Curtin University

Master of Accounting

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Course Type: Master's

Increase your specialist knowledge in accounting and study the subjects required to become a certified practising accountant in Australia.

Course overview

This is a one-year advanced course for professionals with an undergraduate degree in accounting* seeking to gain more expertise in financial accounting, managerial accounting, governance and auditing. This course is also designed specifically for those who wish to meet CPA Australia's requirements to become a certified practising accountant.

This course provides a master-level qualification relevant to senior positions and roles that provide high-level advice to management and governing bodies and expert academic support in preparing for the CPA Program’s examinations.

You will study the CPA Program subjects, and to gain your master's qualification, you must meet CPA Australia’s program requirements. (Please note that you will be responsible for CPA Australia program fees, including examination fees.)

Toward the end of the course, you'll undertake an industry-connected capstone experience, such as an internship, research project or study tour. You'll also have opportunities to attend employee presentations that enable you to expand your career networks; previous participating companies include Coca-Cola Amatil, Grant Thornton and Nexia.

* If you do not hold a bachelor's degree in accounting, apply instead for the two-year Master of Professional Accounting.

Key facts

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Master's
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
12 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $4,175.50
More Information
The estimated per-unit fee is calculated using the annual average first-year fee. It is based on a full-time study load of 40 cp (4 units) per semester or 80 cp (8 units) per year.
Campus
Perth
Intake
21st July, 2025
Units
8
Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
FEE-HELP

What you will study

To complete the Master of Accounting, you must complete 200 credit points.

Complete the following core units:

  • Accounting Research Project (25 credits)
  • CPA Ethics and Governance (25 credits)
  • CPA Financial Accounting (25 credits)
  • CPA Strategic Management Accounting (25 credits)
  • CPA Accounting Capstone (25 credits)
  • CPA Advanced Audit and Assurance (25 credits)
  • CPA Contemporary Business Issues (25 credits)

Complete 25 credit points from the following electives:

  • Analysis and Visualisation of Financial Data (25 credits)
  • Graduate Business Study Tour (25 credits)
  • Sustainability and Global Business Study Tour (25 credits)
  • Commerce Research Project (25 credits)
  • Commerce Consultancy/Internship (25 credits)

Entry requirements

Applicants require a qualification, majoring in accounting that is recognised at AQF Level 7.

English language requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined below:

  • IELTS - Writing 6.0
  • Speaking 6.0
  • Reading 6.0
  • Listening 6.0
  • Overall bans score 6.5

You may demonstrate English proficiency using other tests. Please contact the university for full details.

Recognition of Prior Learning

You may be able to get credit for your course based on prior formal, non-formal or informal learning. To apply, you will need to provide supporting documentation outlined by the university. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Careers

Graduates may pursue careers in roles such as:

  • Certified Practising Accountant
  • Accountant manager
  • Senior accountant
  • Chief Financial Officer

Industries

  • Accounting
  • Finance and investment
  • Government
  • Law
  • Resources and renewables

Learning outcomes

Graduates will learn the following skills during the course:

  • Apply principles of financial accounting, managerial accounting, governance and auditing to grasp the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline. Extend knowledge base with research and application of business research methods.
  • Apply critical and analytical thinking to develop innovative solutions to complex problems in relevant business fields.
  • Locate, extract and critically appraise information from various sources and effectively communicate it using structured financial or other appropriate language to a professional audience for various purposes.
  • Develop ongoing professional, self-directed and reflective education relating to developments and changes in the information requirements of a global financial system that is multi-perspective in nature, and apply international financial reporting standards.
  • Recognise that cultural practices and differences impact commercial endeavours and interpersonal relations. Work effectively in multicultural team environments.
  • Exhibit a professional and ethical approach to analysing and reporting commercial activities, demonstrating leadership, collaborative and independent qualities when required, in compliance with appropriate legislation and protocols.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Average 2025 first-year fee: $33,404 (domestic full-fee paying place)

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 100 credit points (normally four units) per semester or 200 credit points (normally eight units) per year.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • The number of units studied per term. 
  • The choice of major or specialisation.
  • Choice of units. 
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.