MA (Hons) Accountancy (Accelerated)

The course

UCAS code
NN43
Duration
4 years
Location
Edinburgh
Delivery type
Full-time

Contact

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An accelerated 3-year version of our MA (Hons) Accountancy degree which starts at an advanced stage. Accredited by the major professional bodies in the UK and perfect for A-Level students.

Overview

This three-year accelerated degree is suited to those who have completed A-levels. Whether you are considering a career as a chartered accountant in professional practice, industry or the public sector, or you are looking to work in other professional, commercial and industrial areas, this programme has been designed to ensure you have the knowledge and skills that employers most value.

Over the course of studying our MA Accountancy programme, students can expect to develop a broad understanding of the context in which modern accounting operates, as well as developing accounting expertise in several areas including, but not limited to:

  • Recording and summarising business transactions
  • Preparing and analysing financial statements
  • Analysing and making decisions on business operations
  • Conducting financial analysis
  • Producing and reporting projections
  • Conducting audit
  • Analysing governance issues
  • Gaining awareness of the importance of business ethics.

In addition to these key accounting skills, we allow students to expand their overall skillset through a combination of individual and group work, written reports, presentations and examinations. Throughout this programme we will develop skills such as:

  • Analysis
  • Leadership
  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Conflict resolution
  • Presentation delivery.

On the whole, our MA Accountancy (Accelerated) programme provides students with a advanced foundation for their future career in accountancy, business or beyond.

Accreditation

We are working with the following accreditation bodies to gain the maximum exemptions possible for this degree: 

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

The Association of International Accountants (AIA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

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

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland (ICAS) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

Course content

Year 1

  • Principles of Accounting
  • Fundamentals of Finance
  • Financial Accounting
  • Management Accounting in Organisations
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Financial Markets Theory

Optional courses available for Year 1 include:

  • Introduction to Economics
  • Management in a Global Context

Year 2

  • Intermediate Financial Accounting
  • Management Accounting Techniques and Decisions
  • Corporate Financial Theory
  • Commercial Law
  • Taxation
  • Auditing and Assurance
  • Business Entities
  • Business Research Methods

Year 3

  • Accounting Information System and Technology
  • Advanced Financial Accounting

Choose 4 optional or elective courses from the following:

  • Governance and Professional Ethics
  • Accounting History
  • International Bonds and Currency Markets
  • Strategic Management
  • Corporate Reporting and Theory
  • Contemporary Issues in
  • Professional and Critical Theory

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Fees

Tuition fees for 2024 entry
Status* Scotland England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland International**
Fee Paid by SAAS £9,250 £18,704

* 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. Find out more about tuition fees.

** '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). Read more about the application process for EU nationals.

Additional costs

You may incur additional costs in the course of your studies at Heriot-Watt over and above tuition fees in an academic year. Depending on your programme of study, these may include: protective equipment, field trips, professional memberships, studio fees, required course texts or other study resources.

Scholarships and bursaries

Featured scholarships

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)
View details about the Heriot-Watt University Bursary

View our full range of undergraduate scholarships.