Overview 2019
Location
- What is an ATAR
- Course rules
- Course accredited by: CPA Australia
- Australian Qualification Framework level: 9
Full Fee Paying places available
Location
- What is an ATAR
- Course accredited by: CPA Australia
- CRICOS: 048894E
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 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.
Students will be eligible to apply for associate membership of CPA Australia upon successful completion of the required MPAS core units.*
If you intend to complete the CPA Extension specialisation as part of your MPAS you will be required to seek and gain Associate Membership of CPA Australia prior to commencing these units, and then to enrol concurrently with CPA Australia at the time each unit is completed. Students enrolled with CPA Australia will complete the CPA exam in each of these units. This is in addition to completion of the assessment requirements within the MPA/S program in which you are enrolled with UTAS. CPA Extension students will achieve both a Masters qualification and meet the academic requirements to achieve CPA status (and then to complete mentored work experience on entry to the profession).
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). Students undertaking the CPA Extension specialisation should be aware of the additional costs associated with CPA Associate Membership and enrolment in the CPA units. For information about the CPA Program, visit www.cpaaustralia.com.au.
The course is full fee-paying, which means that you will be charged at the full fee-paying rate listed for each unit.
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.
*Further advice about the MPAS units required for associate membership of CPA Australia will be provided as part of your Orientation.
For more information contact U.Connect@utas.edu.au
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.
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)
- Business Management (Semester 1 intake only)
Available in Hobart:
- Business Management
- CPA Extension
- Marketing
Standard full-time enrolment pattern for students without advanced standing (all campuses and modes):
Please refer to the advice in the Enrolment Guide [PDF 197.2 KB].
Special note for students doing the CPA Extension specialisation
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.
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 Theory is an advanced unit that seeks to provide students with an understanding of historical and contemporary issues that have influenced and continue to influence the development of accounting thought and underlie practice that has developed. Accounting theory has…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
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 | ||||
View all details for BFA504 Accounting Systems and Processes
This unit examines the role of auditing, focusing particularly on the role of the external auditor in the assessment of the validity and reliability of financial information of publicly listed companies. It highlights the audit function and the important role…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit introduces you to the core concepts in Australian taxation and identifies the framework (both legal and administrative) behind such 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 you 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 topics…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
This unit provides students 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…
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
This unit has been planned and guided by ideas about what a future accountant or manager would need to know in order to perform effectively in the workplace. The understanding that you gained while studying BFA507 The Accounting Framework will…
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 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 | ||||
Provides a foundation for students intending to study units towards the Masters of Professional Accounting. The institutional framework and the fundamental principles underpinning accrual accounting and financial reporting are examined. The elements of the accounting cycle, and techniques of measurement,…
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.
This unit provides you with knowledge of ethics, corporate governance frameworks and mechanisms and the skills to apply them as a professional accountant in a global business environment. You will develop your analytical and decision‐making skills and knowledge to identify…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
The primary focus of this unit is ethics as it applies to business and management practice. The unit is interdisciplinary in character as questions of management practice, organisational theory and economic policy intertwine with issues of rights and responsibilities, duties…
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.
This unit 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. This unit has a heavy emphasis on research and critical…
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
The aim of the unit is to develop an understanding of the key issues in strategic management particularly as they relate to managing the interface between an organisation and its internal resources and the elements of its external environment. The…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Specialisations
You will complete one specialisation consisting of 4 units (50 credit points).
Advanced Accounting (available in Launceston ONLY)
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Strategic management accounting is a key component of the overall skills base of today's 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…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| 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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
The focus of this unit is increasing the effectiveness of leadership and change management skills at an individual and organisation level. Leadership and change management are increasingly seen to be key factors affecting the performance of contemporary organisations and are…
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
Management is ultimately about influencing the behaviour of others within an organisational context and in many ways the study of Organisational Behaviour is the reference point for all other areas of management education. The unit is structured around three key…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit examines the role and function of human resource management. Topics include job design, recruitment and selection of personnel; the development and retention of staff; industrial relations and international HRM. The unit aims to develop the necessary abilities and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for BMA583 Managing People and the Employment Relationship
The focus of this unit is increasing the effectiveness of leadership and change management skills at an individual and organisation level. Leadership and change management are increasingly seen to be key factors affecting the performance of contemporary organisations and are…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for BMA701 Leadership and Change Management
This is a reading course; the unit presumes a familiarity with work life. It expects you to have already grasped the fact that 'business is the art of making a living doing what you love'. The thesis of the unit…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
CPA Extension (not available in Launceston)
This unit advances your knowledge of financial reporting and business skills in an international professional environment, and is based on the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). You will learn the skills to provide business advice to a range of stakeholders.This…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit provides you with the skills to assess and manage financial risk and apply appropriate strategies through the use of financial instruments. Financial risk includes funding and liquidity risk, market risk from interest rates, exchange rates or commodity price…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Global Strategy and Leadership is the capstone unit in the CPA Program Professional Level. You MUST have successfully completed the three compulsory units: CPA Ethics and Governance, CPA Financial Reporting and CPA Strategic Management Accounting, before you can enrol in…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
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 | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for BFA738 CPA Strategic Management Accounting
Marketing (not available in Launceston)
For marketers, understanding how buyers and consumers behave is an integral part of correctly identifying their needs, and subsequently developing effective marketing strategies. Buyers go through a decision-making processes before making a purchase or before deciding to continue to buy…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
The importance of marketing in the Business to Business (B2B) sector has grown globally. Business markets present unique challenges and opportunities for marketers that differ significantly from business to consumer (B2C) markets. B2B and B2C markets function very differently and…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Sales management and personal selling are critical to organisational success, especially in highly competitive markets. Good personal selling skills guide sales professionals toward alignment with buyers, by helping them overcome their problems and challenges, and creating value for both the…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for BMA609 Sales Management and Personal Selling
The increasing use of the Internet and other digital media by both business and consumers 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…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for BMA610 Digital and Social Media Marketing
Exit awards
Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting
You are eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting upon completion of 4 units / 50 credit points of core units from the course schedule above.
Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting
You are eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting upon completion of 8 units / 100 credit points of core units from the course schedule above.
Master of Professional Accounting
You are eligible to exit with the Master Professional Accounting upon completion of the 12 units / 150 credit points appearing in that course schedule. See C7B Master of Professional Accounting.
Entry requirements
Admission Prerequisites
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 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
2019 Annual Course Fee (domestic students): $20,888 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. More information about Domestic Student Fees, including how your fees are calculated, is available here.
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.
Domestic students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place will be charged a fee based on the number of units they enrol in. In 2019, this fee is $45.45 per unit (of 12.5 credit points). In 2019, the maximum charge for full time students is $303.
International students
2019 Total Course Fee (international students): $69,088 AUD*.
Course cost based on a rate of $33,950 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