Key information
The MA (Hons) Accountancy programme at Edinburgh Business School will prepare you for a career in professional accountancy, business and beyond.
Find out more about our 3 year honours degree option.
- UCAS code
- NN40
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- MA
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 3-4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
Our practical-based Accountancy programme has been designed to ensure you’ll have the knowledge and skills most employers value. Whilst studying our accountancy degree, you’ll develop a broad understanding of the context in which modern accounting operates, as well as build accounting expertise in several areas including:
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Recording and summarising business transactions
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Preparing and analysing financial statements
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Analysing and making decisions on business operations
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Conducting financial analysis
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Producing and reporting projections
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Conducting audit
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Analysing governance issues
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Gaining awareness of the importance of business ethics
In addition to these key accounting skills, you’ll expand your overall skillset through a combination of individual projects, group work, written reports, presentations, and examinations. Throughout this programme, you’ll also develop skills such as:
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Analysis
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Leadership
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Teamwork
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Communication
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Negotiation
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Conflict resolution
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Presentation delivery
Each course included in the programme will equip you with highly employable expertise and skills in accountancy, from introduction to accounting and finance, the economy, discovering business, and principles of accounting. You’ll benefit from the industry relevance of the programme, which will set you up for life after graduation. Upon completion, you’ll have the relevant knowledge and skills to start a career in accountancy, business and beyond.
Your student experience
Our MA Accountancy programme is taught with a clear industry focus by experienced professionals and respected academics. They are accredited by professional bodies and will introduce you to professional-standard software in our state-of-the-art Bloomberg Trading Room.
Go Global
Go Global is our student mobility programme, allowing you to seamlessly transfer your studies to one of our global campuses, or to a partner university. Live and learn in a new country, experience different cultures and build a global perspective, while continuing your degree without interruption.
Inter-Campus Transfer: Dubai
Course content
September Intake - Edinburgh
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
Fees and funding
| Status | Fee |
|---|---|
| Scotland | Paid by SAAS |
| England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland | £9,790 |
| International | £20,080 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Scholarships and bursaries
Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales
In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:
- Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
Employability
We’re delighted that Edinburgh Business School has the highest percentage of graduates in Scotland who are appointed to a CEO or MD role (Novuna Business Cash Flow, 2025). We’re also 1st in Scotland and joint 2nd in the UK for graduate prospects (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025). Typical careers for Accountancy graduates include chartered accountants, finance professionals, and business, research and administrative professionals.
Work and study
Salary
Potential career paths
- Finance Professionals
- Business and public service associate professionals
Student life
Explore facilities, and chat to staff and students
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