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Master of Professional Accounting (CPA)

  • Upcoming start dates

    Semester 1 - 19 Feb 2024

    Semester 2 - 15 Jul 2024

  • Qualification

    Taught Master's

  • Duration

    1.5 years full-time

  • Credits

    180

  • 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.


Study for free

If you're a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, you may be able to study this programme for free. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more here. 

Note: Fee waivers are only offered for enrolments in Lincoln University courses. As part of this integrated programme, students must apply for CPA Australia membership and enrol in the exams with CPA Australia. CPA fees are not covered by any Lincoln University fee waiver arrangement. Please contact CPA Australia for exact details on their fees and admission requirements.

About this programme

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

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.

The course below is pending approval and is expected to be open for enrolment from Semester 2, 2023. 

ACCT 626 Digital Finance (20 credits)

The digital finance course explores knowledge and skills necessary to deal with accounting and finance in a digital world, equipping students with the tools to apply to emerging technologies in a real-world context.

Compulsory courses

Compulsory Courses

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 (an HD cam or HD camcorder with video capture card can be used).

Interested?

Here are your next steps

Programme contacts

Gloria Hao

Dr Gloria Hao

Senior Lecturer

gloria.hao@lincoln.ac.nz

Key information for students

Compare qualification and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Need more info?

Email us on grow@lincoln.ac.nz

Or call us on 0800 10 60 10

If you're overseas, please call +64 3 423 0000