Prospective Students

Understanding the Course:

Interested in business and like problem solving?

The BA in Accounting and Finance degree at DCU is Ireland's premier degree for those wishing to pursue careers as accountants and financial services professionals. This is an extremely popular course, the first of its kind in the Republic of Ireland and highly regarded by the accounting and financial services professions.

If you are looking for an exciting and dynamic career where you can work in any business sector anywhere in the world, the BA in Accounting and Finance is for you.

Why Study the BA in Accounting and Finance?

1. Generous exeptions from examinations of professional accounting bodies.
2. Continued high level of recruitment by all the leading accounting firms.
3. Options to specialise in a range of areas, including accounting, finance, marketing, HR, law, and eBusiness.
4. Three year course with option for one year Masters.
5. Student-friendly, congenial environment with excellent, supportive and friendly lecturers.

About You:

Accounting is for logical thinkers. If you like problem solving and are interested in the details behind the headlines, then this is for you.

If you have not studied Accounting previously, don't worry, introductory classes will give you the basics you will need.

Course Structure:

The course develops top quality graduates who can think critically and creatively, have technical expertise and well-developed decision making and problem-solving skills.

The goal of the course is to give you an in-depth knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects of accounting and finance, as well as an understanding of the business, legal, taxation and IT context of this work. These skills will help you to succeed in accounting, finance, taxation or related careers.

The degree is structured around three main areas:

• Accounting: Financial and management accounting are studied from an Irish and an international perspective. Taxation, auditing and professional ethics modules are also offered.
• Finance: A thorough foundation in the principles of economics, corporate finance, and topics such as investments is provided.
• Business: A rounded understanding of the principles of business is developed by the study of subjects such as law, psychology, marketing, HR, management, communications, IT, and new enterprise development.

If you wish, you may elect to study one of three European languages (French or German or Spanish) as part of the course. You can study the language throughout your degree or drop it after first year, depending on your preference.

Prizes awarded to students during the course include:

Martin Hannan Memorial Prizes
The Martin Hannan Memorial Prizes, sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers, Chartered Accountants, are awarded to the students placed first, second and third in Year 1 examinations.

KPMG
KPMG, Chartered Accountants, award cash prizes to the students placed first, second and third in Year 2 examinations.

Mazars
Mazars, Chartered Accountants, award cash prizes to the students with the highest aggregate mark in the French option modules in Years 1 and 2.

Grant Thornton
Grant Thornton, Chartered Accountants, award a cash prize to the student who achieves overall first place in the BA in Accounting and Finance degree.

CIMA
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants award a prize to the student who achieves the highest average mark in modules AC223, Management Accounting: Cost Systems and AC224, Management Accounting: Planning and Control.

kavanaghfennell
kavanaghfennell advisory, award a prize to the students placed first and second in AC220, International Accounting Theory and Practice.

These awards reflect the esteem in which leading employers hold this qualification.

International Students
Non-native English speakers may be eligible to apply to the International Foundation Certificate (IFC) course, which will help you to achieve the English language requirements necessary for entry to this course as well as preparing you for adjustment to university learning in the Irish context.

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

What Our Graduates Say

"So much more than mundane number-crunching! The BA in Accounting and Finance provides students with broad business education to give them the tools to adapt to the constantly evolving business environment of the 21st century, not to mention full exemptions from the first set of professional accounting exams (CAP1). Even in the current economic climate, graduates of this programme are getting numerous job offers from many of the world's biggest accounting firms.

The teaching staff in DCU Business School are warm, welcoming and their infectious enthusiasm makes learning that bit easier! In addition to your studies, the multitude of clubs and societies provide something for pretty much anybody and help develop the "soft" interpersonal skills which are so essential for succeeding in the business world. What's more, your extra-curricular work can be used to contribute to your degree in your final year. Are there any downsides to doing this course? Not that I can think of!"
Shane Murphy, International Tax Trainee, Deloitte & Touche

"AF is so much more than I ever anticipated when I started first year! The huge range of module choices in all years gave me the opportunity to study marketing, French, fund accounting and risk management, to name a few. In final year you get the opportunity to specialise in a subject area. So if you decide that finance, marketing or law is an area you would like to pursue a career in, you can specialise in these areas instead of accounting.

AF and the DCU Business School staff really prepare you for the workplace and the degree is very career oriented. There is a focus on group work, presentation skills and analytical thinking which is essential for any workplace as well as the academic stuff!

Not only is AF a brilliant degree but DCU offers so much more in terms of clubs and societies, sports teams, gigs and events as well as a huge support network. There is always an event to go to and a door to knock on if there are any problems. I've had a great three years in AF and DCU - so much so, that I stayed on to do a Masters and I will be sorry to leave next year!"
Aoife Costello, currently studying on Masters in Accounting at DCU

"Bean-counter? Guess again! The BA in Accounting and Finance is anything but dull. Accountants are at the heart of business. The range of broad-based business subjects on offer will equip students with the skills and tools necessary to manage effectively in the modern, ever-changing work environment.

The programme offers a strong foundation for career progression, not only providing exemptions from the professional exams of major accounting bodies, but also exposing students to other aspects of business to develop that "business acumen" that employers consider so important.

Challenging it may be, but the support on offer at DCU is second to none, in relation to both course work and the non-academic side of things. If you are looking for a stepping stone to a career with no boundaries, look no further."
Joseph Smith, currently studying on Masters in Accounting at DCU

Career Prospects:

A considerable demand continues to exist for accountants, financial managers, and tax and management consultants.

You will be professionally equipped for such careers. In terms of employers you can choose from professional accountancy practices, industry, commerce, financial services and the public service, nationally and internationally.

Graduates are granted generous exemptions from the examinations of professional accountancy bodies.

Current exemptions include:
1. Chartered Accounts Ireland: 2.2 Honours graduates - CAP1 Examination: Full exemption
2. Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA): Exemption from F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F7, F8, F9 at fundamental level.
3. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA): Exemption from C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, P1, P2, F1, F2.
4. Institute of Certified Accountants in Ireland (ICPAI): Formation Levels: Full exemption; Professional Level 1: Auditing, Corporate Reporting.

Note: All exemptions awarded are subject to annual review and revision by the various professional bodies and are based on students achieving clear passes in completion of specific modules.

This course is suitable for those who ultimately wish to pursue a career in teaching as it is recognised by the Teaching Council for the purposes of teaching Accounting, and Business.

Graduates have the opportunity to progress to DCU's MBS in Accounting programme, which offers further generous exemptions from professional examinations.

Entry Requirements:

How to Apply and Closing Dates

EU School Leavers/FETAC Level 5
Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May

EU Mature Applicants
Apply through the CAO by 1st February

EU Transfer Applicants
Apply directly to DCU by the 1st July

All Non-EU Candidates
Candidates should apply directly to DCU. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to the 1st July. All non-EU candidates are advised to apply early as places are limited.

Make an Application
Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at http://www.cao.ie/
Candidates required to apply directly to DCU can download, print and complete a direct application form by clicking here

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