Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in Accountancy for your Master of Business Studies at Massey
Massey University’s Master of Business Studies combines study of advanced theory with research. It gives you the skills you need to progress your career, or continue to further study.
What will you learn?
A master’s is a rigorous, challenging, rewarding and exciting qualification. Your study will focus on your chosen specialisation, in the context of other business disciplines. This reflects the reality of today’s business environment.
You will learn the processes and disciplines involved in high-level in-depth research and how to apply them to business. You will complete and present a comprehensive written report on an independent research topic.
We have strong relationships with industry. We will help you draw on experience you may have to give your learning context and relevance to the real world.
The Master of Business Studies will also develop your oral and written communication skills to the level expected of senior business leaders.
Further study
After successfully completing a Master of Business Studies, you could go on to a PhD.
A Master of Business Studies in Accountancy is a good fit if you:
- have completed a bachelor’s degree (or bachelor’s degree with honours) with good grades
- wish to progress your business career into a more senior level
- would like to continue on to further study such as a PhD.
Planning information
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
Grades achieved in the first 60 credits will determine eligibility for progression to Part Two. You will need to achieve a minimum B- grade average over the first 60 credits of Part One including the compulsory courses.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Courses you can enrol in
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Core courses for the Master of Business Studies
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Master of Business Studies core courses
Accountancy courses
Part One
Compulsory course
Course code: 110717 Research Methods in Accounting 30 credits
This course explores a range of different conceptual approaches to researching accounting issues and examines tools and techniques that are available for research in accounting. As an integral part of the course, students are required to prepare and present a research proposal.
View full course detailsSubject courses
Course code: 110710 Contemporary Issues in Financial Accounting 30 credits
An in-depth study of selected contemporary financial accounting and external reporting issues through a review of the relevant extant literature.
View full course detailsCourse code: 110711 Advanced Accounting Theory 30 credits
This course is designed for students who wish to continue their search for truth in accounting at an advanced level. They will be introduced to various conceptual issues espoused in the accounting literature such as the historical development of accounting, the relationship between philosophy of science and accounting, and the theoretical foundation of some of the important issues currently facing accounting as a profession.
View full course detailsCourse code: 110792 Special Topic 30 credits
Part Two
Course code: 110894 Research Report 60 credits
Candidates are required to conduct a piece of independent research under supervision and to produce a report of the research for examination.
View full course detailsCourse code: 110897 Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 60 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 110898 Thesis 120 Credit Part 2 60 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 110899 Thesis 120 credits
A supervised and guided independent study resulting in a published work.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115891 Thesis 90-Credit Part 1 45 credits
Candidates are required to conduct a piece of independent research under supervision and to produce a thesis for examination.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115892 Thesis 90-Credit Part 2 45 credits
Candidates are required to conduct a piece of independent research under supervision and to produce a thesis for examination.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115894 Research Report 60-Credit Part 1 30 credits
Candidates are required to conduct a piece of independent research under supervision and to produce a report of the research for examination.
View full course detailsCourse code: 115895 Research Report 60-Credit Part 2 30 credits
Candidates are required to conduct a piece of independent research under supervision and to produce a report of the research for examination.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
To enter the Master of Business Studies (Accountancy) you will have been awarded or qualified for a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, with a minimum B- grade average in the highest level courses.
If you have been awarded the Degree of Bachelor of Business Studies with Honours from Massey University, or the equivalent degree of another recognised university, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification.
You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Fees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Scholarship and award opportunities
- Joe Walding Memorial Bursary
- Lovell and Berys Clark Scholarships
- Massey University Master's Research Scholarship
Fees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
Business studies equips students with the flexible and highly portable skills employers are looking for. With a Master of Business Studies, you will be prepared to take the next step in your career. Or you could join the world of business in a variety of dynamic roles, from financial accountant to marketing manager.
Greater earning potential
A 2017 Ministry of Education publication The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates, found that in New Zealand:
- young master’s graduates earn more than one and a half times more than the national median (five years after study)
- earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed
- five years after completion, the median earnings of young master’s graduates are 15% higher than for those with a bachelor’s degree.
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
Accreditations and rankings
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Massey Business School is rated in the top 5% of global business colleges by AACSB International.
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Massey's accountancy qualifications are internationally accredited by the UK's Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
Massey's accountancy qualifications have accreditation from Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. Representing more than 120,000 members, CA ANZ is committed to upholding ethical standards, delivering world-class member services, educating and advocating for the public good.
CPA Australia - Certified Practising Accountants
Accountancy at Massey University has been accredited by CPA Australia – one of the world’s largest accounting bodies.
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
Accountancy at Massey University is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
QS Ranking – Accounting and Finance
Massey is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 200 universities for accounting and finance.
QS Ranking - Business Management Studies
Massey University is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 400 universities for business and management.
ShanghaiRanking – Business Administration
Massey University is ranked #2 in New Zealand for business administration by ShanghaiRanking.
Related study options
Accountancy – Bachelor of Business
Become an accountancy specialist with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the world of business.
Accounting – Graduate Diploma in Business Studies
Keen for a career in accountancy? By studying Massey’s Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Accounting) you can change the direction of your career.
Bachelor of Accountancy – BAcc
Keen to become a professional accountant? New Zealand’s only Bachelor of Accountancy will lead you to an accountancy career, and membership of a professional accounting organisation.
Master of Professional Accountancy – MPAcc
Take your accountancy career to the next level. You'll gain an excellent understanding of accountancy principles and practical applications, skills that employers are looking for.
Master of Professional Accountancy (Chartered Accountant) – MPAcc(CA)
Unleash your potential and start your journey to become a Chartered Accountant. You will gain an in depth understanding of accountancy principles and practical applications, plus be one step closer to achieving full Chartered Accountant status with the integration of the CA Program.
Professional Accountancy (Chartered Accountant) – Postgraduate Diploma in Business
This qualification seamlessly integrates the CA Program, guiding you to Chartered Accountancy. Further develop your understanding of accountancy principles and practical applications, and elevate your accountancy career to new heights.
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz