Master of Professional Accounting

Programme Overview

The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) at the University of Canterbury (UC Business School) is a 180-point conversion taught master's qualification. Designed for graduates from any non-accounting background, the degree builds advanced technical competencies in financial reporting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, and business law. The curriculum integrates research-informed decision-making and practical problem-solving to prepare students for accounting roles globally.

Note: UC Business School holds AACSB international accreditation, and the MPA aligns with major professional bodies, including Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), CPA Australia, and ACCA (exemptions for up to 9 papers).

Programme Pathways & Core Formats

The 180-point qualification is delivered across 17 months of full-time study and comprises 12 compulsory courses:

1. Core Technical & Legal Coursework (135 points): Nine 15-point modules establishing essential financial accounting, quantitative methods, commercial law, economics, and auditing fundamentals.
2. Applied Research & Practice Component (45 points): Advanced papers in strategic management accounting, advanced financial accounting, and an applied independent research project evaluating contemporary issues in the accounting profession.

What You'll Study

The degree consists of 12 compulsory core courses covering key accounting and business disciplines:

• Financial & Management Accounting:
  • Financial Accounting & Advanced Financial Accounting
  • Management Accounting & Strategic Management Accounting
• Governance, Tax & Assurance:
  • Taxation in New Zealand
  • Auditing and Assurance
  • Accounting Information Systems
• Business, Quantitative & Legal Foundations:
  • Business Law and Environment
  • Economics for Business
  • Quantitative Methods / Business Statistics
• Applied Capstone & Research:
  • Applied Professional Independent Research Project

Why Choose This Programme?

• Triple Professional Recognition: Fulfills academic entry requirements for provisional membership with CA ANZ and CPA Australia, while offering up to 9 paper exemptions for ACCA certification.
• No Accounting Background Required: Open to graduates from any undergraduate discipline (science, engineering, humanities, or general business) looking to pivot careers.
• High Graduate Employability: UC Business School ranks #2 in New Zealand for employment outcomes, featuring dedicated career support and networking with industry partners.

Entry Requirements

• Academic Minimums: A completed bachelor's degree from a recognized institution with a minimum B Grade Average in final-year (300-level) courses.
• Pre-experience Nature: Does not require previous work experience or prior commerce background.
• Pathway Programs Available: International students who fall slightly short of entry criteria can utilize UC's International Pre-Master's pathway.
• Language Requirement: Academic IELTS 6.5 overall (no band < 6.0), PTE 58 (no score < 50), or TOEFL iBT 90.