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Entry requirements and pathways
Academic entry requirement
Prerequisites
Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent).
Selection criteria
Applicants with other relevant tertiary qualifications and/or substantial relevant professional of managerial experience will also be considered for entry.
The duration of the course may be reduced to one-year equivalent full time (8 subjects) with appropriate credit exemptions.
Admission is based on:
- Bachelor honours (AQF8) degree in a related discipline, or
- Bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline, plus two years relevant work experience, or
- Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or higher in a related discipline, or
- Evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent.
Note: Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
Credit for previous study (advanced standing)
Credit for previous study (advanced standing) is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification. This can reduce the number of subjects required to complete your course. The amount of credit received depends on the level and relevance of your previous study and the number of subjects completed.
The University will designate courses where there is only admission into Year 1 of the course. In these cases, there is limited credit. See list of limited entry courses.
To check if this course is available for credit, please visit the Advanced standing webpage.
Pathways
There are currently no alternative Pathway courses for this course.
Use the Pathways Tool to discover other courses with pathway options available.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
What you'll study
Sample course structure
Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not normally finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure. For more information, please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
To qualify for the award of Master of Professional Accounting, students must complete a total of 180 credit points across 2 years.
Year 1 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 120 credit points from chosen Core
Year 2 requires the completion of 60 credit points including:
- 15 credit points from chosen Capstone
- 30 credit points from chosen Core
- 15 credit points from chosen Core choice
Study options
Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.
| Subject name | Subject code | Year | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE | LTU0AIM | 1 | 0 |
| ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS | ACC5001 | 1 | 15 |
| ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES | ACC4001 | 1 | 15 |
| FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING | ACC5002 | 1 | 15 |
| FOUNDATIONS OF COMPANY AND COMMERCIAL LAW | LST4001 | 1 | 15 |
| MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING | ACC5MCR | 1 | 15 |
| PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS | BUA4003 | 1 | 15 |
| PRINCIPLES OF FINANCE | BUA4005 | 1 | 15 |
| STATISTICS FOR BUSINESS AND FINANCE | BUA4004 | 1 | 15 |
| AUDITING AND ASSURANCE | ACC5AAS | 2 | 15 |
| TAXATION | ACC5TAX | 2 | 15 |
Core choice subjects are one or more subject groups you need to select in your course. Core choice subjects may be specific to your course, major, minor, specialisation or other learning requirements.
| Subject name | Subject code | Year | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUSINESS CONSULTING PROJECT | BUS5009 | 2 | 15 |
| BUSINESS WORK PLACEMENT | BUS5010 | 2 | 15 |
| PRINCIPLES OF BUSINESS ANALYTICS | BUS5PB | 2 | 15 |
Capstone subjects are required subjects in your course or major that help you integrate and apply the knowledge and skills you gain to solve real world problems. Capstone subjects are often taken towards the end of your course.
| Subject name | Subject code | Year | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADVANCED ACCOUNTING ISSUES | ACC5AAI | 2 | 15 |
Work-Based Learning
Students have an opportunity to undertake a work placement subject BUS5010 (Business Work Placement) or a work-based project subject BUS5009 (Business Consulting Project) as core-choice. These subjects are an opportunity to focus on the application of theoretical concepts to address workplace problems or development issues using problem-based enquiry and learning. Students are allocated a host organisation or can identify their own work placement and negotiate a work-based project with the host employer and subject coordinator. The themes of projects, enquiries and/or other work-based activities are individually tailored to the student's professional development needs and the employer's requirements.
See La Trobe University Handbook for more details
The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.
View course information for Melbourne (Bundoora)
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Master of Professional Accounting course and career outcomes
However you choose to structure your study, La Trobe recognises your hard work. Here are the pathways you could follow as you move through your course.
Course intended learning outcomes
- Demonstrate integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge in professional accounting practice.
- Critically apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills to solve practical accounting problems independently and as part of a team.
- Effectively communicate accounting advice to specialists and non-specialists from diverse cultural and language backgrounds.
- Exercise professional judgement to solve business problems in diverse contexts using social, ethical, economic, regulatory and global perspectives.
- Review performance feedback and take actions for personal and professional development.
Master of Professional Accounting career opportunities
Accountants and accountancy expertise are vital for organisations in every industry – so after graduation, you could find roles in private enterprise, government departments, the not-for-profit sector and beyond.
Possible roles include:
- Business analyst
- Assist with start-up structuring, valuation and financing. Review existing business operations to help with strategy, business planning, and identifying and implementing performance improvements.
- Financial accountant
- Take responsibility for financial reporting, including end-of-year financial reports, reconciliations and statutory obligations. Help provide stakeholders with reliable information for decision-making.
- Management accountant
- Help your organisation evaluate past performance and plan for the future. Analyse financial and non-financial data to assist in decision-making and advise on the implications of business decisions.
- Auditor
- Use modern auditing and data analytics tools to give internal and external clients assurance about an organisation's operations.
- Taxation accountant
- Advise on taxation issues for individuals and organisations. Manage, prepare and submit reports, including tax returns and other statements, and advise clients on how to manage their income.
Professional recognition
The Master of Professional Accounting is accredited by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and recognized by the global accounting professional body Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Professional membership may require an application to the professional body and may have additional or ongoing requirements beyond the completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.
Graduates of the Master of Professional Accounting may apply for membership with the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). Membership may be subject to additional or ongoing requirements beyond completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated course fees for domestic postgraduate students
Estimated fees per year (2025):
Indicative based on 2024 fees
$31,200 per 120 credit points.
Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both current and future students. Find out what La Trobe scholarship opportunities might be available to you. View all available scholarships
Note: You must first have an offer to study at La Trobe before you are eligible to apply for a La Trobe scholarship.
Scholarships that may be available for this course
La Trobe Excellence Scholarships - Domestic Students
Albury-Wodonga Campus, Bendigo Campus, Melbourne Campus, City Campus, Mildura Campus, Shepparton Campus – Future postgraduate coursework, Australian Citizen
Duration of Course
Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) Program
Albury-Wodonga Campus, Bendigo Campus, Melbourne Campus, City Campus, Mildura Campus, Shepparton Campus – Future undergraduates, 1st year undergraduates, Australian Citizen, Humanitarian Visa, New Zealand Citizen, Permanent Resident
Full time enrolment and proof of relocation will be confirmed before payment is made into the recipient's bank account.
Questions about fees and scholarships?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
How to apply
The application process can vary depending on the course.
Most postgraduate courses generally take 15 to 20 minutes.
You can apply for up to eight postgraduate courses. Please list these in order of your preference. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive an offer for your highest preference. If you change your mind, you can change your preferences through the application portal.
Check when course applications close
If you’ve undertaken study in the past, you may be able to get credit toward your new postgraduate degree. This is called ‘advanced standing’.
Once you’ve enrolled in your course, you can apply for advanced standing by lodging an advanced standing application form.
Ready to apply?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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Overview
Key facts
| Award | Master of Professional Accounting |
|---|---|
| Start dates |
Indicative based on 2024 start dates Semester 1 (March 2025), Semester 2 (July 2025) |
| Duration | 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Available locations | Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Fees |
Indicative based on 2024 fees $31,200 per 120 credit points.Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year. Learn more about Fees and scholarships. |
About the Master of Professional Accounting
Become an expert with in-demand skills when you study La Trobe's Master of Professional Accounting.
In this accredited degree, you'll build expertise in existing and emerging accounting information systems and data analytics tools. Investigate the fields underpinning modern accounting, including business law, taxation, finance and economics. Connect with industry and professional accounting bodies during your studies and prepare for career success.
Learn how to solve accounting problems across a diverse variety of business contexts. With lectures delivered by leading academics and guest industry experts, you'll get a well-rounded perspective on contemporary accounting issues – ranging from industry-specific measurement issues to the impact of global harmonisation on financial reporting practices.
La Trobe's Master of Professional Accounting is a direct pathway to becoming a qualified professional accountant. If you have limited exposure to accounting or are forging a new path, this degree will develop your theoretical and technical knowledge and skills to build your dream career.
You'll learn:
- Accounting principles, information systems and analytics
- Understand how to record business transactions, prepare financial statements and evaluate business performance. Use the accounting and data analytics tools to analyse data and assist decision making.
- Management accounting
- Understand how to provide organisational decision-makers with relevant accounting information to assist with strategic planning, controlling and performance management.
- Financial accounting and reporting
- Apply international and Australian accounting standards involving measurement and professional judgement in a variety of practical scenarios.
- Auditing and assurance
- Explore the nature and purpose of auditing and assurance. Understand the responsibilities of auditors in the context of reporting quality information.
- Taxation
- Learn the fundamentals of the taxation system and its implications for individuals and businesses.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 9 - Masters Degree.
Have questions?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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