Massey University

What you'll study

This programme builds core accounting and related business knowledge through a combination of taught courses and an applied capstone. Typical study areas include:

• Financial Accounting and Reporting – preparation and interpretation of financial statements, application of reporting standards and issues in corporate reporting.
• Management Accounting – costing, budgeting, performance measurement and management decision support.
• Auditing and Assurance – audit principles, assurance engagements, risk assessment and professional responsibilities.
• Taxation – fundamentals of business and individual taxation and tax compliance concepts.
• Accounting Information Systems – systems and processes that support accounting, including controls and data integrity.
• Corporate Finance and Financial Management – financial analysis, working capital, investment appraisal and corporate funding decisions.
• Ethics, Governance and Professional Practice – professional conduct, corporate governance and ethical decision-making in accounting.
• Research Methods and Capstone Project – applied research skills and a major applied project, portfolio or practicum integrating technical knowledge with real-world problems.

The degree is typically structured as a sequence of taught papers followed by an applied capstone or research-informed project. Delivery is offered with flexible study options to accommodate full-time and part-time students, including distance/extramural study for many papers.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally need a recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification. The programme is intended both for applicants with an undergraduate accounting background who wish to progress to professional practice and for graduates from other disciplines seeking conversion to accounting.

• Applicants with no prior accounting study may be required to complete bridging or introductory papers before or during the programme to build foundational knowledge in accounting and finance.
• Applicants should meet Massey University’s English language requirements for tertiary study; international applicants will need to demonstrate proficiency through an accepted English test or equivalent credential.
• Professional experience in a business or accounting-related role can be an advantage but is not always essential; all applications are assessed on academic background and suitability for postgraduate study.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Professional Accountancy go on to a broad range of professional roles across the public and private sectors. Common career paths include:

• Public practice accountant or auditor in accounting firms
• Management accountant, financial accountant or management consultant in corporate settings
• Tax advisor or compliance specialist
• Forensic accountant, risk and internal audit specialist
• Financial analyst, treasury and corporate finance roles
• Progression to senior financial management roles such as finance manager or chief financial officer over time

The programme also provides the technical foundation required for graduates pursuing professional accreditation routes (for example through national accounting bodies); completion of the degree should be discussed with the relevant professional body to confirm specific entry and postgraduate requirements.

Why study at Massey University

Massey University’s business and accounting programmes are known for combining academic rigour with practical, industry-relevant learning. Key reasons to consider Massey include:

• Flexible delivery – a long history of distance and flexible study options that suit campus-based and remote learners.
• Applied focus – coursework and capstone projects emphasise real-world accounting practice and employability skills.
• Industry connections – engagement with accounting firms, employers and professional bodies that support work-ready outcomes and networking opportunities.
• Support services – postgraduate student support through academic advising, career services and resources for research and project work.

Together, these features make Massey a practical choice for graduates aiming to enter professional accounting careers or to upskill for advanced financial roles.