Master's Degree Accounting Full Time

Master of Research (Accounting)

at Adelaide University · Adelaide, South Australia

CRICOS course code

111933J

CRICOS provider code

00121B

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

2 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$84,000 total

Per year

A$40,822/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Master of Research (Accounting) at Adelaide University is a rigorous research-intensive degree designed for those seeking to deepen their expertise in accounting within a leading Australian university. Over two years of full-time study, students advance their understanding of accounting theory and practices, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and data analysis relevant to the field. The course is structured around a blend of core research units, advanced accounting subjects, and substantial independent research culminating in a supervised thesis.

Australian master's by research degrees like this are commonly organised into semesters. Students complete a set number of units of study, each carrying specific credit points, to build the knowledge necessary for the research component. The major focus is a thesis or research project, where candidates identify a significant problem in accounting, conduct a literature review, gather and analyse data, and present their findings under academic supervision. Many students also engage with professional practice or collaborate with Australian industry partners as part of their research, enriching the relevance of their projects.

This programme develops valuable skills in critical thinking, research design, advanced data analysis, and scholarly communication. Graduates emerge well-prepared to contribute to academic, professional, or industry research roles, and are equipped to influence accounting policy, standards, and practices within Australia and globally. The course is ideal for those considering a future in academia, research consulting, or specialist roles in regulatory bodies, accounting firms, or public sector organisations.

The Master of Research (Accounting) is situated in Adelaide, a city known for its vibrant business sector and innovation ecosystem. Many graduates benefit from the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) which offers post-study work rights in Australia. International students are also permitted to work 48 hours per fortnight during their studies, offering valuable opportunities to gain local experience. Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency, with several test options accepted. For specific programme structure, fees, and research themes, check the official university or CRICOS course page.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.
International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

  • Academic researcher in accounting
  • Lecturer or tutor at Australian universities
  • Accounting policy analyst
  • Research consultant in professional services or accounting firms
  • Accounting specialist in regulatory agencies
  • Public sector research officer
  • Corporate research and analytics roles in finance and business organisations

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Master of Research (Accounting) at Adelaide University?

It typically takes 2 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$84,000 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Academic researcher in accountingLecturer or tutor at Australian universitiesAccounting policy analystResearch consultant in professional services or accounting firmsAccounting specialist in regulatory agenciesPublic sector research officerCorporate research and analytics roles i...

Guides for this subject and the application

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