MSc in Accounting

Program Overview

MSc in Accounting

Overview

The DCU MSc in Accounting is the leading graduate accounting programme of its kind in Ireland, an innovative partnership of learning which is informed and shaped by the needs of the accounting and taxation professionals of tomorrow. This one-year full-time Masters programme encourages critical and creative thinking, teamwork and communication, and develops a diverse range of professional attributes which equip graduates to excel in the accounting profession and to adopt leadership positions in their professional lives.

Duration

• 12 months

Fees

• EU: €11,600 per annum
• Non-EU: €19,500 per annum

Start Date

• September 2025

Application

• Accepting Applications

Entry Requirements

General Entry Requirements

• A 2.1 Honours degree in Accounting (or in a Business degree with a significant specialism in Accounting), or international equivalent, together with full exemption from the CAP1 examinations of Chartered Accountants Ireland;
• OR
• A credit award in a Professional Diploma in Accounting together with full exemption from the CAP1 examinations of Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Additional Requirements

• Applicants who have achieved a 2.2 Honours degree in Accounting (or in a Business degree with a significant specialism in Accounting), or a Pass award in a Professional Diploma in Accounting (or equivalent), may still obtain a place. This will depend on availability of places and on obtaining high grades in core Accounting modules (Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Taxation and Finance) in your programme.
• Candidates who have not received their degree results by the application closing date will receive conditional offers.

Career Prospects

Accountancy as a Career

• Graduates from the MSc in Accounting have a range of professional opportunities available to them in several career sectors including Governance, Accountancy, and Consulting.
• Graduates are well equipped for their FAEs upon completion of the course and successfully progress their careers in professional services and industry.

What Qualifications do DCU Graduates Progress In?

• The majority of students, 80%, pursue a Chartered Accounting Ireland (CAI) qualification after graduation in a firm in audit or tax on a training contract.
• Graduates can stay in the firm or move to industry into a financial accounting role and later a management accounting role.
• It is also possible to achieve the CAI qualification through training in industry.
• Graduates may also pursue the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) qualification, which involves training in industry.
• Graduates may also opt for the Chartered Association of Management Accountants (CIMA), which involves training in industry.

Your Exemptions as an Accountancy Graduate

• CAP2: Full exemptions upon completion of the degree, securing a 2.2 of higher
• ACCA: Exemptions from F1-F9
• CIMA: Exemptions from Management Level

Who Employs Finance and Accountancy Graduates from DCU?

• Graduates are employed in a variety of roles and sectors in the Irish market, some examples are listed below (this list is not exhaustive).
• Employers sponsor many graduates on this course, but opportunities outside professional services are readily available to graduates from this degree.

Professional Services / Business Advisory/ Tax

• Deloitte
• EY
• Grant Thornton
• KPMG
• PwC

Industry/ Public Sector

• KWC
• Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General

Job Titles of DCU Graduates

• Accountancy
  • Trainee Accountant
  • Graduate Trainee Accountant
  • Accountant
• Tax
  • Tax Associate
  • Trainee
  • Assistant
  • Tax Consultant
  • Assistant Tax Advisor
• Audit
  • Audit Associate
  • Trainee
  • Assistant (CIM, FS, CHEC)
• Assurance
  • Assurance Associate
  • FSO Assurance Associate
• Transaction Services
  • Trainee Transaction Services

Staff

• Vincent Tawiah
  • Assistant Professor Accounting
  • Department: Financial and Operational Performance Group
  • Telephone: [insert phone number]
  • Email: [insert email]

Program Outline

MSc in Accounting at Dublin City University (DCU)

Degree Overview

The MSc in Accounting at DCU is a postgraduate program offering a unique learning experience designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the accounting profession. This program boasts the following highlights:

• Partnership of Learning: The program is designed in collaboration with leading industry and academic experts, ensuring its content is relevant and in tune with the needs of the contemporary accounting field.
• Professional & Conceptual Approach: The program combines professional and conceptual material, catering to the diverse backgrounds of students and offering a well-rounded understanding of the field.
• Exemptions & Preparation: Students can gain generous exemptions from professional examinations like CAP 2 (Chartered Accountants Ireland).
Additionally, the program prepares students for success in advanced professional accounting exams like the FAEs.
• Highly Qualified Faculty: Lectures are delivered by experienced professionals from industry and practice, ensuring students receive real-world insights and guidance.
• International Recognition: DCU Business School holds the prestigious AACSB accreditation, signifying its high-quality standards and international reputation.
• Industry-Focused Course Design: The program incorporates feedback from industry leaders, ensuring graduates develop the skills and knowledge sought after by employers.
• Innovative and Enterprising Environment: DCU fosters an environment that encourages creativity and innovation, helping students develop the entrepreneurial mindset valued in today's competitive landscape.
• Highly Sought-after Graduates: DCU Business School graduates are highly sought after in the job market, with many securing leadership roles in organizations across the globe.
### Outline #### Program Content and Structure The MSc in Accounting at DCU provides a comprehensive and challenging curriculum designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills for a successful career in accounting. The program offers a diverse range of modules covering various aspects of the field, including:
• International Financial Accounting & Analysis: This module equips students to prepare financial statements for various business entities at an advanced level in accordance with IFRSs/IASs and current professional and legal requirements.
They will also learn to interpret and report on such financial statements.
• Advanced Management Accounting: This module aims to integrate the study of management accounting with strategy, behavioral science, and organization theory.
Students will advance their knowledge of the principles and practice of management accounting to an advanced level.
• Corporate and Investment Finance: This module teaches students the tools and techniques essential for creating value from a firm's financing and investment decisions.
Emphasis is placed on long-term managerial policies and the importance of corporate finance for accountants.
• Auditing and Professional Ethics: This module introduces students to the regulatory framework and principles of auditing.
They will gain an understanding of modern auditing procedures and develop their ethical awareness as professional accountants.
• Assurance Services: Theory and Practice: This module further develops students' knowledge of current issues and recent developments in auditing.
They will gain a comprehensive understanding of contemporary issues within the field of auditing.
• Capital Taxes: This module provides students with advanced knowledge of Irish capital tax law, covering areas like capital gains tax, stamp duty, and capital acquisition tax.
Students will learn to identify and apply relevant tax rules and regulations for companies.
• Corporation Tax: This module focuses on the legislative framework, rules, and regulations of corporate taxation in Ireland.
Students will develop a detailed understanding of corporate tax law and practice.
• Business & Social Environment: This module examines current issues that concern professional accountants, business professionals, and not-for-profit professionals.
Students will gain insights from experts from diverse disciplines and industries.
• Research & Professional Portfolio: This module equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct social science research with a particular emphasis on research in accounting.
### Assessment The MSc in Accounting at DCU employs a multifaceted assessment approach designed to evaluate students' knowledge and understanding of the program material. The specific assessment methods may vary depending on the individual modules, but generally include:
• Examinations: Written examinations are typically held at the end of each semester to assess students' understanding of the core concepts and principles covered in the modules.
• Coursework: Throughout the program, students will complete various coursework assignments, such as essays, case studies, and presentations, demonstrating their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
• Research & Professional Portfolio: The final assessment component involves the development of a research and professional portfolio, showcasing students' research skills and their ability to critically analyze and synthesize information.
### Teaching The MSc in Accounting at DCU boasts a dedicated team of experienced and qualified faculty members who are passionate about education and committed to providing students with the best possible learning experience. The program incorporates innovative teaching methods and approaches to foster engagement and facilitate understanding. Some key aspects of the program's teaching methodology include:
• Small Class Sizes: The program prioritizes small class sizes to promote interactive learning and enable faculty members to provide personalized attention to each student.
• Industry-Informed Curriculum: The program's content is regularly updated and revised in collaboration with industry leaders and academic experts, ensuring its relevance to the contemporary accounting field.
• Experienced Faculty: The faculty members are drawn from both academia and industry, bringing real-world experience and practical insights to the classroom.
• Interactive Learning Environment: The program fosters an active and engaging learning environment where students are encouraged to participate in discussions, ask questions, and collaborate with their peers.
• Case Studies and Real-World Examples: Instructors incorporate case studies and real-world examples into their teaching to illustrate how theoretical concepts are applied in practice.
• Guest Speakers: Industry professionals are regularly invited to present guest lectures or participate in panel discussions, providing students with valuable insights into the world of accounting.
• Technology-Enhanced Learning: The program utilizes modern technology to enhance the learning experience, such as online learning platforms and interactive software.
### Careers The MSc in Accounting at DCU prepares graduates for successful careers in the accounting profession. Graduates typically pursue opportunities in various sectors, including:
• Public Accounting: Many graduates secure positions with leading international accounting firms, where they gain valuable experience and progress towards professional qualifications.
• Corporate Accounting: Graduates are also highly sought after by corporations across various industries, where they take on roles in finance, accounting, and treasury departments.
• Government and Public Sector: Accounting graduates find employment opportunities in government agencies and public sector organizations, contributing to financial management and policy development.
• Financial Services: The program also equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed for careers in the financial services industry, such as investment banking, wealth management, and financial analysis.
• Academia: Some graduates pursue further studies or embark on academic careers, conducting research and teaching future generations of accounting professionals.
The program boasts a strong track record of graduate success. Many alumni secure prestigious roles in leading organizations both in Ireland and internationally. Some notable employers of DCU MSc in Accounting graduates include:
• Accenture
• Deloitte
• EY
• Grant Thornton
• JP Morgan
• KPMG
• PwC
### Other In addition to the core information mentioned above, here are some additional points to note about the MSc in Accounting at DCU:
• Program Duration: The program is offered on a full-time basis and typically takes one year to complete.
• Program Fees: The fees for the program vary depending on the student's status (EU or non-EU).
Detailed information on fees can be found on the DCU website.
• Application Process: Candidates interested in the program can apply online through the DCU website.
The application deadline varies depending on the student's status (EU or non-EU).
• Program Start Date: The program typically commences in September each year.
• Exemptions: Graduates of the program are exempt from all subjects in the CAP2 Examination of Chartered Accountants Ireland.
To qualify as chartered accountants, graduates must pass the Institute's Final Admitting Examination and complete a three-year training contract.
• Exemption Requirements: Applicants must possess full exemption from the CAP1 examinations of Chartered Accountants Ireland.
It is crucial to submit proof of exemption during the application process. Overall, the MSc in Accounting at DCU offers a comprehensive and rigorous program designed to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications needed for a successful career as a professional accountant. The program boasts a strong reputation and has produced highly successful graduates who have gone on to excel in various accounting and finance-related fields.

Full time EU Status Fee €11,300 per annum Non EU Fee. €17,600 per annum