Master of Accounting

The Master of Accounting at Curtin University is a 1.5-year coursework degree for people who want to work as an accountant in Australia. You'll study financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, business law and corporate finance. The course builds the technical knowledge and judgement you need to prepare financial statements, analyse performance, and advise on tax and compliance. It's a master's qualification at AQF level 9, so it sits above a bachelor degree and typically involves fewer, more advanced units than an undergraduate course.

How the degree is structured

Curtin runs most postgraduate coursework on a semester basis, with two main study periods a year and an optional summer or trimester intake for some units. A 1.5-year master's usually means 12 to 18 months of full-time study, made up of core units and a set of electives. Each unit carries a credit point value, and you need to pass a set number of credit points to graduate. The exact unit list and credit point totals are published in Curtin's handbook, so check there before you plan your enrolment. Some students with a prior accounting degree may be eligible for credit for previous study, which can shorten the course.

Work-integrated learning is part of many Curtin business degrees. That might mean a professional placement unit, an industry project, or a capstone unit where you work through a realistic accounting scenario in a team. Curtin has links with accounting firms, government agencies and companies in Perth and beyond, and these connections often feed into guest lectures, case studies and placement opportunities. If you're already working in an accounting role, some units can be aligned with your job. Confirm the placement or capstone options for your intake with the school.

What you'll learn

You'll learn how to apply accounting standards to real transactions, build budgets and forecasts, assess internal controls, and interpret tax law for individuals and businesses. You'll also practise using accounting software and data tools, because modern accounting roles expect it. Group work, written reports and presentations are common, so you'll sharpen your communication skills alongside the numbers. By the end, you should be able to prepare and analyse financial reports, identify risk, and explain accounting decisions to people who aren't accountants.

This course suits three groups: recent graduates from any field who want a career change into accounting, overseas-trained accountants who need an Australian qualification, and people already working in finance or bookkeeping who want to move into a professional accounting role. It also suits anyone planning to seek accreditation with a professional body such as CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, though you should check the current accreditation status of the course with Curtin and the relevant body. If you're an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream after you finish. English requirements are IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall for most postgraduate coursework, with equivalents accepted. Tuition is listed on the CRICOS register. Always confirm fees, intake dates and unit details on the official Curtin page.

• Financial accountant
• Management accountant
• Auditor
• Tax accountant
• Business analyst
• Financial controller (with experience)
• Chief financial officer (with further experience)

Accounting graduates work across public practice firms, corporate finance teams, government departments, not-for-profits and banks. In Australia, the major employers include the Big Four and mid-tier accounting firms, ASX-listed companies, the Australian Taxation Office, and state and federal public sector agencies. Many roles start in graduate programs and progress to senior accountant, manager and partner or executive positions.