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MA ACCOUNTING
- Qualification
- Master Of Arts Degree
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MH29D
- Award Type and NFQ level
- TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
- Study Mode
- Part time
- Closing Date
- 14 August 2026
Overview
A Masters Programme in Accounting provides students with the key competencies required by a professional accountant in an ever-changing business and ethical environment. This two-year part-time programme is designed for students who have taken an accounting-focused business degree and have full CAP1 exemptions. The MA Accounting is accredited by Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Successful graduates have exemption from CAP 2 examinations (CAI) and significant exemptions from ACCA.
Students will be encouraged to develop critical and analytical skills and apply their knowledge to unstructured situations. Class sizes are small, facilitating meaningful class discussion and one to one contact where appropriate. 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.
Course structure
Duration: 2 years part-time
A Masters Programme in Accounting provides students with the key competencies required by a professional accountant in an ever-changing business and ethical environment. This two year part-time programme is designed for students who have taken an accounting-focused business degree and have full CAP1 exemptions. The MA Accounting is accredited by Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Successful graduates are eligible for exemption have exemption from CAP 2 examinations (CAI) and AA (ACCA).
The modules are timetabled Monday-Friday across both semesters and are delivered in person only. Students will be encouraged to develop critical and analytical skills and apply their knowledge to unstructured situations. Class sizes are small, facilitating meaningful class discussion and one to one contact where appropriate. 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.
Course Commences
September entry
What do our Graduates say?
"I am currently working in KPMG in Dublin as an Associate Director in Financial Services Audit. I am a qualified chartered accountant and I am here thanks to my time spent studying at Maynooth University. I would highly recommend the MA in Accounting in Maynooth University as it is a wonderful course and has given me the opportunity to become a qualified professional in an industry of interest to me with vast opportunities for my chosen career." Sarah Noonan, ACA.
"The friendly atmosphere, beautiful campus and knowledgeable and supportive lecturers are just some of the reasons why my time in Maynooth University was truly enjoyable. Having completed the BA Accounting and Finance and successfully securing an audit position in one of the leading accountancy firms in Ireland, the MA Accounting programme was an obvious personal choice. I believe the knowledge gained during my time in Maynooth University gave me an advantage starting off my professional career with having a deeper understanding of auditing. I would highly recommend Maynooth University to anyone considering a career in Accountancy." Zaneta Visockaite, ACA, Audit Associate Director, Consumer and Industrial Markets, KPMG
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 BA Accounting and Finance, BBS Business and Accounting, BBA Accounting, Finance and Languages or BCL Law and Accounting programmes at Maynooth University or an equivalent Accounting focused degree programme and full CAP 1 exemptions with a minimum of ¿a second-class honours, grade 1 (2:1).
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.