The Master of Professional Accounting is a 2-year part-time
programme covering 16 courses.
What is the structure of the programme?
The Master of Professional Accounting covers 16 courses. Each course consists of 10 class sessions of three-hour duration each. Students may complete the MPA over two years on a part-time basis or within one year if they do it full-time. Classes are held on weekday evenings and on Saturdays for both the part-time and full-time programmes.
For more information, please refer to the Programme Structure.
How many intakes are there per year?
There is only one intake a year which commences in January.
Do you have classes that are conducted during day time on weekdays?
No, all the MPA classes are conducted on weekday evenings 7 – 10.15 pm and on Saturdays 8.45 am – 12 noon and 1 – 4.15 pm.
Can I get any exemption from the requirements of the degree?
Exemptions, up to a maximum of 4 courses, may be given based on evidence of prior study.
What are the course attendance requirements and workload?
Students are expected to attend all the classes scheduled for each of the courses. The pace is rapid, and sessions follow a building-block approach, with each class building on material covered earlier.
You will need to set aside considerable amount of time for preparation, reading, group work, project work, private study, the completion of assignments, and revision/consolidation for examinations. The pace at which individuals work will obviously vary, but as a rough rule of thumb, you will need to put in two to three hours of work outside of the classroom for every hour actually spent in the formal sessions.
Can the programme be taken by distance learning?
No, the programme cannot be taken by distance learning. Courses are conducted at SMU campus and students are expected to attend all the courses.
When will the term for the 2009 intake begin?
The term for the 2009 intake begins on 5 January 2009. There are four terms in each year:
Term 1: 5 January – 14 March
Term 2: 30 March – 6 June
Term 3: 6 July – 12 September
Term 4: 28 September – 5 December
How are students assessed?
Assessment varies across courses but generally, it would comprise class participation, continuous assessment, group projects or cases and a final examination.
Are there internship opportunities for MPA students?
Internship is not required for the programme. However, our Office of Career Services invites firms to on-campus for career talks and networking sessions. They also provide assistance to students who are interested to locate an internship during their course of studies.
What are the programme's accreditations currently?
The programme has received accreditation by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore (ICPAS), the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), CPA Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia (ICAA)
and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). CPA Australia, ICAA and ICAEW have many mutual recognition agreements with other accounting bodies around the world. Such recognition gives the MPA graduates international mobility.
Who will be teaching in the programme?
The programme will be taught by well-qualified and experienced SMU faculty and industry professionals.
For more information on the faculty, please click here.
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