Professional Accountancy MA (Hons)
Course Overview - Professional Accountancy MA (Hons)
The MA (Hons) Professional Accountancy is a unique four-year undergraduate honours degree that combines rigorous academic study with professional accreditation, offering 11 exemptions from Chartered Accountant (CA) examinations. Offered in collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), one of the world’s most prestigious professional bodies, this programme combines rigorous academic study with full exemption from all 11 Knowledge and Skills level ICAS exams.
Students will gain advanced knowledge in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, corp...
The MA (Hons) Professional Accountancy is a unique four-year undergraduate honours degree that combines rigorous academic study with professional accreditation, offering 11 exemptions from Chartered Accountant (CA) examinations. Offered in collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), one of the world’s most prestigious professional bodies, this programme combines rigorous academic study with full exemption from all 11 Knowledge and Skills level ICAS exams.<br/><br/>Students will gain advanced knowledge in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, corporate finance, and sustainability, while also developing key professional competencies in ethics, leadership, and financial technologies. The curriculum is fully aligned with ICAS content and standards, ensuring that graduates are exceptionally well-prepared for the final professional stages of the CA qualification.<br/><br/>Offered across Heriot-Watt University’s global campuses in the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia, the programme supports international employability and responds to the growing demand for high-quality, professionally aligned accountancy education. It is ideal for students aspiring to pursue careers in accounting, audit, advisory, or financial leadership in global contexts.<br/><br/>Please visit our website for further information on our 3 year honours degrees’
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
14/09/2026
Campus
Edinburgh Campus
Application Details
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
NN45
Institution Code
H24
Points of Entry
Year 1, Year 2
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
Not Accepted
Scottish Higher
A,A,B,B
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
29
For entry to Year 2: A total of 34 points including at least one of the following: Accountancy, Business, Economics, Maths at Higher Level 5.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DMM
in a relevant subject (Business/Accountancy/Finance preferred) for entry to Year 1. For entry to Year 2: DDM in relevant subject (Business/Accountancy/Finance preferred).
GCSE/National 4/National 5
It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)
Scottish Advanced Higher
B,B
including at least one of the following: Accountancy, Business, Economics, Maths plus AABB at Higher for entry to Year 2.
Scottish HNC
Pass
HNC in a relevant subject with B in graded unit for entry to Year 1. For Year 2 entry: HNC Accounting with A in graded unit.
Scottish HND
Pass
For Year 2 entry: HND in Accounting or Business with BBB in graded units.
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
Pass
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
A level
B,B,C
For entry to Year 2: ABB including at least one of the following: Accountancy, Business, Economics or Maths.
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £1,820 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
| England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
| EU, International | £20,080 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |





























