QUALIFICATION
Master's Degree (Level 9, 180 points)
Duration
1 to 1.5 Years Full-Time (Part-time available)
Location
City Campus, Auckland
Fees
NZD 58,050/year international tuition (180 points)
Entry Score
IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in each band)
Next Intake
27 Oct 2026 / 1 Mar 2027 / 26 Oct 2027
Programme Overview
The Master of Professional Accounting at AUT is designed for graduates from any discipline who wish to retrain as an accountant and work towards registration with leading professional accounting bodies. Taught over three 15-week trimesters, the programme equips students with a strategic business understanding of accounting and the financial expertise required for senior management roles. Upon completion, graduates meet the academic requirements for membership with ACCA, CA ANZ, CPA Australia, and CIMA. Cross-credits are not available for this qualification. High-achieving graduates with an A– average may also qualify for a pathway into the Doctor of Philosophy via the Master of Business.
What You'll Study
All courses are compulsory - no electives:
- Financial Accounting
- Management Accounting for Business
- Taxation in New Zealand
- Accounting Information Systems
- Advanced Financial Accounting
- Strategic Management Accounting
- Finance for Accountants
- Accounting Regulations and Business Law
- Auditing
- Economics and Quantitative Methods
- Applied Professional Accounting Project
Why Choose This Programme?
- Open to All Degrees: No prior accounting background required — designed specifically for graduates from any discipline who wish to change careers into accounting
- Four Professional Body Pathways: Meets academic requirements for ACCA, CA ANZ, CPA Australia, and CIMA membership
- Fast Completion: Can be completed in as little as one year full-time
- Three Intakes Per Year: Start in October, March, or October — trimester-based delivery offers maximum flexibility
- PhD Pathway: High achievers with an A– average can qualify for a pathway to the Doctor of Philosophy
- Global Recognition: AUT is ranked #410 globally in QS World University Rankings 2026
Career Pathways
| Sector | Roles |
|---|---|
| Public Accounting | Chartered Accountant, Auditor, Tax Specialist |
| Corporate Finance | Chief Financial Officer, Finance Manager, Financial Controller |
| Management Accounting | Management Accountant, Strategic Business Analyst |
| Consulting & Forensics | Business Consultant, Forensic Accountant |
| Senior Management | Senior Manager, International Accounting Firm roles |
Entry Requirements
Academic: Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a B– grade average or higher in Level 7 courses or equivalent. Country-specific grade requirements apply minimum 65% or equivalent GPA depending on country of study.
English: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in each individual band. IELTS may be waived at the Programme Director's discretion for students who completed a qualification taught in English within the last 3 years, or who have lived and worked in an English-speaking environment for 3 years.
Performance: Satisfactory academic progress required across all three trimesters. Cross-credits are not available for this programme.
