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BA ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE

Qualification : BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE

Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)

CAO/PAC code : MH403

CAO Points : 400

Closing Date : 01 July 2024

View QQI details

Embark on the route to become a professional accountant, which offers a rewarding career with international mobility and high earning potential
Become a highly sought-after graduate possessing the technical accounting, finance and transferable skills required of future business leaders
Engage with expert faculty, who foster an engaging, friendly, supportive and dynamic learning environment

Why choose this degree?

  • To become a professional accountant, you need to successfully complete three levels of professional exams as well as on-the-job training. If you successfully complete the BA Accounting and Finance, you will be exempt from the first level of these professional examinations (CAP1 examinations Chartered Accountants Ireland and equivalent examinations from ACCA, CIMA and CPA professional accounting bodies).
  • You will learn how to compile, analyse, interpret and communicate essential information about the operations of a business – whether that business be a small firm, a publicly traded corporation or an NGO (non-governmental organisation).
  • You will have the opportunity to pursue a four-year degree with a work placement in a leading accounting firm or study year abroad, thus combining what you learn in Maynooth University with insights into industry or another culture.
     

Duration: 3 years (4 years with optional placement or Erasmus/Study Abroad)

Accounting is the major element of your degree, studied with Finance and Economics.

1st year

  • Students are introduced to the fundamentals of accounting and finance in year 1 with no prior knowledge required, as we teach accounting from first principles. Students develop key analytical, technical and numeracy skills which create a solid foundation to build upon in subsequent years.

2nd and final year

  • In 2nd and final year you will expand and deepen your knowledge of all areas of accounting and finance as well as gain an understanding of the financial environment in which businesses operate.
  • Optional work placement - subject to availability*.

(*You will have the option to add a year-long accredited placement in Ireland or abroad to your degree. The University will support you in the search for a placement job; however, the process is competitive).

Course Duration: 3 years or 4 years BA

While graduates are likely to be primarily focused on a professional accountancy qualification, the numeracy skills, coupled with an ability to think critically and analytically, which are developed on this programme, are invaluable assets in a wide range of careers. Graduates have successful and rewarding careers in accounting, banking and the financial services sector generally, as well as financial research and teaching.


Many of our students continue to further postgraduate study in a very wide range of Business subjects at Maynooth University or another leading university in Ireland or abroad.

Visit the Graduate Studies website for more information about postgraduate options.

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.
Subject Required Ordinary Level Grade Higher Level Grade
Irish Yes O6 H7
English Yes O6 H7
Language No N/A N/A
Math Yes O4 H7
Science No N/A N/A

International & EU/EFTA Entry Requirements

Mature Students

Mature Applicants 

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time/flexible degrees the mature age is 21. 

Click here to be taken to our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on that page outlines application steps for this degree.

Mature applicants who have a disability 

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require examination support for any written tests that may be required, please submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2024 to the Access Office. 

Unfortunately we are unable to consider applications for alternative examination accommodation after this deadline. 

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

01 February 2024

Additional Information

Leaving Certificate Applicants 

Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7, O6/H7 in Irish, English & O4/H7 Mathematics. MH403 Round 1 Points 2023: 400

Transfer option available into this degree from the Bachelor of Arts Degree MH101 - subject to meeting requirements.

HEAR and DARE

DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.

HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Contact the Access Office for more information about these access routes.

The Maynooth Education

Click here for details about optional Critical Skills courses, Electives and degree pathways. 

APPLY TO THE CAO

WWW.CAO.IE

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.

Categories of applicant:

  • School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
  • Mature students (23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University/part-time degrees the mature age is 21)
  • EU/EFTA/UK students
  • International students (outside the EU)
  • QQI (Further Education) students
  • Transferring students
  • Deferring students
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