BA ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE

Learn how money and markets really work with a degree recognised by Ireland's professional accountancy bodies. You'll benefit from exam exemptions, an optional year on placement or abroad, and a head start in a rewarding career in accounting or finance.

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Qualification
Bachelor Of Arts Degree
CAO Points
411
CAO/MU Apply code
MH403
Award Type and NFQ level
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)
Study Mode
Full time
Closing Date
01 February 2027
Jump to
CAO Hub

Overview

Become a highly sought-after graduate. Studying Accounting and Finance together allows students to develop excellent technical accounting skills, financial analysis, critical and strategic thinking, together with a thorough appreciation of the world of business and finance.

The degree is recognised by the professional accountancy bodies in Ireland (Chartered Accountants Ireland, ACCA and CIMA). As a graduate you will be exempt from the first level of their professional exams (CAP1 and equivalent) and well on the road to your professional accounting qualification, which requires you to complete a series of professional exams as well as on-the-job training.

Avail of the option to extend your degree by pursuing a work placement in a leading accounting or finance firm, or a study year abroad. Both options enable students to combine what they learn in Maynooth University with insights into industry or another culture – subject to availability.

Expert faculty will guide you through a dynamic, supportive, and engaging learning environment, where academic excellence is matched with real-world relevance.

AI and emergent technologies increasingly permeate the world of business, completing routine data-processing. Work is changing. Our graduates will have the skillset to exercise judgement and interpretation in providing a higher value contribution.

Course structure

Duration: 3 years or 4 years BA

Accounting is the major element, studied with Finance and Economics.

First year

  • Students are introduced to the fundamentals of accounting and finance in first year, with no prior knowledge required, as we teach accounting from first principles.
  • You will develop key analytical, technical and numeracy skills which create a solid foundation to build upon in subsequent years.

Second year and Final year

  • In second and final year you will expand and deepen your knowledge of all areas of accounting and finance as well as gain an understanding of the financial environment in which businesses operate.
  • Some students may choose to complete a work placement or study abroad year between second and final year and graduate after the 4th year, thus combining what they learn in university with insights into the world of work, or another culture. The University will support you in the search for a placement job; however, the process is competitive.

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.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.

Year 1

AC1F60 - Accounting

Credits: 60  |  Compulsory

Accounting modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MN153

7.5

2

N

AC152

7.5

2

Y

AC160

7.5

2

Y

AC151

7.5

1

Y

MT105F

7.5

1

Y

EC103

7.5

2

Y

ST122

5

2

N

MT112A

2.5

2

N

EC101

7.5

1

Y

MN157

7.5

1

N

SK1057

7.5

1

N

SK1067

7.5

2

N

Year 2

AC2SM - Finance & Accounting

Credits: 60  |  Compulsory

Finance & Accounting modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

FN205

5

1

Y

FN206

5

2

Y

EC206

5

2

Y

AC201

5

1

Y

AC202

5

2

Y

EC202A

5

2

Y

EC201

5

1

Y

EC205

5

1

Y

AC205

10

1

Y

AC207

10

2

Y

Year 3

AC3SM - Accounting And Finance

Credits: 60  |  Compulsory

Accounting And Finance modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

AC308

5

1

Y

AC311

5

1

Y

AC313

5

2

Y

AC305

10

2

Y

LW180

5

1

Y

FN307

5

1

N

FN308

5

2

N

EC306

5

1

N

AC306

5

1

Y

FN315

5

2

N

FN310

5

1

N

EC333

5

2

N

FN305

5

1

Y

LW480

5

2

Y

MN360

5

2

N

FN316

5

2

N

After Graduation

While graduates are likely to be primarily focused on a professional accountancy qualification, the numeracy skills, coupled with an ability to think critically and analytically, which are developed on this programme, are invaluable assets in a wide range of careers. Graduates have successful and rewarding careers in accounting, banking and financial services.

Many of our students choose postgraduate study in Accounting or Finance or Business subjects at Maynooth University. For example, completing the MA in Accounting students are exempt from the next level of professional exams, with one level of exams and completion of on-thejob training to qualify as a professional accountant.

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate Applicants

Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7, O6/H7 in Irish, English & O4/H7 Mathematics.

DARE

Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is an alternative entry route to third level education for school-leavers whose disability affected their second level education.

HEAR

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a pathway to third level education for school-leavers from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Contact the Access Office for more information on these access routes.

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.

Entry requirements table

Subject

Required

Ordinary Level Grade

Higher Level Grade

Irish

Yes

O6

H7

English

Yes

O6

H7

Language

No

N/A

N/A

Mathematics

Yes

O4

H7

Science

No

N/A

N/A

* This course requires 3 additional subjects.

  1. EU / EFTA Applicants - Further information can be found by navigating to our EU/EFTA applicant information page.
  2. International Applicants - International (Non-EU) applicants for undergraduate programmes submit their application online via our online application portal. Applications open on 14th October 2026 and close on 1st July 2027. For further information, please navigate to our International applicant page.

Mature applicant information

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1 January in the year of entry.

For part-time degrees the mature age is 21.

Visit our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on this page outlines application steps for this degree.

Mature applicants who have a disability

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia) and require support for any required written exercise/interview/online video audition which may form part of your application assessment, you must complete an online request form and submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2027. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline.

Visit the Access Office for more information on available supports and required documentation.

Mature applicant deadline: 01 February 2027

Transfer option into this degree from the Bachelor of Arts Degree MH101 - subject to meeting requirements.

How to apply

Apply online to the CAO (Central Applications Office)

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are.

Categories of applicant:

  • School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
  • Mature students (23 years or older by 1 January in the year of entry/21 years if part-time)
  • EU/EFTA/UK students
  • International students (outside the EU)
  • QQI (Further Education) students
  • Transferring students
  • Deferring students

Learn more about undergraduate applications and access routes.

Got a question about this course?

Maynooth University School of Business
www.maynoothuniversity.ie/business

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