University of Newcastle
Master of Professional Accounting
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 18 months
- Course Type: Master's
Prepare for a professional career in accounting by developing advanced expertise in financial reporting, business decision-making and contemporary accounting practice.
Course overview
The University of Newcastle's Master of Professional Accounting prepares graduates from non-accounting backgrounds with the advanced knowledge and technical expertise required for a professional career in accounting. Designed for those seeking to enter the accounting profession, the program develops a comprehensive understanding of contemporary accounting principles, financial management and business decision-making while addressing the academic requirements of Australia's major professional accounting bodies.
Throughout the course, students examine financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, business law, corporate finance and accounting information systems. The curriculum combines accounting theory with practical application, equipping graduates to interpret financial information, evaluate business performance and apply accounting principles within complex organisational environments.
Delivered on campus, the program provides an immersive learning experience supported by the University of Newcastle's Business School. The Master of Professional Accounting is designed to satisfy the academic requirements for membership of Australia's major professional accounting bodies, providing graduates with a strong foundation for professional practice.
Key facts
What you will study
The Master of Professional Accounting requires students to successfully complete 120 units of core courses.
Core courses (10 units each)
- Financial Accounting 1
- Management Accounting
- Auditing and Assurance Services
- Corporate Finance
- Financial Accounting 2
- Financial Accounting 3
- Taxation Law
- Economics
- Business Decision Making
- Business Law
- Company Law
- Accounting Information Systems
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission into this course, you will need to have one of the following qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or an equivalent or higher qualification, in the discipline.
- Bachelor's degree or an equivalent or higher qualification, not in the discipline and one year of relevant organisational experience.
- At least seven years of relevant organisational experience, including two years in a management position.
- Successful completion of 75 per cent (30 units) of one of the following University of Newcastle programs:
- Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance
- Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management
- Graduate Certificate in Marketing
- Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting
English language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate that they meet the following English proficiency requirements:
- IELTS Overall Minimum: 6.5
- IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 6
Contact the university for further information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have previously studied or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. If your application is successful, you can reduce the number of courses you need to study, saving you time and money. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Communicate accounting information and effectively engage with both accountants and non-accountants.
- Work effectively autonomously to apply specialised knowledge and expert judgement to accounting tasks.
- Work effectively in teams to apply specialised knowledge and expert judgement to accounting tasks.
- Display professional proficiency in the utilisation of information and technology in accounting contexts.
- Engage in the critical application of accounting knowledge and skills to solve an accounting problem or case.
- Apply business skills that incorporate understanding of social, ethical, economic, regulatory and global perspectives.
- Demonstrate specialised theoretical and practical knowledge and skills relevant to accounting and be proficient in their application.
- Apply relevant theories, principles and methodologies to research in accounting/business decision-making.
Career outcomes
The insights you will gain as a graduate of the Master of Professional Accounting will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to seek employment as a:
- Forensic Accountant
- Internal Auditor
- Ratings Analyst
- Chief Financial Officer
- Financial Advisor
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $32,615 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 80 units (normally eight courses) per year.
A student’s annual fee may vary depending on:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university program.