Master of Professional Accounting

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.

The MPA is a 240-point qualification which consists of compulsory courses followed by up to 45 points in elective courses taught over five terms, in ten-week blocks.

The programme can be completed within 21–23 months of full-time study, depending on your start date, or up to 4 years part-time.

• February start: 21 months full-time duration.
• July start: 22-23 months full-time duration.

The MPA consists of compulsory courses (180 points), followed by 45 points chosen from elective courses, which may include a research project or a internship.

Complete each of the following compulsory courses:

• MBAZ601 Accounting for Managers
• MBAZ602 Business Economics
• MBAZ603 Managerial Finance
• MBAZ604 Business Research Methods
• MBAZ605 Business Law
• MBIS601 Management of Information Systems
• MPAC601 Professional Accounting Principles
• MPAC602 Advanced Professional Accounting Principles
• MPAC603 Advanced Management Accounting
• MPAC604 Advanced Financial Accounting
• MPAC605 Taxation
• MPAC608 Auditing

And choose up to 45 points from the following courses:

• MBAZ680 Research Project (45 points)
• MBAZ681 Internship (45 points)
• MFIN671 Business in New Zealand (15 points)
• MFIN672 Cases in Financial and Management Accounting (15 points)
• MPAC623 Applied Research in Management Accounting (15 points)
• MPAC624 Applied Research in Corporate Governance (15 points)
• MPAC626 Applied Research in Taxation Compliance (15 points)
• MPAC648 Methodological and Empirical Aspect of Financial Accounting Research (15 points)
• MPAC658 Applied Research in Auditing (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 MBAZ680 and MBAZ681 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.