Program Overview

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Advanced Accounting - MAcc

Overview

The MAcc Advanced Accounting is an innovative programme that offers you the opportunity to progress your studies as well as maximising your professional accountancy exemptions.

Summary

The programme offers high quality teaching in subject areas such as corporate reporting, contemporary accounting challenges and data analytics. The team involved have well established links with the accounting professional bodies, key graduate employers, public sector bodies and local industry.

Programme Details

Award

Master of Accounting

Faculty

Ulster University Business School

School

Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics

Campus

Belfast campus

Start date

September 2026

Duration

Four years full-time – MAcc
Five years full-time – MAcc with DPP / DIAS

Attendance

Classes are timetabled per semester for full-time students. Full-time attendance is up to four days per week with 12-16 teaching hours per week, depending on level. On top of this you would be expected to spend approximately 10 additional hours of independent study time per module per week.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Learning and Teaching Methods include: lectures, tutorials, seminars, case studies, experiential learning, guest speakers, practitioner master classes, workshops, directed and independent study, computer assisted learning including contemporary interactive learning technology to help enhance your learning.

Assessment Methods include: examinations, class tests, completion of worksheets, reflective logs, portfolios, critiques, reports, subject-specific essays and oral presentations, using both individual and group projects, and interactive technology. Those modules attracting professional body exemptions are largely assessed by examination.

Modules

• Year One
  • Introductory Accounting
  • Academic & Professional Skills
  • Business and the Economy
  • Digital Skills for Accounting and Data Analytics
  • Principles of Financial Accounting
  • Principles of Management Accounting
• Year Two
  • Skills for Career Success
  • Financial Accounting
  • Management Accounting
  • Contemporary Business Finance
  • Law for Accountants
  • Risk Management, Analysis & Assurance
• Year Three
  • Placement (optional)
  • International Academic Studies (optional)
• Year Four
  • Corporate Financial Reporting
  • Audit and Assurance
  • Taxation
  • International Financial Management
  • Governance, Risk and Ethics
  • Advanced Management Accounting
• Year Five
  • International Corporate Reporting
  • Advanced Taxation
  • Research Skills for Accounting
  • Contemporary Accounting Challenges
  • Data Management and Analytics
  • Dissertation

Standard Entry Conditions

A level

BBB; or
BBC including one of Mathematics, Economics, Physics or Accounting

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Exemptions and Transferability

The majority of students enter this programme in year 1 at Level 4. However applicants who provide evidence of previous relevant successful study may be considered for entry to Level 5 of the programme. Exceptionally applicants may be considered for entry at Level 6. Transfer will normally be admitted with exemptions depending on prior accredited knowledge.

Careers & Opportunities

Career Options

There is a considerable demand for those with accounting knowledge in business, industry and the public service. This suite of pathways provides you with an excellent basis for pursuing a professional qualification with one of the accountancy bodies and/or if you want to expand your knowledge in other allied areas of business.

Work Placement / Study Abroad

After successful completion of your second year on the programme, you will have the option of a paid placement year in a range of local and international locations. This will provide a link between the subjects you have studied and their application in a 'real world' setting.

Professional Recognition

Accreditations reflect the excellence of our teaching, research, and knowledge exchange and ensure our programmes realise the highest expectations. By studying at Ulster University you’ll gain insight and be at the forefront of current industry practices, while our many accredited degree programmes open doors to the world’s top professional organisations, making you more attractive to future employers and giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route.

Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)

Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales (ICAEW) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

Accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations.

Chartered Accountants Ireland

Accredited by Chartered Accountants Ireland for the purpose of exemption from some professional exams.

Fees and Funding

2026/27 Fees

Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2026/27 fees will be announced in due course.

Scholarships, Awards and Prizes

Student achievements on the MAcc Advanced Accounting are recognised through an extensive range of prizes and awards sponsored by both professional bodies and leading employers including Abacus, Baker Tilly Mooney Moore, BDO, CIMA, Deloitte, EY, Henry Murray & Co., KPMG, PwC and many others.

Sustainability at Ulster

Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.

At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.

We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships : Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.

Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.