Master of Professional Accounting

Overview
Technology and data are creating an exciting new era for the accounting profession making now a great time to change the trajectory of your career and qualify as a professional accountant. Accounting is harnessing the power of the digital revolution that is fuelling technological trends such as cloud-based computing, artificial intelligence and robotic process automation to provide real-time finance tracking and fraud vulnerability assessments for organisations.
The Master of Professional Accounting is an ideal course for professionals seeking a career change into accounting and financial management.
You will develop professional skills sought after by industry, government and the accounting profession across accounting, finance, computer software applications, economics, statistics and business law. The Master of Professional Accounting will also allow you to choose to develop specialist skills in accounting systems and information assurance, forensic accounting, and financial data analytics meaning you will be well equipped to leverage artificial intelligence and cloud computing technologies to provide real-time finance tracking, cloud-based accounting services and fraud risk assessments for today’s business world.
With a focus on providing practical skills, you will have opportunities throughout the course to gain hands-on experience with Microsoft Excel and Access, and the world-leading SAP enterprise system software. Plus, choose a professional internship in a professional workplace to contextualise your learning and expand your networks in the industry.
Designed with flexibility in mind to suit current professionals, you can choose between online from your home country or on-campus study options. Take advantage of CQU’s three terms across the year to study the Master of Professional Accounting, when and how it suits you.
If you have an undergraduate degree in business or related disciplines including management, marketing and human resources, you may be interested in our Master of Professional Accounting Accelerated. This 12-unit masters course can be studied in as little as 18 months of full-time study.

Study Experience
- Authentic Learning Experiences
- Experienced Teaching Team
- Industry Accredited
- Internships
- Seamless Pathways
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I chose this course because I wanted to further my accounting qualification in an overseas environment. CQU offers many support services to help international students socially and academically.
Vorleak Ban
Master of Professional Accounting | Cambodia
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I undertook an internship and CQU helped me to land my current job. The business internship helped me to build up my soft skills, boost my confidence and adapt to the Australian working environment. I felt very comfortable with my host organisation.
Thilini Wasana Dissanayaka
Master of Professional Accounting | Sri Lanka
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My study definitely impacted my career. I acquired knowledge, skills and experiences required to enter corporate life. Additionally, interacting with people from different countries, being involved in different types of jobs, receiving advice from my professors and peers helped boost my confidence.
Karuna Shiwakoti
Master of Professional Accounting | Nepal
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The Master of Project Management sharpened my knowledge, and specifically the fundamentals of civil engineering. I did an internship in the last semester and it was a good experience. After graduating, I received a job as a trainee civil engineer.
Abhishek Rameshbhai Sutariya
Master of Project Management | India
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I chose CQU because I believe it gave me the knowledge and skills to prepare me to meet the demands of our changing world. CQU provides a unique learning style that encourages me to be innovative.
Cindy Wisco
Master of Professional Accounting | Philippines
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It’s all about getting out of your comfort zone and exploring what else is there. One thing I learned during my journey is that what seems to be all bad and ugly can turn into something good and beautiful.
Annie Grace Reyes
Master of Professional Accounting | Philippines
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The course is excellent and designed to a high standard. The units relate to international accounting and banking systems, and made me confident. When I return home there will be lots of opportunities to use my knowledge and experience.
Abdullah Al Helal
Master of Professional Accounting | Bangladesh
Career Opportunities
If you are seeking a career change and are interested in a career in accounting, this course is for you. It is ideal if you are interested in employment opportunities in the accounting and financial management sectors. Potential fields of employment include financial accounting, management accounting, taxation auditing, teaching finance, banking management, administration, consulting or business advisory services.
Structure & Availability
The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below.
Available Locations
Your Course
You must complete 16 units (96 credits):
- 1The core structure (14 units)
- 2Two elective units
Unit Details
The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.
Additional Information
Business Internship - BUSN20020
Choose an internship stream to gain real-world experience and contextualise your learning, while expanding your professional networks and enhancing your employability. Students will complete work placement for 10 consecutive weeks, working standard office hours for four days per week – completing approximately 320 hours in total. Students need to meet prerequisite requirements to undertake BUSN20020 Business Internship. Check the Handbook for more information.
Professional Practice - Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ)
Core
The Master of Professional Accounting provides you with a degree that is accredited by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and meets the associate membership requirements of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). For eligibility criteria for membership of the Professional Bodies refer to these websites:
Professional Practice - Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) Australia
Core
The Master of Professional Accounting provides you with a degree that is accredited by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and meets the associate membership requirements of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).
For eligibility criteria for membership of the Professional Bodies refer to these websites:
Professional Practice - Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)
Core
The Master of Professional Accounting provides you with a degree that is accredited by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and meets the associate membership requirements of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).
For eligibility criteria for membership of the Professional Bodies refer to these websites:
Professional Practice - Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
Core
Students who have completed the Master of Professional Accounting may be eligible for exemptions in the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) professional qualification leading to the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation.
If you have already completed a study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.
Requirements
To Be Eligible
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
During Your Study
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies.
Fees & Scholarships
Course Fees
This is an approximate cost of enrolling in this course, shown in Australian dollars (A$), for one academic year and is based on a full-time study load (8 units over 2 terms).
Your actual fees may vary, depending on the units that you select to study and your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change.
A scholarship can help with the costs involved with living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel, and more.
You may be eligible for up to 25% international scholarship funded by the University.
We also offer other scholarships to support international students and encourage you to apply for the one that's right for you.
In addition to your international course tuition fees, you must have sufficient funds to cover other study and living expenses.
This will include costs such as textbooks, accommodation, visa applications, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), general living, etc.
How to Apply
Our easy to use online application system for international students will guide you through the process of applying for a course at CQUniversity Australia.