Master of Accounting

This course is designed for applicants seeking advanced knowledge and expertise in accounting. It aims to provide graduates with the skill set required to successfully operate as a specialist in the accounting profession. This course is suitable for accounting graduates and accountants who wish to extend their knowledge and develop high level expertise across key fields of accounting.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that you will be able to:

1. be critical and creative scholars who:
• produce innovative solutions to problems
• apply research skills to business challenges
• communicate effectively and perceptively
2. be responsible and effective global citizens who:
• engage in an internationalised world
• exhibit cross cultural competence
• demonstrate ethical values
3. have a comprehensive understanding of their discipline and be able to provide discipline-based solutions relevant to the business, professional and public policy communities we serve
4. demonstrate judgement, integrity and creativity in the application of advanced knowledge and skills in accounting to existing and emerging events.

The course is structured in two parts. Part A. Mastery knowledge and Part B. Application studies. All students complete Part A. Depending upon prior qualifications, you may receive credit for part B.

Part A. Mastery knowledge

These studies draw on best and current accounting practice to develop your capacity as a critical professional who is able to apply your knowledge of a specialisation to provide discipline-based solutions in complex commerce environments.

Part B. Application studies

The focus of these studies is professional or scholarly work that can contribute to your professional development. You will develop the knowledge and expertise required to successfully operate as a specialist in the accounting profession.

The course comprises 72 points structured into two parts: Part A. Mastery knowledge (48 points) and Part B. Application studies (24 points).

• Students admitted at Entry level 1 complete 72 points, comprising Part A and Part B.
• Students admitted at Entry level 2 complete 48 points, comprising Part A.

Note: Students eligible for credit for prior studies may elect not to receive the credit and complete the higher credit-point option.

The course progression mapcourse progression map (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2016handbooks/maps/map-b6002.pdf) will assist you to plan to meet the course requirements, and guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Part A. Mastery knowledge (48 credit points)

Students complete:

a. Six units (36 points):

• ACF5100 Advanced strategic management accounting
• ACF5120 Forensic accounting and fraud examination
• ACF5130 Financial statement analysis and business valuation
• ACF5150 Financial reporting issues
• ACF5330 Integrated systems for business enterprises
• ACF5350 Applied contemporary accounting

b. Two units (12 points) from the following:

• ACF5080 Business accounting: strategic issues
• ACF5956 Advanced financial accounting
• ACF5957 Auditing and assurance
• BFF5021 Case studies in risk management
• BFF5902 Introduction to risk principles

Part B. Application studies (24 credit points)

Students complete either a) or b) below:

a. Four units (24 points) of elective units at either Level 4 or 5 from the Faculty of Business and Economics or across the University so long as you have the pre-requisites and there are no restrictions on admission to the units*

b. Two research pathway units (24 points):**

• ACX4000 Research methods
• ACF5001 Research project in accounting (12 credit points)

Plus one of the following units (to be chosen in consultation with the Course Coordinator):

• ACX4040 Issues in accounting information systems
• ACX4050 Issues in auditing and assurance
• ACX4070 Issues in financial accounting
• ACX4090 Issues in management accounting

* Students wishing to enrol in electives from outside the Faculty of Business and Economics must seek approval from the Course Coordinator.

** Students wishing to undertake the research pathway must maintain at least a 70 per cent WAM. In addition to meeting the academic prerequisites selection into the research pathway is based on the outcome of a formal interview with a panel constituted by the Course Coordinator.

As per the detail contained in Part B of the Course requirements, students can choose to complete a program of study (24 points) that may provide a pathway to a higher degree by research.

Students may exit this course early and apply to graduate with one of the following awards, provided they have satisfied the requirements for that award during their enrolment in the master's course:

• Graduate Certificate in Business after successful completion of 24 credit points of study with a minimum of 18 credit points at level 4 or above.
• Graduate Diploma in Business after successful completion of 48 credit points of study with a minimum of 36 credit points at level 4 or above.