Course Summary
There is a significant shortage of accounting graduates in Ireland. This degree offers one of the fastest routes to achieving a professional accounting qualification. Our final-year students are experiencing high demand for their skill set and receiving numerous offers of employment both locally and nationally, often prior to completion of the course. No other university in Ireland offer more exemptions from the professional accountancy exams than ATU Sligo. Read more about these exemptions below.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
After three years, graduates will hold an honours degree in Accounting and will qualify for generous exemptions from all the professional accountancy bodies in Ireland. The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning and computer laboratory work. Students develop a detailed comprehension of core concepts and principles in accounting and will have the ability to apply this knowledge in problem-solving.
YEAR 1
Year 1 is focused on giving students foundation knowledge in core business areas, including Accounting Principles, Business Management, Business Law, Business Mathematics, Information Technology Skills and Understanding the Dynamics of an Organisation.
YEAR 2
Students explore core business areas in greater depth. Modules include Management Accounting, Financial Reporting, and Information Technology. Knowledge and understanding of key business disciplines are broadened with the Introduction of Company Law, Economics, and Business Management. Students have the opportunity to avail of a summer internship at the end of Year 2.
YEAR 3
Students study more advanced accounting topics with a focus on financial management and strategic thinking. Students also explore their career options.
Please note that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on student demand and course updates.
WHY ATU SLIGO ACCOUNTING?
This degree is highly commended by all of the professional accountancy bodies. No other university in Ireland offers more exemptions from the professional accountancy exams than ATU Sligo.
On completion of the three-year programme, graduates are exempt from all CAP1 examinations with Chartered Accountants Ireland; three applied knowledge and six applied skills examinations with ACCA; all examinations up to Professional 2 stage with CPA; Certificate and Operational Level (except for Operational case study exam) with CIMA.
The key skills built into the degree means graduates are well-grounded and prepared for a career in accountancy, or further study in:
- Business finance, accounting and reporting
- Taxation
- Management principles and strategic management
- Business law, economics and human resource management
- Marketing and enterprise
- Personal financial services
Graduates from this stimulating and challenging degree have the competence to work in the finance function of any organisation, large or small, both in Ireland and internationally. Many graduates work in banking and financial services or may choose a teaching career; such is the broad range of options open to students.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for CAO courses at ATU Sligo are available for download below:
- Download Entry requirements for just Level 8 programmes
- Download Entry requirements for all programmes
Accountancy at Leaving Certificate level is not required as this programme starts with beginners accounting.
Career Opportunities
The majority of graduates from the BA (Hons) in Accounting will progress to a professional accounting qualification. Most of our recent graduates are either on masters programmes, some sponsored by employers, or are in training contracts with local and national accounting and consultancy companies.
Graduates also pursue careers in finance, banking and financial services. second-level teaching (Professional Master of Education) or lecturing (add-on masters required).
This programme meets the Teaching Council of Ireland criteria for secondary school teaching for Accounting teacher to Leaving Certificate level and Business teacher to Junior Certificate level. Graduates who wish to pursue a career in teaching must complete a Professional Master of Education (PME).
There is a significant shortage of accounting graduates in Ireland. Our final-year students are experiencing high demand for their skill set and receiving numerous offers of employment both locally and nationally, often prior to completion of this programme.
Further Study
On completion of this degree, masters opportunities and professional qualifications are available for graduates.
Successful graduates of this programme are exempt from the following professional examinations:
- ALL CAP1 examinations with Chartered Accountants Ireland
- 9 of the total 13 examinations with ACCA
- ALL examinations up to Professional 2 Stage with CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
- Certificate and Operational Level with CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
No other university in Ireland offers more exemptions from these professional examinations.
This programme meets the Teaching Council of Ireland criteria for secondary school teaching for Accounting teacher to Leaving Certificate level and Business teacher to Junior Certificate level. Graduates who wish to pursue a career in teaching must complete a Professional Master of Education (PME).
Testimonials
"The content of the modules range from financial reporting (the accounts/figures) to company law to tax. It is an extremely interesting degree and the lecturers are top class. They really keep it so interesting and relevant to real life. The lecturers make the course because of their attention to each individual student with small class sizes they get to know you, your not just a number. You grow to have great friendships and ones for life.
ATU Sligo has the maximum exemptions for all the professional exams. I was not aware of this before I started my studies. In my own case, I have chosen Chartered Accountants Ireland exams and I will be exempt completely from CAP 1. My advice - Do not be afraid to ask the lecturers for help they are there to facilitate you and guide you through everything."
Tara Jayne Wade, Sligo, BA (Hons) in Accounting graduate
"We had a small class size, less than 20 people, which I found very helpful as it gave us a chance to ask lecturers to explain anything that was causing problems which wouldn’t be as possible in a larger class. The lecturers are very helpful to students when they are seeking employment in their final year. They do everything possible to help which made it a lot easier to find a job which is the ultimate goal for everyone when they finish their degree."
Keelan Dowd, Longford, BA (Hons) in Accounting graduate
Did you know?
No other university in Ireland offer more exemptions from the professional accountancy exams than ATU Sligo.
This is one of the fastest routes to professional accountancy.
Students do not need to have studied accountancy for their Leaving Certificate as this programme starts with beginners accounting.
Students have the opportunity to avail of a summer internship at the end of Year 2.
Small class sizes mean students get extra support if they need it. A low student-to-lecturer ratio enhances the learning experience and facilitates more individual attention between students and tutors.
There is a significant shortage of accounting graduates in Ireland. Our final-year students are experiencing high demand for their skill set and receiving numerous offers of employment both locally and nationally, often prior to completion of the course.
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, case studies, problem-based learning and computer laboratory work.
Graduates can become a secondary school teacher by completing a Professional Master of Education (PME) in order to teach Accounting to Leaving Certificate level and Business to Junior Certificate level.
Alumni
"The variety of modules on the degree are really interesting. The smaller class size is a real bonus too as students get to know each other and form lifelong friendships. The lecturers also get to know their students individually. From my own personal experience, I always felt that my lecturers were very approachable and supportive and always offering expert advice on any queries I may have had.
The lecturers also work very closely with industry and accounting students to prepare them for employment e.g. undertaking mock interviews and CV preparations. This preparation gave me great confidence during interviews and when applying for posts. In fact, I was offered a position as a Trainee Accountant at ATU Sligo soon after my final exams. I work with the finance team and love gaining as much experience as possible. So many of my classmates received job offers too – before finishing our final year!
The maximum exemptions makes you much more employable. Having this will help you stand out from graduates who don’t when it comes to job interviews."
Lisa Flynn, BA (Hons) in Accounting Graduate and Trainee Accountant with ATU Sligo
Darragh Devaney tells us about his experience of studying the BA (Hons) in Accounting at ATU Sligo.
Course Format
Semester 1
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Financial Reporting 1 | 05 |
| Business Law for Accountants 1 | 05 |
| Business Mathematics and Statistics 1 | 05 |
| Skills for Success | 05 |
| Management Accounting Fundamentals 1 | 05 |
| ICT in Accounting | 05 |
Semester 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
Semester 5
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Finance 1 | 05 |
| Financial Reporting 5 | 05 |
| Strategic Management 1 | 05 |
| Strategic Management Accounting 1 | 05 |
| Taxation 1 | 05 |
| Auditing 1 | 05 |
Semester 6
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Finance 2 | 05 |
| Financial Reporting 6 | 05 |
| Strategic Management 2 | 05 |
| Strategic Management Accounting 2 | 05 |
| Taxation 2 | 05 |
| Auditing 2 | 05 |