Prospective Students

Degree Information:

The Professional Diploma in Taxation (PDT) has been designed by DCU Business School and the Irish Tax Institute to fast track graduates who wish to pursue careers in taxation, but whose primary qualifications are in areas other than accounting or taxation. In this sense, it is what we call a "conversion" programme.

The graduate diploma was created to cater for the strong demand for taxation professionals in both the accountancy & legal professions.

Established as the first such programme of its kind in the Republic of Ireland, it will attract and is suitable for high quality graduates from a wide range of disciplines including law, business, arts, engineering, education and science. The graduate diploma will provide students with an excellent foundation in taxation and its related disciplines, bringing them to a high level of competence such that they are fully prepared to progress to later examinations with the Irish Tax Institute.

Aims and Objectives:

The key objectives of the Professional Diploma in Taxation are two-fold.

Firstly, the programme aims to develop students' understanding of the conceptual underpinnings and practice of taxation.

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 full-time Professional Diploma in Taxation lasts for one academic year (September to May). It operates on a semester basis with a mix of semester- and year-long modules. Some modules are assessed at the end of the first semester and others at the end of the second semester.

The modules on the PDT cover:

• Income Tax and VAT
• Corporate and Capital Taxes
• Financial Accounting
• Financial Management
• Law

The programme commences with an introductory accounting course, which takes place 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 taxation
• Only course of its kind in Ireland
• Interactive, supportive learning environment
• Close ties with the taxation professions ensuring an up-to-date and relevant programme
• Lecturers who have worked in the taxation and accounting profession and have a full appreciation of what students need to succeed.

"Tax is a dynamic and fast-paced career. The constantly evolving nature of tax legislation in Ireland, the EU and internationally means the legal, tax and commercial implication of a transaction can rapidly change".
Martina O'Brien, Director of Educational Strategy, Irish Tax Institute, www.taxinstitute.ie

Career Prospects:

The Irish Tax Institute is the leading representative
and educational body for Ireland's AITI Chartered
Tax Advisers (CTA) and is the only professional body exclusively dedicated to tax. The Institute is the leading provider of tax qualifications in Ireland, educating the finest minds in tax and business for over thirty years. The AITI Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification is the gold standard in tax and the international mark of excellence in tax advice.

Exemptions - Irish Tax Exams
Graduates are exempt from all papers in Part 1
and part of Part 2 of the examinations of the
Irish Tax Institute.

Entry Requirements:

The minimum entry requirement is a 2.1 Honours Degree in a discipline other than accounting and taxation.
If, as expected, demand from qualified applicants exceeds available places, applicants are ranked for admission purposes on the basis of prior academic performance.

Dates for Submission of Applications 2013

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

Non-EU Applicants
Apply online through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac.ie/dcu) by 31st August 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 DC505. 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)