Courses / Course

A 2.2 undergraduate degree in any subject. No prior knowledge of accounting required. Applicants must have a (NFQ Level 8 (or equivalent) honours degree) which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.

Minimum English language requirements:

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Online application only. To make an application please click here. 

To apply for your chosen postgraduate study at Maynooth University, please ensure you have the following documents to make an application: 

• Evidence of your primary degree 
• Academic transcripts 
• A copy of your passport 
• A personal statement   

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants. 

Course Duration - 2 years   The modules are timetabled Monday to Friday.   For details on module overviews, learning outcomes, teaching and learning methods and assessment please visit Course Finder. 

The first year will follow the course structure of the Higher Diploma in Professional Accounting while year 2 will follow the course structure of the 1 year Masters in Accounting. On completion of this programme students will have:

• A knowledge and appreciation of the audit and assurance process in the context of the professional regulatory environment.
• An understanding of advanced financial and management accounting skills with particular reference to medium/large corporate entities.
• An ability to prepare financial statements for corporate entities and groups in accordance with IFRS and relevant legislation.
• Developed knowledge and skills to deal with routine issues in corporation tax, capital acquisitions tax, capital gains tax, income tax, stamp duty and VAT. 
• Completed a 9,000-word thesis entailing original research on a topic in Accounting or a related field.
• An understanding of key areas of the current financial environment in which accountants operate through exploring real life working scenarios.

Duration: 2 years full-time

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually. Please check periodically for updates.

Year 1

ACCOUNTING If you are interested in becoming a professional accountant but your undergraduate degree is not accounting related then this is the programme for you. This 2-year intensive conversion course effectively incorporates the Higher Diploma in Professional Accounting in year 1 and the 1 year MA Accounting in year 2. First year students are required to achieve an average of at least 60% in their first year modules to remain on the course. One of the principal objectives of the programme is that graduates will, on successful completion of the programme, have entitlement to CAP1 and CAP2 exemptions  from Chartered Accountants Ireland, from BT, MA, FA, LW, PM, TX, FR, FM and AA of the ACCA professional examinations, and equivalent exemptions from other Accounting Bodies. We continually review and modify course content to ensure that the content and direction of all course modules also help prepare students for the final stages of the professional accounting examinations. In addition to the exam exemptions mentioned above, students are guided in developing key competencies required by a professional accountant in an ever changing business and ethical environment. Commences September entry ACEF6 - ACCOUNTING Credits: 60 Not compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory BUSINESS LAW & LEGAL PROCESS LW180 5 1 FINANCE FOR ACCOUNTANTS AC503 10 Year-Long FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING AC501A 7.5 2 INTRODUCTION TO ACCOUNTING AC151 7.5 1 LAW AND GOVERNANCE LW480 5 2 MANAGEMENT & COST ACCOUNTING AC205 10 1 MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING AC505 5 2 PERSONAL AND BUSINESS TAXATION AC207 10 2

Year 2

ACCOUNTING If you are interested in becoming a professional accountant but your undergraduate degree is not accounting related then this is the programme for you. This 2-year intensive conversion course effectively incorporates the Higher Diploma in Professional Accounting in year 1 and the 1 year MA Accounting in year 2. First year students are required to achieve an average of at least 60% in their first year modules to remain on the course. One of the principal objectives of the programme is that graduates will, on successful completion of the programme, have entitlement to CAP1 and CAP2 exemptions  from Chartered Accountants Ireland, from BT, MA, FA, LW, PM, TX, FR, FM and AA of the ACCA professional examinations, and equivalent exemptions from other Accounting Bodies. We continually review and modify course content to ensure that the content and direction of all course modules also help prepare students for the final stages of the professional accounting examinations. In addition to the exam exemptions mentioned above, students are guided in developing key competencies required by a professional accountant in an ever changing business and ethical environment. Commences September entry ACEF62 - ACCOUNTING Credits: 60 Not compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory ADVANCED TAXATION AC608 10 Year-Long AUDITING & ASSURANCE AC601 10 Year-Long CASE STUDIES IN ACCOUNTING AC609AA 10 Year-Long FINANCIAL REPORTING & ANALYSIS AC607 10 Year-Long MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING AND STRATEGIC FINANCE AC605 10 Year-Long MINOR THESIS AC699A 10 Year-Long

Programme Director Dr Bridget McNally (Year 1 of one year programme)
Email bridget.mcnally@mu.ie

Programme Director Ms. Fionnuala Doris (Year 2 of two year programme) 

Email Fionnuala.Doris@mu.ie  

Website https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/school-business 
Address School of Business, 3rd Floor, TSI Building, North Campus, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare. W23 WK26.

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While graduates are likely to be primarily focused on a professional accountancy qualification, our accounting programmes prepare students for a variety of careers both in the private and public sectors in every industry. Graduates are typically employed by the leading accounting firms. Career options include accountant in industry, finance director, managing director, management consultant, liquidator/receiver, financial analyst, stockbroker, tax consultant, treasury consultant and teacher.

For further information on Postgraduate options please go to the Graduate Studies site