Course Overview

Advance your accounting career with the MSc in International Accounting and Analytics. Develop insights, and technical knowledge of tools and techniques for driving organisational performance, and understanding of corporate finance theory and practice. Participate in a SAP certified module through our strategic alliance with SAP. Gain an understanding of and expertise in accounting and business analytics through taught modules and our practitioner led Summer School.MSc IAA logos

For General Business Graduates who now wish to specialise in Accounting & Analytics

Pathway A Full-Time: September 2019 Intake

This is an intensive 10 - 11 month degree programme for high calibre business related/commerce graduates who have not specialised in accounting and who now wish to pursue a professional career in Accounting.

Our team of academics and practitioners provide in-depth practical, technical and research grounded knowledge of key business areas required for success in today’s business environment. This post-graduate programme is taught over two semesters and is followed by two summer schools in May/June. This final element of the programme provides an important capstone to the technical skills you will have developed over the course of the first two semesters.

Students taking the year-long programme starting in September secure substantial exemption from the examinations of the ACCA.  As a graduate of this MSc in International Accounting and Analytics you will be exempt from papers F1, F2, F3, F5, F7, F8 and F9 of the ACCA. Click here for CPA Exemptions*.

*Please note: exemptions from the examinations of the professional accounting bodies are subject to change of syllabus/content.

Module Details for Pathway A>

For Early - Mid Career Accountants

Pathway B Full-Time 

Pathway B Part-Time 

Reflecting the increased importance of analytics for many different accounting careers, this programme is designed to provide early and mid-career accountants with the skills and knowledge needed to engage with big data in a variety of roles in practice and industry.

This is an ideal master’s programme if you are already a qualified associate member with an IFAC member professional accountancy body (e.g. ICAI, ACCA, CPA Ireland, CIMA, Institute of Chartered Accountants India (ICA India), CPA Australia (Certified Practising Accountants Australia), the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMA Pakistan), CIPFA or other body deemed equivalent by the Programme Director) and looking to build your professional qualifications. This unique programme offers, through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), exemption from 50% (45 credits) of the 90 credits for this taught master's course to fully exam-qualified  accountants who have been admitted to full associate membership of the recognised professional accountancy bodies above.

Module Details for Pathway B >

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Pathway A: For General Business Graduates who now wish to specialise in Accounting & Analytics

A first class or second class honours grade 1 in a commerce/business degree or a GPA of 3.5 (out of 4) will be required, which must have included the study of Financial Accounting and Management Accounting and Business Finance to intermediate level.

Pathway A Brochure

Pathway B: For Early-Mid Career Accountants

Full professional exam qualification and associate membership of a recognised professional accountancy body: ACCA, ICAI, CPA, ICAS, ICAEW, CIPFA and CIMA or other IFAC member body assessed as equivalent by the Programme Director. A notarised copy of the certificate of membership must be submitted with an application.

All applicants, whose first language is not English, must present one of the following qualifications in the English language: IELTS (6.5 overall), TOEFL (88), or PTE (61).

Pathway B Brochure

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Duration

Pathway A: Full Time (1 Year)
Pathway B: Full-Time (7 months)
Pathway B: Part-Time (14 months)

Next start date

Pathway A: September 2023 Pathway B: January 2023

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

20 (Pathway A), 15 Pathway (B)

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date
NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

Award

CAO

Course code

MSC-MIAA

Course Outline

Module Details for Pathway A>

Module Details for Pathway B >


Pathway A Course Structure:

Pathway A Course Outline

Pathway B Course Structure:

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

IAA Tag Cloud

Recognising the importance of analytics skills for accountants, the recent ICAS and FRC report on Auditor skills in a changing business world (2016) called for educators to include practical courses on data interrogation and analytics. Our new MSc is the first programme of its kind in UK and Irish Universities to offer practical hands-on modules in SAP and audit analytics tools for accountants.

Our professional development programme which runs throughout the programme is designed to provide support for career development and offers a suite of career events, one-to-one career support and  guest lectures from practice

As a graduate of the MSc. in International Accounting and Analytics, you will have access to a wide range of employment opportunities in Accounting, Industry, Management Consultancy and Financial Services.

You will have developed an understanding of cutting edge design and use of systems and processes to leverage best use of organisational data to facilitate performance management of business organisations. Coupled with your technical accounting skills you will be well positioned to work within the accounting function and management team to lead and manage organisations to achieve their strategic objectives.

Key Feature of the Programme

The design and structure of this programme was motivated following consultation and advice from industry, professional bodies, accounting practitioners and regulators.  In addition to the core academic modules, students are exposed to a variety of learning technologies to develop their skills for practice and the global business environment. 

These include: SAP training and certification, exposure to practitioner partners in the form of recent adjunct professorial appointments, practitioner-led Analytics Summer School using cutting-edge tools, international academic-led Summer School addressing all aspects of organizational performance, and a suite of guest lectures. In addition, this programme relies on close relationships with the international professional accountancy bodies which ensures that students have access to e-platforms providing career advice and practitioner networks.  

Recent Input and Contribution to Programme Learning Outcomes by:

 Contribution

SAP

Hands on analytics skills training

ACCA, CIMA, CPA

Professional Exemptions and access to Professional Development Programmes for Graduates

KPMG

Practitioner-focused skills workshops and lectures on developments in audit and accounting analytics

Medtronic

Site visit – life on the ground in global firm

Irish Stock Exchange

Lecture on developments in financial technologies

30% Club

Seminar on 30% Club goal to achieve better gender balance at all levels in leading Irish businesses.

PWC

Seminar on Risk Management in Practice

EY

Team based workshops on Communication, Branding and Strength Based Interviews

External Consultant

Programme Specific Workshops with a Focus on Self-knowledge: Resilience and Wellness Workshops (2 x 2 = 4 hours) aimed at student personal and professional development

 Professional Development Programme:

This programme runs throughout students studies and offers a suite of events and is designed to provide support for career development :

    • Advisory panel of qualified accountants to discuss careers in accounting
    • One-to-one career support
    • Guest lectures from practice and industry
    • Visits to global leaders in high tech industries such as medical technologies and IT - (e.g. 2018 - Boston Scientific, Galway and Qualtrics, Dublin)
    • EY Workshops: Presenting with Impact, Communication and Branding; Strength-based Interviewing
    • Plagiarism Workshop
    • Academic Writing Skills Workshops
  • Our team of academics and practitioners provide in-depth practical and research grounded knowledge of key areas in today’s business environment. This final element of the programme provides an important capstone to the technical skills you will have developed.

 J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics MSc International Accounting and Analytics Merit Scholarship

University of Galway is offering two merit Scholarships for the MSc in International Accounting and Analytics is an eligible programme for this scholarship. One scholarship up to the value of 50% of the EU tuition fees and one scholarship up to the value of 50% of the non EU tuition fees.

For more information on the scholarship application process, please contact business@universityofgalway.ie. Please note that to be considered for this merit based scholarship, applicants must be accepted to their chosen programmeand have achieved a H1 in their primary degree and must complete an online Scholarship Form.

KPMG 30% Event3

The MSc (International Accounting & Analytics) class are pictured with Laurence May (KPMG Director), Darina Barrett (KPMG Financial Services Partner)  and Professor Breeda Sweeney at a 30% Club event that took place on campus which was sponsored by KPMG.

KPMG Guest Speaker

Mr. Damien Flanagan, Director R&D Incentives and Capital Allowances Practice KPMG delivering seminar to Masters of Accounting students “Research in Practice: The KPMG Innovation Monitor”

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€11,140 p.a. (including levy) 2024/25

Fees: Tuition

€11,000 p.a. 2024/25

Fees: Student levy

€140 p.a. 2024/25

Fees: Non EU

€19,500 p.a. (€19,640 p.a. including levy) 2024/25

 

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2023/24).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  An F5 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Postgraduate fee breakdown = Tuition (EU or NON EU) + Student levy as outlined above.

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

Find out More

Ms Andrea Crean
Programme Director 
T: +353 91 492 309 
E: accounting@ universityofgalway.ie 

Note to Non EU students: Learn about the 24 month Stayback Visa here.


What Our Students Say

Nitin

Nitin Gupta |   Pathway A Graduate

The M.Sc. in International Accounting and Analytics at NUI Galway is an innovative programme that provided me with excellent understanding of both advanced accounting concepts and practical knowledge of analytical tools used in accounting and finance. The modules were very relevant and were delivered by Faculty who are top-notch academics and practitioners in their respective fields. The data analytics modules such as Big Data and SAP BW certification prepared me for the transformation that the accounting profession is witnessing right now. The small class environment provided for individual attention with various group activities making learning an enjoyable experience. The level of support from the Professors both in the class and outside was unparalleled. The core modules over semester one and two were supplemented by the Big Four practitioner led summer schools and guest lectures from industry providing us with the latest industry insights. Studying in the scenic campus bustling full of activity of a top ranked University combined with the vibrant and lively culture of Galway city has been one of the best experiences of my life.
Sonal

Sonal Sail |   Pathway A Graduate

I believe that the Masters in International Accounting & Analytics is an ideal programme which places a strong emphasis on understanding current business needs whilst equipping us with analytical skills required for employment in business. The professors and the course director especially are very supportive and provide plenty of guidance throughout the course, about career paths. The KPMG Summer School offers an excellent platform to acquire hands on experience of accounting and analytical tools and techniques used in big 4 accounting firms. For me, this NUI Galway MSc programme is a stepping stone towards an exciting and successful career opportunity
Sri Charan

Sri Charan Nallabala |   Pathway A Graduate

The Programme is well designed to meet the changing business requirements and, to enhance the students functional as well as technical skills which are very necessary for this data age. Learning how to use data by applying various analytical tools is very crucial for an accountant to make effective decisions and to ensure transparent corporate reporting. SAP module helped me a lot to understand how business intelligence can help to resolve real-world reporting issues. This programme has equipped me with all the skills which are necessary and trained me to kick start my accounting career with one of the leading Hedge Fund Audit Firms.
Umesh

Umesh Sharma |   pathway B Graduate

After speaking to the programme director, I was willing to take the risk of leaving my life in India to aim at higher goals in Ireland. I chose NUI Galway over the rest of the Universities in the world due to the course design and curriculum and the career support offered by the University. The entire MSc was structured smartly on significant topics in this changing world of accounting and finance. I found the staff highly empathetic with us the student community, professional in dealing with problems and they always prioritised the quality of the curriculum. This programme helped me secure a Senior role with BDO's Valuations and Financial Modelling group. I look forward to moving to a managerial role in the next six months where I get the opportunity to lead a team. I am very proud to be an NUI Galway alumnus.
Zhiwei

Zhiwei Mao |   Deloitte, Dublin

Studying the MSc International Accounting and Analytics (Pathway A) in NUI Galway is the one of the wisest career decisions I’ve ever made. I have gained professional knowledge from both intensive accounting modules and the practical summer schools which involve cooperation with KPMG and leading international academics. Through learning about big data and taking a SAP module, I have gained insights into and critical skills for managing big data and data analytics. I have to say that the learning experience of the entire MSc International Accounting and Analytics programme in NUI Galway has played a significant role in landing job offers from the “Big Four” for me. I really enjoyed and am so grateful for my time studying here!
 

What Employers Say

Laurence

Laurence May |   Principal, KPMG

We are in an age where more data is being created faster than ever before, with less than 1% of data ever being used or analysed. Therefore, the ability to analyse and use this data is a key challenge for all professions, including audit and accounting. The summer school is a mix of lectures and practical breakout sessions where participants will see how KPMG uses its Data & Analytics tools to harness the power of technology and bring greater vigour, precision and meaningful insights to the increasing age of data
Eamonn

Eamonn Siggins |   Chief Executive CPA Ireland

Ireland is currently experiencing a shortage of accountants. This skills shortage facilitates qualified accountants from outside of the EEA who wish to live and work in Ireland. CPA Ireland, through its international agreements with professional bodies who are members of IFAC in countries such as India, South Africa, USA, and many more provide a pathway to dual qualification and to CPA Ireland membership. This programme is equipping international accountants with skills that are in such high demand from Irish employers in every sector as well as providing the opportunity for international accountants adapt to living and studying in Ireland. The strategy for the development of Ireland’s financial services sector “Ireland for Finance” targets employment growth of 5,000 jobs in that sector by 2026. The opportunities for international accountants in Ireland are likely to grow in the coming years. The future in Ireland is certainly bright for alumni of the MSc in International Accounting and Analytics and CPA Ireland stands ready to support those alumni in developing their careers and lives in Ireland.
Liz

Liz Hughes |   Head Association of Chartered Certified Accountants ACCA

The good news is that when you join the new MSc (International Accounting & Analytics) at NUIG you automatically become part of the ACCA Accelerate programme, ACCA’s early entry programme to becoming a chartered certified finance professional. Accelerate allows you to leap ahead on your journey to becoming qualified, and provides additional benefits such as discounted exemptions and access to ACCA’s professional network, supplying you with invaluable career advice and support before you even graduate.
Brian

Brian Healy |   Director, Traded Markets, Operations Irish Stock Market Plc

The well established and proven advantages which a strong finance function brings to a business will need to be reimagined and adapted to the requirements of big data, the burgeoning of digital channel transactions and the increased demand for real-time and predictive analytics. This must complement more traditional financial and management accounting reporting. The accountant of the future can play as vital a role in high performing business as he/she does today but that will involve a transformed relationship with analytics and key aspects of "Platform 4.0" such as adaptive technology and artificial intelligence.
Conall

Conall McGonagle |   COO & Managing Director at KBC Bank USA

There is constant growth in the supply of data. The job market demand, across many career roles, is for your ability to deliver better data insights. We need to speak the language of data analysis. We need to translate and simplify complex data into key message insights and to communicate these in a clear and visual manner. The MSc (International Accounting & Analytics) from NUI Galway is your opportunity to jump on a surfboard and to learn to read the key data waves from the big data ocean.
Conor

Conor Clifford |   Senior Director of Finance at Medtronic

"Analytics is the key skill that differentiates an accountant from a true business partner, and can ultimately define the career of an accountant as analytics brings more meaning, life and understanding into accounting information".

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Higher Education Awards 2019

Gradireland best new course 2019 shortlisted

 

Shortlisted for Best New Postgraduate Course 2019

About NUI Galway

The Quadrangle at NUI Galway

NUI Galway Has Over:

  • 18,000 students.
  • 3,000 international students from 115 countries.
  • 2,500 staff members.
  • 120 links with universities across the globe.
  • 90,000 alumni in 107 countries.
  • 170 years experience providing university education.

NUI Galway Is:

  • In the top 1% of Universities Worldwide according to data from QS
  • Ireland's top University for graduate employability with 98% of our graduates employed or in further study within six months of graduating.
  • The largest and oldest university in the west of Ireland.

Irish Accountancy Awards 2019 & 20

Irish Accountancy Awards 2019 and 2020International Accountancy Award 2020Irish Accountancy Awards 2019