Master of Professional Accounting Unitec Institute of Technology - Mt Albert Campus, New Zealand

A change in career is a common reality for many – you might be interested in forging a path in a new line of work or be ready to gain expertise in a new area of interest. Changing careers is a great way to open a range of new job opportunities and show employers that you’re adaptable and unafraid of change.

This Master’s degree has been designed for those who would like to pursue a new career in professional accounting. It’s a conversion programme, meaning you have the advantage of covering core knowledge and competencies - and developing higher level capabilities - quickly so you can start working as soon as possible.

You’ll need an undergraduate degree to apply (or equivalent professional experience) – but it doesn’t matter what discipline you’ve previously studied as the programme builds on the diverse skill set you already have.  This includes analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, technical accounting skills, and research capabilities to operate in a variety of small to medium enterprises, as well as some larger organisations.


What you’ll learn

The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) is an 18-month, 180-credit programme studied over three semesters. It’s made up of 10 compulsory courses – nine 15-credit courses at Level 8 (including an internship), and a 45-credit research project at Level 9.

Here’s a snippet of the technical and people skills you’ll gain and develop over the duration of the programme:

• Accounting theory and practical experience. Apply advanced knowledge of accounting and practice in financial accounting management accounting, taxation, audit and assurance.
• Research skills. Ability to undertake applied research.
• Collaboration. Work collaboratively with diverse teams and cultures and build positive working relationships in Aotearoa and global contexts
• Communication skills. Effectively and professionally communicate with a range of stakeholders.
• Business ethics. Critically engage with ethically and socially responsible accounting practices.