Master of Accounting Practice

What is this course about?

Wishing  to forge an exceptional accounting career?  CSU’s industry recognised Master of Accounting Practice offers a highly specialised program for students wishing to gain a competitive edge in their career through acquisition of advanced skills and knowledge in the discipline.

Designed for students who have completed a bachelor degree with an accounting major or a postgraduate conversion program in accounting, the Master of Accounting Practice at CSU builds on previous studies in accounting and related fields by extending theoretical and technical knowledge in specialised subject areas relevant to professional practice in accounting.

The course offers domestic and international accounting graduates a pathway for completing a recognised postgraduate qualification while concurrently receiving comprehensive tuition and support in preparation for the CPA Program professional level examinations.

CSU’s Master of Accounting Practice also offers the option of professional workplace practice, enabling students to gain valuable experience in the workplace whilst applying their theoretical knowledge to solve practical workplace problems.

Available for study on campus at CSU Study Centres Sydney and Melbourne. CSU’s Master of Accounting Practice is also available online.  Subjects are taught using a range of blended learning techniques which include online study materials, video-captured lectures, online meetings, subject forums and additional study resources. 

Full- time and part- time study options are available to fit in with work and lifestyle commitments.  Students can choose to study just one subject a session, or fast-track completion by studying up to four subjects a session.

More reasons to study this degree

Professional accreditation

CSU is a Registered Tuition Provider for the professional level of the CPA Program.

Find out more about the CPA Program

Course structure

The Master of Accounting Practice comprises 12 subjects - six CSU postgraduate subjects and six subjects (four core and two elective) from the CPA Program, which will prepare you for the external CPA Program examinations.

More information about the course structure

Graduation requirements

To graduate, students must satisfactorily complete 12 subjects (96 points), each of 8 points, which will include completion of six CPA Program professional level segments.

Students studying CPA subjects as part of the Master of Accounting Practice must be concurrently enrolled in the CPA Program of CPA Australia. To pass a CSU CPA subject, students must pass the relevant CPA professional level segment. On completion of the CSU program, graduates will have obtained a recognised university accounting qualification and have successfully completed the CPA Program professional level of CPA Australia.

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.

Why study this degree?

The Master of Accounting Practice will enhance a graduate’s ability to secure a rewarding and satisfying career in accounting or a related field. Holding an advanced academic qualification is a mark of distinction valued by employers who seek staff with a demonstrated commitment to education and achievement.

Articulation and credit

Advanced standing into the Master of Accounting Practice may be available for applicants with postgraduate studies successfully completed at a recognised university.

Professional accreditation

CSU is a Registered Tuition Provider for the professional level of the CPA Program.

Course objectives

Upon completion of the course, graduates will be able to:

• demonstrate advanced knowledge in specialised fields of accounting practice
• evaluate complex business environments and draw implications for accounting practice
• understand, develop and communicate accounting solutions to support decision-making requirements of managers and external stakeholders
• demonstrate an understanding of business and accounting in a multi-national context
• communicate as an accounting professional at all organisational levels and across professional disciplines
• transition to a career in professional accounting having acquired all necessary theoretical, practical and interpersonal skills.

CPA Program

The CPA Program provides technical expertise and develops strategic thinking to train future business leaders. It focuses on domestic and global business issues, providing a truly global qualification.

The compulsory segments of the CPA Program professional level include Ethics and Governance, Strategic Management Accounting, Financial Reporting and the capstone segment, Global Strategy and Leadership. The elective segments of the CPA Program include Advanced Audit and Assurance, Contemporary Business Issues, Advanced Taxation and Financial Risk Management.

Note to students: In completing any subject identified as a "CPA subject" in this list of subjects offered by Charles Sturt University, you will not qualify as a CPA. To qualify as a CPA, you must meet ALL the requirements of the CPA Program as set by CPA Australia. Visit www.cpaaustralia.com.au/cpaprogram 

Workplace Learning

The Master of Accounting Practice provides students the option of engaging with the workplace through its Professional Work Practice elective.

Students in this elective spend 120-140 hours working on a project or activity in a private or public sector organisation. Students can expect to gain experience in workplace culture and environment while being involved in a range of activities in fields such as accounting, finance, taxation and auditing.

Workplace experience will differ for each student depending on the host organisation and specific assigned project. The nature of the work experience will be determined jointly by a workplace mentor and an academic member of staff.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Accounting Practice can expect career opportunities in a range of areas including:

• accounting in public practice
• management accounting
• assurance services
• taxation
• financial planning
• business consulting
• corporate treasury
• funds management
• financial analysis
• financial risk management.

Admission requirements

fee-paying
international-distance

international-oncampus
de-textbook

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