Master of Professional Accounting

Programme Overview

The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) at Unitec is an 18-month, 180-credit conversion degree designed for graduates from any academic discipline who wish to transition into professional accounting. The programme combines technical instruction in financial reporting, management accounting, taxation, and auditing with practical case studies. Students build essential problem-solving, communication, and decision-making capabilities, culminating in an embedded 50-hour industry internship and a Level 9 applied research project.

Note: Unitec's MPA is recognized by major accounting bodies, including Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and CPA Australia, fulfilling the academic requirements for provisional membership.

Programme Pathways & Core Formats

The 180-credit programme consists of 10 compulsory courses delivered through a blended learning model (workshops, interactive lectures, and online modules):

1. Level 8 Coursework & Internship (135 credits): Nine 15-credit modules covering technical accounting, commercial law, taxation, finance, and an integrated work-based internship.
2. Level 9 Applied Research Project (45 credits): An independent, supervised research dissertation investigating a specific accounting or business topic.

What You'll Study

The curriculum delivers comprehensive, applied training across core business and technical accounting domains:

• Technical Accounting Core (Level 8):
  • Financial Accounting (ACTY8101) & Advanced Financial Accounting (ACTY8102)
  • Strategic Management Accounting (ACTY8103)
  • Taxation (ACTY8104)
  • Audit and Assurance (ACTY8105)
• Business & Systems Foundations (Level 8):
  • Accounting Information Systems (ACTY8106)
  • Business Finance and Economics (ACTY8107)
  • Business Law and the Business Environment (ACTY8108)
• Applied Capstone & Workplace Experience:
  • Internship (ACTY8109): A 50-hour work-based placement solving a live project in collaboration with an external organisation.
  • Level 9 Research Project: Execution of an applied research investigation in an area of specialist interest.

Why Choose This Programme?

• Professional Body Accreditation: Fulfills the academic requirements needed for provisional membership with CA ANZ and CPA Australia.
• No Commerce Prerequisites Required: Welcomes graduates from any field (science, arts, engineering, or health) looking to switch careers.
• Embedded Industry Experience: Completes a 50-hour supervised internship within a local business, establishing professional networks before graduation.

Entry Requirements

• Academic Minimums:
  • A completed bachelor's degree (or higher) in any subject area from a recognized institution with a minimum grade average of B- or higher; OR
  • A recognized professional qualification equivalent to merit achievement in a degree; OR
  • Relevant professional work/life experience for applicants aged 20 or older (evaluated via special/discretionary admission interview).
• Pre-experience Nature: No prior background in accounting or commerce is required.
• Selection Process: Applications are reviewed individually by the academic admissions board based on degree equivalency and academic merit.
• Language Requirement: Academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall (all individual sub-bands 6.0+) or an approved NZQA equivalent.