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
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Study at a university ranked in the top 1% in the world for accounting* and expand your depth of knowledge and career opportunities. Deakin's Master of Professional Accounting allows you to graduate with the skills to practise as an accountant, specialising in your chosen field of business.
Ready to upgrade your accounting career?
Whether you are looking to upgrade your existing qualifications or move into a new professional field altogether, the Master of Professional Accounting opens up new career possibilities. Catering to students from both accounting and non-accounting backgrounds, you will have the opportunity to complete the necessary studies to become an associate member of CPA Australia, to enter the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand to undertake the CA program, or to enter the IPA professional program.
Now is the perfect time to draw on your prior career experience and add layers of new knowledge to become a sought-after expert in your field. Some of the key areas you will study include:
- auditing
- financial accounting
- management accounting
- accounting systems and analytics
- economics
- finance
- law.
Our course content is influenced by our advisory board, made up of members of peak professional bodies and active accounting professionals. This means everything you study is updated and maintained through extensive industry research. This includes the research developed by our IPA-Deakin SME research centre, which is dedicated to driving key insights for small-to-medium enterprises and by our Deakin Integrated Reporting Centre, which provides strategic and operational leadership in integrated reporting policy and technical knowledge, as well as academic and executive education and cutting-edge research.
Learn from academics who leverage their specific expertise and up-to-date research to embed progressive learning throughout your course journey, giving you the ability to work on contemporary case studies with a real-world application.
As a graduate, you will have the option to complement your primary studies in professional accounting with a specialisation in a wide range of business-related fields. Designed to meet industry demand for skilled professionals with a breadth of transferrable skills, a specialisation can help deepen your knowledge in a particular business field and benefit your future career.
Modern-day employers are seeking professionals with not only strong theoretical knowledge and expertise, but also a breadth of transferrable skills. So, whether you're wanting to build your finance skills or focus on IT, real estate or the arts, we offer the right specialisation to broaden your skill set. Some of your options include:
- 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
- Supply Chain Management.
Not sure which specialisation to pursue? You won't have to decide until you've commenced the course, giving you the chance to explore the many options that may benefit your future career.
*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Professional Accounting
- Year
2024 course information
- Deakin code
- M742
- CRICOS code?
- 102876K Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Course structure
The Master of Professional Accounting is typically 8, 12 or 16 credit points. The exact number of credit points you study depends on how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) –your professional experience and previous qualifications –which can save you time and money.
To complete the Master of Professional Accounting, students must attain a total of 16 credit points, consisting of 12 credit points of core units and 4 credit points of electives, plus completion of the compulsory 0-credit point module, DAI001 Academic Integrity Module. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point.
12
Core units
4
Elective units
16
Total units
Core units
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.
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Elective Units
The remaining 4 credit points may be selected from:
- A faculty-wide specialisation (excluding Accounting specialisation)
- postgraduate units offered by the University (subject to availability)
Recommended electives:
Specialisations
Refer to the details of each specialisation for availability.
- Applied Research
- Artificial Intelligence for Business
- Arts and Cultural Industries
- Business Analytics
- Business Law
- Cyberlaw
- Digital Finance
- Digital Transformation
- Event Management
- Finance
- Financial Planning
- Human Resource Management
- Information Systems
- International Trade and Business
- Leadership
- Management Consulting
- Marketing
- Marketing Technology
- Project Management
- Property and Real Estate
- Public Sector Studies
- Supply Chain Management
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.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Melbourne (Burwood)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Melbourne (Burwood)
- Online
Trimester 3 - November
- 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.
Additional course information
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
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
As a student in the Faculty of Business and Law, you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. 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 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.
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
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 course entry 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).
Academic requirements
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 at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline
^Related discipline degree: A 'related discipline' award for this course is a bachelor degree in commerce, management or business with a major sequence in accounting or financial planning.
^Relevant work experience: Relevant work experience refers 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.
*Credit for recognition of prior learning will still be considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more below.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree
- 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)
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin 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're 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 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
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only 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 Recognition of Prior Learning.
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 tuition fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
Entry pathways
Alternative exits
Careers
Career outcomes
The Master of Professional Accounting is constantly reviewed, and where necessary revised, to ensure it meets the most up-to-date standards and expectations of professional accounting bodies.
With real-world skills and awareness of current trends, you will be ready to hit the ground running in your chosen field.
As a graduate of this course, you can seek employment in areas of accounting such as:
• financial accounting
• auditing
• taxation
• management accounting
• public sector accounting
• forensic accounting.
As a qualified accountant, you can choose to work in a range of different settings depending on your skills and preferences, such as:
• large firms
• small public practices
• all levels of government
• law firms
• banking and financial services
• not-for-profit organisations
• educational organisations
• self-employment.
Given the fundamental shift of accountants moving towards wide-ranging advisory roles, career opportunities are also becoming available in other vocations, including roles as:
• investment advisers
• market analysts
• tax consultants
• advisers in mergers and acquisitions
• corporate recovery and insolvency
• treasury banking
• e-commerce or information technology.
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.
Course learning outcomes
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.
| Graduate Learning Outcome | Course Learning Outcome |
| 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 |