Master of Accounting - 2018

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 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9 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.

This degree is accredited by relevant Australian professional bodies. Refer to the Monash Business School professional recognitionprofessional recognition (https://www.monash.edu/business/future-students/graduate-study-options/after-you-graduate/professional-recognition) page.

The course is structured in three parts: Part A. Advanced preparatory studies, Part B. Mastery knowledge and Part C. Application studies. All students complete Part B. Depending upon prior qualifications, you may receive credit for Part A or Part C or a combination of the two.

Part A. Advanced preparatory studies

These studies will build upon your knowledge of the accounting discipline and the impact they have within organisations. The units provide you with necessary knowledge and skills to progress through this course.

Part B. Mastery knowledge

These studies draw on the 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 C. Application studies

These studies can contribute to a portfolio of professional development. You will be able to expand your knowledge and skills in accounting and related disciples by following one of two options available: coursework or research.

In order to undertake the research option, you will be required to achieve academic prerequisites and complete a formal interview process. Students interested in the research option should consult the course coordinator.

The course comprises 96 points structured into three parts: Part A. Advanced preparatory studies (24 points), Part B. Mastery knowledge (48 points). and Part C. Application studies (24 points). If you are admitted at:

• entry level 1 you complete 96 points, comprising Part A, Part B and Part C
• entry level 2 you complete 72 points, comprising Parts B and C
• entry level 3 you complete 48 points, comprising Part B.

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies you 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/2018handbooks/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. Advanced preparatory studies (24 points)

You must complete:

• ACF5904 Accounting information systems
• ACF5955 Management accounting
• ACF5956 Advanced financial accounting
• ACF5957 Auditing and assurance

Part B. Mastery knowledge (48 points)

You must complete:

a. Seven units (42 points):

• ACF5080 Management control systems
• ACF5100 Strategic management accounting
• ACF5120 Forensic accounting and fraud examination
• ACF5130 Financial statement analysis and business valuation
• ACF5150 Financial reporting issues
• ACF5320 Business analytics
• ACF5330 Integrated systems for business enterprises

b. A capstone experience unit (6 points minimum) from the following:

• ACF5350 Applied contemporary accounting
• ACX5951 International study program in accounting
• BEX5001 Industry placement
• BEX5012 Industry placement (12 points)*

* If you complete this 12-point unit as your capstone experience you will only need to complete 18 points for Part C. This also means you will not be able to complete the research pathway in Part C.

Part C. Application studies (24 points)

You must complete either a. or b. below:

a. Coursework:

You must complete up to four elective units (up to 24 points) at level 5 from the Faculty of Business and Economics or across the University providing you have met the prerequisites and there are no restrictions on admission to the units.

It is recommended you complete electives from the following list:

• ACF5350 Applied contemporary accounting
• ACX5951 International study program in accounting
• BEX5001 Industry placement
• BEX5012 Industry placement (12 points)
• BEX5200 Climate change and carbon management
• BEX5832 European business and society
• BFF5021 Case studies in risk management
• BFF5040 Advanced security analysis
• BFF5230 Global financial markets
• BFF5250 Corporate treasury management
• BFF5270 Funds management
• BFF5902 Introduction to risk principles
• BFF5915 Options, futures and risk management
• BFF5916Not offered in 2018 International banking
• BFF5925Not offered in 2018 Financial management theory
• BFF5935Not offered in 2018 Portfolio management theory
• BFF5977 Risk financing and treasury management
• BTF5903 Law and business decisions
• BTF5501 Corporations law
• BTF5965 Taxation law
• FIT5057 Project management
• FIT5203Not offered in 2018 Community informatics
• MGF5020 Business ethics in a global environment
• MGF5030 Corporate social responsibility
• MGF5310 International management
• MGF5921 Foundations in human resource management
• MGF5961 Supply chain management
• MKX5955 Marketing and the international consumer

Units can be identified using the browse units tool and indexes of units in the current edition of the handbook. The level of the unit is indicated by the first number in the unit code. You may need permission from the owning faculty to enrol in some units taught by other faculties.

b. Research

Note: Due to the sequence of units and their prerequisites, the research option is not available to:

• students admitted at entry level 3
• full-time students admitted at entry level 2 starting in semester one
• full-time students admitted at entry level 1 starting in semester two
• students who complete BEX5012 in Part B.

If you wish to undertake the research option you must have achieved a minimum average mark of 70 per cent in the following four units from Part B (a), with no individual mark under 60 per cent:

• ACF5100 Strategic management accounting
• ACF5120 Forensic accounting and fraud examination
• ACF5130 Financial statement analysis and business valuation
• ACF5150 Financial reporting issues

In addition to meeting the above academic prerequisites, selection into the research option is based on the outcome of a formal interview with a panel constituted by the course coordinator.

You must complete two research units (18 points):

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

Plus one of the following units (6 points) 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

You may exit this course early and apply to graduate with one of the following awards, provided you have satisfied the requirements for that award during your enrolment in this 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.

You can choose to complete a research option (24 points) that will provide a pathway to a higher degree by research.