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Master of Professional Accounting - New Course for 2007

This information is for students who are currently undertaking (or seeking to undertake) the CPA Australia/ICAA accreditation program within the Master of Commerce and who will not complete their studies prior to Semester 1, 2007. 

In Semester 1, 2007, the Faculty of Economics and Business will introduce a Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc). Essentially, the Master of Professional Accounting comprises all units which are currently listed under the CPA Australia/ICAA accreditation program within the Master of Commerce, with one exception; a maximum of 12 (and not 13) units are required to meet the accreditation requirements of CPA Australia. Students who have not yet completed ECON5001 Microeconomic Theory and ECON5002 Macroeconomic Theory will benefit from transferring to the Master of Professional Accounting as they will be able to replace these units with a single unit, ECON5003 Economics for Accountants, to meet the CPA accreditation requirement in Economics.

More information on the Master of Professional Accounting is available in the 2007 Faculty of Economics and Business Handbook or on the Postgraduate coursework studies information.

Questions Regarding the New Master of Professional Accounting

I’m currently enrolled in the Master of Commerce. Can I transfer to the Master of Professional Accounting?
Yes, as long as you have at least one unit of study left to complete in Semester 1 2007 (i.e. you will not complete your degree in Summer School).
I’m currently enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Commerce. Can I upgrade to the Master of Professional Accounting?
Yes, provided you achieve an average of 65%, you can upgrade to the Master of Professional Accounting.
If I want CPA accreditation, do I have to transfer to the Master of Professional Accounting?
No, if you commenced your course in 2006 or earlier, you can still complete the ICAA/CPA accreditation program in the Master of Commerce.
I haven’t completed ECON5001 Microeconomic Theory or ECON5002 Macroeconomic Theory, can I undertake ECON5003 Economics for Accountants?
If you upgrade/transfer to the Master of Professional Accounting then yes, you will be able to undertake ECON5003.
If I stay enrolled in the Master of Commerce, can I study ECON5003 for CPA accreditation?
No, ECON5003 is only available to students enrolled in the Master of Professional Accounting.
I want to upgrade/transfer to the Master of Professional Accounting, but I’ve completed ECON5001 and/or ECON5002. Can I transfer? What do I need to do to meet the requirements of the Master of Professional Accounting?
Yes, you can transfer to the Master of Professional Accounting. If you have completed both ECON5001 and ECON5002, you do not need to undertake ECON5003 but to meet the full accreditation requirements of CPA Australia will have to complete 13 units in total. If you have completed only ECON5001 or ECON5002, you need to undertake either ECON5003 or whichever of ECON5001 or ECON5002 you have not yet completed.
Can I complete a major in the Master of Professional Accounting?
No. The Master of Professional Accounting is designed for students to fulfill the accreditation requirements of the professional accounting bodies. Up to four elective units may be undertaken by students seeking accreditation with the ICAA (as fewer units are required) but not CPA Australia.
Can I combine the Master of Professional Accounting with another degree like International Business or Logistics?
No, the Master of Professional Accounting cannot be combined with any other degree.
Is there an honours component for the Master of Professional Accounting?
No, there is no honours program for the Master of Professional Accounting.
Is the Master of Professional Accounting a two-year degree?
The Master of Professional Accounting can be completed in three semesters (18 months) by studying a standard full-time load of four units (24 credit points) each semester. If you study a minimum full-time load of three units (18 credit points) each semester, it will take two years to complete.
How do I upgrade/transfer?
You need to submit a ‘Postgraduate Upgrade and Transfer Form’ to the Student Information Office (SIO) before Friday, 9 March (end of week 1). You can get this form online at www.econ.usyd.edu.au/forms, or from the Student Information Office (SIO).
Can I transfer now?
You can submit a transfer application form now, however this cannot be processed until early 2007 (prior to the commencement of Semester 1 2007).
Will I get credit for all units I have completed?
If you are following the Master of Commerce, CPA Australia/ICAA accreditation program then yes, you will receive credit for all units you have completed.
Will the credit I received towards my Master of Commerce count towards the Master of Professional Accounting?
All units you have been granted credit for and which are part of the CPA Australia/ICAA accreditation program will automatically be transferred to the Master of Professional Accounting.
Can I apply for more credit when I transfer to the Master of Professional Accounting?
A maximum of four foundation (5000 level) units in total can be credited towards the Master of Professional Accounting. If you have been granted credit for less than four foundation (5000 level) units AND meet the requirements listed in the table below, you may apply to the Student Information Office for the following credit only:
  • ECON5003 Economics for Accountants - (requires the completion of 1 semester length unit of microeconomics & 1 unit of macroeconomics = 2 units in total for credit)

  • INFS5000 Business Information Systems - (requires the completion of 2 semester length units of business information systems including 1 at 2nd year or higher (only units with a business component qualify for consideration)


To apply for the above credit, you must submit a ‘Postgraduate Credit Application Form’ to the SIO once you have received confirmation that your transfer has been successful. You can get this form online at www.econ.usyd.edu.au/forms, or from the SIO.
I’m not sure if I want to transfer. Can I transfer later?
Yes, you can transfer later provided you still have at least one unit of study to complete in your degree. You must apply to transfer at least one month before the start of your last semester of study. You can’t transfer during the middle of a semester or prior to Summer or Winter School.
What will appear on my testamur if I upgrade/transfer to the Master of Professional Accounting?
The name of the degree is the Master of Professional Accounting. This is what will show on your transcript and testamur. The approved degree abbreviation you can use is MPAcc.

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