Master of Commerce in Accounting 2015 Victoria Business School Orauariki - 1 -
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Master of Commerce in Accounting The School of Accounting and Commercial Law offers Master s-level study in Accounting, either by coursework or by thesis. The Master of Commerce in Accounting by coursework (180 points) follows on from a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Accounting, or similar degree. In addition to 90 120 points of taught courses (including study of Accounting research methodology), it involves one or two small research projects and/or a research paper. This degree is a good choice for graduates in Accounting seeking to complete a Master s degree in three trimesters; the maximum time allowed is four years. The Master of Commerce in Accounting by thesis (120 points) follows on from a BCom(Hons) in Accounting, or a similar honours degree. The MCom by thesis is for those graduates who wish to undertake a substantial independent research project. This gives them the opportunity to build on their experience in the Honours programme, and apply their new research skills to further specialise in an area of accounting of their own choosing. This degree is a good choice for honours graduates who want to undertake further research without the lengthy time commitment that a PhD represents. The Master s thesis can be completed in two trimesters; the maximum period of enrolment is 12 months full time or two years part time. Note: Capable students interested in advanced researchbased studies are often admitted directly to the PhD programme without completing the Master s degree (go to victoria.ac.nz/sacl-phd) If you are interested in researchbased studies, please contact the postgraduate programmes director (see page 5) to discuss this possibility. - 3 -
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What to expect A thesis is a document that outlines a research question, gives details of the research project undertaken to answer this question, and outlines the findings of that research project. The courses you complete as part of your MCom qualification will help to prepare you for undertaking your own original research project. During your MCom you will be assigned a supervisor with whom you will meet regularly. Your supervisor acts as a mentor, providing you with advice and guidance about your topic area and also about the research process itself. However, as a Master s student, you are expected to demonstrate the ability to work independently, with your supervisor s main role being to guide and support you. Course requirements To complete the 180-point MCom in Accounting by coursework you need to take: ACCY 401, 421, 430; four further courses from (ACCY 402 413, 423, 425, COML 401 405, 421, 425, FINA 401, 402); and either: ACCY 530 and 531, or one further course from ACCY 530, 531; 30 further points at 400 level or above, including at least 15 approved points at 500 level. To complete the 120-point MCom in Accounting by thesis, having entered the degree with a completed honours degree, you need to take either: a 120-point Master s thesis, ACCY 591; or a 90-point Master s thesis, ACCY 592, and 30 approved points at 400 level or above. For more information on the 180-point MCom in Accounting by coursework or the 120-point MCom in Accounting by thesis contact: Dr Lisa Marriott Phone +64 4 463 5938 Email lisa.marriott@vuw.ac.nz - 5 -
Admission requirements To enrol in the MCom in Accounting by coursework you need to have completed: a BCom including 45 points of 300-level Accounting and a grade average of B+ or better; To enrol in the MCom in Accounting by thesis you need to have completed: a BCom(Hons) in Accounting with Second Class Honours (Division 1) or better; or a suitable alternative degree (or the equivalent in extensive and appropriate practical, professional or scholarly experience). You should consult the postgraduate programmes director to confirm your eligibility (see page 5). Applying Domestic students may apply for entry to the programme online, see www.victoria.ac.nz/enrol International students should apply through Victoria International, see www.victoria-international.ac.nz - 6 -
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To find out more about the Master of Commerce in Accounting, contact: sacl-postgrad@vuw.ac.nz Victoria Business School Faculty of Commerce Student and Academic Services Level 1, Railway West Wing, Pipitea Campus Phone 04-463 5376 Email fcom-sas@vuw.ac.nz Website www.victoria.ac.nz/vbs - 8 - FC0271