Overview 2022
Location
- What is an ATAR
- Course rules
- CRICOS: 106830C
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.”
With our practical internships and work experience opportunities, you will engage with Tasmanian industry during your studies, providing real world experience and building connections to help forge your future career.
If you don’t have a formal accounting qualification and want to break into this thriving field, our Master of Professional Accounting is the perfect place to start. You will have various opportunities to gain practical experience through internships via our Work Ready Program (available to students studying at our Launceston campus) and Tax Clinic (available to students studying at our Hobart and Launceston campuses), and our highly qualified industry experts will prepare you for accounting roles all over the world. This course is also ideal for anyone in the industry who wants to upskill and meet the academic requirement of professional accounting qualifications.
A career in accounting is about providing expert consultation and helping businesses with sound judgement and decision making. You could find yourself providing financial advice for an exciting new start up business or advising innovative, sustainable solutions as a climate change accountant.
As future accounting professionals, you also have the power to make a difference to the world in which we live. Accountants are being called upon to 'be the global voice on climate action’^. From quantifying the financial impact of climate issues, through to ensuring climate reporting meets compliance requirements, accountants are helping to support a worldwide effort to enhance and improve climate change reporting.
^ 'Climate Action', International Federation of Accountants, 2021.
Please note: Due to unit availabilities, Launceston on-campus study is only available to students with a cognate background.
Key contacts
| Current student enrolment questions and advice | UConnect |
| Course Coordinator | Dr Amrinder Khosa |
Course objectives
The Master of Professional Accounting will provide you with a holistic overview of accounting in today’s business world, including the social, financial, and environmental impacts of the industry. You will engage with our Australian industry partners, such as KPMG, CPA, Blundstone, and Hazell Bros, all while learning in a supportive and interactive environment.
While you can study accounting anywhere in the world, by choosing to study in Tasmania you will be fully immersed in the uniqueness of Tasmanian industry. Our direct connection to industry means that you will develop a strong understanding of Tasmania’s key sectors, including aquaculture, agribusiness, export trade, and tourism. With sustainability embedded into our major units, you will learn to how to make socially and environmentally responsible decisions, as well as provide advice to clients on the financial and environmental impact of their business.
While completing your degree, you will simultaneously be growing your professional network and enhancing your career prospects. Our industry workshops and internships allow you to meet real employers and see first-hand how professionals of all levels apply their skills in everyday work. For many of our students, there has also been direct employment opportunities as a result of their internship and industry connections.
Learning Outcomes
Practical experience
Work Ready Program
By choosing to study from our Launceston Campus, you'll be part of our Work Ready Program, designed to prepare you for success at university and in your future career. The program combines your Master of Professional Accounting degree with a guaranteed corporate internship placement, regular mentoring, work experience, networking and training opportunities as well as financial support to help you settle in during your first year of study.
Learn more about the Work Ready Program
Become a Student Ambassador
Improve your communication, teamwork and leadership skills, meet new people, inspire and help others, and developing lasting friendships and networks as a student ambassador. Our ambassadors proudly represent the University throughout Tasmania in schools, at University and community events, and support a range of recruitment and engagement activities.
Though the Student Ambassador Program you will have many opportunities for training and professional development, experience in real-world community engagement and outreach, networking, and public speaking, plus end up with a key point of distinction on your CV.
Work placement
Work Ready Program
For students studying at our Launceston campus, as part of our Corporate Internship Program, as part of the Work-Ready Program, you will study with a host organisation, such as Deloitte, KPMG, CPA, Blundstone, CSIRO, Hazell Bros, or local business, not-for-profit organisations, and accounting firms. Offered as a non-intensive addition to your degree, you will spend 1 to 2 days per semester (up to 22 days in total) with your allocated organisation where you will have the opportunity to complete a project based on real business needs.
University of Tasmania Tax Clinic
As part of your studies, you can also choose to participate in our Tax Clinic Internship at both Hobart and Launceston campuses. Available as an elective unit, your internship with our on-campus Tax Clinic is designed to build practical experience as a tax professional. Supported by the ATO, and under guidance from our experienced educators, you will have the opportunity to provide quality tax advice related to a range of areas, including annual tax returns, small business enquiries, advocacy on tax regulation and legislation, Centrelink assistance and payments, superannuation and retirement, and pension related issues or concerns.
Pathways to Accounting and Finance Career Elective Unit
Our Pathways to Accounting and Finance unit is a new elective options for you to choose as part of your studies. In this unit you will develop and apply the skills necessary to succeed in obtaining employment in accounting and finance. This includes enhancing key employability skills, such as oral and written communication, critical thinking, client interaction, problem-solving, and time management, as well as key professional skills such as CV writing and job interview skills.
Career outcomes
Accountants are needed in every industry. They provide sound advice on all financial aspects of a business, including financial reporting, taxation, auditing, cost management, and planning and decision making for organisations. The skill level rating for accountants in Australia is consider very high and the number of accountant jobs is estimated to grow by 17,000 by 2025*.
As a graduate of the Masters of Professional Accounting, you may choose to apply to become a member of a recognised accounting institution, such as Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ). Other exciting career paths to consider with your Masters Degree could include senior management, business analyst, software development, or consultancy.
*Job Outlook, Australian Government.
Professional Accreditation
The Master of Professional Accounting is an externally accredited degree.
This course is accredited by
CPA Australia; and
CAANZ
There may be additional requirements for CPA Australia or CAANZ beyond the completion of the course.
For further CPA Australia or CAANZ requirements, please visit www.cpaaustralia.com.au/; and www.charteredaccountantsanz.com/.
If you have any queries about the accreditation process, please contact us for further information.
Course structure
To graduate from the Master of Professional Accounting course, a student must satisfactorily complete 200 credit points of study comprising:
- 50 credit points of Transition units (or, if eligible for credit for the transition units, instead chooses 50 credit points of specialisation units); and
- 150 credit points of core units which include embedded research / project work across multiple units.NOTE: If a student chooses not to accept the transition credit, they may still choose an optional 50 credit points of specialisation units.
Important notes:
- If a student chooses not to accept the transition credit, they may still choose an optional 50 credit points of specialisation units.
- Choice of specialisation is dependent on study location. The Launceston on campus course availability is restricted to students who are eligible for credit for the transition block (e.g. have completed prior study in a cognate degree).
Available on-campus in Launceston:
• Advanced Accounting (Semester 1 intake only)
• Business Management (Semester 1 intake only)
Available on-campus in Hobart:
- Business Management
- Marketing
Available online:
- Advanced Accounting (Semester 1 intake only)
- Business Management
- Marketing
Transition or Specialisation block
Transition
This unit focuses on role of accounting for managers. Students will learn to use financial and management accounting techniques to enable and enhance their decision making. Financial statement analysis will help students make decisions about an organisation’s financial position, performance…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
• There are currently many environmental and social problems confronting current and future generations• To address some of these issues there needs to be a focus on issues relating to sustainable development• Moves towards sustainable development and sustainability require relevant…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
This unit offers an investigative insight into the fundamentals of management. Encompassing platform leadership and organisation theory, a brief history of management theory will be followed by investigations into different theories of organisations. You will explore topics under three key…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for BMA501 Managing Contemporary Organisations
Marketing is a business function that goes beyond the mere act of selling or advertising, it encompasses the entire process through which value is created, captured and offered to customers. It is critical that organisations establish and maintain relationships with…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
Choice of specialisation
Advanced Accounting
Complete 4 units (50 CP) from the following list.
Compulsory units
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 Masters degree offered by the TSBE. You will undertake…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
In today’s data economy, businesses are blessed and cursed with an abundance of data. This proliferation of data is creating new professions and changing existing professions. One profession that is witnessing a rapid change due to the explosion of data…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Choice of unit A
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 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 | ||||
Choice of unit B
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
This unit is currently unavailable.
This unit is about understanding why and how leaders influence change. The focus of the unit is increasing the effectiveness of leadership and change management skills at an individual and organisation levels. Leadership and change management are increasingly seen to…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for BMA701 Leadership and Change Management
Business Management
Complete 4 units (50 CP) from the following list.
Compulsory units
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
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 | ||||
This unit is about understanding why and how leaders influence change. The focus of the unit is increasing the effectiveness of leadership and change management skills at an individual and organisation levels. Leadership and change management are increasingly seen to…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for BMA701 Leadership and Change Management
Choice of unit
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.
In today’s data economy, businesses are blessed and cursed with an abundance of data. This proliferation of data is creating new professions and changing existing professions. One profession that is witnessing a rapid change due to the explosion of data…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
Marketing
Complete 4 units (50 CP) from the following list.
Compulsory units
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 | ||||
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
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
Choice of unit
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.
In today’s data economy, businesses are blessed and cursed with an abundance of data. This proliferation of data is creating new professions and changing existing professions. One profession that is witnessing a rapid change due to the explosion of data…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 2 | ||||
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
In this unit you will develop and apply the skills necessary to succeed in obtaining employment and a career in accounting and finance. As a graduate, it is essential to be able to demonstrate capability in applying technical skills in…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Launceston | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for BFA746 Pathway to Accounting and Finance Careers
Unit choice
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
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 Masters degree offered by the TSBE. You will undertake…
Credit Points: 12.5
This unit is currently unavailable.
A comprehensive financial plan will contribute towards the quality of a person's life by reducing the uncertainty about their future needs and the resources that will be available to meet them. This unit is an introductory course examining what is…
Credit Points: 12.5
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | 5 Week Session Mar | ||||
View all details for BFA508 Introduction to Financial Planning
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.
Entry requirements
For Domestic students
Applicants with higher education study
To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:
- A completed undergraduate or postgraduate course in a non-accounting discipline at Bachelor level or higher (or equivalent#).
Applicants with work experience
To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:
- Qualifications, relevant work experience or other special circumstances, as approved by the College Executive Dean or delegated authority.
You must provide evidence to support your application on the basis of work experience, in particular a copy of your CV demonstrating your work experience, and letters of reference from line managers or similar to confirm your work experience. In the case of applicants who have worked as a sole trader or consultant, additional evidence to support the level of experience must be provided.
For International students
International applicants
To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:
- A completed undergraduate or postgraduate course at Bachelor level or higher (or equivalent#).
- Applicants with overseas accounting qualifications will be recognised for prior learning of the entire transition study block and complete the remaining 150 credit points to be awarded the Masters (1.5yr MPA option).
- Applicants with overseas accounting qualifications may choose not to receive this credit and instead replace these units with an optional 4-unit (50 credit point) specialisation (2 year MPA).
International applicants must also provide one of the following:
- UTAS English for Academic Purposes 2
- 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 of 50; or
- provide evidence that you have studied for 1 year full-time with English as the sole medium of instruction and examination.
These tests must not be more than 24 months old.
# An approved equivalent from an overseas institution is as assessed by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR).
Credit transfer
Students who have completed a cognate Bachelor award at AQF7 can be given recognition for prior learning of the entire transition study block and complete the remaining 150 credit points to be awarded the Masters. Cognate disciplines for the MPA are management, marketing, finance, business information systems and international business.
Articulation
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.
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
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.
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