Overview 2022
Location
- What is an ATAR
- Course rules
- Course accredited by: CPA Australia
- Australian Qualification Framework level: 9
Location
- What is an ATAR
- Course accredited by: CPA Australia
- CRICOS: 048894E
The Master of Professional Accounting (Specialisation) (MPAS) is designed to train those who do not have an accounting background or who need to up-skill to meet the professional accounting requirements. Students holding an accredited accounting qualification of an Australian institution are not eligible to seek entry into this course.
This is a 2 year full-time or 4 year part-time course of study offered by the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics. It comprises 16 units of study: 12 core units and 4 units which make up a specialisation.
The course is full fee-paying, which means that you will be charged at the full fee-paying rate listed for each unit.
Key contacts
| Current student enrolment questions and advice | UConnect |
| Course Coordinator | Dr Bernadette Smith |
| Work Ready Program Coordinator | John Streeter |
Course objectives
The MPAS 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 whilst also acquiring specialist skills in an area of their choice. You develop skills to question and find solutions by applying your technical knowledge and ability to research authentic situations in the accounting context plus a specialist area. 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
To become members of CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), students without an undergraduate or masters degree must complete a professionally accredited 16 unit masters level course. This course is accredited with the professional accounting bodies in Australia. Graduates of the MPAS will satisfy the educational requirements for associate membership of CPA Australia, the entry requirements at the ICAA and membership of the IPA.
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 (Specialisation) consists of 12 core units and 4 specialisation units (200 credit points).
Specialisations
Available in Launceston:
- Advanced Accounting (Semester 1 intake only)
Take your accounting skills to the next level. This specialisation is ideal for students who intend to take their CPA exams in future after building up some work experience rather than completing them as part of your degree. - Business Management (Semester 1 intake only)
Diversify your skill set with additional business management topics including entrepreneurship, sales, and people management.
Available in Hobart:
- Business Management
Diversify your skill set with additional business management topics including entrepreneurship, sales, and people management. - CPA Extension
Complete your Master's degree alongside the CPA Program and get a competitive advantage over your peers. - Marketing
Complement your accounting skills with a range of marketing topics including sales, digital marketing, and business-to-business marketing.
Available online:
- Advanced Accounting (Semester 1 intake only)
Take your accounting skills to the next level. This specialisation is ideal for students who intend to take their CPA exams in future after building up some work experience rather than completing them as part of your degree. - Business Management
Diversify your skill set with additional business management topics including entrepreneurship, sales, and people management. - CPA Extension
Complete your Master's degree alongside the CPA Program and get a competitive advantage over your peers. - Marketing
Complement your accounting skills with a range of marketing topics including sales, digital marketing, and business-to-business marketing.
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 – including a recommended enrolment pattern for each specialisation – will be available as part of your Orientation.
Core Units
You will complete 12 core units (150 credit points).
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 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 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
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 | ||||
| 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 2 | ||||
| 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 must select BFA502 CPA Ethics and Governance if you are doing the CPA Extension specialisation.
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 | 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 | ||||
Choose ONE (1) of these units:
You must select BFA731 CPA Contemporary Business Issues if you are doing the CPA Extension specialisation.
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 | 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
| 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 | ||||
Specialisations
Advanced Accounting (available off-campus / online and on campus in Launceston)
Advanced financial accounting is designed to provide you with financial reporting and business skills that are applicable in an international professional environment. The subject is based on the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), which are issued by the International Accounting…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Strategic management accounting is a key component of the overall skills base of todays professional accountant. This subject examines the management accountant’s role in dynamic organisations operating in the global business environment. In this role,the professional accountant engages with the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Organisations are vulnerable to financial risk, including funding and liquidity risk, market risk from interest rate, exchange rate or commodity price movements, credit risk and operational risk. The purpose of this subject is to equip you with the necessary skills…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Global Strategy and Leadership consolidates and builds on the learnings candidates have gained in prior units. In the increasingly complex business environment in which organisations operate, characterised by change, uncertainty and escalating competition, the disciplines of strategy and leadership have…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
This is an intellectually demanding unit with a lot of reading required and is designed for those who are likely to find themselves in leadership positions. The focus of this unit is on gaining an understanding of how and why…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for BMA701 Leadership and Change Management
Business Management (available off-campus / online and on campus in Launceston and Hobart)
To be innovative, you need to be able to think differently.In this unit, you’ll learn about the thinking tools that entrepreneurs use to create innovative products and build a thriving business around them. You’ll learn what it means to adopt…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for BAA539 Fundamentals of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Organisational Behaviour (OB) is the study of human behaviour at the individual, group and organisational level. The primary purpose of this unit is to improve the management of organisations through the development of knowledge of human behaviour. To do this,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
The effective management of human resources is becoming an increasingly vital concern in organisations, whether they are professional practices employing only a few staff, multinational corporations, public sector or not-for-profit organisations. The impact of globalisation, increased competition for talented employees,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for BMA583 Managing People and the Employment Relationship
This is an intellectually demanding unit with a lot of reading required and is designed for those who are likely to find themselves in leadership positions. The focus of this unit is on gaining an understanding of how and why…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for BMA701 Leadership and Change Management
CPA Extension (available off-campus / online and on campus in Hobart)
CPA Financial Reporting is designed to provide you with financial reporting and business skills that are applicable in an international professional environment. This unit is delivered in preparation for CPA exams and provides tuition support for your enrolment in the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | 11 Week Session Feb | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
CPA Financial Risk Management is designed to provide you with the skills to assess and manage financial risks and apply appropriate strategies through the use of financial instruments. Financial risks include funding and liquidity risk, market risk from interest rates,…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | 11 Week Session Feb | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Global Strategy and Leadership consolidates and builds on the learnings candidates have gained in prior units. In the increasingly complex business environment in which organisations operate, characterised by change, uncertainty and escalating competition, the disciplines of strategy and leadership have…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | 11 Week Session Feb | ||||
View all details for BFA737 CPA Global Strategy and Leadership
This unit examines the management accountant’s role in dynamic organisations operating in the global business environment with a focus on achieving strategic outcomes. You will learn the tools and techniques including value chain analysis and project management, to contribute to…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | 11 Week Session Feb | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for BFA738 CPA Strategic Management Accounting
Marketing (available off-campus / online and on campus in Hobart)
For marketers, understanding how buyers and consumers behave is an integral part of correctly identifying their needs, and developing effective marketing strategies. Buyers often go through decision-making processes before making a purchase or making a decision to continue to buy…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Business to Business (B2B) marketing has gained importance globally and differ significantly from business-consumer marketing. Business markets present unique challenges and opportunities for marketers. Business customers engage in complex purchase decision making processes and respond differently to marketing strategies compared…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
Sales management and personal selling are critical to organisational success, especiallyin highly competitive markets. Good personal selling skills guide sales professionalstoward alignment with buyers, by helping them overcome their problems andchallenges, and creating value for both the customer and seller.…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
View all details for BMA609 Sales Management and Personal Selling
The increasing use of the Internet and other digital media by both business andconsumers is having a significant effect on business globally. For consumers,information and communication technologies (ICT) provide more information,convenience, and a wider range of, and access to, product…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for BMA610 Digital and Social Media Marketing
Entry requirements
For International 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 in Business Studies, 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
- PTE Academic overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50; 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 (Specialisation) 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.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
2022 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
2022 Total Course Fee (international students): $ 73,158 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.
Additional costs
Special note for students doing the CPA Extension specialisation
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).
You should be aware that you must hold a concurrent enrolment with the CPA Australia in order to enrol in the corresponding UTAS CPA units and 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.
This applies to enrolment in the alternate core units BFA502 CPA Ethics and Governance and BFA731 CPA Contemporary Business Issues as well as the CPA Extension specialisation units themselves.
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