Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Professional Accounting specialising in Financial Technologies combines professional accounting with emerging financial technologies. Swinburne describes the Financial Technologies specialisation as combining theory with practical applications and focusing on how technology is changing finance and business. Key technology areas include artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data and cyber security.

Key benefits include:

• Advanced accounting knowledge combined with FinTech skills.
• Exposure to AI, blockchain, quantum technologies, big data and cyber security.
• Development of accounting systems and reporting skills.
• Business modelling and analysis.
• Financial accounting and system design/analysis.
• Practical industry-oriented learning, including a Business Internship Project.
• Access to Swinburne's CA-integrated pathway with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), subject to the applicable pathway requirements.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The current Master of Professional Accounting consists of 16 units and 200 credit points. The detailed handbook identifies 12 core/foundation units plus four specialisation units for the Financial Technologies pathway.

Foundation units:

• Accounting Systems and Reporting — ACC60008
• Economics — ECO80001
• Business Statistical Modelling — FIN60003
• Corporate Financial Management — FIN80005

Core units:

• Forensic Accounting and Investigation — ACC80021
• Company Auditing — ACC80003
• Managerial Accounting — ACC80008
• Taxation Principles and Planning — ACC80012
• Financial Accounting and Theory — ACC80019
• Accounting, Organisations and Society — ACC80020
• Corporations and Contract Law — LAW60003
• Accounting Capstone Mastery — ACC80022
• Business Internship Project — BUS80027.

Financial Technologies specialisation:

• Frontiers in FinTech — FIN60006
• Innovative Finance 2.0: Blockchain, Quantum, and Cyber Security — FIN80029
• AI for Finance and Accounting — FIN80031
• Business Analytics and Visualisation — INF70008

Each specialisation unit is worth 12.5 credit points.

The current course also lists related elective options, including:

• Applied Financial Services Project — FIN80021
• Financial Markets and Sustainability — FIN80030
• Data Science for Business — INF80054

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Financial Technologies specialisation focuses on the intersection of accounting, finance and emerging technology.

The programme's current specialisation offering includes Financial Technologies alongside other MPA study options. The Financial Technologies pathway specifically covers:

• FinTech
• Blockchain
• Quantum technologies
• Artificial intelligence
• Cyber security
• Business analytics and visualisation.

Programme Highlights

• 200-credit-point master's qualification.
• 16 standard units.
• Hawthorn campus in Melbourne.
• Financial Technologies specialisation.
• Accounting combined with AI, blockchain, cyber security and other emerging technologies.
• Business Internship Project.
• Accounting Capstone Mastery.
• Professional accreditation through CPA Australia and CA ANZ.
• AACSB accreditation.
• Eligibility pathways toward professional accounting bodies including CPA Australia, CA ANZ, CIMA and ACCA, subject to the relevant professional body's requirements. 

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies the following example career roles for graduates:

• Tax advisor/agent
• Share broker
• Financial analyst
• Auditor
• Management accountant
• Financial accountant
• Financial crime investigator.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current course information identifies:

• Course code: MA-PACC1
• CRICOS code: 116706B
• Location: Hawthorn
• Standard duration: 2 years full-time
• Total requirement: 200 credit points
• Delivery: blended
• International Student visa students: full-time and on campus.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying this course in Australia generally require an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).

Swinburne specifically states that international students in Australia holding a Student visa must study full-time and on campus.

Key Student visa requirements include:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for an eligible course.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Meeting the applicable English-language requirement.
• Meeting the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meeting health and character requirements where applicable.
• Providing financial evidence where required.
• Complying with all Student visa conditions.