Bachelor of Arts Accounting

AIT has one of the best reputations nationally of any third-level institution for the quality of its accounting programmes and lecturing staff. Our honours degree enjoys a large number of exemptions from professional bodies, such as CIMA, ACCA, CPA and CAI. Furthermore, you now have the option of undertaking a placement year as part of the honours degree, which will greatly enhance your employment prospects. Many of our lecturers also teach for the professional bodies, and these students continually score amongst the highest marks in their exams in Ireland, and indeed the world.

In this episode, accounting lecturer Brendan Doyle explains what makes studying accounting at AIT so unique in relation to placements, career prospects and lots more.

What will I experience?

This hugely-respected honours degree in accounting will provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the fundamental theories, concepts, principles and practices essential for a rewarding career in professional accountancy. At a general level, the degree will give you the knowledge, skills, abilities and attitudes necessary for a successful career in today's challenging business environment. You will learn how commercial and industrial organisations function, the environmental factors that affect an organisation and the contribution of the accounting/finance professional to an organisation's success.

Please note that the honours degree in accounting can either be a 3 years or 4* years course.

* At the end of second year, students have the opportunity to add a work placement dimension to their degree. The dedicated placement year comprises work preparation modules in semester 1 and a six-month placement in semester 2 of third year. At the end of this year, they return to the final year of the programme. All other students progress directly to the final year of the 3-year programme.

What opportunities might it lead to?

Graduates initially pursue a career in an accounting practice or industry. The majority gain employment with the Big 4 firms and local accounting firms. The vast majority qualify as accountants within 2 years upon graduation and can expect to rise to more senior executive level, in private industry, in the public and private sectors, and in education.

AIT has developed very strong links with accounting practices across the country and the reputation of our past graduates is excellent and we have no doubt future graduates will achieve similar recognition.

CIMA awards graduates from the BA (Hons) in Accounting exemptions from eight out of the 14 examinations in their professional programme. ACCA offers AIT graduates exemptions from nine papers out of 14 required for qualification. Meanwhile, CPA Ireland offers graduates exemptions from 10 out of the 15 examination papers through their FastTrack programme.

Chartered Accountants Ireland grant exemption from CAP1 for graduates of this programme who achieve a minimum of 50% in all module across the 3 years of the programme. Extra information on why you might like to become an accountant can be found here.

In this episode, accounting graduate Aaron discusses the transition to third level, why he chose to study at AIT, work placement and what life as an accountant is really like.

Assessment Information

Assessments in this programme consist of continuous assessments, projects, group work, presentations and end of semester exams. All assessments are aligned with the relevant accounting professional organisations.

Grade H5 at higher level in two subjects, plus Grade O6 at ordinary level in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate. Two of these subjects must be Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).

QQI (FETAC) QQI applicants to this programme must hold one of the following awards: Business Administration (5M2468), Business Studies (5M2102). They must also hold distinctions in 3 modules.

Foundation level programme: Certificate in English for Academic Studies: Minimum IELTS 4.5 or equivalent.

Pre-sessional Summer programme in English June to August: Minimum IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.

Undergraduate programmes: Minimum IELTS 5.5 with no Band less than 5.0.

Postgraduate programmes: Minimum IELTS 6.0 with no Band less than 5.5 *

*note some postgraduate programmes require minimum IELTS 6.5.

Accounting graduates find employment in practice or alternatively in industry. In addition to accounting-oriented roles, many also progress to careers in management. AIT graduates are employed by the big four accounting firms, as well as by small and medium-sized practices in Ireland, and around the globe.

Further Study

As a graduate of this programme, you may progress to study for a professional accountancy qualification and/or study related to the business environment, with a particular focus on degree opportunities at Master and doctorate levels. While MA in Accounting at AIT is a natural progression route, students also have the option of continuing on to the MSc in Data Analytics.

Master of Arts in Accounting

Master of Arts

Master of Science in Data Analytics (full time)

Masters of Science

Master of Science in Data Analytics (part-time)

Masters of Science

Application Procedures for Non-EU Students

Students applying for entry to undergraduate or postgraduate programmes should supply the following information directly to the International Office, Athlone Institute of Technology on or before 1 May for programmes commencing in September:

• Completed AIT application form;
• Detailed curriculum vitae;
• Certified transcripts of examination results and English language translations of qualifications not issued in English
• Evidence of ability to follow classes in the English language (which must satisfy Institute entry requirements for the following programmes)

• Letter of recommendation from appropriate Head of Department of own institution
• Any other relevant information regarding qualifications or previous work experience.

Students from non-EU countries must apply for a valid study visa for the duration of the programme of study in advance of registration at AIT. Visa application guidelines can be found on Department of Justice & Equality website: http://www.inis.gov.ie/