Master of Science in Accounting
MSc(ACCT)
Full-time
1 Year
HK$380,000
The program fee covers tuition, textbooks, and course materials for some of the core courses, and some enrichment activities. Students will be charged an extra fee of $10,000 per course for taking undergraduate basic courses for fulfilling the entrance requirement of HKICPA QP.
Academic Director:
Prof Tony SHIEH, Associate Professor of Business Education of Accounting
The Master of Science (MSc) Program in Accounting provides students with an interest in accounting related opportunity to further their study with a premier accounting curriculum at postgraduate level. The program is both practical and academically rigorous. It is based on a foundation of carefully designed courses and components, and intends to cultivate “thinking” professional accountants, nurturing them to become successful business professionals across different business functions within diverse organizations.
The program caters for accounting and non-accounting majors from business disciplines who are thinking of developing, or further enhancing, their careers in accounting and other related fields. Through this program, graduates will derive knowledge in accounting and business related areas at advanced level and be accredited by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) Qualification Program (QP).
The program provides students access to professionalism and the opportunity to master future success.
On successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Think critically and creatively solve business problems and make effective decisions with respect to the conceptual and practical aspects of mainstream accounting disciplines;
- Communicate clearly, and strategically, after considering relevant circumstances as well as work and manage themselves effectively within a team environment to accomplish established goals;
- Understand and practice responsible citizenship and professional standards;
- Explain and analyze accounting issues raised by various professional accounting organizations and caused by evolving global business environment; and
- Apply ethical principles and the code of ethics issued by accounting professional bodies in accounting practices.
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Minimum Credit Requirement
30 Credits
- Core Courses
12 Credits
- Elective Courses
18 credits
A list of program specific electives offered in a particular year will be announced at the beginning of each intake. The elective courses are a selection of courses in various business disciplines which are chosen from the portfolio of the School of Business and Management.
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HKICPA Qualification Program (Optional)
The HKICPA Qualification Program (QP) stipulates six basic subjects as entry requirements, including Accounting, Economics, Information System, Management, Marketing and Statistics. Students interested in QP but lack those subjects in college will need to make up with the equivalent HKUST courses approved by the Academic Director. Credits earned from these courses cannot be counted toward the credit requirements of the program. The program will not admit students who missed more than two of the required subjects in their undergraduate studies.
- Course Substitution
Students who have taken equivalent courses during their undergraduate studies may apply for exemption of up to three courses (6 credits). Subject to the approval of the Academic Director, they need to substitute with courses that are offered in the School’s MBA or other MSc Programs. The course exemption of students who plan to enter HKICPA QP requires the approval of the Institute.
Last Update: 18 January 2023
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Accounting Analytics Concentration
Students who opt for the Accounting Analytics concentration are required to take four electives in Accounting Analytics as part of the program requirements.
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Financial Crimes and Forensic Accounting Concentration
Students who opt for the Financial Crimes and Forensic Accounting concentration are required to take five electives in Financial Crimes and Forensic Accounting as part of the program requirements.
To qualify for admission, applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Admission is selective and meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
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Applicants seeking admission to a master's degree program should have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution, or an approved equivalent qualification.
Applicants have to fulfill English Language requirements with one of the following proficiency attainments:
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TOEFL-iBT: 80 *
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TOEFL-pBT: 550
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TOEFL-Revised paper-delivered test: 60 (total scores for Reading, Listening and Writing sections)
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IELTS (Academic Module): Overall score: 6.5 and All sub-score: 5.5 *
* Refers to scores in one single attempt only. Test at home option is not accepted.
Applicants are not required to present TOEFL or IELTS score if
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their first language is English, or
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they obtained the bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an institution where the medium of instruction was English.
- A bachelor’s degree in a business discipline, or
- (i) A bachelor’s degree in a non-business discipline and (ii) one of the following:
- Having studied courses in Accounting, Economics, and Statistics at undergraduate level with satisfactory performance
- Having passed the module/paper on Financial Reporting or Financial Accounting from a recognized Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination
- Two years’ full-time post-qualification work experience in an accounting related field
- A bachelor’s degree in a business discipline is preferred.
- Work experience will add weight to the consideration.
- GMAT or GRE score will also be considered if it is available.
Apply online before the application deadlines.
HK$800
For 2025/26 Fall Term Intake (commencing in Sep 2025):
Non-local Applicants*
Full-time: 1 Apr 2025
Local Applicants
Full-time: 1 Apr 2025
* Applicants are considered as non-local students if they hold (i) student visa/ entry permit; or (ii) visa under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG); or (iii) dependent visa/entry permit who were 18 years old or above when they were issued with such visa/ entry permit by the Director of Immigration. For details on student visa/ entry permit requirements, please click here.
