Master of Professional Accounting
- Degree Structure - Start In
- Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
180
Overview
Master of Professional Accounting
The Master of Professional Accounting is a conversion taught master's qualification that provides graduates with the skills, knowledge, and competencies to be a highly effective accountant in both domestic and international organisations. Through applied research, you will gain an understanding of the theoretical considerations facing the Accounting profession, while developing the confidence to challenge existing practices, and develop innovative new ways to solve issues in the field.
The qualification is aligned with professional accounting bodies in the industry (such as the Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), Certified Practising Accountants Australia (CPA Australia), and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)), allowing graduates to gain provisional membership.
The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) is also part of the Business Taught Masters programme, providing opportunities to pursue new career pathway options. Students with a background in any discipline may apply and no prior experience in Commerce or Accounting is required.
New cash scholarships are available. See more information about the UC Business Taught Masters Support Scholarship.
Master of Professional Accounting
During the Master of Professional Accounting you will:
- Undertake applied independent research to expand your understanding of the Accounting profession.
- Develop critical thinking skills in and around Accounting and Business.
- Align yourself with professional Accounting bodies, in preparation for a career in Accounting.
Master of Professional Accounting
To enrol in the Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) at UC, a bachelor's degree with at least a B Grade Point Average in 300-level courses is required. Your enrolment will be approved taking into account the relevance and standard of previous studies and experience.
- If you are an international student and need help meeting these requirements, study one of UC’s International Pre-Master’s pathways to gain entry into this degree.
- If you are a domestic student and need help meeting these requirements, study UC’s Diploma in Advancing University Studies to gain entry into this degree.
- If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Professional Accounting or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
The programme has intakes in February and July.
You can apply online at myUC.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
Master of Professional Accounting
The MPA is a 180-point qualification which consists of 12 compulsory courses.
The professional accounting master's degree programme can be completed within 17 months of full-time study, or up to 4 years part-time.
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Professional Accounting.
Master of Professional Accounting
Complete each of the following compulsory courses:
- MBAZ601 Accounting for Managers
- MBAZ602 Business Economics
- MBAZ603 Managerial Finance
- MBAZ605 Business Law
- MBIS601 Management of Information Systems
- MPAC601 Professional Accounting Principles
- MPAC602 Advanced Professional Accounting Principles
- MPAC605 Taxation
- MPAC608 Auditing
- MPAC612 Financial Accounting and Reporting
- MPAC613 Strategic Management Accounting
- MPAC648 Methodological and Empirical Aspects of Financial Accounting Research
Domestic students
2025 tuition fee estimate: $13,558 (180 points)
2026 tuition fee estimate: $14,372 (180 points)
International students
2025 tuition fee estimate: $54,600 (180 points) ($36,400 per 120 points)
2026 tuition fee estimate: $56,850 (180 points) ($37,900 per 120 points)
2027 tuition fee estimate: $59,400 (180 points) ($39,600 per 120 points)
Master of Professional Accounting
Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student stories.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
