Career investment

'My Master of Business (Accounting) directly contributed to the progression of my career. Upon completion of my degree, I was able to advance from Financial Controller for the company I was employed by to CFO. When I left that company, I secured a Director – Finance role with a global NYSE-listed company.'

Ray Robertson
Chief Operating Officer, Just Country Australia

Real opportunities

'Through QUT, I was able to spend my summer holiday working at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where I applied all the knowledge and skills I’ve gained at QUT, such as teamwork and time management, into practice.'

Jessica Zhou

Watch video

Opening up opportunities

'My studies at QUT opened up opportunities for me that I may not otherwise have had. This was a great opportunity for me because I ended up gaining employment at a firm I had always wanted to work at since I commenced my university education.'

Selam Abdissa
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Career investment

'My Master of Business (Accounting) directly contributed to the progression of my career. Upon completion of my degree, I was able to advance from Financial Controller for the company I was employed by to CFO. When I left that company, I secured a Director – Finance role with a global NYSE-listed company.'

Ray Robertson
Chief Operating Officer, Just Country Australia

Real opportunities

'Through QUT, I was able to spend my summer holiday working at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where I applied all the knowledge and skills I’ve gained at QUT, such as teamwork and time management, into practice.'

Jessica Zhou

Watch video

Opening up opportunities

'My studies at QUT opened up opportunities for me that I may not otherwise have had. This was a great opportunity for me because I ended up gaining employment at a firm I had always wanted to work at since I commenced my university education.'

Selam Abdissa

Real opportunities

'Through QUT, I was able to spend my summer holiday working at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where I applied all the knowledge and skills I’ve gained at QUT, such as teamwork and time management, into practice.'

Jessica Zhou

Watch video

Opening up opportunities

'My studies at QUT opened up opportunities for me that I may not otherwise have had. This was a great opportunity for me because I ended up gaining employment at a firm I had always wanted to work at since I commenced my university education.'

Selam Abdissa

Invest in your education

Study at a Business School in the global top 1%. Of the over 13,000 schools offering business degree programs worldwide, QUT is one of only three Australian business schools to be awarded triple international accreditation.

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’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

What to expect

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

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

Details and units

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.

 

Requirements

Course code
BS11
CRICOS code
085448J
Delivery
  • Online
  • Gardens Point
Delivery
  • Gardens Point
Duration
1 - 2 years full-time
3 - 4 years part-time
Duration
1.5 - 2 years full-time
Entry
February and July
Entry
February and July

Entry requirements

2 year program

You must have a recognised bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.00 (on QUT’s 7 point scale).

1.5 year program

You must have:

  • A recognised bachelor degree (or higher) in business or a related discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.00 (on QUT’s 7 point scale); or
  • A recognised bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.00 (on QUT’s 7 point scale) followed by at least seven years full-time (or equivalent) work experience in business or a related discipline.

Note

This program has not been designed for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in accounting, or equivalent, that has been accredited by CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

We recognise not all overseas accounting qualifications will meet the professional requirements to gain membership with CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

If you have an accounting qualification from outside Australia/New Zealand, and you should contact the CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand to determine what additional studies you may need to undertake to meet the professional bodies requirements.

Minimum academic requirements

Academic entry requirements

As part of QUT's application for admission process, you will be automatically assessed for the 1.5 year program.  If you wish to be considered for the 2 year program only, please indicate this on your application form.

Master of Business - 1.5 year program

  • A completed recognised bachelor degree in business or related field with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 4.00 (on QUT's 7 point scale).

Master of Business - 2 year program

  • A completed recognised bachelor degree in any discipline with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 4.00 (on QUT's 7 point scale).

 

Note

This course has not been designed for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in accounting, or equivalent, that has been accredited by CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

We recognise that not all overseas accounting qualifications will meet the professional requirements to gain membership with CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. 

If you have an accounting qualification from outside Australia/ New Zealand, and you should contact the CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand to determine what additional studies you may need to undertake to meet the professional bodies requirements.

 

Pathway

Graduate Certificate in Business and Communication: Applicants with an overall IELTS score of 6 (Reading and Writing no less than 5.5 and no other sub-score below 5) (or accepted equivalent) may be considered for the Graduate Certificate / Masters pathway.

Minimum English language requirements

Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.

Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, United States of America and Wales.

If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.

We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests undertaken in a secure test centre. Tests must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement.

English Test
IELTS Academic / One Skill Retake
Overall 6.5
Listening 6
Reading 6
Writing 6
Speaking 6
Cambridge English Score
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website.
Overall 176
Listening 169
Reading 169
Writing 169
Speaking 169
PTE Academic
Overall 58
Listening 50
Reading 50
Writing 50
Speaking 50
TOEFL iBT
Overall 79
Listening 16
Reading 16
Writing 21
Speaking 18
English Test Overall Listening Reading Writing Speaking
IELTS Academic / One Skill Retake 6.5 6 6 6 6
Cambridge English Score
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website. 		176 169 169 169 169
PTE Academic 58 50 50 50 50
TOEFL iBT 79 16 16 21 18

We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.

When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.

Advanced standing

If you have completed the Graduate Certificate in Business (Professional Accounting) within the last seven years you will receive credit for 48 credit points. 

Advanced standing may also be available to students who have studied a related postgraduate program with another institution within the last five years.

Fees

Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.

2026 fees

2026: Fee available from July

2026 fees

2026: Fee available from July

2025 fees

2025: $35,200 per year full-time (96 credit points)

2025 fees

2025: $39,700 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.

Find out more about postgraduate course fees

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.

Find out more about government loans

Scholarships

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

Browse all scholarships

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
Applications
Open Monday 3 February 2025
Close Sunday 23 March 2025

Equity scholarships scheme

A scholarship for low-income students studying in any faculty.

Scholarship eligibility
Struggling financially

International Merit Scholarship

A high achievement scholarship for future international undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Scholarship eligibility
Academic performance

QUT Real World International Scholarship

A scholarship to cover tuition fees, with eligibility based on your prior academic achievements.

Scholarship eligibility
Academic performance

You may also be eligible for

Centrelink payments

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