Master of Professional Accounting
MPA
Duration
18–22 months full-time
Entry times
February or August
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Download Brochure
Online to on-campus
Duration
18–22 months full-time
Entry times
February or August
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Download Brochure
Overview
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, students 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 Practicing 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.
Te Kura Umanga | UC Business School is placed within the top five per cent of business schools worldwide through its accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). UC ranks in the top 200 universities in the world for Accounting and Finance (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2021).
The Master of Professional Accounting graduate:
- Demonstrates in-depth knowledge and understanding of current theoretical concepts, frameworks, and industry practice within the fields of accounting and business.
- Thinks logically, analytically, and critically with respect to the academic literature and professional journals within the field of accounting and business.
- Plans and carries out independent research that demonstrates critical awareness of issues and challenges in the fields of accounting and business.
- Synthesises academic and professional information and effectively communicates findings to a range of audiences in different ways.
A bachelor's degree with at least a B Grade Point Average in 300-level courses is required. Students must be approved by the Dean of Business, who will take account of the relevance and standard of previous studies and experience.
If English is your additional language, you will also to meet UC's English language requirements.
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 August.
You can apply online at myUC. Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
The MPA programme consists of compulsory courses followed by up to 60 points in elective courses taught over five terms, in ten-week blocks.
The compuslory courses must be completed to an overall B Grade Point Average in order to move on to the elective options, which may include the capstone Research Project (MBAZ 680 Research Project) or Internship course (MBAZ 681 Internship).
The MPA is a 240-point qualification which can be completed within 18–22 months of full-time study, or up to 4 years part-time.
The MPA consists of compulsory courses (180 points), followed by 60 points chosen from elective courses, which may include a research project or a internship.
Complete each of the following compulsory courses:
- MBAZ 601 Accounting for Managers
- MBAZ 602 Business Economics
- MBAZ 603 Managerial Finance
- MBAZ 604 Business Research Methods
- MBAZ 605 Business Law
- MBIS 601 Management of Information Systems
- MPAC 601 Professional Accounting Principles
- MPAC 602 Advanced Professional Accounting Principles
- MPAC 603 Advanced Management Accounting
- MPAC 604 Advanced Financial Accounting
- MPAC 605 Taxation
- MPAC 608 Auditing
And choose up to 60 points from the following courses:
- MBAZ 680 Research Project (45 points)
- MBAZ 681 Internship (45 points)
- MFIN 671 Business in New Zealand (15 points)
- MFIN 672 Cases in Financial and Management Accounting (15 points)
15 points from the elective courses may be substituted with options in the MBIS Schedule C (Group 2), MBM Schedule C (Group 2), or MFM Schedule C (Group 2).
Note that enrolments to MBAZ 680 and MBAZ 681 are subject to an application process and approval from the Head of Department.
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 and graduate profiles.
- 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 you can do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2020 | 240 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $19,488 |
| 2021 | 240 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $19,702 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2021 | 240 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $60,500 |
| 2022 | 240 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $63,600 |
Contact us
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Professional Accounting.
For study planning help, please contact our Student Advisors:
Te Rāngai Umanga me te Ture | College of Business and Law
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 3300
Email postgradbusiness@canterbury.ac.nz