The Master of Accounting is ideal for ambitious, recent graduates of Accounting who wish to fasttrack the professional qualification process and pursue a career in accounting.  Candidates  must hold or expect to hold full (or near full) CAP 1 exemptions on the basis of their primary degree. 

The Master of Accounting is a 1 year fulltime programme. In addition to studying 12 core modules and one of two option modules, students complete EITHER two summer schools OR a research dissertation. The course content addresses key areas of knowledge for the aspiring chartered accountant, including financial reporting, auditing, taxation, finance, management accounting, and data analytics. 

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

• Full CAP 2 exemptions upon graduation, supported by a syllabus designed in consultation with Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI).
• Two specialised summer schools*:
  • KPMG-led Analytics - exploring software and data-driven audit techniques.
  • Disruptive technologies  including robotic process automation, machine learning, AI, and cybersecurity .
• Guest Speakers from Industry Leaders including Laurence May, Stephen Purcell, Shem Amalaya, Alan Lavery and Kieran Towey (KPMG), Caitlin Flanagan (Deloitte), Laura Quinn (TD Securities), Lev Gantly (Philip Lee LLP), Joe Smyth (Genesys), Anne O’Riordan (Jazz Pharmaceuticals) and Barry Gavin (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland).
• High-level professional preparedness: Programme graduates regularly achieve top marks in the CAI Final Admitting Examination and Irish Tax Institute exams.
• Professional sponsorship: Many students secure employment before completing the course and are supported by their employers.
• Enhance analytical skills: Students build the ability to interpret and analyse data using advanced tools and methodologies.
• Improve communication skills: Participants learn to effectively present and articulate findings to a range of audiences, through participation in structured debates and class presentations. 

* Summer school topics may change from year to year. 

Graduates pursue roles in accounting, tax consultancy, audit and finance, frequently with the Big Four or within industry. The small class size, employer sponsorship, and the development of technical, interpersonal, and presentation skills all help to ensure that graduates transition smoothly to the professional working environment after graduation.

Recent graduates of this course work for professional accounting firms including: 

• KPMG
• EY
• PwC
• Deloitte
• Mazars

Accrediting Body 

Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI) - full CAP 2 exemption. 

Irish Tax Institute – Strong performance in professional examinations by graduates. 

• Ms Mary Barrett
• Ms Natasha Caulfield
• Dr Frank Conaty
• Ms Mary Cosgrove 
• Ms Sharon Cotter 
• Mr John Currie
• Dr Emer Curtis
• Dr Anastasia Griva
• Dr Josephine Igoe
• Dr Orla Lenihan
• Dr Rehman Uddin Mian
• Dr John Nolan
• Prof Breda Sweeney
• Ms Sophie Sweeney 

How will I learn?

The Master of Accounting combines innovative teaching methods with practical, hands-on learning to ensure a comprehensive educational experience. You will learn through a mix of interactive lectures and tutorials, guest lectures and small group workshops. 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Throughout the programme, your progress is assessed through various coursework and exams. 

• Continuous Assessment - Regular coursework, including  presentations, reports, case studies, structured debates, and interim exams).
• Examinations - Written exams take place in December (30 ECTS) and in April/May (40 ECTS). 
• Summer Schools - Two Industry led summer schools take place in May/June. (20 ECTS)

Programme Administrator:  
E: accountancy@universityofgalway.ie 

Q: Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI)_ CAP1 exemptions
A: You can check what exemptions you have on the basis of your primary degree on the CAI website here.

University of Galway recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL). 

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving 

• Ability to evaluate complex financial information and make informed decisions.
• Skilled in identifying and resolving accounting and strategic business issues using evidence-based reasoning. 

Analytical & Quantitative Skills 

• Proficient in analysing large data sets, interpreting financial results, and using analytical software tools.
• Enhanced numeracy and ability to apply quantitative methods in financial and operational contexts. 

Communication & Presentation 

• Clear and professional written and verbal communication through report writing, case study analysis, and group presentations.
• Ability to explain complex financial concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. 

Teamwork & Collaboration 

• Experience working in diverse teams on group projects, case studies, and summer school exercises.
• Strong interpersonal skills developed through small class sizes and peer collaboration. 

Time Management & Organisation 

• Ability to manage a demanding schedule of continuous assessment, independent study, and project deadlines.
• Prioritisation and planning skills essential for balancing academic, professional, and personal commitments. 

Ethical Awareness & Professional Conduct 

• Understanding of professional ethics, integrity, and responsible accounting practice.
• Sensitivity to issues of sustainability, fairness, and transparency in financial decision-making. 

Research & Independent Learning 

• Ability to undertake self-directed research through the Research Project or Dissertation.
• Familiarity with academic literature, research methods, and evidence-based analysis.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Candidates must fulfil BOTH of the following: 

• Candidates must a H2.1 degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent) in Business or Commerce, with a significant specialisation in Accounting. For this criterion, academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here. 
• Candidates must also have full (or nearly full) exemptions from the CAP1 examinations of Chartered Accountants Ireland. 

English Language Entry Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.

Supporting Documents

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course.

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance. 

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
Masters Full Time	1	€11,500		€20,000	€140		€11,640	€20,140

For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships 
University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available. 

Business Merit Scholarships
*(must confirm eligibility as many sponsored on this programme)

J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics is committed to attracting high calibre students from around the world. We are offering Merit Scholarships across all of our Taught Master's programmes. To be eligible candidates must have achieved a H1 (or international equivalent) in their primary degree and scholarships are offered on a competitive basis. All candidates who meet these criteria and have accepted a place on the programme are automatically considered for a scholarship. Scholarships are awarded up to 50% of the programme tuition fees. Click here to learn more .

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for each the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.