Qualification : MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE
Award Type and NFQ level : TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
CAO/MU Apply code : MH28D
CAO Points :
Closing Date : 13 August 2025
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 one-year 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 AA (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.
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?
"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
Applicants will normally be expected to have achieved a 2.1 result (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent honours degree) or better in the BA Accounting and Finance, BBS Business and Accounting or BCL Law and Accounting programmes at Maynooth University or an equivalent degree programme and full CAP 1 exemptions. Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent honours degree).
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
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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 International
Department of School of Business
Department of Arqus European University Alliance
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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. The 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 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.
Online application only. To make an application please click here.
To apply for your chosen postgraduate study at Maynooth University, please ensure you have the following documents to make an application:
- Evidence of your primary degree
- Academic transcripts
- A copy of your passport
- A personal statement
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.