Master of Applied Commerce (Accounting)

The overall aim of the Masters of Applied Commerce (Accounting) is to provide non-accounting professionals with advanced competencies, professional skills and knowledge in the accounting discipline in order to prepare them for entry into the accounting profession. The degree also aims to develop students' understanding of, and professional skills in, knowledge bases and techniques in related disciplines including economics, management, auditing and information systems.

• Demonstrate competencies, professional skills and knowledge in relation to contemporary accounting issues and practices;
• Identify and demonstrate professional skills in knowledge bases and techniques in the related disciplines of economics, management, auditing and information systems;
• Critically analyse and think strategically in relation to accounting and business analysis issues and problems;
• Apply appropriate professional and analytical skills to address specific accounting and business issues; and
• Identify and critically evaluate professional accounting and business issues emerging from strategic developments in practice and accounting regulation.

An undergraduate degree in any discipline, or equivalent.

Completion of the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)

Personal Statement

The Faculty of Business and Economics welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and Faculty policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the Faculty’s programs.

The BCom and Masters degrees of the Faculty of Business and Economics equip graduates with the knowledge and technical skills necessary to understand and participate in the modern business world. The degrees include the following academic requirements for study:

(1) The ability to explain and evaluate concepts, theories, institutional arrangements and operations of modern mixed economies;
(2) The ability to critically evaluate the economy, commerce and business in the broader social and political context;
(3) The ability to explain and apply concepts across a range of commerce and business disciplines in solving business and policy problems; and
(4) The ability to contribute positively to the development of organisations and society in relation to business, government and the commercial professions.

All students of the Faculty’s courses must possess intellectual, ethical, and emotional capabilities required to participate in the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the Faculty. Candidates for the BCom degree and for FBE Masters degrees must have abilities and skills in communication; in conceptual, integrative, and quantitative dimensions; and in behavioural and social dimensions.

I. Communication: The student must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and/or written form. A student must have the ability to clearly and independently communicate knowledge and application of a discipline, principles or practices during assessment tasks, and in some discipline streams.

II. Intellectual‐Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: The student is expected to have the ability to develop problem‐solving skills and demonstrate the ability to establish study plans and priorities. These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving requires all of these intellectual abilities. Students should also have the ability to comprehend complex disciplinary and cross disciplinary information related to the BCom and Masters degrees.

III. Behavioural and Social Attributes: A student must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment and the emotional health required for full utilisation of his/her intellectual abilities. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students. Integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that are deemed necessary for students enrolled in FBE courses.

Students who feel their disability will prevent them from participating in tasks involving the inherent academic requirements of the BCom and FBE Masters courses are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit. Adjustments can be provided to minimise the impact of a disability, but students should participate in the course in an independent manner.

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to demonstrate the following attributes and skills:

• Oral communication, including presentation preparation and delivery skills;
• Synthesis of information;
• Problem identification and analysis;
• Critical thinking;
• Problem solving skills collaboratively in teams;
• Accessing information and evidence from a range of sources; and
• Articulate responses in written form.

Please note: The Master of Applied Commerce (Accounting) is no longer available for entry.

Assessment
Students must pass all sixteen subjects to qualify for the Master of Applied Commerce (Accounting) 16 Subject Program.

Professional Accreditation
Successful completion of this Masters degree provides students with training in all key areas of accounting and prepares them to apply for entry to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia (ICAA) or Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) professional studies program.

Students who only wish to meet the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia (ICAA) requirements, can elect to complete the following course of study, and exit with a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accounting.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accounting consists of eight semester-length subjects comprising two core business foundation subjects and six core accounting subjects.

Two core subjects:

306-660 Accounting for Decision Making
333-641 Business Finance I

Six accounting subjects

306-670 Strategic Cost Management
306-683 Corporate Reporting
306-684 Financial Accounting
306-685 Auditing and Assurance Services
306-686 Legal Issues for Accountants
306-687 Taxation for Business Decision Making

Students must pass all eight core subjects to qualify for the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accounting

Graduate Diploma in Applied Commerce
Students enrolled in any of Master of Applied Commerce programs who are either unable, or who choose not to continue with their studies, may be eligible to exit with a Graduate Diploma in Applied Commerce. Students must have successfully completed four core subjects and four elective subjects, and be in good standing to be eligible to be awarded the Graduate Diploma in Applied Commerce.

Graduate Certificate in Applied Commerce
Students enrolled in any of Master of Applied Commerce programs who are either unable to, or who choose not to continue with their studies, may be eligible to exit with a Graduate Certificate in Applied Commerce. Students must have successfully completed three core subjects and one elective subject, and be in good standing to be eligible to be awarded the Graduate Certificate in Applied Commerce.

Students who are enrolled in the 16 Subject streams of any of the Master of Applied Commerce programs must have successfully completed two fundamentals subjects, in addition to the above requirements, in order to be eligible for the award of the Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate.