Building on the University's growing number of post-graduate programmes, the School of Accountancy has launched a new Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) - a two-year part-time programme designed to provide a pathway for graduates without a degree major in accounting to achieve a professional accounting qualification. It is also intended as a conversion course for non-accountants to join the accounting profession.

"Accounting professionals are keenly sought after whether as practitioners or to occupy senior managerial positions in companies," says Associate Professor Pang Yang Hoong, Dean of the School of Accountancy. "Demand for them has soared to an all time high today. The MPA programme is a new opportunity for graduates who have aspirations in joining the accounting profession or acquiring a valuable skills-set

in an accounting qualification for their career advancement."

The MPA programme consists of 16 courses, which can be completed on a part-time basis over two years. Term commences in January 2006 where classes will be held on weekday evenings and on alternate Saturdays. The programme will be taught by SMU faculty and industry professionals, bringing a unique combination of academic rigour and first-hand industry knowledge.

SMU's MPA is accredited by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore (ICPAS), and upon completion of this accredited programme, MPA graduates will be able to seek admission to ICPAS. After satisfying the practice experience requirement, they will be eligible to practise as Certified Public Accountants.

For further details, interested applicants can visit www.smu.edu.sg/MPA,
write to mpa@smu.edu.sg or call 68280604.

Application deadline is 18 November.