Key facts
Duration
The time and cost can be reduced based on your previous qualifications and professional experience. This means you can fast track the masters degree from 2 years down to 1.5 years, or even 1 year duration. See entry requirements below for more information.
Locations
Course overview
Study at a university ranked in the top 150 globally for accounting and expand your career potential with Deakin’s Master of Professional Accounting.*
This practical, industry-aligned course equips you to practise as a qualified accountant while building specialist expertise in your chosen area of business.
Ready to upgrade your accounting career?
Whether you are reskilling or upskilling, the course is designed for both accounting and non-accounting graduates. It offers a direct pathway towards professional recognition, enabling you to meet the academic requirements for CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).
Learn from expert academics who bring practical insight and current research into the classroom. Our course content is shaped by an industry advisory board made up of representatives from peak professional bodies and active accounting professionals. This ensures your learning is aligned with evolving industry needs and backed by the latest research from Deakin’s IPA-Deakin SME Research Centre and Deakin Sustainable Business Centre.
You will develop expertise across core areas including accounting and systems analytics, audit, economics, finance, financial accounting, law and management accounting.
As a graduate, you will also have the opportunity to complement your primary studies in professional accounting with a specialisation in a business-related field. Designed to meet industry demand for professionals with both deep expertise and transferable skills, a specialisation allows you to tailor your studies to your career goals.
Whether you want to deepen your knowledge of finance, expand into IT, or explore areas such as real estate, the arts, or supply chains, there’s a specialisation to match your ambitions. You can choose from areas including artificial intelligence for business, arts and cultural industries, cyberlaw, finance, financial planning, human resource management, international trade and business, management consulting, marketing, project management, property and real estate, and supply chain management.
You don’t need to choose a specialisation before you begin, you will have the flexibility to explore your options once you have started the course.
*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Master of Professional Accounting
- Year
2026 course information
- Deakin code
- M742
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 102876K Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Flexible course delivery
Deakin’s blend of online and on-campus learning means you can balance work, study and personal development. Achieve work-life balance – study with Deakin's dedicated support and flexible learning options.
Course structure
To complete the Master of Professional Accounting, you must pass 8, 12 or 16 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
A 16-credit point Master of Professional Accounting includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- 12 credit points of core units
- 4 credit points of open elective units.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Foundational
Intermediate
Advanced
Notes:
1 Required by CPA Australia for Associate (foundation level) Membership.
2 Required by the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand for entry to the CA Program.
3For candidates who have completed an accredited degree in Australia, this unit may be taken as part of the CPA program. Other students must complete the unit before becoming an Associate Member of CPA Australia
4 For candidates who would like to obtain exemptions to the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) program.
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
The remaining 4 credit points may be selected from a range of postgraduate level study options including:
Recommended elective units^ that extend specific accounting and financial knowledge (subject to availability)
Other postgraduate units, including Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units, offered by the University (subject to availability)
Deakin stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials)
Any unit listed in the Postgraduate business specialisations
The following electives are strongly recommended for Master of Professional Accounting students seeking to extend specific accounting-related knowledge and employability skills in areas of sustainability and client analysis.
^Recommended electives:
Recommended WIL electives that can be studied to extend professional development and general employability skills:
Mix and match Deakin stackable short courses (0.5 credit point microcredentials) to earn up to 1 credit point of open electives, subject to eligibility. Any stacking must add up to a whole number to be used for credit. For more information, visit the Deakin stackable short course options.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Melbourne (Burwood)
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Melbourne (Burwood)
- Online
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Students who have commenced before T1 2021 (course M720 Master of Professional Accounting), please refer to the 2020 handbook, or the handbook archives, for the relevant course structure.
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Mandatory student checks
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
Workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning, collaborative online international learning arrangements or collaborative research training arrangements.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
This course does not require students to complete compulsory work integrated learning units.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, you may commence this course with admission credit and complete your course in 1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent).
1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 8 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 8 credit points of admission credit applied*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree (honours) (AQF 8) or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline, and at least two years' of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
- completion of a graduate certificate or graduate diploma or higher in a related discipline.
1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of admission credit applied*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline, and at least two years' of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).
2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 16 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline.
Examples of related disciplines include, but not limited to: a bachelor degree in commerce, management or business with a major sequence in accounting or financial planning.
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: roles in accounting/finance, financial planning, management and business.
Please note: Examples of academic capability include CPA Australia or other professional qualifications gained in accounting/finance, financial planning, management and business disciplines.
*Recognition of prior learning will still be considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more below.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning.
You can refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$48,000 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook. Learn more about fees and available payment options.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Need more information on how to apply?
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
Alternate exits
Career outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Professional Accounting are equipped to thrive in a dynamic global market, where businesses are increasingly demanding professionals with expertise in data analytics, compliance, sustainability reporting, and digital finance. This qualification prepares you for senior accounting and advisory roles in both traditional and emerging industries.
Career opportunities include:
• accountant (corporate, public practice, or forensic)
• auditor (internal, external, or IT auditor)
• business or financial analyst
• chief financial officer (CFO)
• ESG and sustainability reporting adviser
• data and business intelligence analyst
• risk and compliance manager
• financial controller
• taxation consultant or international tax adviser
• treasury and corporate finance analyst
• digital finance strategist
• ERP or accounting systems consultant
• corporate governance and ethics officer
• AI/automation advisory accountant
Graduates find opportunities in global accounting firms, investment banks, consulting firms, financial services, FinTechs, multinationals, government agencies, NGOs, and startups, both in Australia and overseas.
Professional recognition
The course team and teaching staff have well-established links with relevant professional bodies both in Australia and overseas. Continuous effort is made to ensure the Master of Professional Accounting curriculum design and delivery keep abreast of industry needs and developments in the profession.
Deakin Business School holds both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. These prestigious accreditations are awarded to business schools that meet strict standards of quality, academic and professional excellence, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation in their courses, ensuring our graduates are employable worldwide.
Completion of the appropriate selection of units within the Master of Professional Accounting grants eligibility for entry as an associate member of CPA Australia and meets the educational requirements for entry into the:
• CA program of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
• Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)
• Professional Accounting Program (PEP).
Upon completion of appropriate program units, it is also possible to receive exemptions from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) towards the ACCA qualification. Completion of this qualification will allow you to enter the Certified Management Accountants (CMA) study program.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Integrate advanced theoretical and technical knowledge of current and emerging accounting concepts and practices in contemporary business contexts |
| Communication | Use advanced communication skills to justify and communicate complex accounting concepts and ideas to both accountants and non-accountants |
| Digital literacy | Select and apply appropriate digital technologies to find, use, manage and disseminate complex accounting and business data, information and ideas |
| Critical thinking | Use a specialised set of high order cognitive and critical analysis skills expected of accounting professionals in contemporary business to evaluate, synthesise and justify complex ideas and recommendations |
| Problem solving | Develop solutions to real world and ill-defined problems faced by accounting professionals in business |
| Self-management | Use acquired skills to undertake own work and learning and conduct independent research |
| Teamwork | Collaborate and communicate in teams to interpret decision-relevant information and develop accounting and business advice and ideas |
| Global citizenship | Engage ethically, professionally and productively in a professional accounting and business context in light of changing global perspectives |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
