| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-02-01 | - |
| 2024-07-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) is a two-year program designed for individuals seeking to enhance their accounting knowledge or enter the profession without prior qualifications. It offers three specialization areas: Accounting for Sustainable Business, Financial Planning, and Healthcare Accounting and Administration. Graduates are highly sought-after by employers and eligible for membership in professional accounting bodies.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview
The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) is designed for individuals who wish to enhance their accounting knowledge and skills, or for those who are seeking to enter the accounting profession without prior formal accounting qualifications. The MPA is a two-year full-time course for those without prior study in a related area. Students with previous accounting or related study may be eligible for up to four units' worth of credit, allowing them to complete the course in 1.5 years.
Objectives
- Solve contemporary business problems using critical research techniques, applied accounting concepts, and innovative thinking.
- Justify business ideas in complex contexts using effective oral and written communication techniques with both accounting and non-accounting professionals.
- Research and analyze business performance and impacts to make recommendations to decision-makers.
- Demonstrate collaboration, cooperation, and teamwork when making collaborative decisions and working with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Seek and reflect on feedback to improve personal, professional, and ethical conduct, and initiate learning opportunities for self and others.
Outline:
Structure
The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) course comprises:
- 50 credit points of Transition units
- 100 credit points of Core units
- 50 credit points of specialization units in one of three specialization areas:
- Accounting for Sustainable Business
- Financial Planning
- Healthcare Accounting and Administration
- 50 credit points of research/project work embedded across multiple core units
Course Schedule
The MPA is offered on a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students typically complete the course in two years, while part-time students may take up to four years to complete the course. The course is offered in both Hobart and Launceston.
Individual Modules
Transition Units
- Statistical and Economic Analysis for Decision Making
- Principles of Financial Management
- Accounting and Accountability for Decision Making
- Business and Corporate Law in Practice
Core Units
- Contemporary Financial Accounting and Reporting
- Management Decision Making and Strategy
- Assurance and Audit Services
- Australian Tax Law and Practice
- Contemporary Accounting Perspectives and Research
- Pathway to Accounting and Finance Careers
- Data Analytics for Accounting
Specialization Units
Accounting for Sustainable Business
- Professional Clinic Placement
- Socially Responsible Investing
- Organizational Social Responsibilities
- Managing and Reporting Sustainability Related Performance
- Sustainability Related Governance and Assurance
Financial Planning
- Introduction to Financial Planning
- Ethics and Professionalism
- Investment Planning
- Retirement Planning
Healthcare Accounting and Administration
- Health Ethics, Law, and Governance
- Health Finance, Economics, and Accounting
- Healthcare Organizational Behaviour
- Healthcare Systems, Safety, and Quality
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary depending on the unit and may include:
Assignments
Assignments are typically written tasks that assess students’ understanding of the course material. Assignments may take the form of essays, reports, case studies, or presentations.
Exams
Exams are typically written tests that assess students’ knowledge and understanding of the course material. Exams may be closed-book or open-book.
Projects
Projects are typically larger-scale assignments that require students to apply their learning to a real-world problem. Projects may be individual or group-based.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods
The MPA is taught using a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Workshops
- Seminars
- Online learning
Faculty
The MPA is taught by a team of experienced academics and industry professionals. The faculty members have a wealth of knowledge and experience in accounting and related fields.
Unique Approaches
The MPA offers a number of unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:
- Applied Employment Skills Package: This program provides students with the opportunity to develop their professional skills, such as resume writing, interviewing, and public speaking.
- Student Ambassador Program: This program allows students to represent the University and promote the MPA to prospective students.
- University of Tasmania Tax Clinic: This program provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in providing tax advice to members of the public.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths
Graduates of the MPA may pursue a variety of careers in accounting and related fields, including:
- Accountant
- Auditor
- Financial analyst
- Tax consultant
- Management consultant
- Financial planner
Opportunities
The MPA provides graduates with a number of opportunities to enhance their career prospects, including:
- Internships: The MPA offers a number of internship opportunities that allow students to gain practical experience in the accounting profession.
- Career fairs: The University of Tasmania hosts a number of career fairs throughout the year, which provide students with the opportunity to meet with potential employers.
- Alumni network: The University of Tasmania has a large and active alumni network, which provides graduates with opportunities to connect with other accounting professionals.
Outcomes
Graduates of the MPA are highly sought-after by employers in the accounting profession. The MPA is accredited by CPA Australia and CAANZ, which means that graduates are eligible to apply for membership of these professional accounting bodies.
University of Tasmania
Overview:
The University of Tasmania is a public research university located in Tasmania, Australia. It is known for its commitment to sustainability and has been ranked #1 in climate action globally for three consecutive years by the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. The university prides itself on its welcoming and collaborative community, fostering deep connections with local industry, schools, and the Tasmanian community.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to students, including:
Academic support:
Guidance on course selection, academic advising, and tutoring services.Student life and wellbeing:
Support services for mental health, physical health, and financial wellbeing.Campus facilities:
Access to libraries, computer labs, sports facilities, and student clubs and societies.Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus accommodation options for students.Scholarships and financial aid:
Various scholarships and financial aid programs to support students.International student support:
Dedicated services for international students, including visa assistance and cultural orientation programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Tasmania can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a range of opportunities for students to connect with each other and the wider community through:
Clubs and societies:
A diverse range of clubs and societies catering to various interests.Sporting activities:
Opportunities to participate in various sports and recreational activities.Events and activities:
Regular events and activities organized by the university and student groups.Campus locations:
The university has campuses in Hobart, Launceston, Cradle Coast, and Sydney, offering diverse learning environments and experiences.Key Reasons to Study There:
Sustainability leadership:
The university's commitment to sustainability and its #1 ranking in climate action globally.Hands-on learning:
Emphasis on practical and experiential learning opportunities.Strong research focus:
A reputation for research excellence and impact.Welcoming and supportive community:
A friendly and inclusive environment for students.Unique location:
The opportunity to study and live in the beautiful and diverse island state of Tasmania.Academic Programs:
The University of Tasmania offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Business and Law
Creative Arts and Design
Earth, Sea, Antarctic and Environment
Education, Humanities and Social Sciences
Health and Medicine
Science, Technology and Engineering
The university is particularly strong in areas such as marine science, Antarctic research, environmental studies, and indigenous studies.
Other:
Entry Requirements:
For Domestic students
- Applicants with higher education study
- To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:
- A completed undergraduate or postgraduate course in any discipline at Bachelor level (AQF level 7) or higher (or equivalent).
- Students having a prior qualification in accounting will be considered for recognition of prior learning (up to 4 units).
- Applicants with work experience
- To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:
- Qualifications, relevant work experience or other special circumstances, as approved by the College Executive Dean or delegated authority.
- Applicants must provide evidence to support their application based on work experience. This includes submitting a copy of their CV and two letters of reference from their line managers or equivalent positions. If their work experience is as a sole trader or consultant, they must provide a copy of their CV and two testimonials or references from clients that provide evidence of capability consistent with the entry requirements.
For International students
- Applicants with higher education study
- To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:
- A completed undergraduate or postgraduate course in any discipline at Bachelor level (AQF level 7) or higher (or equivalent).
- Students having a prior qualification in accounting will be considered for recognition of prior learning (up to 4 units).
- Applicants with work experience
- To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:
- Qualifications, relevant work experience or other special circumstances, as approved by the College Executive Dean or delegated authority.
- Applicants must provide evidence to support their application based on work experience. This includes submitting a copy of their CV and two letters of reference from their line managers or equivalent positions.
