Qualification : BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE
Award Type and NFQ level : UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)
CAO/PAC code : MH403
CAO Points : 409
Closing Date : 01 July 2025
Degree Overview
>This degree affords you the opportunity to become a highly sought-after graduate possessing the accounting, finance and transferable skills required of future business leaders. Graduates can develop rewarding careers with international mobility and high earning potential.
>The degree is recognised by the professional accountancy bodies in Ireland (Chartered Accountants Ireland, ACCA, and CIMA). Upon its successful completion you will be exempt from the first level of their professional examinations (CAP1 and equivalent) and well on the road to your professional accounting qualification, which requires you to complete a series of professional exams as well as on-the-job training.
>On this degree, you will learn how the financial systems and markets work. You also will learn how to compile, analyse, interpret and communicate essential information about the operations of a business whether that business be a small firm, a publicly traded corporation or an NGO (non- governmental organisation).
>Throughout this degree you will engage with expert faculty, who foster an engaging, friendly, supportive and dynamic learning environment.
>You will also have the opportunity to pursue a four-year degree. You can choose between a work placement in a leading accounting or finance firm, or indeed a study year abroad, enabling you to combine what you learn in Maynooth University with insights into industry or another culture.
>There is a possible transfer option to this degree in second year for students who have completed the first year of the Bachelor of Arts degree (MH101). See BA Degree for details.
Duration: 3 years (4 years with optional placement or Erasmus/Study Abroad)
Accounting is the major element of your degree, studied with Finance and Economics.
1st year
- Students are introduced to the fundamentals of accounting and finance in year 1 with no prior knowledge required, as we teach accounting from first principles. Students develop key analytical, technical and numeracy skills which create a solid foundation to build upon in subsequent years.
2nd and final year
- In 2nd and final year you will expand and deepen your knowledge of all areas of accounting and finance as well as gain an understanding of the financial environment in which businesses operate.
- Optional work placement - subject to availability*.
(*You will have the option to add a year-long accredited placement in Ireland or abroad to your degree. The University will support you in the search for a placement job; however, the process is competitive).
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Department of School of Business
Department of Hamilton Institute
Department of Innovation Value Institute (IVI)
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| Subject | Required | Ordinary Level Grade | Higher Level Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irish | Yes | O6 | H7 |
| English | Yes | O6 | H7 |
| Language | No | N/A | N/A |
| Math | Yes | O4 | H7 |
| Science | No | N/A | N/A |
International & EU/EFTA Entry Requirements
Mature Students
Mature Applicants
Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time/flexible degrees the mature age is 21.
Mature applicants who have a disability
If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require examination support for any required written exercise/interview which may form part of your application assessment please submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2025 to the Access Office. Unfortunately we are unable to consider applications for alternative examination accommodation after this deadline.
01 February 2025
Additional Information
Leaving Certificate Applicants
Required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7, O6/H7 in Irish, English & O4/H7 Mathematics. MH403 Round 1 Points 2024: 409
HEAR and DARE
DARE: The Disability Access Route to Education is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.
HEAR: The Higher Education Access Route is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Contact the Access Office for more information about these access routes.
The Maynooth Education
Click here for details about optional Critical Skills courses, Electives and degree pathways.
APPLY TO THE CAO - WWW.CAO.IE
The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Click here for all information about how to apply.
Categories of applicant:
- School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students)
- Mature students (23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University/part-time degrees the mature age is 21)
- EU/EFTA/UK students
- International students (outside the EU)
- QQI (Further Education) students
- Transferring students
- Deferring students