Master of Professional Accounting
Join a new generation of accountants working in professional industries and the law. Studying accounting with us will put you at the forefront of a global environment at an exciting time of change..
Course essentials
English requirements
Overall IELTS band score of 6.0, with no individual sub-scorebelow 6.0 (or equivalent)
Entry requirements
Credit
A full-time study load is 120 credits a year (usually four 15-credit units each semester). 120 credits equal one equivalent full-time student load (EFTSL). Each credit point equals about 10 hours of learning, so a 15-credit unit means roughly 150 hours.
Duration
Start dates
26 July 2027
22 November 2027
Locations
Course overview
Let our experienced lecturers help invigorate your career with new skills and knowledge. If you don’t already have a formal accounting qualification and you’re ready to break into this thriving field, our Master of Professional Accounting is the perfect place to start. It is a particularly attractive choice for those seeking practical accreditation on top of their existing tertiary education.
Accounting, finance and economics are about more than just looking at numbers. Our Master of Professional Accounting will provide you with a fresh perspective in using this information to provide expert advice and positively impact the lives of people around the world.
You will develop a comprehensive knowledge in key areas such as financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and budgeting. You’ll also learn the legal ins and outs of associated compliance and performance requirements to ensure statutory and strategic governance.
Our course will provide you with a comprehensive course of study in accounting theory and practice that is recognised by the Certified Practising Accountants (CPA) and Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), enabling you to pursue a pathway to qualification as a professional accountant.
As the next generation of professional accountants, you’ll be at the forefront of a changing business environment focusing less about profits, and more on caring for the world we live in: from quantifying the financial benefits of sustainable, fair trade business practices; to providing evidence-based solutions to emerging issues and business challenges.
Please note that online delivery is not available to international students on student visas.
This course also offers two exit points, the Graduate Certificate of Professional Accounting (8 units) and the Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting (12 units).
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Business
Course co-ordinator
Abdel Halabi
Career paths
The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) will enable you to pursue a pathway to qualify as a professional accountant.
Professional recognition
The Master of Professional Accounting is recognised by both CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, enabling you to pursue a pathway to qualification as a professional accountant.
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
The indicative fee above is based on a typical first-year enrolment for this course and should be used as a guide only. Your fee will depend on the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
How it’s calculated
The amount is based on the course annual fee for 1 EFTSL (120 credit points). For 0.5 EFTSL (60 credit point) courses, the certificate fee is displayed.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 1, 2027
1 March 2027
Locations
Melbourne city (on campus)
Semester 2, 2027
26 July 2027
Locations
Melbourne city (on campus)
Summer 2027
22 November 2027
Locations
Melbourne city (on campus)
Contact hours
Contact hours will be dependent on course load.
Work integrated learning
18.75 hours per week x 12 weeks = 225 hours
Sample course structure
Here’s what the course structure could look like. It’s just an example (so don’t use it for enrolment). Interested in the details? You can find current course structure or select a single unit name below to find out what it’s about and how much it costs.
- Accounting Concepts and Practices15 credit pointsBUACC5930
- Information Systems Design and Development for Accountants15 credit pointsBUACC5937
- Business, Society and the Planet15 credit pointsBUGEN5930
- Commercial Law15 credit pointsBULAW5914
- Research and Statistical Methods for Business15 credit pointsBUACC5931
- Corporate Accounting15 credit pointsBUACC5932
- Business Economics15 credit pointsBUECO5903
- Corporate Law15 credit pointsBULAW5915
- Financial Accounting15 credit pointsBUACC5934
- Auditing and Assurance Services15 credit pointsBUACC5935
- Taxation Law and Practice15 credit pointsBULAW5916
Elective
- Cost and Management Accounting15 credit pointsBUACC5933
- Financial Management15 credit pointsBUACC5936
- Co-Operative Placement (Business)30 credit pointsCOOPB6011
Melbourne City Campus
The Melbourne City Campus is located in the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant CBD. Courses in accounting, business, cybersecurity and information technology are available right on the doorstep of Victoria’s bustling centre of industry, commerce and technology.
Entry requirements
Academic entry requirements
Completion of an undergraduate degree in a non-accounting discipline or equivalent
This course is intended for applicants with an undergraduate degree in a non-accounting discipline who are looking for a career in professional accounting. It can also meet the needs of people who have significant experience working in accounting and who now wish to increase their knowledge, skills, and recognition and employment options by having a high-level qualification in this area. In exceptional circumstances, applicants who do not have a bachelor's degree may be admitted on the basis of relevant work experience, and demonstrated capacity to undertake the course as determined by Federation Business School, following an evaluationof their academic and professional skills.
English language requirements
Overall IELTS band score of 6.0, with no individual sub-scorebelow 6.0 (or equivalent)
Extra requirements
There are no additional entry requirements to enter this course other than the University Entry Requirements listed above
If you’re an international student currently studying VCE in Australia, apply through VTAC. If not, find out how to apply directly to Federation University.
If you’re applying for a higher degree by research, make sure you follow these instructions.
Ready to fill out your application? You might need these codes:
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- BX9
- CRICOS code
- 119408K
Hear from our staff
Hi, my name is Dr Bryce Magnuson and I'm a marketing lecturer within the Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability at Federation University. My favourite part of the Bachelor of Business would be the industry placement component, and this is because of the opportunities that it presents our students. The university has good relationships with a range of businesses, which means our students can build on what they've learned their degree while getting practical experience in a variety of industries. This exposure to industry and the chance network, these are incredibly important for student pathways after university. The most interesting parts of the programme. These come from the experience and knowledge that my colleagues bring to the classroom. They're industry insights and expertise, meaning that classes have a practical relevance, and this bridges the gap between theory and practise. We see students develop those key critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will serve them well out in the industry. A real stand out of the Bachelor of Business is the learning environment, the electives that combine to make our majors. These are designed to have small tutorials, and this gives students better access to their lecturers and this makes a really great learning experience. Fun fact, one of my favourite hobbies is kayaking.