| 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.
