Course Overview

About This Course

The course focuses on the knowledge and skills required for practice as a certified practising accountant or chartered accountant along with effective management, accountability and control, and effective decision-making for financial success. You will develop technical and conceptual skills required to become a competent accountant as well as abilities to analyse, criticise and synthesise various accounting and related principles, methods and techniques.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

CDU Sydney

Level 10, 815 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate diploma, masters degree, or equivalent international qualification.
Applicants who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Accounting Studies are also eligible for entry.
Applicants who have previously completed an accounting degree within Australia are not eligible to apply.
International applicants who have completed the CDU International Masters Qualifying Program (ZMQP01 or ZMQP02) or the Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program (ZAMQP1 or ZAMQP2) are eligible for entry.
English language requirements (Domestic – Postgraduate): IELTS Academic overall minimum 6.5, no band below 6.0; PTE Academic overall minimum 58, no score below 50; TOEFL iBT overall minimum 79, minimum writing score 21; Cambridge CAE overall minimum 176, no skill below 169.
English language requirements (International): IELTS Academic overall minimum 6.5, no band below 6.0; PTE Academic overall minimum 58, no score below 50; TOEFL iBT overall minimum 79, minimum writing score 21; Cambridge CAE overall minimum 176, no skill below 169; Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency minimum C1.
Domestic applicants may also meet English requirements via: successful completion of Year 12 within Australia or approved country; at least 0.5 FTE of higher education study from Australia or approved country; completion of a CDU enabling program of at least 0.5 FTE; successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at Certificate III or higher; or current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Completing a Master of Professional Accounting with relevant work experience can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in small, medium and large organisations. As a graduate, you may become a financial accountant, management accountant, financial auditor, tax auditor/preparer, business/financial analyst, or work in a large multinational company or 'Big Four' accounting firm. Or, you could run your own businesses, work in a small local accounting firm, or work in other areas of business management.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

CPA Australia / Chartered Accountants ANZ (CA ANZ)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

CPA / CA ANZ / IPA

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units12 units

ACT501

Accounting Principles

Previously PRBA001

ACT502

Management Accounting

Previously PRBA002

ACT503

Corporate Accounting

Previously PRBA003

ACT504

Auditing

Previously PRBA004

ACT505

Accounting Theory

Previously PRBA005

ACT506

Accounting Information Systems

Previously PRBA006

ECO505

Economics of Sustainability

Replaces ECO504 from 2022

FIN510

Aspects of Corporate Finance

Previously PRBF010

LAW511

Australian Tax Law

Previously PRBL003

LAW513

Corporate Law

LAW514

Commercial Law

STA510

Business Statistics

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course recognised by professional accounting bodies?

Yes. The Master of Professional Accounting is professionally recognised by CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ). Graduates may also be eligible for memberships in other overseas-based professional accounting bodies.

How many credit points do I need to complete the course?

A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 120 credit points. The course consists of 12 compulsory core units, each valued at 10 credit points, covering areas such as financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, corporate law, and more.

What are the tuition fees for international students?

The annual tuition fee for full-time study in 2026 is AUD $38,192.00, which equates to $4,774.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL). These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Are Commonwealth Supported Places available for this course?

Yes. Both Commonwealth Supported (CS) and full fee (FF) places are available. To apply for a CS place, use SATAC code 1CM169 for Danala ECP Darwin or External, or 1CM156 for the Sydney campus. For a full fee place, use SATAC code 1CM669 for Danala ECP Darwin or External, or 1CM656 for the Sydney campus.

Can I get credit for previous accounting study?

Yes. Students with prior CPA Australia/CAANZ assessed exemptions may be eligible for credit transfer or advanced standing. Where students have prior exemptions and require electives to complete the total of 120 credit points, electives may be selected from this course on approval of the Course Coordinator. For further information on credit transfer and how to apply, visit ASK CDU.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $55,000 to $75,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $75,000 to $95,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $95,000 to $130,000 per year

Career Paths

Graduate AccountantAssistant AccountantFinancial AnalystTax AccountantAuditor

Key Skills

Financial statement preparation and analysisManagement accounting and cost analysisCorporate and personal taxation under Australian lawAuditing and assurance proceduresFinancial modelling and forecasting

Full Course Overview

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