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MA ACCOUNTING
Accelerate your path to professional qualification and build the advanced skills demanded by today’s fast‑moving business world with Maynooth University's MA Accounting.
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- Qualification
- Master Of Arts Degree
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MH30D
- Award Type and NFQ level
- TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
- Study Mode
- Full time
- Closing Date
- 14 August 2026
Overview
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
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Course structure
Duration: 2 years full-time
Course Duration- 2 years
The modules are timetabled Monday to Friday and are delivered in person only.
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.An understanding of key areas of the current financial environment in which accountants operate through exploring real life working scenarios.
- An understanding of Data Analytics and Sustainability matters relating to the accounting profession.
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
Year 2
Careers after your Masters
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.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) in any discipline with a minimum of a second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2).
RPL is not applicable for this programme.
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. Please be advised criteria may differ for EU and Non-EU applicants.
Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850
How to apply
To apply for your chosen postgraduate study at Maynooth University, applications must be made via the MUApply portal. Please click here to start your application.
When making your application, please ensure you upload the below documentation to your application prior to submission to avoid delays in application assessment:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated/conferred
- A copy of your passport
- Up to date CV
- Personal Statement (minimum 500 words on why you would like to study your chosen programme)
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. Please be advised criteria may differ for EU and Non-EU applicants.