Master of Accountancy

Course Overview

Lingnan University's Master of Accountancy (MAcc) programme provides students with comprehensive and current knowledge of accounting theory and practice, encompassing both global and local perspectives. 

A Global and Local Perspective

The one-year, full-time MAcc programme offers students the latest knowledge of accountancy theory and practice from a global and local perspective. The programme provides a high-quality education in accountancy, auditing, and taxation, and prepares future executives and leaders with the necessary skills applicable to the needs of Hong Kong, mainland China, and beyond. Additionally, the MAcc programme is ideal for individuals who aspire to achieve CPA qualification in the future.

Highly Qualified Instructors

Most of the instructors in the (MAcc) programme are qualified accountants with doctoral degrees in accountancy or closely related disciplines. These experienced professionals are dedicated to providing high-quality teaching and regularly monitoring each student's progress. They also offer personaliszed advice on course learning and career planning to ensure that each student receives the guidance they need to succeed.

Enhancing Careers with Soft Skills

Students can enhance their career prospects by actively participating in training seminars and workshops that emphasize the development of soft skills. These opportunities encompass guest lectures delivered by experienced accounting professionals, as well as visits to prominent institutions such as the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and other governmental and financial organizations. Additionally, students can benefit from engaging in a business communication seminar, participating in a career planning workshop, and taking part in various teaching and learning enhancement activities. These initiatives collectively aim to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the competitive job market.

Alumni are readily accessible to provide guidance and insights on the optimal approach to preparing for QP exams. In addition, alumni from the MAcc programme offer valuable advice to students on various subjects, including job placement, pursuing further education, and preparing for professional examinations such as those conducted by HKICPA, ACCA, CPA Australia, CIMA, TIHK, and other relevant bodies. Furthermore, the PGDA/MAcc alumni have established the Lingnan University Accountancy Education Foundation Scholarship, which recogniszes outstanding academic achievements and service contributions by MAcc students during their studies. This scholarship serves as a commendation for their remarkable accomplishments. 

Accountants are Always in Demand

Accountancy is a profession that thrives in both favourable and challenging times, making it one of the most esteemed career paths for young individuals." Hong Kong, being a prominent international financial centre, offers numerous opportunities in this field, with a high demand for accounting professionals due to the presence of multinational corporations that have established their business operations in the city.

Companies are drawn to Hong Kong due to its robust regulatory framework, the availability of accounting and finance expertise, and its strategic proximity to fast-growing economies such as mainland China and other Asian countries. The financial services industry serves as a vital pillar of the Hong Kong economy, continually requiring a fresh influx of aspiring young accountants.

The Belt and Road Initiative, the Go Out policy, and the Greater Bay Area strategy present significant opportunities for businesses of all sizes. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for accounting professionals. The complexity of business transactions and the rapid technological developments have further contributed to the growing need for accountancy, auditing, risk assurance, taxation, and other consulting services.

As businesses navigate the intricate landscape of global trade, cross-border investments, and emerging economies, accountants play a crucial role in ensuring financial integrity, compliance, and informed decision-making. The profession continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the business world, offering young professionals a highly respected and rewarding career path in Hong Kong's thriving financial environment.

Skill, Expertise, and Ethical Judgement

According to the new QP implemented by the HKICPA since June 2020, it is crucial for professional accountants to possess the necessary skills, expertise, and ethical standards to reinforce Hong Kong's position as an international business and financial center. The MAcc programme aims to provide students with contemporary and comprehensive knowledge of the latest advancements in accountancy theory and practices. The programme places strong emphasis on developing and enhancing students' problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.

To uphold the highest standards of ethical professional conduct, two specialized courses have been incorporated into the programme."Accounting Ethics and Corporate Governance" and"Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination" are designed to address the specific needs of the accounting profession in promoting ethical behavior and maintaining integrity.

In today's digital age, data plays a ubiquitous role. CPA firms and private businesses increasingly seek accounting graduates who possess not only solid accounting knowledge and skills but also strong data analytical abilities. In response to this market trend, the programme offers a tailored course called"Data Analysis for Accounting," ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary skills to analyze and interpret data effectively.

Route to Professional Qualifications

Every module in the MAcc programme is important for achieving the desired learning outcomes. Especially, the modules studied in Term 1, including auditing, Hong Kong business and company law, cost and management accounting, financial accounting and reporting, Hong Kong taxation and tax planning, and managerial finance, hold particular significance. Successful completion of these modules qualifies students to sit the QP exams, which lead to the CPA professional qualification.

Job Prospects

A master's degree in accountancy unlocks a multitude of job and career prospects across various fields. We equip you with the essential tools to seize control of your career, propelling you towards success and granting you a competitive edge in becoming a skilled accounting professional. Additionally, we provide our students with a wide range of both internal and external job and internship opportunities.  Our graduates have received job offers from various reputable companies or organizations in a variety of industries, which include but not limited to top-tier accounting firms, civil servants, education sector as well as other sizable organizations in the Mainland China, Hong Kong or overseas.

Special Features of Master of Accountancy:

Two awards in one-year study. Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy (PGDA), an intermediate award, will be given to students who have completed the six required courses and achieved a cumulative GPA of 2.67 or above in Term 1.
High-quality teaching team and close interaction with students.
Mutual examination paper exemptions between HKICPA and Chinese Institute of CPAs (CICPA).
45 internal and external scholarships each year are awarded to qualified students based on their academic merits.

Mode of study Full-time

Normal Study Period 1 year

Maximum Study Period 3 years