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester [6 months] of full-time study) |
Up to 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) |
| Graduate Diploma (AQF level 8) - in the same discipline | Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full-time study) |
Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full-time study) |
| Master degree (AQF level 9) - business-related discipline | Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full-time study) |
Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full-time study) |
* Duration indicated is the normal study duration; for some programs spring and summer semesters may be offered, reducing the study time.
Credit
You may also be eligible for further credit. Learn more about eligibility for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
When you successfully complete the RMIT Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting you are guaranteed entry into the Master of Professional Accounting (CPA Australia Extension) with 1 semester of advanced standing (equivalent to 48 credit points).
Eligibility for advanced standing is assessed on a case by case basis.
Fees
2019 indicative fees
Full-fee places: AU$27,840*
* Amount quoted is the indicative 2019 tuition fee per annum, and is 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.
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.
Fees shown above apply to 2019 only and are based on an annual full-time study load of 96 credit points unless otherwise noted. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load. Tuition fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see postgraduate study fees.
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.
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 2019 is $303.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
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.
The annual tuition fee for 2019 is AU$36,480.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$74,880.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.