Master of Professional Accounting

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Duration

2 years full-time, 4 years part-time

Location

Brisbane

Next start term

Term 3, 2026

Internship

Yes

Study mode

On Campus, Online

Course code

CC57

CRICOS

084507M

First-year fee

A$38,640 (2026 Indicative)

Overview

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Overview Structure & Availability Requirements Fees & Scholarships How to Apply

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Man sitting at a desk working on a computer

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.

Video thumbnail image — Study a Master of Professional Accounting

Study Experience

Discover more about your industry-accredited professional accounting degree, taught by an experienced teaching team and incorporating practical learning experiences and assessments that equip you with industry relevant skills. Click 'Explore Study Experience' for more information.

Authentic Learning Experiences
Experienced Teaching Team
Flexible Online Study
Seamless Pathways
Internships
Industry Accredited

“
Leaving a successful career to become a full-time student and start over in Australia was one of my hardest decisions, but growth takes courage. CQUniversity gave me the confidence, knowledge, and belief in lifelong learning to pursue new opportunities and build my next chapter.
Kim Hoang Nguyen
Master of Professional Accounting | Vietnam
“
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
“
Choosing an internship was the best decision I made. The experience boosted my confidence and prepared me for the workplace. The highlight came on my final day when the CEO announced to the team announced to the team that they couldn’t let me go and I was being offered a job.
Nilusha Gayani Pathiraja
Master of Professional Accounting | Sri Lanka
“
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
“
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

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. Visit the Academic Calendars webpage for key dates relevant to your chosen intake.

Intakes

Available Locations

Your Course

You must complete 16 units (96 credits):

1
The core structure (14 units)
2
Two elective units

Unit Details

The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.

Showing 8 of 14

Additional Information

Internships and Placements

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 Recognition

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

For eligibility criteria for membership of the Professional Bodies refer to these websites:

CPA Australia

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand

Institute of Public Accountants

Professional Practice - Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)

Core

For eligibility criteria for membership of the Professional Bodies refer to these websites:

CPA Australia

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand

Institute of Public Accountants

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.

Credit Transfer

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

Intakes

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.

International Course Fees

Scholarships

International students from selected regions may be eligible for scholarships.

Browse our scholarships.

Additional costs

In addition to your course fees, you must have sufficient funds to cover other study and living expenses. These may include visa application fees, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), textbooks and learning materials, checks and certifications, living expenses and more.

How to Apply

You can apply through an agent for expert guidance, or directly via iStart, our online application system for international students if you’re in Australia.

Apply

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