Our rankings
The University is ranked first in Australia and fourth in the world for graduate employability in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020.
Our accounting and finance subjects are ranked in the top 25 in the world by the 2020 QS World Rankings by Subject.
This program will help you develop the skills and expertise you need for a rewarding career in accounting. You will develop the knowledge and expertise to future-proof your career. Undertake advanced learning in both theory and professional practice and learn to solve accounting and business problems in innovative ways.
The degree meets the requirements for professional accounting accreditation with the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and CPA Australia. The program offers graduates with a recognised bachelor's qualification in any field the opportunity to develop knowledge, understanding and expertise in the field of professional accountancy.
The program's foundation exposes students to the broad organisational, regulatory and market context in which accountants operate. Students then pursue advanced learning in accounting within the contexts of both professional practice and the theoretical paradigms that underpin such practice.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for this course for eligible domestic students. This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA). CSP places are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.
Foundational units:
Advanced units:
Capstone unit:
Completion of three electives is also a requirement of the degree. Electives are selected from a wide range of Business School units of study, set out in the Business School Handbook.
The Master of Professional Accounting requires the completion of 96 credit points comprising:
A candidate for the Master of Professional Accounting completes the core unit Accounting Principles in the first semester of enrolment. The capstone core unit, Corporate Governance and Accountability, is completed in the final semester of enrolment. The remaining units are completed in any order depending on prerequisite/corequisite requirements. Students should refer to the Business School Handbook for this degree for the recommended sequence of progression.
To be considered for admission, an applicant is required to have:
Units completed in the graduate diploma can be credited to the master's degree.
Any grade requirements listed are based on the University of Sydney guide to grades.
For a guide to common international qualifications and equivalent admission criteria, please download the Business School Admission Criteria (pdf, 81.2KB).
The Master of Professional Accounting is accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ).
You need to complete the compulsory units of study to satisfy professional accreditation requirements. For more detailed information download the Professional Accounting Accreditation Guide (pdf, 201KB).
Further information on professional accounting accreditation requirements:
Our Master of Professional Accounting graduates look forward to employment in or, the formation of their own accounting practices. Also to roles such as chief financial officers, chief information officers, financial controllers, company secretaries, financial analysts and planners, tax and estate advisers, financial and management accountants, auditors, system designers, investment advisors and managers.
There are many employment opportunities for accounting graduates across a range of industries, many of our graduates go on to work in finance, banking, insurance, consulting, manufacturing, medicine and health, construction and engineering, media, advertising, marketing, public relations, telecommunication s and technology, property and real estate, and law and legal services.
Some of our graduates have gone on to work at AMP, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, Microsoft, Huawei, Vodaphone and eHealth.
A postgraduate degree can open doors to further study, whether you are interested in pursuing a research degree, or expanding your postgraduate qualifications and skillset by embarking on a management degree, MBA or specialised business masters.
The Business School offers two research degrees, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and the Master of Philosophy (MPhil), which may be studied full-time or part-time. Embarking on a PhD or masters by research is an opportunity to join a community of recognised leaders in scholarship and make a significant contribution to your area of study. We are home to many leading researchers and attract generous funding in support of our research projects, and the University of Sydney is consistently ranked among the best research universities in the world.
If you are interested in pursuing further postgraduate study, our postgraduate coursework business degrees cater to students from any background and career stage, with pre- and post-experience options available, to help you achieve the future you’ve imagined. Combine your interests and develop specialised skills to be well positioned in an increasingly competitive business environment.
Indicative Postgraduate Student Contribution Amount
The student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.
Indicative Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee
The tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.
Annual review and fee increase
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
Indicative International Tuition Fees for Postgraduate Students
The tuition fee for international postgraduate students is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the tuition fees. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protective clothing, and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html. In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through a government approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government. Further information is available from https://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/living-costs/health-insurance.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
Adam Aziz
Master of Professional Accounting | Auditor (Assurance), PwC Australia
“During my time at the University of Sydney Business School, I grew to understand the sheer scope of the accounting profession and I have a better appreciation of the role accountants play in society. My postgraduate study has also placed me in a strong position to pursue my entrepreneurial ambitions.
“I now have a greater knowledge of how companies operate and profit. With my blend of accounting and economics expertise and my passion for consumer behaviour, I am much better equipped to embark on my entrepreneurial pursuit.”
