Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)

Course Overview

**New Exemptions Available**: Our BComm (Accounting now offers one of the most competitive exemption packages available at undergraduate level in Ireland. Students who meet the required academic criteria are eligible for full exemption from all five Chartered Accountants Ireland CAP1* exams and two CAP2* exams. These exemptions give our students a real head start in their professional accounting careers, reducing the time and cost associated with completing further qualifications.

*Subject to minimum grade requirements

As a student, you’ll have the option to follow one of two pathways in the course. Whether you’re aiming to gain international experience, complete your degree in three years, or take on a professional placement, you can tailor the programme to fit your goals.

1. Accelerated Three-Year Degree with Internship Pathway Option
The BCA offers a three-year degree option that secures two CAP 2 exemptions. This streamlined pathway also allows students to graduate sooner while gaining valuable experience through an optional summer professional internship.

2. Four Years with Global and Professional Opportunities
Students of the programme also benefit from two CAP 2 exemptions. This pathway offers include international study opportunities and a professional work placement, offering a well-rounded academic and career-focused experience.

About the Course

The BComm (Accounting degree at University of Galway combines a broad-based business education with the advantage of a specialized programme for those interested in a career in accounting or a related discipline. Students on the programme particularly like the small class size, which really helps them to settle in. This programme offers significant exemptions from professional accounting examinations.

The Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting is a three-year undergraduate course* designed for students who have decided that they want a career in accountancy, taxation or corporate finance. This programme offers excellent levels of exemptions from the examinations of all of the major professional accountancy and taxation practitioner bodies. Our internship and placement partners include PWC, KPMG, Deloitte, EY, Grant Thornton, DHKN, Crowe Howarth, Supermacs and Mazars.

*4 years of optional Global Experience & Work Placement year:

The BComm (Accounting can be extended from three to four years. We offer students an opportunity to enhance their studies, spending one year studying abroad or one semester studying abroad along with a one semester work placement. With this option in third year, students will study a range of business/accounting courses through English at an international partner university in Europe, North America, Asia, or Australia, providing students with an invaluable experience and graduating with a BComm (Accounting - International Experience degree. Students return to NUI Galway to complete their final year.

We are recognised by:

‌Deloitte Partnership

University of Galway is pleased to be partnering with Deloitte on the BComm (Global Experience course.

Click here for more information on Deloitte awards and scholarships.

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, another language, Mathematics, and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes. Additional requirements: Minimum H4 in Accounting.

Academic entry requirements standardised per country here.

English language requirements here.

Our graduates have had excellent success in securing employment as trainee accountants in all types of accountancy practices. Graduates may also find employment in financial services, taxation, banking, manufacturing and other industries. Find out more about these Accounting Exemptions at the links below.

ACCA: Information about current ACCA exemptions can be found on this website.

CIMA: Here is the link to the CIMA exemptions calculator.

Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI) CAP1: information about current exemptions can be found on this website.

Click here to see where your Commerce degree can take you in the world!

This programme offers substantial exemptions from professional examinations for students who meet the required criteria. These include full exemption from the Chartered Accountants Ireland CAP1 examinations, along with exemption from two CAP2 examinations - placing us among the top undergraduate programmes in Ireland for professional recognition.

The programme also supports students in preparing for the global business environment through an optional Global Year. This includes a professional placement with an accountancy firm and a semester studying abroad. For those not opting for the Global Year, a structured Accounting Summer Internship offers valuable work experience in the field.