Qualification : HIGHER DIPLOMA IN PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING
Award Type and NFQ level : HIGHER DIPLOMA (8)
CAO/PAC code : MH32D
CAO Points :
Closing Date : 30 August 2025
If you are interested in accounting, but your undergraduate degree is not accounting-related then this programme will fast track you to becoming a professional accountant. This is a 1-year intensive conversion course designed so as to mirror in terms of standard and complexity the critical areas of the accounting syllabi of a 3-year undergraduate accounting programme.
Graduates will, on successful completion of the programme, have entitlement to CAP1 exemptions from Chartered Accountants Ireland. Successful graduates also have exemption from BT, MA, FA, LW, PM, TX, FR and FM of the ACCA professional examinations and equivalent exemptions from other accounting bodies. Graduates are very well-placed to enter the work force as a trainee accountant with just two sets of professional exams required to complete to qualify as a chartered accountant. Successful graduates from the programme will have an option of enrolling for the one-year Masters in Accounting at Maynooth University, the successful completion of which will enable them to qualify for exemption from a further level of examinations (CAP 2) of Chartered Accountants Ireland.
Additional Resources
Please check out the Postgraduate Open Day Page for details on our upcoming open days and postgraduate information and resources shared at previous open days which includes information on fees, funding, scholarships and student life.
Course Commences
September entry
What do our graduates say?
Completing the Higher Diploma in Accounting at MU was pivotal to my career. I applied for a training contract in each of the top 4 accountancy firms prior to completing the HDip. in MU, however I was unsuccessful in even getting an interview. Fast forward one year and, not only was I asked to interview, but I received offers from the same firms. The only difference was completing this course. The course content along with the support of staff gave me the knowledge and confidence to take the next step in my career. I would recommend anyone contemplating a career in accounting or finance to consider this course. Karen Murray, Senior Financial Analyst, Horizon Therapeutics plc.
Open to students with a 2.2 undergraduate degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent honours degree) in any subject. No prior knowledge of accounting is required. Applicants must have a recognised degree which is considered equivalent to an Irish university primary degree level.
Minimum English language requirements:
Please visit Maynooth University International Office website for information about English language tests accepted and required scores. The requirements specified are applicable to both EU and non-EU applicants.
Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850
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Department of School of Business
Department of Faculty of Social Sciences
Department of International
Department of ICARUS
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Department of School of Business
Department of Hamilton Institute
Department of Innovation Value Institute (IVI)
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Course Duration - 1 year full-time
Modules are timetabled Monday to Friday. For details on module overviews, learning outcomes, teaching and learning methods and assessment please visit Course Finder.
On completion of the programme graduates will be able to:
- Understand the principles of financial accounting and the main business and accounting structures.
- Understand and apply the principles of double entry bookkeeping up to the preparation of a complete set of financial statements in accordance with international accounting standards.
- Understand and apply modern management accounting techniques.
- Understand the principles of financial management and the role of the financial manager.
- Have the knowledge and skills to deal with most routine issues in personal and business taxation.
- Have an understanding of the impact of law on business.
Applications for postgraduate courses will open mid-October. Further information on how to apply for the course will be provided then. If you have any queries please contact [email protected].