Accountancy (Accelerated) MA (Hons)

Our undergraduate MA Accountancy degree is based within Heriot-Watt University’s prestigious Edinburgh Business School and has been expertly designed by respected academics and industry-experienced professionals to offer you the strongest possible foundation from which to launch your career.<br/><br/><strong>An industry-focused approach</strong><br/>The MA Accountancy ensures students develop a broad understanding of the contexts of modern accounting. It examines legal and ethical contexts and provides insight into accountancy as a profession, and builds understanding around business entities and the capital markets in which they operate. Throughout this four-year degree, you will develop key accountancy expertise in across multiple areas, including: <br/>• Recording and summarising business transactions<br/>• Preparing and analysing financial statements<br/>• Analysing and making decisions on business operations<br/>• Conducting financial analysis<br/>• Producing and reporting projections<br/>• Conducting audit<br/>• Analysing governance issues<br/>• Gaining awareness of the importance of business ethics.<br/><br/>When you study on the MA Accountancy, you will benefit from the expert knowledge across the full range of disciplines related to accounting and finance. Students at the Edinburgh Business School enhance their academic understanding and gain invaluable experience through use of our state-of-the-art Bloomberg Trading Room - a professional-standard facility that provides access to live financial data from global markets and organisations.<br/><br/><strong>Rankings and employability</strong> <br/>Edinburgh is the UK’s second biggest financial centre, making it an ideal place to study accountancy and finance. In the Guardian University League Tables 2019, Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh Business School was ranked as the second-best place in Scotland to study undergraduate accounting and finance degrees. Heriot-Watt enjoys a well-established reputation with leading organisations in the world of accountancy and financial services, and our graduates are often sought-after by recruiters. <br/><br/><strong>An employable skillset</strong> <br/>Whether you are considering a career as a chartered accountant in professional practice, industry or the public sector, or you are looking to work in other professional, commercial and industrial areas, our MA Accountancy ensures that you have the knowledge and skills that employers most value.<br/><br/>In addition to academic understanding and key accounting skills, our programme allows students to expand their overall skillset through a combination of individual and group work, written reports, presentations and examinations. Throughout this programme we will develop skills such as:<br/><br/>• Analysis<br/>• Leadership<br/>• Teamwork<br/>• Communication<br/>• Negotiation<br/>• Conflict resolution<br/>• Presentation delivery<br/><br/><strong>Accreditation</strong> <br/>Heriot-Watt University is accredited as a Bloomberg Experiential Learning Partner, recognising us as a leader in experiential learning in the area of finance. Heriot-Watt University degree programmes are accredited with the professional bodies AIA; ACCA; CIMA; ICAEW and ICAS. There are potentially nine exemptions depending on the options taken and the professional qualification sought.

Heriot-Watt are 2nd in the UK for undergraduate employability (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2024). You’ll have lifelong access to their award-winning Careers Service and join the oldest alumni association in the UK with over 166,000 members in 190 countries – The Watt Club.<br/><br/>A vibrant nightlife, eclectic food scene and plenty of shops and green space – Edinburgh has it all. It’s a safe and friendly city and a great place to be a student. That’s why it’s ranked UK’s 2nd best student-friendly city (QS Best Student Cities, 2025).<br/> <br/>At Heriot-Watt, you can choose to study a 3 Year honours degree by starting in Year 2, allowing you to complete the typical four-year Scottish Bachelor Honours degree in just three years whilst still enjoying the full Heriot-Watt student experience, including Welcome Week, Freshers events, and an introduction to your Personal Tutor.<br/><br/>Moving away from home is a big decision, which is why students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland are offered a £1,500 bursary. This no-strings-attached bursary means you can visit home anytime during your first year (or spend it on something else).<br/><br/>Register for your Heriot-Watt Priority Pass to make sure you are first in line when Clearing opens, or to chat with their friendly team.