Accounting

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.

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.

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

Closing Date : 30 June 2025



Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

2 years Full Time The modules are timetabled Monday to Friday.

Course Commences: September

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.