Send me a PDF copyProgram overview
- Unlock various opportunities, from high-level executive positions to starting your own professional services firm, with QUT's Master of Business (Professional Accounting), designed for those with no prior accounting experience.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the core accounting areas of financial reporting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management.
- Develop digital competencies and in-demand transferable skills in critical and analytical thinking, leadership, and data analysis.
- Acquire hands-on experience with prominent accounting and tax return software, as well as cloud-based accounting technology platforms.
- Learn firsthand from accounting professionals working in the field in areas such as auditing, taxation, business development, financial reporting, and management accounting.
- Graduate with a degree recognised by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) and global accounting bodies (subject to specific core unit selection).
- Complete this 2-year program in 1.5 years if you have a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. See entry requirements for details.
Program overview
- Unlock various opportunities, from high-level executive positions to starting your own professional services firm, with QUT's Master of Business (Professional Accounting), designed for those with no prior accounting experience.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the core accounting areas of financial reporting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management.
- Develop digital competencies and in-demand transferable skills in critical and analytical thinking, leadership, and data analysis.
- Acquire hands-on experience with prominent accounting and tax return software, as well as cloud-based accounting technology platforms.
- Learn firsthand from accounting professionals working in the field in areas such as auditing, taxation, business development, financial reporting, and management accounting.
- Graduate with a degree recognised by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) and global accounting bodies (subject to specific core unit selection).
- Complete this 2-year program in 1.5 years if you have a bachelor degree in business or a related field. See entry requirements for details.
Why choose this course?
Accounting extends far beyond the stereotype of number crunching and is often referred to as the 'language of business.' Accountants play a key role in delivering crucial financial and non-financial insights that inform the very core of all strategic decisions made by key stakeholders.
If you aspire to advance your career, take on higher-level positions, or start your own professional services firm, QUT's Master of Business (Professional Accounting) will help you realise this potential. This program is specifically tailored for individuals who have a strong interest in the field but lack previous education in accounting. Whether you want to pivot into an accounting career or elevate your current skill set, this program will equip you with the proficiency to master complex financial budgets and operate leading accounting information systems.
Moreover, this degree meets the academic requirements for entry into professional programs offered by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and the Institute of Public Accountants.
Explore this course
Throughout the program, you will develop advanced skills in financial reporting, management accounting, financial management, auditing, and budgeting. Additionally, you will be introduced to the specialist area of taxation and gain foundational knowledge in economics, data analysis, and business and corporations law.
As the accounting profession undergoes increasing automation, the demand for accountants and professionals to embrace technological advancements is rising. To address these needs, we collaborate closely with industry experts to continuously evolve our curriculum to align with the dynamic industry landscape. This approach ensures you learn the most up-to-date practices and acquire the latest skills in technical innovation and adaptability.
Another way we prepare our students for the evolving accounting field is through practical, hands-on learning opportunities. As part of your studies, you will gain expertise in operating and navigating widely used, leading accounting and tax return software, as well as cloud-based accounting technology platforms. This knowledge will equip you with the necessary technological expertise to confidently handle and utilise accounting information systems.
Real-world learning is also an integral part of this course. Throughout your studies, you will engage in a wide range of real-world case studies, allowing you to apply the theoretical knowledge you have gained to practical situations. In the final capstone unit, you will collaborate with a small peer group to address a genuine client problem for an industry partner, providing you with invaluable practical experience.
Careers and outcomes
Acquiring an accounting qualification provides essential skills that will greatly benefit your career progression. These skills are valuable in both private and public sectors, including not-for-profit organisations, and are applicable from small start-ups to multinational conglomerates, as well as for local tax accountants to those working in global advisory services.
Upon completing this course, you'll be eligible to enter professional programs offered by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and the Institute of Public Accountants.
Professional recognition
The Master of Business (Professional Accounting) meets the accreditation requirements for CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). Graduates are able to enrol in their respective professional programs.
Graduates are also eligible for exemptions in the qualifying program for membership of the UK-based Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
More information on membership requirements of professional bodies can be found at their websites, linked above.
Possible careers
- Accountant
- Chartered accountant
- Chartered tax adviser
- Chief financial officer
- Management accountant
- Nonprofit accountant
- Senior budget analyst
- Tax accountant
The Master of Business is designed in three blocks of study:
1. Foundation studies (48 credit points)
2. Discipline studies (96 credit points)
3. Complementary studies (48 credit points)
Students with an undergraduate degree that is not in Business or a related field of study will undertake 192 credit points of study commencing with Foundation studies.
Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in Business or related field of study with a minimum GPA of 4 (on a 7 point scale) will undertake 144 credit points of study in their course. Students will commence their Masters in the Foundation studies block.
The Master of Business is designed in three blocks of study:
1. Foundation studies (48 credit points)
2. Discipline studies (96 credit points)
3. Complementary studies (48 credit points)
Students with an undergraduate degree that is not in Business or a related field of study will undertake 192 credit points of study commencing with Foundation studies.
Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in Business or related field of study with a minimum GPA of 4 (on a 7 point scale) will undertake 144 credit points of study in their course. Students will commence their Masters in the Foundation studies block.
Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.
2025 fees
2025: $35,200 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2025 fees
2025: $39,700 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2024 fees
2024: $32,600 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2024 fees
2024: $36,800 per year full-time (96 credit points)
Student services and amenities fees
You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.
FEE-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees
You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a FEE-HELP loan.
You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.
Laurie Cowled Indigenous Scholarship for Business Students
A scholarship for future and current Indigenous female students enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate studies in business.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Indigenous Australian; Struggling financially; Women
QUT Real World International Scholarship
A scholarship to cover tuition fees, with eligibility based on your prior academic achievements.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Academic performance
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