Master of Accounting

The Master of Accounting at Adelaide University is a two-year postgraduate degree for people who want to work as accountants in Australia. It suits graduates from any discipline, you do not need an accounting background to get in. The coursework starts with the fundamentals: financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, business law and corporate finance. From there you move into advanced units covering financial reporting, accounting information systems and managerial decision-making. Assessment is a mix of exams, assignments, group projects and case studies based on real Australian businesses.

How the degree is structured

Like most Australian master's degrees, this one runs on semesters. You enrol in units of study each semester, and each unit carries a set number of credit points. You need to accumulate the required total credit points to graduate, usually 96 for a two-year master's. The course is delivered at AQF Level 9, which is the standard classification for a master's degree in Australia. A capstone unit in your final semester brings the material together, often through a applied project or industry case study. Some students choose to extend their studies with a research pathway if they are considering a PhD later.

Practical experience and professional recognition

Adelaide has a strong professional services sector, and the university has links with accounting firms, banks and government agencies across South Australia. Work-integrated learning options, internships, industry projects and placements, let you apply what you learn in a real workplace. The degree is structured to meet the academic requirements for admission to the major Australian accounting bodies: CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). Check the current accreditation status with the university and the professional bodies before you enrol, because requirements can change.

Who this course suits

This degree is for career changers and recent graduates who want to qualify as an accountant. It is also for people already working in finance or business who need a formal accounting qualification to move into a professional accounting role or gain membership of a professional body. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while you study. After you graduate, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may let you stay and work in Australia, check the Department of Home Affairs for current rules. English requirements for international applicants are IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall for this type of coursework postgraduate degree, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and Cambridge C1 Advanced accepted as equivalents. The Student visa has its own separate English threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register under course code 115893B. Confirm all details on the official university page before applying.

• Financial accountant, prepares financial statements, manages reporting and compliance for companies, government agencies and not-for-profits.
• Management accountant, works inside organisations on budgeting, forecasting, cost control and performance analysis.
• Auditor, examines financial records for accuracy and compliance at professional services firms, including the Big Four and mid-tier Australian firms.
• Tax accountant, advises individuals and businesses on tax planning and lodges returns with the Australian Taxation Office.
• Business services accountant, provides accounting, advisory and compliance services to small and medium enterprises.
• Financial analyst, analyses investments, budgets and financial performance in banking, insurance and corporate finance.
• Chief financial officer, senior leadership role overseeing an organisation's financial strategy and operations.
• Forensic accountant, investigates financial fraud and disputes for law firms, insurers and regulators.

Accounting graduates work across public practice, corporate finance, government, education, healthcare and mining, all major employers in Australia.