Accounting - Galway

The Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PDA), which has been running in ATU since 2010, is designed to fast-track graduates who wish to pursue careers in Accountancy or Taxation. It is a one-year “conversion programme” aimed at non-accounting graduates from disciplines such as Arts, Computers, Education, Engineering, and Science. Business or Commerce graduates, who have not majored in Accountancy, may also find the programme beneficial. This programme includes practical training in computerised accounting packages. The small class size facilitates greater interaction for students with lecturers who are experts in their respective fields; this results in an excellent learning environment



Who should apply?

Accountancy offers a defined career path, while offering a range of employment options. This course is primarily designed for those who wish to pursue a career in Accountancy, although you may choose to utilise your accounting knowledge in conjunction with your primary degree. Training as an Accountant offers increasingly varied roles within organisations at the heart of business development.



External Accrediting Body

Chartered Accountants Ireland - Full CAP1 exemptions. ACCA: Seven of the nine Fundamental ACCA papers. Irish Tax Institute: Three of the four part 1 Irish Tax Institute papers.

Modules:

Business Law

Taxation 1

Ethics, Risk and Corporate

Governance

Corporate Law

Taxation 2

Financial Accounting

Management Accounting

Financial Management

A minimum of a 2.2 in a Level 8 degree of any denomination.



Recognition of Prior Learning: Yes



ILEP Approved.

When to Apply

Postgraduate courses are popular, and they fill on a first come, first served basis. There are two major intake periods throughout the academic year, September and January. For January start courses, applications typically open in October, and for September start courses, applications typically open in February. Closing dates for applications are listed on the individual course webpages.

1 year full-time. Delivery Method: On Campus.



On-Campus Attendance:

This post-graduate conversion course is delivered onsite at the Galway City Campus. Typically lectures are delivered Monday through Friday every week.



Study Hours

As it is a conversion course, there is a relatively large class contact with approximately 25 hours per week, spread over five days. Significant self-study is also required.

Start Date: September 2026.