Swinburne University of Technology
Master of Professional Accounting
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Develop advanced accounting expertise while building practical skills across financial crime, AI, blockchain, auditing, taxation and financial reporting.
Course overview
The Master of Professional Accounting is designed for graduates seeking advanced knowledge of accounting and its application across contemporary business environments. The course combines professional accounting study with finance, business analysis and emerging areas of technology.
You will examine financial and managerial accounting, taxation, auditing, corporate law and forensic accounting alongside financial management, statistical modelling and accounting systems. The curriculum also considers developments such as AI, blockchain, cybersecurity and financial crime, giving you an understanding of how technology is influencing accounting and financial services.
The course comprises 16 units totalling 200 credit points, with foundation and core accounting studies complemented by a Financial Technologies specialisation or approved electives. It includes an accounting capstone and Business Internship Project, providing opportunities to apply knowledge developed throughout the course. Students can also explore Swinburne's integrated CA pathway, which combines the degree with components of the CA Program through its partnership with CA ANZ.
Key facts
What you will study
To qualify for the award of Master of Professional Accounting, students must complete 16 units (equivalent to 200 credit points) comprising:
- Four foundation units
- Eight core units
- Four specialisation or elective units
Each unit is worth 12.5 credit points.
Complete the following foundation units:
- Accounting Systems and Reporting
- Economics
- Business Statistical Modelling
- Corporate Financial Management
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to have completed one of the following:
- A recognised bachelor's degree in any discipline.
- A Graduate Certificate of Professional Accounting (for students without a recognised bachelor's degree).
English language requirements
All Swinburne students must be able to meet out our English language requirements. You’ll be able to provide evidence of your English language skill if you have:
- completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or another type of secondary qualification taught in English
- completed some types of university or vocational education studies (tertiary studies) taught in English
- completed an English language test, such as TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson or C1
- completed an English language (ELICOS) course
- lived and worked in an English-speaking country for at least four years (domestic applicants only)
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have gained extensive and relevant knowledge through formal training or acquired relevant skills through work or through life experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL).
Contact the university or visit their website for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Apply coherent and developed knowledge of accounting and business-related concepts in diverse contexts and applications using critical thinking.
- Apply problem-solving, design and decision-making methodologies to identify and provide innovative solutions to complex problems with reference to established frameworks.
- Communicate proficiently in professional practice to a variety of audiences, function as an effective member or leader of a diverse team and use the basic tools and practices of accounting within project work.
- Demonstrate integrity, ethical conduct, accountability, respect and a developing awareness of professional practices and cultural norms in a global and sustainable context.
- Apply accounting and business fundamentals to the analysis, design and operation of a business model using appropriate accounting and business methods and tools.
- Reflect on and take responsibility for their own learning and self-management processes and develop skills to review, reflect on and plan to improve their professional performance.
- Apply knowledge of research principles and methods to plan and execute a piece of research with some independence.
Career outcomes
Prepare for the next step in your accounting career with the specialised skillset and industry connections to excel in senior positions. The examples below demonstrate the type of roles you could enter after graduation.
- Tax advisor/agent
- Share broker
- Financial analyst
- Auditor
- Management accountant
- Financial accountant
- Financial crime investigator
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated yearly fee in 2026: $36,540 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Estimated total fee in 2026: $73,080 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change based on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. These fees apply to units studied in 2026 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- 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 course.