Master of Professional Accounting

Fast track your career in accounting

Modern economies depend on good accounting. We need experts who understand and can explain financial and social business environment to others.

Our Master of Professional Accounting offers an intensive 1.5-year path to careers in accounting, financial management, auditing and business advising.

What will you do?

  • Learn the fundamentals of financial and management accounting.
  • Study advanced accounting concepts and analytical techniques.
  • Take courses in taxation and auditing.
  • Explore relevant business areas such as economics, finance, information systems and business law.
  • Consider the role of technology and ways to build positive client relationships.

Where could it take you?

Accounting graduates are always in demand and enjoy both stability and variety. Due to changes in reporting practices, career opportunities are increasing across public and private sectors. You might work with a charity, in education or for the government. Perhaps you’ll become chief financial officer at a company or manage budgets in the sporting world. You could even unmask financial deceptions as a forensic accountant.

Our Master of Professional Accounting satisfies the requirements for associate membership of CPA Australia, and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.


  • Top 150 in world for Accounting and Finance^
  • Graduates gain associate membership with CPA and CAANZ
  • AACSB accredited

^QS World University Rankings, 2022

Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:

Domestic applicants

SATAC Code 3CM152
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study Bachelor degree or equivalent.

  • Admissions Transparency Data
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2023
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    International students 12 92.3%
    All students 13 100.0%

Fees and Scholarships

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I am a:

Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Career Readiness

Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in:

  • accounting, including specialised fields such as taxation, auditing management accounting and accounting systems
  • financial management
  • auditing and business advisory services
  • public practice
  • industry or government.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Professional Accreditation

Adelaide Business School is AACSB* accredited, and as such our programs have passed rigorous standards of quality. AACSB accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in business education and only the best schools in the world earn AACSB accreditation.

The Master of Professional Accounting satisfies the academic requirements for associate membership to CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Potential careers

Accountant, Auditor, Business Analyst, Business Consultant, Business Management, Finance Manager, Financial Services Officer, Forensic Accountant, Taxation Officer

Degree Structure

Students complete core courses which include four foundation courses and seven accounting courses. The remaining course will be chosen from a number of electives, depending on the student's main specialisation.

Example Study Plan

To qualify for the degree of Master of Professional Accounting, a candidate must present the following:

12 units of foundation courses as prescribed
ACCTING 7019: Accounting Concepts and Methods 
CORPFIN 7005: Principles of Finance 
CORPFIN 7033: Quantitative Methods
ECON 7200: Economic Principles 
Plus 21 units of accounting courses
ACCTING 7020: Intermediate Financial Reporting 
ACCTING 7023: Advanced Financial Accounting 
ACCTING 7014: Management Accounting 
ACCTING 7026: Accounting Systems and Processes 
COMMLAW 7012: Business and Corporations Law
ACCTING 7009: Auditing and Assurance Services 
COMMLAW 7013: Income Taxation 
Plus elective courses to the value of 3 units
Advanced accounting courses
COMMLAW 7016: Business Taxation and GST 
ACCTFIN 7017: Financial Statement Analysis

Assessment

May include, but not limited to: examinations, group assignments, individual assignments, consulting projects, presentations, quizzes, tests, tutorial work as prescribed within each course.

Related Degrees

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Wednesday, 13 Sep 2023