Master of Professional Accounting
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 1.5 years or Part-time equivalent -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
AU$30,720 (2021 annual)
Next intake
February, JulyEntry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 2 years or 1.5 years acceleratedLocation
Melbourne City
Overview
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.
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.
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.
RMIT is recognised as being among the top 10 universities in Australia for the teaching of accounting and finance.
Details
This professionally accredited program is designed to provide graduates of non-accounting disciplines with a broad-based accounting and business qualification to broaden their career prospects.
The Master of Professional Accounting 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-integrating learning subjects and global study experiences.
Through this combination of accounting studies and electives designed to develop valuable professional and cross-cultural skills, RMIT’s program 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.
For students interested in completing CPA Program™ Segments, please see details of RMIT’s Master of Professional Accounting (CPA Extension) program.
RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work.
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 Canvas, 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.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, presentations, group projects, research projects, quizzes and tests, blog journals and practical assignments.
This course 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 MPA course 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 course 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 course 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.
Global study and work is a unique feature of this course. 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 the master degree.
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.
Other global mobility options available for this course include study abroad, student exchange and Global Entrepreneurship and Internship Program (GEIP).
- 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 Credits and Masters exemptions.
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 Credits and Masters exemptions.
International student visa holders can only study full-time.
This masters degree comprises core and elective subjects.
Elective subjects in this course provide an opportunity for you to study in a range of business areas or to select subjects from disciplines such as languages and science. You may also combine an overseas experience with your studies by undertaking a global study intensive in North America, Asia or Europe.
If you are interested in starting up your own business, you may want to find out more about BUSM4598 Business Skills for Start Ups, an elective subject that covers the key stages of enterprise formation from concept through to launch.
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: MC194
Career
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.
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
- An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent, or higher level qualification, in a business-related discipline from a recognised tertiary institution; or
- An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent in any discipline and a minimum of three years full-time equivalent management experience*; or
- The RMIT Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting.
* Applicants will be required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV).
2 year duration
You must have successfully completed an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) or higher level qualification in any discipline.
1.5 year duration
You must have successfully completed:
An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent, or higher level qualification, in a business-related discipline* from a recognised tertiary institution.
OR
An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in any discipline and a minimum of three years full-time equivalent management experience*.
OR
The RMIT Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting.
* Applicants will be required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV).
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 (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.
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.
Pathways
Advanced standing
If you have completed an Australian bachelor degree or equivalent, or higher level qualification, in a business (or related) discipline from a recognised tertiary institution, you will receive exemptions from the four business enabling courses.
Masters exemptions
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* |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) - any discipline and a minimum of three years full-time equivalent management experience | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester [6 months] of full-time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) |
| Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) - business-related discipline | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester [6 months] of full-time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) |
| Bachelor degree (Honours) (AQF level 8) - business-related discipline | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester [6 months] of full-time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) |
| Graduate Certificate (AQF level 8) - in the same discipline | Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full-time study) | 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full-time study) |
| Graduate Diploma (AQF level 8) - in the same discipline | Up to 120 credit points (equivalent to two-and-a-half semesters [1.5 years] 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 120 credit points (equivalent to two-and-a-half semesters [1.5 years] 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.
If you have a major in a non-business discipline and do meet meet the management experience requirement, you will begin your studies at graduate certificate level. The graduate certificate provides an entry pathway that considers non-managerial work experience and tertiary studies other than in a business-related discipline.
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting you will be admitted to the Master program, which requires the successful completion of further courses.
Credit
You may also be eligible for further credit. Learn more about eligibility for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
Exemptions from this program will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
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 from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.
Masters exemptions
You may be eligible for advanced standing up to a maximum of 2 semesters (equivalent to 96 credits points). Eligibility for advanced standing is based on your previous studies and is assessed on a case by case basis.
Learn more about eligibility for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
Fees
2021 indicative fees
Full-fee places: AU$30,720.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$313 maximum fee for 2021.
- 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.
Learn more about fees for postgraduate study.
Payments and 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.
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.
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.
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 2021 is $313.
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 2021 is AU$40,320.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2021 commencement is AU$82,560 (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 2021 commencement is AU$61,440.
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:
- 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.
Applying for refunds
For information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student, please see Refunds.
Looking for answers or more general infomation?
For frequently asked questions or how to find more information regarding applications and enrolments, fees, student support services, university policies and more, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.