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
Online, Melbourne city -
Fees
AU$27,840 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February, Open Universities Australia Entry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 2 years or 1.5 years accelerated Location
Online, 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.
Develop your skills and capabilities
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.
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.
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 courses 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.
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 four intakes a year.
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 Blackboard, collaborate with lecturers and fellow students, and access your student email account.
Educational software, the Learning Hub, 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 includes examinations, essays, reports, presentations, group projects, research projects, quizzes and tests, blog journals and practical assignments.
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 Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
A key feature of the MPA program 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 course for this program is Strategic Management Control Systems. In this course, 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 program include:
Working in a student team as part of the Fastrack Innovation Program. In this elective course 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 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 the program. 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 program, 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 program include:
- Study abroad
- Student exchange
- 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 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.
- 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.
The Master degree comprises core and elective courses.
Elective courses in the program provide an opportunity for you to study in a range of business areas or to select courses 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 course that covers the key stages of enterprise formation from concept through to launch.
Program plans
Plans are variations offered for a program such as specialisations, modes of delivery or location. Browse a plan to see the courses our students are currently studying.
MC194EXE15
Melbourne City Campus, Full-time 1.5 years or Part-time equivalent
Program plans
Plans are variations offered for a program such as specialisations, modes of delivery or location. Browse a plan to see the courses our students are currently studying.
MC194EXE15
Melbourne City Campus, Full-time 1.5 years CRICOS 077509A
MC194P15
Melbourne City Campus, Full-time 2 years CRICOS 077509A
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.
Accreditation
The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) is accredited by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the Association of International Accountants (AIA).
Membership
Professional bodies may offer students and/or graduates membership, opportunities for entry into professional qualification programs and other career enhancing benefits.
For further details about accreditation and information about membership and opportunities for students and graduates, please visit our accreditation and membership page.
Choose a leading accounting program.
Find out how the Master of Professional Accounting will shape your next career move.
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 (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 92 (with minimum of 20 in all sections)
- 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.
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
2019 indicative fees:
- Full-fee places: AU$27,840* per annum
* 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. 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, HECS-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 the Department of Human Services 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 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 total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$74,880 (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 2019 commencement is AU$55,680.
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.