Overview 2022
Location
- What is an ATAR
- Course rules
- Course accredited by: CPA Australia
- Australian Qualification Framework level: 9
This course may not be available to international students. Please see the list of distance courses (i.e. online and taken outside Australia) that are offered to international students
View archived years for this course
For years prior to 2015, please view the Course and Unit Handbook Archive
View the current year's course page
"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 course provides training in accounting primarily for those who do not have an accounting background. Successful completion of this course means that you will be eligible for professional accounting body associate membership.
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).
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
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.
Course structure
The Master of Professional Accounting consists of 12 core units (150 credit points).
Standard full-time enrolment pattern for students without advanced standing (all campuses and modes):
Study period A (i.e. commencing study period)
- BFA503 Introduction to Financial Management
- BFA507 The Accounting Framework
- BFA601 Business and Corporate Law
- BMA735 Management Ethics
Study period B
- BFA605 Financial and Corporate Accounting
- BEA603 Economics and Statistical Analysis
- BFA714 Taxation
- BMA799 Strategic Management or BFA739 Tax Clinic Internship
Study period C
- BFA504 Accounting Systems and Processes
- BFA713 Audit and Assurance
- BFA612 Management and Cost Accounting
- BFA715 Accounting Perspectives and Research
Special note for students intending to articulate to the C7D MPAS – CPA Extension
To be eligible to progress on to the MPAS—CPA Extension specialisation units you must complete the alternate core units BFA502 CPA Ethics and Governance and BFA731 Contemporary Business Issues. More information about this – including a recommended enrolment pattern – will be available as part of your Orientation.
Please also note that, in completing the CPA Program™ units in the Master of Professional Accounting (CPA Extension) with the University of Tasmania, students do not receive the CPA Australia qualification until they have met all the requirements of the CPA Program as set by CPA Australia (which includes practical experience).
In addition, students should be aware that they must hold a concurrent enrolment with the CPA Australia in order to enrol in the corresponding UTAS CPA units and that there are additional costs associated with UTAS CPA units, CPA membership and enrolment fee (includes exam fee) that are not included in the UTAS tuition fee. For information about the CPA Program, visit www.cpaaustralia.com.au.
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 to you). However, if you are an international student studying in Australia on a student visa you will be able to do this and still meet your visa requirements by planning ahead to ensure that:
- You are enrolled in at least one on-campus unit in 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
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
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for BEA603 Economics and Statistical Analysis
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
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for BFA503 Introduction to Financial Management
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
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
This unit is currently unavailable.
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
This unit is currently unavailable.
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
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for BFA605 Financial and Corporate Accounting
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
This unit is currently unavailable.
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
This unit is currently unavailable.
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
This unit is currently unavailable.
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
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for BFA715 Accounting Perspectives and Research
Choice 1
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 2 | ||||
| Hobart | 11 Week Session Feb | ||||
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 | ||||
Choice 2
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 2 | ||||
| Hobart | 11 Week Session Feb | ||||
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
This unit is currently unavailable.
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
For Domestic students
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.
Credit transfer
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.
Articulation
Articulation from Students who graduate with any of the approved exit 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 Master of Professional Accounting (Specialisation), subject to the rules of that degree.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
This is a full-fee course, which means you’ll need to pay the entire amount for your studies. Commonwealth supported places are not available in this postgraduate course. However, there are still support options available for eligible students to help you manage the cost of studying this course.
You may be able to fund all or part of your tuition fees by accessing a FEE-HELP loan from the Australian Government. FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists domestic full-fee students to pay for University, which is repaid through the Australian Tax System once you earn above a repayment threshold. This means you’ll only have to start repaying the loan once you start earning above a specific amount.
Our scholarships and prizes program also offers more than 400 scholarships across all areas of study. You can even apply for multiple scholarships in one easy application.
An important note on Youth Allowance and AustudyThe Department of Social Services has approved some accredited and professionally oriented Masters courses for student payments through Youth Allowance or Austudy. This means if you enrol in one of these courses, you may be eligible for student payments. However, please be aware that this is not the case for all Master courses. Please visit our Scholarships, Fees and Costs website for further information.
Further informationDetailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the 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
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
- 13 8827 (13 UTAS)
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries