Accounting
Study postgraduate accounting at La Trobe University
Accounting has been called the language of business, and accountants indeed play a key role in organisational management and strategy. However, both the business and the professional community now look for students who combine both accounting and business skills.
Our postgraduate accounting degrees by coursework provide graduates of any discipline with the opportunity to develop professional accounting skills, as well as degrees for existing practitioners to extend their knowledge to an advanced level.
Our postgraduate accounting degrees provide graduates of any discipline with the opportunity to develop professional accounting skills, as well as degrees for existing practitioners to extend their knowledge to an advanced level including the Master of Professional Accounting and the Master of Accounting and Financial Management programs. These courses satisfy the academic requirements for associate membership of CPA Australia (the professional body for Certified Practicing Accountants in Australia) and admission to the Professional Year of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia. The Professional Year Program may be undertaken in some countries outside Australia. It is also recognised by the international accounting body - the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) based in London.
Master of Professional Accounting
The aim of this course is to provide a pathway for graduates whose undergraduate degree did not include an accounting major to gain a professional accounting qualification. Students combine foundation studies in economics, management, business law, information systems and statistics with more advanced studies in finance, management accounting, financial accounting, auditing and taxation. They are also required to master some quantitative skills.
Students must complete 12 compulsory units of study (180 credit points).
Master of Accounting and Financial Management
This course aims to enable students who did not major in accounting and finance to achieve a professional accounting qualification, and to extend their study beyond the minimum requirement for a professional membership.
Students augment foundation studies in accounting, finance, economics and statistics with more advanced studies in management accounting, financial accounting, auditing and taxation, allowing them to meet the membership requirements of the Australian accounting professions. An extended program offers studies in financial and derivative securities.
Master of Financial Analysis/Master of Professional Accounting
This double degree program is the ideal pathway to internationally recognised professional accreditations in both accounting and finance.
The curriculum is jointly based on the finance industry endorsed CFA Institute Candidate Body of KnowledgeTM and the IFAC International Accounting Education Standards for Professional Accountants.
The program focuses on financial analysis, security valuation and portfolio management, together with financial and management accounting. It builds on a broad foundation of study in economics and quantitative methods. Lecturers and practitioners will assist students to develop the knowledge, skill and analytical thinking suitable for gaining professional accreditation as a charterholder with the CFA and the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia (ICAA).
Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting
This course is designed for graduates who wish to extend their undergraduate studies in accounting and other associated areas. It is similar in structure to an Honours-level program, with students undertaking both advanced coursework and a thesis.
Students benefit from advanced study in the theory and practice of accounting, including coverage of the critical role played by accounting in a contemporary organisation. They also acquire significant research skills. The course may facilitate entry to a research degree such as a Master of Commerce or PhD in accounting.
Graduate Diploma in Accounting
This course is designed as a conversion course to enable graduates of any discipline to gain a professional accounting qualification. Students will develop competencies in areas such as financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, finance, business law, taxation, and information systems and an understanding of contemporary accounting. No previous experience in accounting studies is required.
Career opportunities
Commerce students are among the most employable of all graduates. While many choose a career in the accounting profession, others are found in corporate settings. A large proportion of Australian company directors and managers have graduated with accounting qualifications.
Course information
This course is offered at the following campuses: Albury-Wodonga; Bendigo; Melbourne (Bundoora); Mildura; Shepparton
- Master of Professional Accounting
- Master of Accounting and Financial Management
- Master of Financial Analysis/Master of Professional Accounting
- Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting
- Graduate Diploma in Accounting
How to apply
Local students apply by direct application to the Faculty of Law and Management.
Information for international students
The following section helps assist international applicants in locating the course information and required application procedures.
International student course information
- Master of Professional Accounting
- Master of Accounting and Financial Management
- Master of Financial Analysis and Master of Professional Accounting
- Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting
- Graduate Diploma in Accounting
