Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
120Course code
Overview
The Master of Professional Accounting provides you with a comprehensive foundation in accounting, developing the technical and professional competencies required by accounting professional bodies. It covers key areas such as accounting, auditing, financial management, and related business disciplines, while fostering skills in decision-making, accountability, and organisational control. You will also develop the ability to critically analyse, evaluate, and apply accounting principles and techniques to real-world financial and business scenarios.
Career opportunities
Completing a Master of Professional Accounting with relevant work experience can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in small, medium and large organisations. As a graduate, you may become a financial accountant, management accountant, financial auditor, tax auditor/preparer, business/financial analyst, or work in a large multinational company or 'Big Four' accounting firm. Or, you could run your own businesses, work in a small local accounting firm, or work in other areas of business management.
Professional recognition
The completion of this accredited postgraduate program meets the educational requirements for professional membership with CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Both Commonwealth supported (CS) and full fee (FF) places are available for this course. If you would like to apply for a CS place use the SATAC code 1CM169 for Danala ECP Darwin or External or 1CM156 for Sydney campus. If you would like to apply for a FF place you will need to use the SATAC code 1CM669 or Danala ECP Darwin or External or 1CM656 for Sydney campus.
A limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) may be available for this course. If the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available CSP quota, applicants may be ranked based on academic merit to determine allocation. Applicants who are not offered a CSP may still add a preference for a full-fee place.
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
Why study accounting at CDU?
Enhance your career and improve upon your previous accounting studies. You'll network with industry leaders while you develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in roles across the finance and banking industry, as well as diverse roles in the public and private sector.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Study electives from other areas to complement your career options or interest
Why study accounting at CDU?
Enhance your career and improve upon your previous accounting studies. You'll network with industry leaders while you develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in roles across the finance and banking industry, as well as diverse roles in the public and private sector.
- Study electives from other areas to complement your career options or interests
- Placements available for some courses
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study accounting at CDU?
Enhance your career and improve upon your previous accounting studies. You'll network with industry leaders while you develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in roles across the finance and banking industry, as well as diverse roles in the public and private sector.
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Study electives from other areas to complement your career options or interest
Why study accounting at CDU?
Enhance your career and improve upon your previous accounting studies. You'll network with industry leaders while you develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in roles across the finance and banking industry, as well as diverse roles in the public and private sector.
- Study electives from other areas to complement your career options or interests
- Placements available for some courses
- #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
The course is a structured postgraduate program comprised entirely of core accounting and business units (12 units, 120 credit points) designed to develop comprehensive professional competencies. In 1.5 years of full-time (or part-time equivalent), you will study in financial and management accounting, auditing and assurance, taxation and regulatory compliance, corporate finance and financial management, accounting information systems and technology, and data analytics. Through these units, you will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, applying professional judgment to real-world business and accounting scenarios.
Course structure
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 120 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
Students who commenced this course prior to 2027 should read the additional information provided below the course structure table.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (12 units) | 120cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 120 credit points as detailed below. ACT501 Accounting Principles ACT502 Management Accounting ACT503 Corporate Accounting ACT504 Auditing ACT505 Accounting Theory ACT506 Accounting Information Systems ECO505 Economics of Sustainability FIN510 Aspects of Corporate Finance LAW511 Australian Tax Law LAW510 Business and Corporate Law (new from 2027) STA510 Business Statistics BUS521 Business Research Skills (new from 2027) LAW513 and LAW514 have been removed from this course from 2027. |
| 120cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2027
This course has been re-accredited for 2027 with changes to the course structure. Students who commenced prior to 2027 should note the information provided below.
- LAW513 Corporate Law and LAW514 Commercial Law are no longer part of the course.
- LAW510 Business and Corporate Law and BUS521 Business Research Skills have been added as core units.
- Students must complete {both LAW513 and LAW514} OR {both LAW510 and BUS521}.
- LAW513 will be offered for a final time in S2 2027 but will only be available to students who have completed LAW514 prior to 2027.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ACT501 Accounting Principles | CO | FIN510 Aspects of Corporate Finance | CO |
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | ACT503 Corporate Accounting | CO |
| STA510 Business Statistics | CO | ACT504 Auditing | CO |
| LAW510 Business and Corporate Law | CO | BUS521 Business Research Skills | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| ACT502 Management Accounting | CO | ||
| ACT505 Accounting Theory | CO | ||
| ACT506 Accounting Information Systems | CO | ||
| LAW511 Australian Tax Law | CO | ||
Top of Page
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ACT501 Accounting Principles | CO | FIN510 Aspects of Corporate Finance | CO |
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | ACT503 Corporate Accounting | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| STA510 Business Statistics | CO | ACT504 Auditing | CO |
| LAW510 Business and Corporate Law | CO | BUS521 Business Research Skills | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| ACT505 Accounting Theory | CO | ACT502 Management Accounting | CO |
| ACT506 Accounting Information Systems | CO | LAW511 Australian Tax Law | CO |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ACT501 Accounting Principles | CO | ||
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | ||
| STA510 Business Statistics | CO | ||
| LAW510 Business and Corporate Law | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| ACT502 Management Accounting | CO | ACT505 Accounting Theory | CO |
| ACT503 Corporate Accounting | CO | ACT506 Accounting Information Systems) | CO |
| ACT504 Auditing | CO | FIN510 Aspects of Corporate Finance | CO |
| LAW511 Australian Tax Law | CO | BUS521 Business Research Skills | CO |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ACT501 Accounting Principles | CO | ||
| ECO505 Economics of Sustainability | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| STA510 Business Statistics | CO | ACT502 Management Accounting | CO |
| LAW510 Business and Corporate Law | CO | ACT503 Corporate Accounting | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| ACT505 Accounting Theory | CO | FIN510 Aspects of Corporate Finance | CO |
| ACT506 Accounting Information Systems) | CO | BUS521 Business Research Skills | CO |
| Year 4 | |||
| ACT504 Auditing | CO | ||
| LAW511 Australian Tax Law | CO | ||
Entry requirements
Quota
A limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) may be available for this course. If the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available CSP quota, applicants may be ranked based on academic merit to determine allocation. Applicants who are not offered a CSP may still add a preference for a full-fee place.
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate diploma, masters degree, or equivalent international qualification. Applicants who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Accounting Studies are also eligible for entry.
Applicants who have previously completed an accounting degree within Australia are not eligible to apply.
International entry pathway
Applicants who have completed the Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program (ZAMQP1 or ZAMQP2) are eligible for entry.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the standard English language proficiency requirements for Higher Education courses at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and provide evidence as part of their application.
You can meet the minimum English language requirement by providing evidence of one of following:
| Previous study in English |
|
| AHPRA Registration | Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English Test within two years of commencement, with the minimum scores shown below. |
| Primary language pathway | Completion of six years of primary and/or secondary schooling in a recognised English-speaking country*, including at least two years between years 7-12. |
Additional information about accepted tests and the evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
^English tests - approved tests and minimum scores
| Undergraduate and postgraduate pathway program requirement | Postgraduate requirement (HDR and coursework) | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP003 | Successful completion of EAP004 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below 6.0 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 | Overall minimum: 58 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 |
Information about test validity, accepted combined test results, IELTS One Skill Retake and evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
*Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
All previous studies must have been delivered in English (medium of instruction was English). Applicants who have studied at an institution from a coutnry on the extended list must provide confirmation that their study was completed within the last five years.
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40) | Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
I love CDU! The faculty staff give out such positive vibes, inspire you to work hard and cheer you on with every step you take.
Rafat
CDU student
I love CDU! The faculty staff give out such positive vibes, inspire you to work hard and cheer you on with every step you take.
Rafat
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn more about accounting at CDU
Rafat is a CDU Alumni from Bangladesh and studied a Master of Professional Accounting (Professional Practice). Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn more about accounting at CDU
Rafat is a CDU Alumni from Bangladesh and studied a Master of Professional Accounting (Professional Practice). Hear more about her experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
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