Degree Information:

The Professional Diploma in Accounting (PDA) is designed to fast-track graduates who wish to pursue careers in accountancy or taxation, but whose primary qualifications are in areas other than accounting. In this sense, it is what we call a postgraduate "conversion" programme.

Accredited in 1982, the PDA is the longest established programme of its kind in the Republic of Ireland and attracts high-quality graduates from a wide range of disciplines including arts, engineering, law, education, science and business. It provides students with an excellent foundation in accounting and its related disciplines, bringing them to a high level of competence such that they are excellently prepared to commence the advanced examinations of professional accountancy and taxation bodies.

Graduates are exempt, in full, from the CAP1 examinations of Chartered Accountants Ireland. Exemptions are also available from CIMA, ACCA, ICPAI and The Irish Taxation Institute.

Aims and Objectives:

The key objectives of the PDA are two-fold. Firstly, the programme aims to develop students' understanding of the conceptual underpinnings and practice of accounting.

Secondly, it strives to enhance students' problem-solving, analytical, critical thinking and independent learning skills so that they are equipped appropriately for challenging careers in dynamic professional and business environments.

Programme Structure:

The PDA lasts for one academic year (September-May). It operates on a semester basis with some modules being assessed at the end of the first semester and others at the end of the second semester. The modules on the PDA cover:-

• Financial Accounting
• Management Accounting
• Taxation
• Law
• Financial Management
  

Sponsored Prizes

FGS, Chartered Accountants, award a prize to the student who achieves first place overall on the programme. The Irish Taxation Institute awards a prize to the student who achieves first place in the taxation module.

Starting Date: The programme commences with an introductory accounting course, which takes place from 17th September 2012 - 21st September 2012 (i.e. one week before the standard University commencement date).

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

• Provides a fast track to a career in accounting
• Leading conversion programme in accounting of its kind in Ireland
• Interactive, supportive learning environment
• Close ties with the accountancy and taxation professions ensuring an up-to-date and relevant programme
• Lecturers who have worked in the accounting profession and have a full appreciation of what students need to succeed.
  

What Graduates Say

"The standard of the lecturers and the lecture material was the best I have experienced at third level. The course is highly respected in the workplace and invariably leads to very good employment prospects after graduating. It gives an excellent basis for any career in the accounting or business fields and I would highly recommend this course."
Joseph Kelly, KPMG

"The PDA gives you the perfect foundation for a career as a Chartered Accountant. A small class size and high quality teaching ensure that the PDA is rewarding for graduates of any discipline. The course focuses on the core areas of accounting knowledge that will prepare you for work and future professional exams. When you progress from the PDA, you will feel confident that you possess the knowledge and skills to excel in the workplace."
Eoghan O'Murchu, Deloitte

"The PDA is a great programme and it is ideal for graduates who wish to pursue careers in accounting. I really appreciated the high standard of teaching on the PDA and the level of support provided by all the staff. In addition, the small class size allowed me to make great friends, which really added to my enjoyment of the year".
Vivian Lihong, PwC

Download the Professional Diploma in Accounting Factsheet (Pdf-188kb)

Career Prospects:

PDA graduates typically proceed to qualify as professional accountants and/or taxation specialists and pursue careers in accountancy firms, financial institutions, and manufacturing and service companies in Ireland and abroad.

Graduates are exempt, in full, from the CAP1 examinations of Chartered Accountants Ireland. Exemptions are also available from CIMA, ACCA, ICPAI and The Irish Taxation Institute.

It should be noted that professional bodies review the exemptions available to programmes offered by all universities on an annual basis.

PDA graduates, who achieve a minimum overall grade of a credit, are eligible to apply for a place on the MBS in Accounting programme offered at DCU Business School.

Entry Requirements:

The minimum entry requirements for the programme are:

• A H2.2 Honours degree (with an overall average of at least 55% across all modules), or international equivalent, in any discipline other than Accounting (for graduates of undergraduate programmes undertaken in any country).
  

OR

• A H2.2 Honours degree (with an overall average of at least 55% across all modules), or international equivalent, in Accounting (for those who have undertaken their undergraduate studies outside Ireland and the UK).

Due to the regulatory nature of Accounting, holders of Accounting degrees awarded by institutions overseas are usually not eligible for direct entry to Masters degrees in Accounting in Ireland. Hence, holders of such degrees are eligible to apply to the Professional Diploma in Accounting.

Candidates who have not received their degree results by the application closing date may receive conditional offers.

International Applications
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

Dates for Submission of Applications 2013

EU Applicants
We have added a limited number of extra places to this programme, apply online through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu) by 31st July 2013.

Non-EU Applicants
Apply online through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu) by 31st July 2013. Applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of gaining entry into Ireland are advised to apply as early as possible.

Applying through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu)
When applying for this programme use the PAC code DC500. Please submit a C.V. along with other supporting documentation to PAC.

Queries on Completed Applications
Queries on completed applications can be made by e-mail to registry.pac@dcu.ie

Commencement of Programme

September 2013

Full list of degrees >

Fee information

Indicative Timetable
(Weeks 20-31)