Overview 2021
Location
- What is an ATAR
- Course rules
- Course accredited by: CPA Australia
- Australian Qualification Framework level: 9
Full Fee Paying places available
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the International Online Course Guide (PDF 809KB) for courses that are offered to international students
"I think a career in accounting provides challenging, rewarding, and versatile opportunities in the business environment. I had the most amazing faculty members they were very cooperative and helpful. I would definitely recommend the University of Tasmania."
This is an 18 month (12 unit) full-time or 3 year part-time course of study offered by the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics. The course is available in both on campus and off campus modes. All units are subject to formal assessment including the completion of continuous assessment such as assignments, and a final examination.
The course is full fee-paying, which means that you will be charged at the full fee-paying rate listed for each unit.
Important note: Currently, there is one intake of the MPA in Launceston only (Semester 1).
The Master of Professional Accounting is accredited by CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand.
Work Ready Program
Start your career the right way, get the skills you need to stand out.
Our Work Ready Program will prepare you for success at university and in your chosen career. Whist studying postgraduate Professional Accounting at our Launceston campus, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits and opportunities of the program.
Program features include:
| Corporate Internship Get a guaranteed place in our Corporate Internship Program. Not only will you gain a competitive advantage for employment, you’ll also achieve credit towards your degree. | Public speaking and English language support Our regular, drop-in English sessions are a great way to improve your language skills and make friends. Use our public speaking club linkages to develop skills and make community contacts. | Ambassador of Industry and Academic Mentor Our Ambassador for Industry will facilitate networking opportunities and help you form connections. Stay on track with your studies, with one-on-one sessions with your Academic Mentor at least twice per semester. |
| Financial support To help you settle into life in Launceston during your first year of study, you’ll receive $3,000 (split over each semester after census date in $1,500 instalments). | Volunteer work experience Build your networks and work experience by volunteering in social enterprises. This feature is ideal for those wanting to gain Australian workplace experience. | Training and workshops Choose to do some vocational training, such as barista or Responsible Serving of Alcohol, to help you secure casual work during your studies. You can also sharpen your computer and interview skills. |
The Work Ready Program is available to all full-time, commencing students for the Master of Professional Accounting/Master of Professional Accounting (Specialisation) in Launceston, 2021. If eligible, you will automatically join the Work Ready Program. For more information or enquires, contact the Academic Program Coordinator, John Streeter.
Read full terms and conditions here.
Key contacts
| Current student enrolment questions and advice | UConnect |
| Course Coordinator | Dr Bernadette Smith |
| Work Ready Program Coordinator | John Streeter |
Course objectives
The MPA is primarily designed for graduates with an undergraduate degree, from disciplines other than accounting, to develop skills to meet the entry requirements necessary for Associate Membership of the professional accounting bodies. You develop the skills to question and find solutions by applying your technical knowledge and ability to research authentic situations in the accounting context. You also learn to interact within diverse groups and communicate your findings to both accountants and non-accountants through the most appropriate method.
Learning outcomes
The Course Learning Outcomes are:
- Research, critique and integrate advanced technical, specialist and theoretical knowledge with recent developments in commerce;
- Clear and concise oral and written communication skills to justify business advice and ideas in diverse collaborative contexts involving both accountants and non-accountants;
- Anticipate and solve complex problems and through this process demonstrate information literacy, judgement and the ability to apply theoretical and technical knowledge;
- Apply interpersonal and collaborative skills when making 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;
- Reflect on issues of social responsibility and sustainability in the business context.
Career outcomes
This course offers participants from different academic and experiential backgrounds the opportunity to specialise in accounting for professional recognition purposes. Accounting is often cited as the language of business. People with accounting skills are in high demand in the business and corporate world embracing areas such as finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, banking and information systems, and such skills are increasingly important to groups performing an overview function such as directors.
Professional Recognition
Students with a recognised undergraduate or masters degree or approved graduate certificate who complete this course are eligible for membership of CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). This course is accredited with the professional accounting bodies in Australia.
Please note that if you are awarded advanced standing (credit) for any units in this degree, you should be aware that the accounting accrediting bodies will assess this advanced standing separately and that this advanced standing may not be approved. You should seek advice from the accrediting bodies on any units you wish to seek advanced standing for, as it may affect your membership eligibility if not approved.
Course structure
The Master of Professional Accounting consists of 12 units (150 credit points).
Special note for students studying on-campus
As not all units will be available on-campus at your location, you may need to take some of your units via distance (or at another campus if this option is convenient
- You have at least one on-campus unit in your enrolment each semester (This must be at the campus location specified in your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- You do not enrol in more than 1/3 of the units for your degree via distance
More information about this will be available as part of your Orientation.
Core units
Accounting Perspectives and Research exposes you to research within the field of Accounting and to the underlying theories and other influences that have played an important role in shaping accounting practice. Further, the unit considers emerging issues currently being addressed…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for BFA715 Accounting Perspectives and Research
This unit focuses on the key accounting systems and processes which support an organisation's business and enhance decision-making capabilities. The strategic implications of information systems will be analysed, and students will be introduced to the development, implementation, and maintenance of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for BFA504 Accounting Systems and Processes
In this unit, you will examine the role of auditing, focusing particularly on the role of the external auditor in assessing the validity and reliability of financial information of publicly listed companies. The unit highlights the audit function and the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit introduces students to the core concepts in Australian taxation and identifies the framework (both legal and administrative) behind those concepts. The knowledge gained through this exploration enables the application of the framework to current issues faced by individuals…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit covers a wide range of interesting legal topics and teaches students how to analyse, and solve legal problems, all essential skills for those wishing to work in both the fields of accounting and business management. The unit combines…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit provides managers with an introduction to a comprehensive range of key data analysis, statistics, microeconomic and macroeconomic topics. The emphasis is on the practical application of basic statistical techniques, economic concepts and models to real world business-oriented problems…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for BEA603 Economics and Statistical Analysis
The understanding that you gained while studying BFA507 The Accounting Framework will be extended to develop your accounting knowledge and skills in the context of more complex financial and corporate accounting issues. The unit covers an understanding of how financial…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for BFA605 Financial and Corporate Accounting
This unit introduces students to the major concepts and analytical tools used in the theory and practice of financial management within an Australian context. It is designed to provide you with an understanding of: - the scope and nature of…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for BFA503 Introduction to Financial Management
In this unit we explore the key functions fulfilled by managerial and cost accounting. The primary purpose of managerial and cost accounting is to provide relevant information to managers within an organisation. Managerial accounting can be thought of as the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
The Accounting Framework is an introductory accounting unit concerned with the fundamentals of financial accounting. The unit includes an introduction to the basic principles of accrual accounting and the five elements of financial reports (i.e. assets, liabilities, owners equity, revenue…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Choose ONE (1) of these units:
You should select BFA502 CPA Ethics and Governance if you are intending to go on to do the CPA Extension specialisation of the C7D Master of Professional Accounting.
Ethics and Governance is a core component of the knowledge and skill base of today’s professional accountants. As key business decision-makers, accountants must be proficient in regulatory regimes, compliance requirements, and governance mechanisms to ensure lawful and effective corporate behaviour…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Being a successful manager and leader requires engagement with the ethical aspects of business management and consideration of the broader socio-political role that organisations play in contemporary society. The primary focus of this unit is the ethics of business and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
Choose ONE (1) of these units:
You should select BFA731 CPA Contemporary Business Issues if you are intending to go on to do the CPA Extension specialisation of the C7D Master of Professional Accounting.
The CPA as an innovator. The Contemporary Business Issues (CBI) subject examines a number of contemporary and emerging global issues in order to familiarise you with the business environment you are likely to be operating in as an accountant. It…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for BFA731 CPA Contemporary Business Issues
This Unit integrates work and learning for final year Masters degree students. It carries a 12.5 Credit Points (equivalent to one unit) and is an elective unit or specialisation unit in a Postgraduate degree offered by the TSBE. You will…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Strategic management today is a complex process requiring advanced skills. International expansion, network advantage, and resource optimisation pervade every aspect of this critical management skill. Successful managers need up-to-date guidance in the creation and implementation of effective strategy. This unit…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Entry requirements
Entry Requirements
For entry to this course, you need to have:
- an undergraduate or Masters degree in a non-accounting discipline, or equivalent, from an approved tertiary institution; or
- a Graduate Certificate, or equivalent, from an approved tertiary institution; or
- qualifications, relevant work experience or other special circumstances, as approved by the Executive Dean or delegated authority.
International students must provide one of the following:
- UTASAccess Level 7 with a minimum overall score of 60% and no individual skill below 60%; or
- IELTS with an overall Band of 6 and no Band less than 6; or
- TOEFL (iBT) overall score of 72 (no individual skill must be lower than Reading 16; Listening 16; Speaking 18; and, Writing 22); or
- provide evidence that you have studied for 2 years full-time with English as the sole medium of instruction and examination.
These tests must not be more than 24 months old.
Articulation from
Students who graduate with any of the approved exit and/or articulating awards of the Master of Professional Accounting may return to or continue to the higher level award with full credit for units completed provided that the credit is consistent with the requirements of higher level award in terms of the course structure and the units were not completed more than 10 years prior to the expected date of graduation in the higher level award.
Articulation to
This course articulates with full credit to the C7D Master of Professional Accounting (Specialisation), subject to the rules of that degree.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
2020 Annual Course Fee (domestic students): $21,616 AUD*.
* Please note that this is an indicative annual fee only and is provided as a guide based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved credit for prior learning. For more information about Domestic Student Fees, including how your fees are calculated, refer to Domestic Fees | What to Pay.
Student Services and Amenities fee
Domestic students enrolled in a full fee paying place are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the fees you pay for each unit you enrol in. Full fee paying domestic students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Detailed tuition fee information for domestic students is available at the Domestic Student Fees website, including additional information in relation to a compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Domestic students enrolled in certain postgraduate coursework programs may not be eligible for student payments through Youth Allowance and Austudy. Visit the Department of Social Services website to find out more about eligibility for Centrelink support and the list of eligible courses
International students
2021 Total Course Fee (international students): $ 54,554 AUD *.
Course cost based on a rate of $35,950 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).
* Please note that this is an indicative fee only.
International students
International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Scholarships
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 1300 363 864
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries