University of Wollongong
Master of Professional Accounting
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 18 months
- Course Type: Master's
The learning experience and knowledge areas for this program are focused on the practice of accounting.
Course overview
The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) is designed for students who want to advance their careers in the accounting profession.
The course first introduces the fundamental principles of accounting, economics and aspects of the economic system and then proceeds to the study of specific knowledge areas which are vital for accounting professionals.
You will develop knowledge and skills to apply accounting principles in the preparation and interpretation of financial statements. Equipped with an understanding of accounting principles, taxation law and the tax implications of business activities, you will also undertake research into current accounting issues.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
The Master of Professional Accounting requires the successful completion of 72 credit points (CP) comprising these twelve subjects:
- Principles of Accounting
- Financial Accounting
- Accounting in Organisations and Society
- Management and Cost Accounting
- Information Technology and Systems for Accounting
- Auditing and Assurance
- Professional Practice - Taxation
- Economics for Professionals
- Business Statistics
- Managerial Finance
- Business Law
- Professional Accounting Capstone
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
To be considered for this course, students must have one of the following:
- A recognised bachelor's degree, or equivalent, with an average mark of 50 per cent.
- A UOW Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting.
Applicants with other relevant tertiary qualifications and/or substantial relevant professional or managerial experience will also be considered for entry.
English language requirements
For international students, the following level of English is required to gain admission to this program:
- IELTS Academic: Overall score of 6.5, with reading 6.0, writing 6.0, listening 6.0 and speaking 6.0.
- TOEFL (Internet-based): Overall score of 86, with reading 18, writing 18, listening 17 and speaking 17.
- UOW College's English for Tertiary Studies: Credit (weighted average mark of 65 overall and minimum 50 in Academic Reading and Writing)
Other qualifications may also be considered. Contact the university for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Students who have completed a UOW Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting will be granted 24 CP (four core subjects) towards their MPA degree.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Critically analyse current and emerging concepts and practices in accounting, finance, economics, information systems and legal reporting and practice environments as they relate to accounting standards.
- Exercise critical judgment, underpinned by ethical professional practice and sustainability considerations.
- Communicate professional accounting information using multiple forms of communication across different channels.
- Lead effectively in complex cross-cultural teamwork situations to collectively achieve outputs relevant to professional accounting tasks.
- Reflect on performance, while taking responsibility for continuous learning and self-management processes.
- Construct expert, evidence-based solutions to complex real-world challenges faced by accounting professionals in the business.
Fees and CSP
Total indicative course tuition fee (2025): $49,032 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Total indicative course tuition fee (2025): $22,073 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
A student’s annual fee 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.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per unit you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.