Master of Professional Accounting (CPA)
Master of Professional Accounting (CPA)
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Upcoming start dates
Semester 2 - 17 Jul 2023
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Qualification
Taught Master's
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Duration
1.5 years full-time
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Credits
180
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Location
Lincoln University Campus or Online
Lincoln University is the only Registered Tuition Provider to offer the Certified Practising Accountant Australia Approved integrated course in Aotearoa-New Zealand. As well as nurturing your communication, negotiation and people management skills, you’ll learn to apply strategic thinking and business leadership to domestic and international business issues.
The Master of Professional Accounting (CPA) grows your knowledge and opportunities, as well as helping you achieve the CPA recognition held in high regard throughout the business world, among accounting firms, global consultancies and industry. Graduates of Lincoln’s Master of Professional Accounting are eligible for full CPA Australia membership after completing three years work experience.
How you’ll grow
- Through the process of completing a Master’s degree while also completing the CPA Program® examinations.
- Plus the teaching that complements the CPA Program® and guides your exam preparation.
- Supported by in-person live learning alongside the CPA Program® distance study programme.
- You’ll learn to apply strategic leadership to business challenges and opportunities in New Zealand and internationally.
- And you’ll cultivate your communication, negotiation and people management skills.
Career opportunities
The combination of CPA designation and a Master’s degree from Lincoln will open up senior management opportunities at home and abroad, in accounting firms, consulting firms and industry.
Programme information
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A relevant New Zealand level 7 bachelor’s degree or recognised equivalent with a B average or better in the 300 level and final year (full-time equivalent) courses
- If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about the English language requirements.
- CPA Australia Associate membership, visit cpaaustralia.com.au/apply for more information and submit a membership application.
What's it going to cost?
Learn more by using the Domestic Fees Calculator or viewing the International Fees.
You can start studying in either:
- Semester 1 (late January)
- Semester 2 (mid-July)
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Entry requirements
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A relevant New Zealand level 7 bachelor’s degree or recognised equivalent with a B average or better in the 300 level and final year (full-time equivalent) courses
- If English isn’t your first language, other entry requirements will apply. Learn more about the English language requirements.
- CPA Australia Associate membership, visit cpaaustralia.com.au/apply for more information and submit a membership application.
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Regulations and fees
What's it going to cost?
Learn more by using the Domestic Fees Calculator or viewing the International Fees.
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Intake semesters
You can start studying in either:
- Semester 1 (late January)
- Semester 2 (mid-July)
Programme Structure
Lincoln’s Master of Professional Accounting (CPA) is a 180-credit taught Master’s degree, achieved by completing nine 20-credit courses over three semesters. Six of these courses include CPA Program® subjects.
Pathway Certificate for MPA Entry for a non-accounting background
Even if you don’t have an accounting background, you can still study for the Master of Professional Accounting (CPA). If you have a Bachelor’s degree with at least a B average, you can enrol in the Pathway Certificate for MPA Entry. This will prepare you for the Masters course, and expand your options into the world of professional accounting. Find out more here.
Compulsory courses
Compulsory Courses
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{{ 'ACCT 620' | except-last-word }} {{ 'ACCT 620' | last-word }}
CPA Ethics and Governance
20 credits
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{{ 'ACCT 621' | except-last-word }} {{ 'ACCT 621' | last-word }}
CPA Strategic Management Accounting
20 credits
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{{ 'ACCT 622' | except-last-word }} {{ 'ACCT 622' | last-word }}
CPA Financial Reporting
20 credits
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{{ 'ACCT 623' | except-last-word }} {{ 'ACCT 623' | last-word }}
CPA Global Strategy and Leadership
20 credits
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{{ 'ACCT 624' | except-last-word }} {{ 'ACCT 624' | last-word }}
CPA Advanced Audit and Assurance
20 credits
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{{ 'ACCT 625' | except-last-word }} {{ 'ACCT 625' | last-word }}
CPA Financial Risk Management
20 credits
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{{ 'ACCT 698' | except-last-word }} {{ 'ACCT 698' | last-word }}
Research Essay
20 credits
Choose a minimum of one of the following courses:
- Compulsory courses
- Elective courses
Elective
Plus one elective course from the Master's Degree courses offered across the university.
Note: students who have not met the taxation requirement of the CPA Program® will be required to complete ACCT609 Advanced Taxation as their elective course.
A course advisor will help you to select your electives and plan your degree.
Both on-campus study and online distance learning are available to full-time students and domestic part-time students. International students based outside of Aotearoa-New Zealand can also study the programme part-time.
Distance learning requirements
Distance learning is available for time-tabled classes with the use of Zoom video conferencing. Using the Zoom platform, you’ll be able to participate fully in lectures and interact with fellow students and lecturers. We’ll also make recordings of class sessions available.
To access lectures on the Zoom platform, you need
- Broadband wireless or wired internet connection (3G or 4G / LTE)
- Speakers plus microphone, either built-in, USB plug-in or Bluetooth wireless
- Webcam or HD webcam, either built-in or via USB plug-in
- HD cam or HD camcorder with video capture card can be used
Programme contacts

Key information for students
Compare qualification and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Need more info?
Email us on [email protected]
Or call us on 0800 10 60 10
If you're overseas, please call +64 3 423 0000
Lincoln University endeavours to ensure that the information published on its website is accurate and up-to-date. However, such information is subject to regular review and can change without notice. Entry to programmes may be limited and staffing, programmes and courses may be varied or discontinued at any time.
The University makes no warranty or representation regarding the accuracy of such information and does not accept any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or content of this information.
Students and prospective students are advised to check with the relevant Faculty or Department before applying to enrol in a particular course or programme. International students should also check relevant policies, fees and procedures with our Enrolment Office.
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