Accounting & Finance

This programme is designed to be academically coherent and intellectually challenging. The breadth and depth of the programme is designed to be a rigorous test of academic ability.



This programme has been developed to allow the participants the option to study both for a Masters qualification whilst simultaneously sitting the Final Professional Stage of ACCA. The same lecturers deliver the Masters Programme as deliver the Professional Stages of ACCA. Please see ‘Our Staff’ on this web-site for further information on lecturers.



The modules follow the P1-P7 modules of ACCA, including the new SBL (Strategic Business Leader) module.



The structure of the programme, the variety of learning styles and the range of assessment methodologies are designed to develop the learners’ skills and attitudes, higher level cognitive skills, transferable skills and research capabilities.



The course will specifically develop and enhance the ability of learners to recognise, analyse and solve business problems, often against a background of economic, social and technological change. Learners will develop the ability to critically evaluate systems and procedures based on good quality research methods.



The Masters Programme is designed to run in conjunction with the Final Stages of The ACCA Programme. As ICD Business School students would have completed their BA (Honours) in Accounting and Finance and therefore hold F1-F9 exemptions, they may sit the ACCA Professional Papers (Strategic Business Leader SBL, Strategic Business Reporting SBR, Advanced Financial Management, Advanced Taxation and Advanced Audit and Assurance) at the same time as completing their MA in Accounting & Finance.

Stage One Modules

• Research Methods (MA01) (Mandatory)

• Corporate Governance (MA02) (Mandatory)

• Advanced Financial Reporting (Int.) (MA03) (Mandatory)

• Strategic Business Analysis (MA04) (Mandatory)

• Macroeconomics: The Global Economy and Financial Systems (MA05) (Mandatory)

• Strategic Financial Management (MA06) (Mandatory)

• Managing Marketing Applications (MA07) (Elective)

• Strategic Performance Management (MA08) (Elective)

• Advanced Audit and Assurance (International) (MA09)(Elective)

• Advanced Taxation (Irish) (MA10) (Elective)

• Dissertation (MA11) (Mandatory)

The Master of Arts in Accounting and Finance is an ab initio programme that that will accept any learner that meets the college’s standard entry and RPL requirements.

• candidates must have a minimum Primary Degree at level 8 (NQF) in Accounting and Finance (or cognate discipline such as Economics, Mathematics, or Business)

• candidates have completed all 9 papers in the fundamental stage of ACCA (F1 to F9 inclusive) and have a Primary Degree at level 8 (NQF) in Business area

• or equivalent Accredited Prior Learning (APL)



Language Requirements:

All prospective learners for whom English is a second language, must have an IELTS minimum score of 6.0. Equivalent English Language tests (Cambridge, TOEFL, Pearson and QQI’s TIE*) are also considered. We welcome learners of all nationalities and language backgrounds. To begin the application process, please email info@icd.ie

Direct Applicants:

All applicants to the MA in Accounting and Finance should apply directly to the college by emailing info@icd.ie

90 ECTS

2 years

Entry Dates: September/February annually.

This programme will allow the successful learner to secure employment in the burgeoning financial services sector in Ireland and internationally. Below is an excerpt from the Irish National Skills Strategy 2025



The shortage of ICT talent is potentially significant for a number of sectors where ICT skills are needed (e.g. Software, Data Analytics, Financial Services, Distribution).



There are also Professionals skills shortages in specific sectors such as Financial Services,



Multilingual skills for Associate Professionals in ICT and Sales & Marketing, and for Administrative staff in Financial Services



The programme will produce Graduates who are competent professionals in the field of Accounting and Finance, but also due to the emphasis that ICD Business School has on integrating ICT skills into the programme, these graduates should be able to help in the skills shortages that the report highlights.



The Master of Arts in Accounting and Finance programme seeks to provide learners with the specialist knowledge, the practical skills and professional attitudes desired by employers, such as critical, creative and reflective thinking skills, high-level communication skills and team-working competencies. Therefore, Master of Arts in Accounting and Finance graduates from this programme will be capable of making an immediate and effective contribution within a professional accounting role, ensuring employment potential in a competitive graduate market.



Finally, the programme seeks to offer learners an academically rigorous and challenging learning experience, thereby preparing them for a successful career and providing a foundation for continued life long learning and continued professional development.