Master of Commerce (Public Accounting)

Why study the Master of Commerce (Public Accounting) at UNE?

This course was previoulsy known as Master of Commerce (Professional Accounting)

The Master of Commerce (Public Accounting) represents the educational requirements needed to obtain full membership of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). It is designed for holders of the Graduate Certificate in Public Accounting or undergraduate degree holders.

It represents a flexible program aimed at providing pathways to maximise opportunities for IPA members to gain professional registration as tax agents and for RG146 ASIC compliance.

Please note: this course was previously known as the Master of Commerce (Professional Accounting).

Career Opportunities

On completion of this course students may be eligible for full membership of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

1 or 1.5 Years Full-time
Up to 6 years Part-time

FEES

Full Fee
International

2015 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale

Trimester 1, Off Campus
Trimester 2, Off Campus
Trimester 3, Off Campus

Official Abbreviation MComm(PubAcct)
Course Type Postgraduate
Commencing
Location Admission Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Off Campus
Armidale Trimester 2 Off Campus
Armidale Trimester 3 Off Campus
Course Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 Years Full-time
  • Up to 6 years Part-time
Fees Full Fee / International
Total Credit Points 72
Intensive Schools

Optional weekend schools are available for some units undertaken by off campus students.

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall:

(a) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification in a relevant discipline*; or

(b) hold an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate in Public Accounting or equivalent; and

(c) hold current financial Associate membership of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).

*Relevant discipline -

Accounting

Advanced Standing

Candidates admitted under Rule (a) are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing. The maximum advanced standing shall be for units counting 36 credit points which are deemed to be equivalent to units offered by UNE and approved for the course.

Candidates admitted under Rule (b) shall be granted a maximum of 24 credit points of Block Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature. Up to a further 12 credit points may be granted based on units that were not part of the degree on which admission was based.

Academic Colours

Peacock Blue (BCC 120)

Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE

These course rules & plans are ONLY to be used if you commenced, transferred or changed versions in the Master of Commerce (Public Accounting) in 2015.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall:
(a) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification in a relevant discipline*; or
(b) hold an AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate in Public Accounting or equivalent; and
(c) hold current financial Associate membership of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).

*Relevant discipline:

Accounting

Advanced Standing

Candidates admitted under Rule (a) are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing. The maximum advanced standing shall be for units counting 36 credit points which are deemed to be equivalent to units offered by UNE and approved for the course.

Candidates admitted under Rule (b) shall be granted a maximum of 24 credit points of Block Advanced Standing based on their admission to candidature. Up to a further 12 credit points may be granted based on units that were not part of the degree on which admission was based.

Period of Candidature

For candidates admitted under Rule (a), the period of candidature shall be:
(a) 1.5 years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to six years as a part-time candidate.

For candidates admitted under Rule (b), the period of candidature shall be:
(a) one year as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to four years as a part-time candidate.

Course Requirements

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 72 credit points with at least 36 credit points at 500-level.

Program of Study

Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:

For candidates admitted under Rule (a)
Course Structure Credit Points
Core Units 30 cps
Listed Units
OR
24 cps
or
One Major
24 cps
Elective Units
18 cps
Total 72 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

For candidates admitted under Rules (b)
Course Structure Credit Points
Block Advanced Standing 24 cps
Core Units 18 cps
Listed Units
OR
24 cps
or
One Major 24 cps
Elective Units
6 cps
Total 72 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Master of Commerce (Public Accounting).

Exit Pathways

Subject to Advanced Standing rules, candidates admitted under Rule (a) may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Public Accounting on completion of MM403, MM467 and 12 credit points, with at least 6 credit points at 400 level from the listed units in the program of study. Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies must apply for readmission and will be subject to the current course requirements of the Master of Commerce (Public Accounting). This may mean that they will not receive full recognition for their previous studies should the course structure have changed in response to University requirements.

Appeals

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Student Appeals.

Improper Conduct

Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct Rules.

Course Aims

To enable members of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) with a Bachelor degree or those who start the program with the Graduate Certificate in Public Accounting to complete the Master of Commerce (Public Accounting) and gain full membership of the Institute of Public Accountants (MIPA).

Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
  1. demonstrate mastery of knowledge within the accounting discipline, that includes understanding of recent developments and ability to reflect critically on theory and to undertake professional work in accounting;
  2. identify complex problems in accounting and finance, collect relevant data, evaluate and synthesise a range of solutions and recommend the best course of action;
  3. demonstrate a current knowledge and understanding of research principles and methods as they apply to accounting;
  4. communicate effectively with both accounting and non-accounting professionals on accounting and finance issues in a coherent and sustained manner;
  5. demonstrate a proficiency with the researching, presentation and dissemination of information within and outside accounting;
  6. demonstrate application of knowledge and skills acquired within the accounting discipline with high level of creativity, initiative and personal autonomy; and
  7. plan and execute a substantial research-based project or capstone experience and/or piece of research.
Graduate Attributes
Knowledge of a Discipline

Demonstrate advanced knowledge within the accounting discipline suitable for professional practice and for progression to further study in the accounting discipline.

Communication Skills

Communicate to a range of stakeholders using appropriate methods to present technical information and build rapport; justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions whilst recognising the particular importance of adequate disclosure of information and transparency in the accounting professions.

Global Perspectives

Demonstrate an awareness of the global and international developments within the accounting discipline, including international regulatory frameworks.

Information Literacy

Recognise the need for information and the nature and extent of information required; collect information effectively and efficiently; critically evaluate information; use appropriate technology, methods and techniques to collect and evaluate information; and present information in formats relevant to professional practice and scholarship in the accounting discipline.

Life-Long Learning

Reflect on limitations of, and have the capacity to evaluate their current knowledge; identify, evaluate and implement personal learning strategies for lifelong personal and professional development; practise intellectual curiosity, creativity and critical thinking; learn both independently and cooperatively; learn new skills and apply learning to new and unexpected situations; recognise opportunities for further learning in both familiar and unfamiliar national or cultural settings.

Problem Solving

Apply logical, critical and creative thinking to a range of problems; identify critical issues in the discipline or professional area; conceptualise problems and formulate a range of solutions that are appropriate to the national or cultural context of the problem; collect, collate and analyse relevant information to assist problem solving.

Social Responsibility

Demonstrate an understanding of the nature and importance of the integrity and professional ethics in the accounting discipline, including an awareness of relevant professional codes of conduct, strategies to identify and deal with unethical behaviour and of their professional responsibility towards clients and the community as a whole.

Team Work

Work in a team or collaboratively within a multidisciplinary group to achieve common goals and to solve problems; contribute specialist knowledge as required; take responsibility and carry out agreed tasks; take initiative and lead others; operate in a range of supportive roles within teams; negotiate, assert their own values and respect the values and contributions of others; and evaluate team performance. Graduates also become aware of themulticultural environment, acting with dignity and showing respect to the fellow members of the group.

How to Apply

Domestic Students

All students apply directly to the Institute of Public Accountants

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