Master of Professional Accounting

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

• Academic Admission requirements (Band 6)

  The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.

  All applicants are required to meet the published entry requirements.

  Applicants with an Accounting undergraduate degree from an Australian institution should not apply.

  Successful applicants with a Graduate Certificate qualification or higher in Accounting may seek reduced course duration by applying for recognition of prior learning.

  Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

  • Bachelor degree; or
  • Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.
• English Language requirements (Band 4)

  English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

  • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
  • Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
  • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
  • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
  • Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.

Course Entry

Admission requirements you'll need to meet for this course.

• Academic Admission requirements (Band 6)

  The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.

  All applicants are required to meet the published entry requirements.

  Applicants with an Accounting undergraduate degree from an Australian institution should not apply.

  Successful applicants with a Graduate Certificate qualification or higher in Accounting may seek reduced course duration by applying for recognition of prior learning.

  Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

  • Bachelor degree; or
  • Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.
• English Language requirements (Band 4)

  English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

  • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0);
  • Bachelor degree from a country specified on the English Proficiency Bands page;
  • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
  • Where accepted, equivalent prior learning, including at least five years relevant professional experience; or
  • Other tests, courses or programs defined on the English Proficiency Bands page.

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup

Semester 1: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online

Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup

Semester 2: Study part-time at Joondalup or Online

Course Structure

L97|7

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Course notes

Important course notes

• Clinical or professional work placement option

  The Tax Clinic Practice is a work integrated learning (WIL) unit designed to offer students a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional tax practice setting. Students will gain hands-on experience by working directly with the public and tax professionals, providing advice and support for unrepresented, lower income or vulnerable taxpayers and small businesses. This will allow them to develop an understanding of practical aspects of tax compliance and tax advice and equip them to deal with the realities of tax practice and employment upon graduation.

  Attendance requirements

  At the outset of the semester, students must attend mandatory training sessions. During the semester, students are expected to attend the ECU Tax Clinic and participate in face-to-face clinical practices. In addition, students will have to undertake self-learning activities, including client preparation of at least 36 hours to be able to actively participate in the face-to-face clinical practices. Students are also required to maintain regular diary entries, which will serve as a tool for reflection and used for subsequent assessment purposes.

  Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

  Students will be advised of the necessary clearances during the application process if required. The management of risk is addressed in the induction process.

  Professional practice rules

  Enrolled students will be issued with a guide which outlines the expected code of conduct and responsibilities.

• Internship option

  Students can choose to complete a 20-credit point work placement unit in this course. This requires students to undertake a minimum of 100 hours of learning in a work setting. Work placement hours are typically completed on a part-time basis and students will undertake projects and tasks that are related to their course learning outcomes. Work placements will be secured through the work-integrated learning team, or as a result of pre-approved networking and contacts developed by the student. Terms of payment, if any, will be negotiated on an individual basis.

  Attendance requirements

  Students are required to attend host organisations to complete their learning in a work setting. Hours will be organised on an individual basis and host organisations may require students to attend after hours and on the weekends. In addition to their time in the work setting, students may be required to attend virtual and/or face-to-face sessions as instructed by the Unit Coordinator.

  Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

  Students must complete the relevant risk management documentation prescribed by the work-integrated learning team, in accordance with ECU policy and procedures. Students should be aware of any work-related restrictions in their visa conditions, if applicable. They must also provide any documentation required by their host partner, including police clearances and immunisations. Required documentation is likely to vary across host organisations.

  Professional practice rules

  Students are expected to behave in a professional manner in the work setting and adhere to the host organisation and/or industry's Code of Conduct. They are also required to meet the requirements outlined in the SBL WIL Guidelines for Students’. Host organisations are expected to the meet the requirements outlined in the 'SBL WIL Guidelines for Collaborators.

• Registration

  Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the CPA Australia. Registration with the CPA Australia is required to practice in the profession.

  Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. Registration with the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand is required to practice in the profession.

Course learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate mastery of a global body of accounting knowledge and practice, including knowledge of research principles and methods.
2. Apply critical thinking and technical skills to solve authentic accounting problems.
3. Demonstrate effective communication and teamwork skills.
4. Independently initiate, plan and execute a substantial project to meet agreed deliverables.
5. Justify decisions and judgements that address a complex accounting issue considering the ethical and social consequences.

Course Details

Semester availability

Semester 1: Study full-time at Joondalup

Semester 2: Study full-time at Joondalup

Course Structure

L97|7

For more detailed unit information for this course take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Course notes

Important course notes

• Clinical or professional work placement option

  The Tax Clinic Practice is a work integrated learning (WIL) unit designed to offer students a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional tax practice setting. Students will gain hands-on experience by working directly with the public and tax professionals, providing advice and support for unrepresented, lower income or vulnerable taxpayers and small businesses. This will allow them to develop an understanding of practical aspects of tax compliance and tax advice and equip them to deal with the realities of tax practice and employment upon graduation.

  Attendance requirements

  At the outset of the semester, students must attend mandatory training sessions. During the semester, students are expected to attend the ECU Tax Clinic and participate in face-to-face clinical practices. In addition, students will have to undertake self-learning activities, including client preparation of at least 36 hours to be able to actively participate in the face-to-face clinical practices. Students are also required to maintain regular diary entries, which will serve as a tool for reflection and used for subsequent assessment purposes.

  Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

  Students will be advised of the necessary clearances during the application process if required. The management of risk is addressed in the induction process.

  Professional practice rules

  Enrolled students will be issued with a guide which outlines the expected code of conduct and responsibilities.

• Internship option

  Students can choose to complete a 20-credit point work placement unit in this course. This requires students to undertake a minimum of 100 hours of learning in a work setting. Work placement hours are typically completed on a part-time basis and students will undertake projects and tasks that are related to their course learning outcomes. Work placements will be secured through the work-integrated learning team, or as a result of pre-approved networking and contacts developed by the student. Terms of payment, if any, will be negotiated on an individual basis.

  Attendance requirements

  Students are required to attend host organisations to complete their learning in a work setting. Hours will be organised on an individual basis and host organisations may require students to attend after hours and on the weekends. In addition to their time in the work setting, students may be required to attend virtual and/or face-to-face sessions as instructed by the Unit Coordinator.

  Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

  Students must complete the relevant risk management documentation prescribed by the work-integrated learning team, in accordance with ECU policy and procedures. Students should be aware of any work-related restrictions in their visa conditions, if applicable. They must also provide any documentation required by their host partner, including police clearances and immunisations. Required documentation is likely to vary across host organisations.

  Professional practice rules

  Students are expected to behave in a professional manner in the work setting and adhere to the host organisation and/or industry's Code of Conduct. They are also required to meet the requirements outlined in the SBL WIL Guidelines for Students’. Host organisations are expected to the meet the requirements outlined in the 'SBL WIL Guidelines for Collaborators.

• Registration

  Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the CPA Australia. Registration with the CPA Australia is required to practice in the profession.

  Students will need to graduate to be eligible to register with the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. Registration with the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand is required to practice in the profession.

Course learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate mastery of a global body of accounting knowledge and practice, including knowledge of research principles and methods.
2. Apply critical thinking and technical skills to solve authentic accounting problems.
3. Demonstrate effective communication and teamwork skills.
4. Independently initiate, plan and execute a substantial project to meet agreed deliverables.
5. Justify decisions and judgements that address a complex accounting issue considering the ethical and social consequences.

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

• AUD $30,450 - Domestic fee paying estimated 1st year indicative fee ¹

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the course will be equipped to work in a range of industries in Australia and abroad including, business, government and not-for-profit organisations in accounting, financial services and management positions. Management roles and activities undertaken by graduates include developing and interpreting financial statements and plans, conducting audits, advising company directors, shareholders and clients.

Possible future job titles

Chief Financial Officer, Director of Finance, Financial Controller, Tax Advisor, Senior Financial Consultant, Financial Accountant, Management Accountant, Strategic Advisor

Similar courses to consider

• Graduate Certificate of Accounting and Finance
  Students who have completed L40 can enter into L97 and complete remaining units.
• Graduate Diploma of Accounting and Finance
  Students who have completed L32 can enter into L97 and complete remaining units.

Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.

• Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)
  Students interested in completing a PhD in Accounting should consider the Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated).

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

• AUD $38,500 - International students estimated 1st year indicative fee ¹

Scholarships

ECU has a scholarship program that provides many opportunities each year to students undertaking studies here.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the course will be equipped to work in a range of industries in Australia and abroad including, business, government and not-for-profit organisations in accounting, financial services and management positions. Management roles and activities undertaken by graduates include developing and interpreting financial statements and plans, conducting audits, advising company directors, shareholders and clients.

Possible future job titles

Chief Financial Officer, Director of Finance, Financial Controller, Tax Advisor, Senior Financial Consultant, Financial Accountant, Management Accountant, Strategic Advisor

Similar courses to consider

• Graduate Certificate of Accounting and Finance
  Students who have completed L40 can enter into L97 and complete remaining units.
• Graduate Diploma of Accounting and Finance
  Students who have completed L32 can enter into L97 and complete remaining units.

Courses you can consider if you are interested in progressing further in this area.

• Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)
  Students interested in completing a PhD in Accounting should consider the Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated).