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1. Study
2. Postgraduate
3. Taught Courses
4. Masters
5. Accounting and Performance Analytics

Course Fact File

Code	MSCAPA
Duration	12 Months Full-time
Teaching Mode	Full-time
Qualifications	MSc
NFQ Level	Level 9
EU Fees	€12,114 See Fees and Costs for full details.
Non-EU Fees	€21,914
Closing Date	Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Non-EU Closing Date	Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Start Date	6 September 2027

Course Outline

Turn Your Degree into a Career in Accounting, Analytics and Business

The MSc in Accounting and Performance Analytics is a 12-month full-time programme designed for graduates from disciplines other than accounting who want to open new career opportunities in accounting, finance, analytics and business. Modern accounting is about much more than financial reporting. Organisations increasingly need professionals who can understand financial performance, work confidently with data and technology, and turn information into better business decisions. This programme has been designed to develop that combination of skills.

You will build a strong foundation in accounting and performance management while gaining practical experience in areas including Python, data analytics, business data visualisation, information systems and business process modelling. By the end of the programme, you will have developed a distinctive combination of financial, analytical and digital capabilities. You will be able to interpret complex data, evaluate organisational performance and communicate insights that support business decisions, preparing you for global roles in accounting, consulting, business analysis, performance management and related fields.

 

You will:

• Develop expertise in management accounting, financial reporting, performance management, risk and control.
• Build practical digital and analytical skills through Python, database design, business analytics and data visualisation.
• Learn how organisations use information systems and data to improve decision-making and performance.
• Work on practical business problems through projects, industry engagement and applied learning.
• Have the opportunity to complete an applied research project or an industry placement, developing valuable professional experience and industry connections.
• Benefit from professional accounting exemptions from ACCA, CIMA and Chartered Accountants Ireland, subject to the requirements of the relevant professional body. *

Whether your undergraduate background is in business, science, engineering, arts, technology or another discipline, this programme provides a pathway to develop the accounting, analytical and professional skills increasingly valued in today's business environment.

* This programme is eligible for the CIMA Academic Masters Gateway. Upon graduation, students have exemptions from up to 5 ACCA examinations.

ACCA Exemptions Calculator

Please note exemptions from professional accounting bodies are independently awarded, and subject to change based on syllabus and content updates.

Programme content

Students take 90 credits as follows – 60 credits of taught modules (Part I) and 30 credits of research modules (Part II)

Part 1: Students take 60 credits as follows - all listed core modules:

• AC6002 Accounting Information Fundamentals (5 credits)
• AC6412 Ethics & Sustainability Reporting (5 credits)
• AC6419 Principles of Cost Management (5 credits)
• AC6420 Advanced Managerial Accounting (5 credits)
• AC6421 Performance Management, Risk and Control for International Firms (5 credits)
• AC6424 Financial Reporting 1
• AC6425 Financial Reporting 2
• FI6006  Professional Development (5 credits)
• IS6200  Introduction to Python for Data Analytics (5 credits)
• IS6217 Applied Python for Data Analytics
• IS6218  Business Process Modelling for Digital Transformation (5 credits)
• IS6219  Business Analytics and Data Visualisation (5 credits)

Part II - Students take 30 credits as follows:

• AC6016 Placement (30 credits) or AC6017 Applied Research in Performance Analytics (30 credits)

The MSc Accounting and Performance Analytics is a 12-month programme commencing in September. Students take taught modules from September to May, followed by either the completion of a group-based research project or a graduate placement commencing from June onwards.

Students undertake taught modules to the value of 60 credits and an industrial placement or industry report to the value of 30 credits. In the event of a placement not being secured an unplaced student will undertake project work of an equivalent credit value as specified by the Head of Department.

Exit Award

Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting and performance analytics

Candidates who pass taught modules to the value of 60 credits in Part I may choose to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma (NFQ Level 9, Major Award).

Course Practicalities

This course consists of traditional classroom-based lectures in addition to a series of computer practical sessions. You will also gain experience of seminars, industrial site visits, guest lectures, student presentations to (and feedback from) leading industry experts etc. On average, you can expect 25 contact hours per week (i.e. lectures/practical sessions) with the remainder of your time spent researching and completing projects and assignments.

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are used during this course. In addition to the traditional end-of-year written examinations, you will undertake a series of individual and group assignments and projects during the year in the areas of both management accounting and information systems.

Who teaches this course?

This course is taught by a team of dedicated and experienced academics who all have relevant industrial experience, either in management accounting and/or information systems. The majority of the teaching team also have PhDs which facilitates them in guiding your research efforts.

Why Choose This Course

Three disciplines. One distinctive skill set.

The MSc in Accounting and Performance Analytics brings together accounting, information systems and analytics, equipping you with the financial and technological capabilities needed in today’s data-driven global business environment.

Change career direction without an accounting degree

You don't need an undergraduate degree in accounting to begin your journey. This is a programme specifically designed for graduates who want to build expertise in accounting, financial management, analytics and business.

Build skills employers can use

Alongside accounting and performance management, you will develop practical capabilities in areas such as Python, business analytics, data visualisation, information systems and business process modelling. This combination can help you understand not only what the numbers say, but how data and technology can be used to improve business performance.

Accelerate your path towards professional qualification

The programme offers exemptions from ACCA, CIMA and Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI), subject to the requirements of each professional body. These exemptions can give graduates a valuable head start as they progress towards professional accounting qualifications.

Put your learning into practice

Learning extends beyond the classroom through industry engagement, guest lectures, workshops, case studies and practical projects. Students have the opportunity to undertake an applied research project or an industrial placement, providing valuable professional experience and the chance to develop industry connections.

Prepare for a broad range of careers

The combination of accounting, analytics and technology can open pathways to careers including:

• Management Accounting / Controller
• Financial Reporting / Narrative Reporting
• Business and Systems Analysis
• Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
• Management Consulting
• Performance Management
• Project Management

Rather than preparing you for just one type of role, the programme is designed to give you a versatile set of financial, analytical and digital skills that can evolve with your career.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

National and international placement opportunities are available. UCC Career Services works with students as they explore placement and career options. The Accounting and Performance Analytics course has built an international reputation for the calibre of its students and maintains strong relationships with placement companies and employers in Ireland, the UK and Europe.

Skills and Careers Information

Today's finance professionals increasingly work at the intersection of business, data and technology. Employers need people who can understand financial performance, analyse complex information and communicate insights that support better decisions. The MSc in Accounting and Performance Analytics is designed to help you develop that combination.

You will graduate with a foundation in accounting and financial management alongside practical experience in analytics, information systems, programming and data visualisation. Just as importantly, you will develop the communication, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills needed to translate analysis into meaningful business insight.

This combination can prepare you for opportunities across accounting, finance, technology and consulting, including roles such as management accountant, financial accountant, business analyst, systems analyst, business intelligence or data specialist, project manager and consultant.

For graduates coming from a non-accounting background, the programme offers an opportunity to add a new professional dimension to your existing degree and broaden your future career options.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a minimum Second-Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in a discipline other than accounting.

Applicants who do not meet the Second-Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) standard may be admitted to the programme under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Prior Learning (RPL) on the basis of significant relevant practical or professional experience, as deemed appropriate by the Programme Director and subject to the approval of the School of Business. If you are unsure whether your qualifications meet the entry requirements, please contact the School to discuss your application.

Fees and Costs

The EU fee for this course is €12,114.

The Non-EU fee for this course is €21,914.

How To Apply

The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

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