Accounting

Entry requirements

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2) in a relevant discipline with a significant accounting element.

• You will also be considered with an honours primary degree and at least 3 years of relevant work experience, particularly in the areas of accounting.

• You must also be eligible for exemption from the CA Proficiency 1 (CAP1) examinations of Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI).

• Please apply directly to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland for the CAP1. If you do not meet the exemption requirements or receive only a partial CAP1 exemption by mid-August you may be admitted in exceptional circumstances, subject to approval from the Course Director and Head of Department.

• The university may/will shortlist and invite you to an interview/audition. 

International students:

• For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our Master of Science (MSc) in Accounting will equip you with advanced knowledge, technical skills, and professional competencies essential for a successful career in accountancy.

Covering core areas such as financial accounting, taxation, auditing, and management accounting, the programme will equip you to contribute confidently to business decision-making and governance, with a strong grounding in ethics and societal impact.

You will benefit from expert teaching, real-world applied learning through optional labs and simulations, and specialised modules in sustainability and data analytics.

It is suited to graduates who want to deepen their expertise, meet professional accountancy standards, and pursue careers in public practice, industry, or financial services.

It is also suited to aspiring accountants who want to integrate cutting-edge knowledge in areas like data analytics and sustainability into their professional skill set.

This MSc will provide you with full exemptions from all but the Final Admitting Examination (FAE) of Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI), and exemption from Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) Part 1 exams of the Irish Tax Institute. Successful graduates will also qualify from some professional exemptions from examinations with ACCA and CIMA.

During this programme, you will:

• Understand key rules and requirements in accounting, tax, and auditing, and learn how to apply them to real financial situations.

• Learn how accountants support business decisions and manage financial responsibilities, while also considering the impact on people, organisations, and society.

• Build strong skills in critical thinking, analysis, and communication so graduates can deal with complex financial and business issues clearly and professionally.

• Develop the confidence and people skills needed to work well with others in professional settings.

• Highlight the importance of ethics and sustainability in accounting, and show how financial decisions can affect the environment, society, and business practices.

• Prepare to adapt to changing laws and standards in the accounting world, both in Ireland and internationally.

Information for international students

• Postgraduate Entry Requirements for International Students
• English Language Requirements

Email ULGlobal@ul.ie for further information.