Master of Professional Accounting (12 courses); Master of Professional Accounting (16 courses) (MP12orMP16) - MPA

CRICOS code (International applicants): 060159B

In 2009, the Master of Professional Accounting (12 courses) (MP12) will continue, while the Master of Professional Accounting (16 courses) (MP16) will be replaced by the Master of Professional Extended (MPAE).

Notes

There are limited courses available at Springfield campus in semester 3.

Contact us

Program focus

In order to cater for the strong demand for non degree (and non-accounting degree) holders to acquire professional accounting qualifications, the Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) is offered.

Professional accreditation

The program satisfies the initial educational entrance requirements of both CPA Australia and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA).

We recommend that graduates in Accounting from an overseas university obtain a qualifications assessment from CPA Australia before applying for admission. In many cases, such graduates may be required to complete only 3-4 courses to achieve Associate membership. These can be studied through a Graduate Certificate in Business.

Local recognition (for overseas students):

For overseas candidates seeking membership of their home accounting bodies, full members of CPA Australia and/or ICAA are usually offered reciprocal membership. This is a fast track to become a qualified accountant in one's home country.

Program aims

The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) will enable non-accounting university graduates and other approved applicants the opportunity to acquire an accounting qualification recognised by the Australian accounting professional bodies. The program comprises 12 or 16 courses depending on applicants' qualifications (see admission requirements later).

Program objectives

Successful completion of the Master of Professional Accounting should enable graduates to:

• prepare and analyse financial and management accounting reports

• audit financial records and statements and produce audit reports

• prepare taxation returns and advise clients on taxation issues

• comprehend and apply accounting theory to current accounting developments and problems

• understand and apply the principles of business finance and investment evaluation

• comprehend the legal framework within which businesses operate and apply this knowledge in addressing commercial legal problems.

Admission requirements

MP12

To gain admission to the 12-course program, applicants must hold an approved degree in a non-accounting field from a recognised university or tertiary institution, provided that such qualification is accepted by the Director, USQ Australian Graduate School of Business as sufficient for admission to the program, and is in accordance with the appropriate professional body guidelines.

MP16

To gain admission to the 16-course program, applicants should satisfy one of the following admission requirement options:

Admission requirements option 1

Applicants must have successfully completed an accredited post year 12 qualification equivalent to at least two years full-time study provided that such qualification is accepted by the Director, USQ Australian Graduate School of Business, as sufficient for admission to the program and is in accordance with the appropriate professional body guidelines:

Admission requirements option 2

Applicants must have completed a minimum of at least five years relevant work experience.

Applicants with overseas academic qualifications in accounting should write to either of the following professional bodies for an assessment of their qualifications (prior to applying for enrolment in the program):

Admission to the program will not be granted to persons who are members of or eligible for membership of CPA Australia or The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia.

International applicants must have met the University's English language requirements or have completed the University's ELICOS/UNIPREP program.

How to apply

Domestic students

Application for postgraduate programs may be made directly to USQ. You should ensure you submit your application by the closing dates.

International students

This program is offered to international students. An international student is a person who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen and not an Australian permanent resident. Please refer to USQ International for information about entry requirements, visa arrangements and how to apply.

Program fees

Tuition fee

Domestic fee-paying places are funded entirely through the tuition/direct fees paid by the student. Tuition/direct fees vary depending on the courses that are taken. For more information about Tuition Fees, including the calculation of fees for a particular program of study, refer to USQ Fees.

International fees

International students pay tuition fees. For details about international student fees, refer to the International Fee Schedule provided by USQ International.

Program structure

MP12

As the MP12 is a Graduate Conversion Program, exemptions approved in this program may not be considered in other Masters programs offered by the Faculty.

MP16

Required time limits

Students have a maximum of 6 years to complete this program.

IT requirements

For information technology requirements please refer to the computer requirements section of the Faculty of Business website.

Other program requirements

Students must maintain good standing in this program. Please refer to Academic Regulation 5.9 of the University Calendar.

Exit points

There are no exit points from this program.

Exemptions

As the Master of Professional Accounting is a graduate conversion program, exemptions approved in the program do not automatically apply to other postgraduate programs offered by the USQ Australian Graduate School of Business.

Candidates for the 12-course Master of Professional Accounting may be eligible for up to six courses of exemptions on the basis of completed equivalent postgraduate study from a recognised university. The maximum number of exemptions that will be considered in the MP12 on the basis of undergraduate study is four courses.

Candidates for the 16-course Master of Professional Accounting may be eligible for up to eight courses of exemption on the basis of equivalent postgraduate study completed at a recognised university.

In this section:

• Recommended enrolment pattern - Toowoomba campus
• Recommended enrolment pattern - Springfield campus

Recommended enrolment pattern - Toowoomba campus

Please refer to program structure. Students requiring assistance should contact the Program Administrators.

Recommended enrolment pattern - Springfield campus

Please refer to program structure. Students requiring assistance should contact the Program Administrators.