This well established and popular 'dual award' programme is designed to meet the needs of accounting graduates who wish to pursue a career as an Irish Chartered Accountant. It is an academically challenging one-year taught programme which encompasses both professional and conceptual material, enabling accounting graduates to study for a master's award and at the same time gain CAP2 exemptions from professional examinations of Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI). It is one of the leading programmes of its kind in Ireland and is the result of close collaboration with CAI, and the in-depth experience and expertise of the course team.

An aim of the programme is to develop the high level of skills, understanding and leadership capability considered necessary for embarking on a career as a Chartered Accountant, and to obtain a deeper understanding of the contemporary problems and issues faced by accounting and business professionals. The Master's dissertation element of the programme will enable students to develop their research and analytical skills further by completing a piece of primary research. A highly desirable feature of the programme is the level of sponsorship provided by employers. Students being sponsored on the programme receive payment of tuition fees, generous book allowances and in some instances loans and laptops.

Career Options

Employment prospects for students completing this programme are excellent, with typically close to 100% of students securing training contracts with Chartered Accountancy and Professional Services firms. The programme is highly regarded by employers, with many of the large and medium sized Chartered Accountancy firms sponsoring students on the programme. On successful completion of the programme, students not only gain a postgraduate qualification but also full CAP2 exemptions. With pass rates typically at 100%, students only have to complete the final FAE examinations in order to qualify as a Chartered Accountant.

The goal of the programme is to produce high-calibre graduates who will progress quickly through their professional training and advance to senior management positions within the accountancy profession. Career opportunities for Chartered Accountants have never been better. Currently, two thirds of CAI members are working in industry, business or finance. Many leading companies in Ireland have a Chartered Accountant as their Financial Director or Chief Executive. A third of members are currently working in practice. International recognition brings global mobility for members with over 3,500 members working outside Ireland (e.g. Australia, USA, Canada, Caribbean).