Master of Professional Accounting (CPA)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 9 |
|---|
About the course
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.
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.
Upcoming start dates
- Semester 1 - 2 February 2026
- Semester 2 - July 2026
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.
Graduate Attributes
Graduate Attributes refer to the knowledge, skills, and values that you gain from completing your qualification. These high-level qualities will prepare you for career success, further study or research and making a valuable contribution to society in your chosen field.
Knowledge
- Describe the relationship between sustainable value creation and economic growth, in the context of the theory and practice of commerce.
- Evaluate a range of analytical tools and techniques to understand the industry, the market and the performance of the organisation.
- Apply strategic thinking and strategic business leadership to a range of domestic and global business issues.
Skills
- Identify and critically analyse a range of current accounting issues and discuss their implications on business activities and the accounting professions.
- Investigate and resolve new, challenging and dynamic problems in the realm of commerce, with specific capabilities to find, use, apply and synthesise business information.
- Be self-reliant and capable of forming opinions that they can believe in, defend with logic and integrity, and gain support for.
- Develop a range of skills in communication, negotiation and people management.
- Apply professional accounting skills to solve complex problems facing businesses in today's global marketplace.
- Identify relevant research, and use academic and professional literature to form literate opinions about the strategic role of accounting and related disciplines.
Values
- Assess the impact of business decisions on a wide range of stakeholders, including the environment and society.
- Defend the importance of applying professional and ethical frameworks in solving business issues.
- Participate in group activities and team work, and appreciate the value of learning from others.
Entry requirements
- 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.
About the provider
Lincoln University is one of the eight government universities in New Zealand. Established in 1878, it is governed by the Lincoln University Council.
Based in Canterbury, in the South Island of New Zealand, Lincoln offers a unique experience, a perfect balance of student and academic life and a host of recreation activities around the region.
The institution is rated the 15th best small university in the world by the QS World University Rankings. It is home to a diverse group of nearly 4,500 students who come from more than 80 different countries around the world.
Lincoln graduates have a 6 percent higher employment rate than those from other New Zealand universities and the number of students graduating from Lincoln is higher than the national average.
Students can choose from a wide range of specialist courses from three faculties and one division – the Faculty of Agribusiness and Commerce; the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences; the Faculty of Environment, Society and Design; and the University Studies and English Language Division.
Lincoln has dedicated itself towards undertaking meaningful research that makes a globally positive impact. Its sustainable approach and commitment towards handling climate change issues have attracted many postgraduate students studying at the institution.
The university also engages in other land-based research and hosts a range of research centres, including food research and innovation, land, environment and people, wildlife management and conservation, and soil and environmental research.
The university shares ties with leading organisations as well as research centres, which help students gain additional skills and knowledge through practical learning experiences.
The Lincoln University Students' Association (LUSA) is an active student body that governs a variety of clubs and organisations on campus.