Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Accounting

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Accounting

This three-year honours Bachelor 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. You will acquire expertise in the areas of accountancy, finance, management, information technology and general business.

You will develop a critical understanding of the fundamental and advanced concepts, principles, methods and techniques of accounting, auditing and regulation. Your skills of analysis, interpretation and judgement will be enhanced, as will your capacity to apply a conceptual understanding to practical business decision-making situations, to problem solving and to the provision of effective information for financial and management accounting purposes. Concepts and applications of law in modern business practice are also a key element of this curriculum, as is the ethical underpinnings of the accounting profession.

Fundamentals of economics, business mathematics and financial theory form a key part of the modules in finance. You will be taught about the nature, significance and inter-relationship of economic and financial environments. The practice of scientific analysis and financial decision-making techniques is a central component of the programme. You will also become familiar with the mechanisms of the financial system and the evaluative methods involved, as well as developing an understanding of the core areas of business taxation.

Organisational and strategic management are critical areas of knowledge for any business manager. You will learn how to apply accepted theories to modern business management situations. The development of effective communication skills forms an essential part of the course, as does the study of fundamentals and principles of business law.

It is important that you understand the theoretical concepts and methodology of information technology, systems analysis, and design and project management. You will gain a practical knowledge of software packages and IT resources commonly used by accounting and finance professionals. The growing area of e-business is also covered in the programme.

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 effect an organisation and the contribution of the accounting/finance professional to an organisation’s success.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate

Grade C3 at higher level in two subjects, plus Grade D3 at ordinary level in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate examination. Two of these subjects must be Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).

FETAC

FETAC applicants to this programme must hold one of the following awards: Administration (BBSAX) or Business Studies (BBSXX).

They are also required to have distinctions in the following three modules as part of their award: Statistics (B20029), Business Law (B20131) and Bookkeeping – Manual & Computerised (B20137).

Modules

Year 1 – Semester 1

Business Law, Economics, Financial Accounting, Learning to Learn, Quantitative Techniques.

Year 1 – Semester 2

Management Accounting, Economics, Corporate Law, Quantitative Techniques, IT and Computer Applications.

Year 2 – Semester 1

Corporate Law, Financial Management, Organisational Management, Systems Development and E-commerce.

Year 2 – Semester 2

Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Organisational Management, Taxation

Year 3 – Semester 1

Corporate Reporting, Management Accounting, Financial Management, Project Management.

Year 3 – Semester 2

Strategic Management, Taxation, Auditing and Systems Review.

Progression

An honours degree is an effective basis for postgraduate studies and research leading to Master’s (Level 9) qualifications. As a Level 8 graduate you will be eligible (subject to examination results) to apply for the Master of Arts in Accounting programme which is delivered over one full year at AIT. Alternatively, you may choose to study towards membership of one of the professional accountancy bodies. Full details of all postgraduate opportunities at AIT are contained in the postgraduate prospectus. Alternatively, you may choose to pursue postgraduate studies at another institution.

Professional Recognition

Graduates of this programme are deemed eligible by the Teaching Council to apply for a Postgraduate Diploma in Education programme at Irish universities, recognised to teach the subject Accounting.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate, you are eligible for employment at a high level in the areas of financial and management accountancy, as well as in general business.

Additional Information

N/A