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During this programme, you will:  

• Understand key rules and requirements in accounting, tax, and auditing, and learn how to apply them to real financial situations. 

• Learn how accountants support business decisions and manage financial responsibilities, while also considering the impact on people, organisations, and society. 

• Build strong skills in critical thinking, analysis, and communication so graduates can deal with complex financial and business issues clearly and professionally. 

• Develop the confidence and people skills needed to work well with others in professional settings. 

• Highlight the importance of ethics and sustainability in accounting, and show how financial decisions can affect the environment, society, and business practices. 

• Prepare to adapt to changing laws and standards in the accounting world, both in Ireland and internationally.

Key information: 

• Complete full-time in one year 

• Delivered on campus   
   
• Modules taught during the autumn and spring semesters   

• Option to submit a research dissertation at the end of the summer semester 

• Option to complete a digital analytics pathway 

You will learn through a blend of:  

• Lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities  

• Reflective practice and guided research  

• Regular feedback from faculty and peers  

Year 1 

Autumn Semester  

• is an introduction to the key concepts and tools of Corporate Sustainability, with a basic grounding in responsibility and business ethics. 

• provides a thorough grounding in the qualitative principles and quantitative methodologies for modelling financial risk. 

• aims to instil the competence to apply advanced aspects of Irish Income Tax, Corporation Tax and VAT rules. 

• helps to develop and understand the significance of audit evidence, audit procedures and audit planning. 

• focuses on preparing financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and relevant legislation. 

Spring Semester  

• delivers valuable management techniques and tools to augment awareness of professional ethical responsibilities. 

• develops the ability to prepare company accounts at an individual and group level, including subsidiaries, associates and joint arrangements. 

• builds on prior knowledge of Irish capital taxes by addressing more advanced technical issues in the domains of Irish Capital Gains Tax, Capital Acquisitions Tax and Stamp duty. 

• provides the in-depth knowledge and appreciation required to arrive at appropriate conclusions on completion of the audit. 

• delivers technical skills and theoretical knowledge to develop risk management analytics within an organisation using AI and Data Science. 

Summer Semester 

Option 1:  

• develops the skills and knowledge to complete a post-graduate level research project. 

• enables students to develop and demonstrate independent research and critical thinking skills.

Or  

Option 2:  

• uses a design approach to address complex organisational and societal problems through mapping, analysis and creative thinking. 

• provides an interactive, self-directed, experiential learning experience to develop skill sets in strategic decision making. 

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library. 

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s  

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree ( Level 8) with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2) in a relevant discipline with a significant accounting element. 

• You will also be considered with an honours primary degree and at least 3 years of relevant work experience, particularly in the areas of accounting.   

• You must also be eligible for exemption from the CA Proficiency 1 (CAP1) examinations of Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI).  

• Please apply directly to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland for the CAP1. If you do not meet the exemption requirements or receive only a partial CAP1 exemption by mid-August you may be admitted in exceptional circumstances, subject to approval from the Course Director and Head of Department. 

• The university may/will shortlist and invite you to an interview/audition.  

International students:  

• For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students. 

Checklist of Documents:  

• *Academic transcripts and certificates
  • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport
• English translation of your qualifications and transcripts 

English Language: 

• English Language Competency certificate
• For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements 

Guidelines on Completing your Application  

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
  • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist. 
  • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc. 
• *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying. 

EU - €10,200

Non-EU - €18,400

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.  

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie).  

 
Funding 

Find further information on funding and scholarships.

EY Sponsorship Opportunity Available – For more details, please contact the Course Director, Ruth Lynch, at ruth.lynch@ul.ie. 

This course can lead to the following sectors and careers: 

• Accounting
• Auditing
• Taxation

Marie Shanahan, Graduate of Inaugural 2024/25 Programme

"The Master’s in Accounting has been a challenging yet rewarding experience. We’ve covered the CAP2 syllabus through exams, group work, and individual assignments, all supported by excellent lecturers and insightful guest speakers from the field. We’ve been encouraged to stay informed, be open minded and think critically about developments in the world of accounting, making this year a strong foundation both academically and professionally."

Odhran Moloney, Graduate of Inaugural 2024/25 Programme

"The MSc in Accounting was a challenging yet rewarding and enjoyable course that enhanced my knowledge of data analytics, auditing, taxation and financial reporting. The programme offered

a range of engaging workshops and guest lecturers, including a sustainability workshop, a virtual reality audit workshop, and a guest lecture on real-life fraud. It also provided the opportunity to take up grinds and tutoring, allowing me to give back to UL by supporting undergraduate students and sharing my knowledge and experiences to help them in their studies."

Still Curious? 

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.