Master of Professional Accounting
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
You're viewing degree information for Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
On-campus/Online
Fees
$AU 34,200 per 1.0 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2025
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View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to have one of the following:
- A completed bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent; or
- A completed graduate diploma from a recognised higher education institution; or
- A completed graduate certificate from a recognised higher education institution.
Applicants who have:
- completed a bachelor degree in a business discipline; or
- completed a bachelor degree which includes a major in business, commerce, marketing or management; or
- completed a graduate certificate in a business discipline,
are eligible to enter the program with 0.5 EFTSL (18 units) Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1.5 years of full time study or equivalent part time study.
Degree overview
- Develop advanced knowledge and skills for accounting practice.
- Build crucial analytical, business management, problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills.
- Complete more than 100 hours of industry placement through elective courses.
- Focus on key areas such as accounting, tax, law, auditing, financial management and public practice.
- Under the supervision of qualified tax professionals, you can gain practical, hands-on experience by providing tax advice to members of the community and small businesses in our on-campus Tax Clinic.
- Receive mentoring with a senior business leader through the Executive Partners Program.
- Qualify for Advanced Standing from previous qualifications and complete your degree in just 1.5 years.
- Develop career-ready skills employers are looking for once you graduate with enterprise skills embedded in all business courses within this program.
- Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Accounting1.
- Study at a university recognised globally in Business. UniSA Business is ranked in the top one per cent worldwide and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence2.
- UniSA Business is accredited by both AACSB International and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies.
- Study at a university ranked No.1 in SA for postgraduate student support and skills development3.
- Ranked No. 1 in SA for Business and Economics4.
- Study at the No.1 Business School in SA, and Top 5 business school in Australia for quality5.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2UniSA Business is one of just 13 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS
accredited. EFMD, March 2024. 2023 QS Stars Business School Ratings. 32022 Good Universities Guide – Postgraduate. 42024 THE Subject Rankings. 5Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Business Schools List 2023.
Snapshot
The Master of Professional Accounting will prepare you for practice as a professional accountant. You will develop analytical, general business management and critical problem-solving skills, and gain a comprehensive understanding of accounting practice.
Your studies will focus on financial and management accounting, finance, commercial law, taxation law and auditing. You’ll study contemporary research and real-life case studies with the opportunity to complete an industry placement in Australia or overseas. You will graduate well-equipped for a global career and knowledgeable in areas such as accounting, tax, financial management and public practice.
Our summer and winter schools offer exciting study and learning opportunities. With options such as intensives and internships, you can spread your study load across the year and increase your exchange opportunities.
If you already have a business degree or another related qualification, you could be eligible for Advanced Standing and complete this degree in just 1.5 years.
What you'll learn
In the Master of Professional Accounting you will study five core courses and nine accounting specialisation courses. You will gain a solid grounding in the latest accounting methods by studying areas in auditing, taxation, financial and management accounting and corporate finance. You will also study two electives as part of your studies. One of your elective options is a 100+ hour industry placement either in Australia or overseas.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professional and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- case studies and reports
- examinations
- industry-relevant projects
- oral or online presentations
- journal or portfolios
- work placements
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Research
UniSA Business is recognised and respected for a comprehensive research program inspired by the contemporary challenges facing Australia and its region. Our focus is always on finding practical solutions and creating new knowledge. In the Master of Professional Accounting, our lecturers are leaders in their field. You could be learning from experts who are also researching areas such as sustainability, choice, applied finance and economics.
Our commitment to research with an industry focus is unprecedented. In the 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rankings, all of our assessed research was rated at or above world-class with particular strengths in business and management and marketing.
Why Master of Professional Accounting
UniSA Business is one of the largest leading providers of accounting and finance education in Australia and Asia and is ranked in the top one per cent worldwide1.
You will gain an advanced understanding of accounting practice and develop analytical, business management, critical problem-solving and communication skills. Our industry experienced teaching staff work closely with leading professional bodies, ensuring the knowledge you take into your career will meet the dynamic needs of the accounting profession.
You will also have the opportunity to participate in the professional level of the CPA Program with CPA Australia as part of your master studies. You will graduate with a master degree fully accredited by CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and recognised for maximum exemptions toward the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants' (ACCA) professional programs of study.
UniSA Business is the only business school in South Australia accredited by both AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies recognising excellence in business education and research at a global level. These dual accreditations demonstrate the high standards we hold across all areas such as teaching, student learning and research, as well as our commitment to continually improving the quality of our programs.
An enriching student experience
Our flexible delivery and extra-curricular opportunities are designed to suit your lifestyle, preferred way of learning and career interests. You can benefit from online and on-campus study, part-time or full-time learning, Summer and Winter School intensive courses, mentoring and networking opportunities with industry, and accelerated learning pathways.
1UniSA Business is one of just 13 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS
accredited. EFMD, March 2024.
Your career
Graduates of this degree use their broad range of skills and specialist knowledge to pursue management roles, both locally and abroad.
You could consider roles such as senior accountant, corporate tax consultant, business adviser, insolvency and reconstruction adviser and management accountant in areas such as:
- auditing
- business advisory
- financial reporting
- management accounting
- tax
- forensic accounting
Professional accreditation and recognition
The program is accredited by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and satisfies the educational requirements for entry into the Chartered Accountants Program.
The program is accredited by CPA Australia and satisfies the educational requirements for entry into the CPA Program.
This program is recognised for maximum exemptions toward the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants' (ACCA) professional programs of study.
Industry facts
Applying to study with us:
- go to the top of this page and make note of the relevant SATAC code (see below) then click Apply
- you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application
You may be eligible for Advanced Standing. When applying through SATAC, please refer to the codes below. If you are uncertain about your eligibility, please include more than one SATAC code in your list of application preferences.
- 2 years - SATAC CODE 4CM183
- 1.5 years - SATAC CODE 4CM184
What is Advanced Standing?
Advanced Standing for previous studies means you can complete the requirements of this qualification in less than 2 years. You can apply if you have successfully completed one of these (please see entry requirements for further details):
- bachelor degree in a business discipline
- bachelor degree which includes a major in business, commerce, marketing or management
- graduate certificate in a business discipline
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
The Business Student Hub is a dedicated and convenient support service for business students, from first year right through to graduation. The team provides expert advice on study options, elective choices and any academic difficulties, and can help with referrals to support services across the University. The Business Student Hub is there to facilitate your life at university, so you get the most out of your UniSA experience.
You can also access a range of other student services including:
- academic counselling
- personal counselling
- social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
- UniSA’s Student Association, USASA, also provides a range of other services.
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers which you can work with face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies.
When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your ID cards, fees and any other questions you might have.
24/7 digital environment
With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:
- study online, including accessing videos and course resources and materials
- participate in virtual classrooms
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use forums and discussion boards for team work and communication
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Please note some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.
Your program director
Studying accounting at UniSA provided me with diverse and rewarding professional opportunities I never dreamed possible. It is a profession that touches on every business, in every industry in the world – so the opportunities for a successful career are vast and wide. But importantly, UniSA accounting graduates are respected and trusted in practice and commerce, and their opinions matter in decision-making that affects our economy, community and environment.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
What others are saying
"I enjoy studying at UniSA because of the world-class facilities, collections of quality study materials, student support services and quality lecturers, who hold a PhD, CPA, CA and more."
Phallika Chum
Master of Professional Accounting
My new skills and knowledge are helping me assist the company with organisational change. I believe that employers are looking for people who can apply their experience to add value to an organisation. My Masters gives me that edge.
Melissa Stead
Master of Professional Accounting
