Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification, or Graduate Certificate in Accounting qualification or equivalent.
Entry is based on a bachelor qualification, or Graduate Certificate in Accounting qualification or equivalent. English language requirements must also be met.
- 1.5 or 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- 084073K
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2024 | Trimester 2 – June 2024 | Trimester 3 – October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
Organisations of all kinds and sizes, in Australia and internationally, are facing dramatic changes to their operating environments, technology and finances. They need professionals who are equipped with the expertise to help them make informed decisions about the best direction to take in this rapidly evolving world.
UNE's Master of Professional Accounting will advance your financial, analytical, research and communication skills, helping you become an indispensable asset in any workplace, and will qualify you for entry to the major professional accounting bodies.
Why study the Master of Professional Accounting with UNE?
If you have an undergraduate degree in another discipline, UNE's Master of Professional Accounting is the best way to retrain as an accountant and gain entry to the professional accounting bodies.
If you have not completed an undergraduate degree, you may enter this Master's degree after you successfully complete UNE's Graduate Certificate in Accounting.
The course covers introductory as well as advanced units in financial and management accounting, auditing, finance, tax and company law.
This is an approved Student Income Support course and you may be eligible to apply for Youth Allowance or Austudy.
By choosing UNE, you will be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning for aspiring and qualified accountants. Our accounting postgraduate courses were awarded 5-star ratings for Learning Resources and Full-Time Employment by the 2021 Good Universities Guide. Students consistently award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support, so whether you study online or on campus, you are in good hands when you choose UNE.
What makes our course different?
Our Master of Professional Accounting offers opportunities to:
- Study flexibly — you can study either on campus or online, anywhere with online access in Australia or overseas.
- Tailor your studies to suit your personal career goals. In addition to the core accounting units, you can choose to study units in areas such as finance, management, marketing and human resource management.
- Qualify for admission to the major Australian professional accounting bodies for full membership and continuing professional development.
- Attend optional face-to-face weekend schools (available in some units for online students).
Study with Australia’s longest continuous provider of distance (now online) education.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
Study on campus
Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study on campus in Australia:
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
This course is offered under two admission rules, each with its own Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: Within the past ten years you have commenced and completed the UNE Graduate Certificate in Accounting (or equivalent). Admission on this basis is subject to the requirements of relevant accrediting bodies, and Course Coordinator approval.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule C: You have completed an overseas equivalent of a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7).
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C. Please see the Rule C Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
Some of the units in this course include optional intensive schools. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific features of each unit.
On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
This course is offered under two admission rules, each with its own Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: Within the past ten years you have commenced and completed the UNE Graduate Certificate in Accounting (or equivalent). Admission on this basis is subject to the requirements of relevant accrediting bodies, and Course Coordinator approval.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule C: You have completed an overseas equivalent of a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7).
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C. Please see the Rule C Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
Some of the units in this course include optional intensive schools. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific features of each unit.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.
- If you are admitted under Rule A, you will be granted 24 credit points of Block Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rule B, you will be granted 24 credit points of Block Advanced Standing and 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing. You cannot apply for further Advanced Standing.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rule A, you can apply for up to a further 24 credit points of Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rule C, you can apply for up to 48 credit points of Advanced Standing .
This course is offered under two admission rules, each with its own Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7).
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).
Rule B: Within the past ten years you have commenced and completed the UNE Graduate Certificate in Accounting (or equivalent). Admission on this basis is subject to the requirements of relevant accrediting bodies, and Course Coordinator approval.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Some of the units in this course include optional intensive schools. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific features of each unit.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.
- If you are admitted under Rule A, you will be granted 24 credit points of Block Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rule B, you will be granted 24 credit points of Block Advanced Standing and 24 credit points of Specified Advanced Standing. You cannot apply for further Advanced Standing.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rule A, you can apply for up to a further 24 credit points of Advanced Standing.
- If you are admitted under Rule C, you can apply for up to 48 credit points of Advanced Standing .
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 96 credit points including at least 36 credit points at 500-level.
96 credit points
For candidates admitted under Rule (a)24 credit points
Block Advanced Standing of 24 credit points will be awarded based on completion of an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree.72 credit points
Complete the following units:
1. This course is accredited by the CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ). Completion of the core units meets the entry requirements of CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).
2. In addition to the core unit LSSU592, students who want to meet the Tax Practitioners Board accreditation requirements for a certified tax agent also need to complete the additional units LSSU450, LSSU451, LSSU591 and LSSU593 as non-award units.
- Management Accounting (AFM403) – 6 credit points
- Introductory Accounting (AFM406) – 6 credit points
- Intermediate Financial Accounting (AFM410) – 6 credit points
- Accounting Theory and Research (AFM501) – 6 credit points
- Advanced Financial Accounting (AFM505) – 6 credit points
- Auditing (AFM519) – 6 credit points
- Corporate Finance (AFM531) – 6 credit points
- Accounting Information Systems (AFM575) – 6 credit points
- Economics for Management (ECON406) – 6 credit points
- Taxation Law (LSSU592) – 6 credit points
- Issues in Commercial and Financial Services Law (LSSU594) – 6 credit points
- Quantitative Techniques for Management (QM461) – 6 credit points
96 credit points
For candidates admitted under Rule (b)48 credit points
Block Advanced Standing of 24 credit points and Specified Advanced Standing of 24 credit points granted for completion of a current AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate in Accounting from UNE or equivalent. Units granted as Specified Advanced Standing will be determined by the UNE Business School.48 credit points
Complete 48 credit points from the following units depending on Advanced Standing granted:
1. This course is accredited by the CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ). Completion of the core units meets the entry requirements of CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).
2. In addition to the core unit LSSU592, students who want to meet the Tax Practitioners Board accreditation requirements for a certified tax agent also need to complete the additional units LSSU450, LSSU451, LSSU591 and LSSU593 as non-award units.
- Management Accounting (AFM403) – 6 credit points
- Introductory Accounting (AFM406) – 6 credit points
- Intermediate Financial Accounting (AFM410) – 6 credit points
- Accounting Theory and Research (AFM501) – 6 credit points
- Advanced Financial Accounting (AFM505) – 6 credit points
- Auditing (AFM519) – 6 credit points
- Corporate Finance (AFM531) – 6 credit points
- Accounting Information Systems (AFM575) – 6 credit points
- Economics for Management (ECON406) – 6 credit points
- Taxation Law (LSSU592) – 6 credit points
- Issues in Commercial and Financial Services Law (LSSU594) – 6 credit points
- Quantitative Techniques for Management (QM461) – 6 credit points
96 credit points
For candidates admitted under Rule (c)72 credit points
Complete the following units:
1. This course is accredited by the CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ). Completion of the core units meets the entry requirements of CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).
2. In addition to the core unit LSSU592, students who want to meet the Tax Practitioners Board accreditation requirements for a certified tax agent also need to complete the additional units LSSU450, LSSU451, LSSU591 and LSSU593 as listed or non-award units.
- Management Accounting (AFM403) – 6 credit points
- Introductory Accounting (AFM406) – 6 credit points
- Intermediate Financial Accounting (AFM410) – 6 credit points
- Accounting Theory and Research (AFM501) – 6 credit points
- Advanced Financial Accounting (AFM505) – 6 credit points
- Auditing (AFM519) – 6 credit points
- Corporate Finance (AFM531) – 6 credit points
- Accounting Information Systems (AFM575) – 6 credit points
- Economics for Management (ECON406) – 6 credit points
- Taxation Law (LSSU592) – 6 credit points
- Issues in Commercial and Financial Services Law (LSSU594) – 6 credit points
- Quantitative Techniques for Management (QM461) – 6 credit points
24 credit points
Complete 24 credit points from the following units:- Fundamentals of Personal Finance (AFM404) – 6 credit points
- Financial Statement Analysis (AFM504) – 6 credit points
- Issues in Management Accounting (AFM506) – 6 credit points
- Accounting Project (AFM521) – 6 credit points
- Small Business Finance (AFM522) – 6 credit points
- Entrepreneurship (AFM524) – 6 credit points
- Security Analysis and Portfolio Management (AFM532) – 6 credit points
- Fraud Prevention and Investigation (AFM540) – 6 credit points
- Innovation in Business (BUS599) – 6 credit points
- Management Information Systems (COSC472) – 6 credit points
- Banking and Finance (ECON405) – 6 credit points
- Commercial Law I: Principles of Australian Law (LSSU450) – 6 credit points
- Legal Studies (LSSU451) – 6 credit points
- Law of Commercial Associations (LSSU591) – 6 credit points
- Advanced Taxation Law (LSSU593) – 6 credit points
- Strategic Planning and Sustainability (MM403) – 6 credit points
- Strategic Human Resource Management (MM439) – 6 credit points
- Professional Ethics (MM467) – 6 credit points
- Management Practices in Responsible Organisations (MM503) – 6 credit points
- Work Integrated Learning - Professional Skills Development (WORK500) – 6 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Full Fee | $28,472* |
| International | $32,254* |
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $16,026* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $351 |
*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.
Scholarships
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
Students who complete this award will be eligible for Associate membership of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), CPA Australia and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). They can then pursue full professional status with the organisation of their choice.
This course is accredited by the CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ). Completion of the core units meets the entry requirements of CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).
Course outcomes
- demonstrate mastery of knowledge within the accounting discipline, that includes understanding of recent developments and ability to reflect critically on theory and to undertake professional work in accounting;
- identify complex problems in accounting and finance, collect relevant data, evaluate and synthesise a range of solutions and recommend the best course of action;
- demonstrate a current knowledge and understanding of research principles and methods as they apply to accounting;
- communicate effectively with both accounting and non-accounting professionals on accounting and finance issues in a coherent and sustained manner;
- demonstrate a proficiency with the researching, presentation and dissemination of information within and outside accounting;
- demonstrate application of knowledge and skills acquired within the accounting discipline with high level of creativity, initiative and personal autonomy; and
- plan and execute a substantial research-based project or capstone experience and/or piece of research.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Demonstrate advanced knowledge within the accounting discipline suitable for professional practice and for progression to further study in the accounting discipline.Demonstrate an awareness of the global and international developments within the accounting discipline, including international regulatory frameworks.
- Communication Skills
Communicate to a range of stakeholders using appropriate methods to present technical information and build rapport; justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions whilst recognising the particular importance of adequate disclosure of information and transparency in the accounting profession.
- Problem Solving
Apply logical, critical and creative thinking to a range of problems; identify critical issues in the discipline or professional area; conceptualise problems and formulate a range of solutions that are appropriate to the national or cultural context of the problem; collect, collate and analyse relevant information to assist problem solving.
- Information Literacy
Recognise the need for information and the nature and extent of information required; collect information effectively and efficiently; critically evaluate information; use appropriate technology, methods and techniques to collect and evaluate information; and present information in formats relevant to professional practice and scholarship in the accounting discipline.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Demonstrate an understanding of the nature and importance of the integrity and professional ethics in the accounting discipline, including an awareness of relevant professional codes of conduct, strategies to identify and deal with unethical behaviour and of their professional responsibility towards clients and the community as a whole.
- Lifelong Learning
Reflect on limitations of, and have the capacity to evaluate their current knowledge; identify, evaluate and implement personal learning strategies for lifelong personal and professional development; practise critical thinking; learn both independently and cooperatively; learn new skills and apply learning to new and unexpected situations; recognise opportunities for further learning in both familiar and unfamiliar national or cultural settings.
- Independence and Collaboration
Work independently, in a team or collaboratively within a multidisciplinary group to achieve common goals and to solve problems; contribute specialist knowledge as required; take responsibility and carry out agreed tasks; take initiative and lead others; operate in a range of supportive roles within teams; negotiate, assert their own values and respect the values and contributions of others; and evaluate team performance. Graduates also become aware of the multicultural environment, acting with dignity and showing respect to the fellow members of the group.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024 No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024 Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
I was recruited directly from campus into a 'big 4' accounting firm.
Why study with us?
As postgraduate students, we are shaped to think and create, and empowered to make educated decisions that very well relate theory to practice. My journey has given me inner confidence.
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 16 February 2024 | 26 February 2024 |
| Trimester 2 | 14 June 2024 | 24 June 2024 |
| Trimester 3 | 11 October 2024 | 21 October 2024 |
Important Notice for Prospective Students
For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.
