Accounting

Entry requirements

Master of Commerce entry requirements:

1. Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce).
2. Every applicant must either
   1. be a graduate, normally with qualifications requiring a total of at least four years of tertiary study, or
   2. have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce).
3. In considering an applicant's qualifications, regard will be had to the detail of the course of study followed to gain the qualification, as well as the applicant's performance in the programme.

Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce entry requirements:

1. Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce).
2. Every applicant shall
   1. either have been admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Commerce majoring in the subject or subjects of study proposed
   2. or have been admitted with the status of one who is entitled to proceed to the diploma.

Diploma for Graduates entry requirements:

1. Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Senate.
2. Every applicant shall
   1. be a graduate; and
   2. have attained a satisfactory standard of academic performance; or
   3. have submitted evidence satisfactory to the Senate of previous training and experience appropriate to the planned programme of study.

Master of Accounting and Finance entry requirements:

1. Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Commerce).
2. Every applicant must either
   1. be a graduate with a Bachelor’s degree majoring in Accounting with a second major or minor in Finance, and normally have achieved an average grade of B+ in the papers satisfying the final-year major subject requirements for the degree, or
   2. have equivalent alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Commerce).
3. In considering an applicant’s qualifications, regard will be given to the detail of the course of study followed to gain the qualification, as well as the applicant’s performance in the programme.

Doctor of Philosophy entry requirements:

1. Admission to the degree programme shall be subject to the approval of the Senate.

   Note: Applications may be made at any time. Applications must be approved before the candidate begins the research work.

2. Every candidate must be a university graduate and produce evidence of ability to undertake research in the area of proposed study. Such evidence shall include:
   1. a Bachelor’s degree with first or upper second class Honours (with an average grade in Honours papers at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago) or equivalent (including a research component) with an average grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago; or
   2. a Master’s degree (with an average grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago) (including an appropriate research component worth at least a quarter of a year's workload (0.25 EFTS), with a grade at or equivalent to at least B+ at the University of Otago); or
   3. appropriate research experience; and
   4. for candidates including a nominated creative component for assessment, demonstrated advanced training or experience in a relevant creative practice.

English Language Requirements:

If your first language is not English you need to meet our English language requirements as follows: IELTS score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); we also accept a number of other English language tests.

Don’t meet the English language requirements? The University of Otago Language Centre English for Otago programme offers a pathway for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students to meet the English language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Months of entry

February, July

Course content

Master of Commerce

The Master of Commerce (MCom) degree allows for the development of individual research, giving students the opportunity to contribute to existing fields or to begin to develop new areas of research.

The MCom can be pursued by a combination of papers and thesis, or by thesis only. Students who have a good Bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) will complete the MCom by papers and thesis (at least two years' full-time study). The first year consists of a selection of papers leading to a Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce (PGDipCom). Students who have a good Honours degree or a PGDipCom (or equivalent qualification) can complete an MCom by thesis only (minimum one year).

Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce

The Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce (PGDipCom) is a two-semester paper-based programme designed for graduates seeking to build on their undergraduate degree and enhance their career prospects.

Diploma for Graduates

The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad) can be used for many purposes, and in some cases, effectively provides an additional major. It requires you to do at least seven papers, of which at least four are at 300-level or above. The programme is designed for graduates and may be completed by full-time candidates in one year or by part-time candidates over more than one year.

A DipGrad is a great way to retrain or to update existing qualifications. Many students also find it a convenient way to continue learning and that it is a useful bridge to postgraduate study.

Master of Accounting and Finance

This 12-month qualification will enable accounting and finance students to learn advanced financial and analytical skills. By using the latest technology and investigating current complex problems, students will be better prepared to enter the workforce with critical thinking, research, and advanced technical skills.

The Master of Accounting and Finance (MAccFin) is open to strong students with an undergraduate degree in Accountancy and Finance, or a major in Accountancy with a minor in Finance.

This additional year of post-graduate study before embarking on the Chartered Accountant pathway will set students up for graduate roles in tax, audit, consulting, transaction advisory, risk advisory, and actuarial services.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest degree offered by the University of Otago. It is awarded on the submission of a thesis which must meet rigorous standards. It requires highly developed academic ability, independence and perseverance. Most students take between 3-4 years of full-time study to complete their PhD.

Accounting at Otago

Almost everyone practises accounting in one form or another on a daily basis.

Accounting is part of measuring, communicating, and interpreting financial activity. Whether you are preparing a household budget, balancing your cheque book, preparing your income tax return, or running a large corporation you are working with accounting concepts and accounting information.

The government, cities, boards of trustees and businesses all use accounting as a basis for controlling their resources and measuring their accomplishments. Everyone needs some knowledge of accounting if they are to act intelligently in meeting the challenges of our society.

Several distinct subject areas are taught within the Department of Accountancy and Finance: financial accounting, management accounting, financial management, business law, taxation and auditing. All levels of study include coverage of financial accounting and management accounting.

Information for international students

Otago offers students an unrivalled campus experience and a vibrant, social student culture. The majority of Otago’s 21,000 students live, work and play in Dunedin - New Zealand’s only true university city. Otago is home to over 3,000 international students, from over 100 countries.

Fees and funding

New Zealand is a relatively affordable country to live in. Dunedin, being a student-focused city, has living and entertainment options for all budgets.

Details of scholarships for international students