Professional Accountancy Master of Arts (with Honours) - MA (Hons)
Course Overview - Professional Accountancy Master of Arts (with Honours) - 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.
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.
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.
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
3 Years
Start Date
2027-09-13
Campus
Edinburgh Campus
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
A75-J48
Institution Code
H24
Points of Entry
Year 1, Year 2
Entry Requirements
A level
For entry to Year 2: BBB 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.
UCAS Tariff
Not accepted
Scottish HNC
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
For Year 2 entry: HND in Accounting or Business with BBB in graded units.
Scottish Higher
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
including at least one of the following: Accountancy, Business, Economics, Maths plus AABB at Higher for entry to Year 2.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
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)
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).
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
A level
Not accepted
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
in a relevant subject (Business/Accountancy/Finance preferred)
Scottish Higher
Not accepted
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Not accepted
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)
Not accepted
Scottish HNC
HNC in a relevant subject with B in graded unit
Scottish HND
HND in a relevant subject with BB in graded unit
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
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.
A level
including at least one of the following: Accountancy, Business, Economics or Maths.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
in relevant subject (Business/Accountancy/Finance preferred).
Scottish Advanced Higher
including at least one of the following: Accountancy, Business, Economics, Maths plus AABB at Higher
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
including at least one of the following: Accountancy, Business, Economics, Maths at Higher Level 5.
Scottish HNC
HNC Accounting with A in graded unit
Scottish HND
HND in Accounting or Business with BBB in graded units
Search Undergraduate Courses at Heriot-Watt University
Find more courses from Heriot-Watt University with our undergraduate course search.
Upcoming Open Days at Heriot-Watt University
7
Nov, 2026
Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £1,820 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| Channel Islands, England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Republic of Ireland | £10,050 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| EU, International | £20,880 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
Order Free Prospectuses
The ideal way to read about detailed course information is with a university prospectus. Request a FREE prospectus and learn more about this course today.