Course Structure

Course Content

The Master of Accounting (MAcc) Advanced Accounting with Placement comprises compulsory modules together with optional modules available in the School.

Year 1

Semester 1
Introductory Financial Accounting
Introduction to Legal Study and Basic Contract Law
Foundations of Economics 1

Semester 2
Introductory Management Accounting
Accounting Information Systems
Quantitative Methods

Year 2

Semester 1
Financial Accounting
Financial Decision-making

Optional Modules
Accounting Practice
Financial Modelling

Semester 2
Management Accounting
Financial Market Theory
Managerial Behaviour

Year 3

Semester 1
Advanced Financial Accounting
Law of Business Organisations

Optional Modules
Contemporary Issues in Accounting
Contemporary Technologies in Accounting

Semester 2
Advanced Management Accounting
Auditing and Accountability
Taxation

Year 4

Semester 1
Financial Reporting and Auditing
Advanced Taxation
Financial Management
Research Methods and Placement Preparation

Semester 2
Placement
Work-related Research Project

(Please note that modules may be subject to change.)

Contact Teaching Hours

Personal Study

24 (hours maximum)
22–24 hours studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using handouts, online activities, etc.

Medium Group Teaching

6 (hours maximum)
2 hours of lectures per module per week. (3 modules per term)

Small Group Teaching/Personal Tutorial

3 (hours maximum)
1 hour of tutorials per module each week. (3 modules per term)

Learning and Teaching

Queen’s Business School is one of the leading Business Schools in the UK and Ireland, and one of the largest Schools in the University with more than 1800 full-time undergraduate students and 300 plus postgraduate students. The School has been delivering high quality programmes for more than 40 years and always strives to develop and enhance its teaching portfolio for both local and international students.

In recent years, the School has benefited from significant investment resulting in many new academic appointments and a new state-of-the-art facilities expansion including computer teaching labs, lecture theatres and a financial Trading Room. In addition, the McClay library houses an excellent selection of business and related texts and there are extensive IT facilities throughout the campus.

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential. In line with this, one of QBS’ primary objectives is to deliver innovative learning and teaching programmes that provide students with the competences and skills to make a positive contribution to business, economic and civic life.

The MAcc achieves these goals by providing a range of learning environments that enable our students to engage with subject experts (both academic staff and industry guest speakers), obtain valuable work experience, develop skills and attributes, and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world-class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners. Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this degree programme are:

Adviser of Studies

To provide support with all matters relating to your progression through the year, including signposting to further support as appropriate.

Computer-Based Practicals

These provide students with the opportunity to develop technical skills and apply theoretical principles to real-life or practical contexts. For example, one of the compulsory Level 1 modules, ACC 1004 Accounting Information Systems, incorporates a weekly MS Excel and Accounting software practical.

E-Learning technologies

Information associated with lectures and assignments is communicated through an easy to use Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Canvas. A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree programme through the use of, for example, interactive support materials, podcasts and web-based learning activities.

Focus on Technology – Digital Readiness

Technology has profoundly transformed the accounting landscape, revolutionised processes and empowered accountants to become more strategic advisors. Recognising the need for accountants to have skills in understanding and working with technology, the programme covers a range of areas relating to the impact of technology on today's accountants.
From Year one, students are introduced to accounting information systems, with practical application using accounting software. Subsequently, students learn about and engage with contemporary technologies such as Data Analytics, Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence. Our aim is to ensure students are digitally ready for the professional world. Sessions from employers' support students in developing skills that reflect the requirements of the profession and wider business needs.

Induction

Formalised induction for all undergraduate students. For Year one students, this includes several sessions in Weeks one and two to allow students to familiarise themselves with the campus and the degree programme. During Year one there are a number of follow-up sessions throughout the year. Topics such as academic writing, referencing, plagiarism, communication skills, examination preparation and managing time effectively are all covered in these practical sessions.

Lectures

These introduce foundation information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading. As the module progresses this information becomes more complex. Lectures, which are normally delivered in large groups to all year-group peers, also provide opportunities to ask questions and seek clarification on key issues as well as gain feedback and advice on assessments. Additional lectures are also delivered by employer representatives and staff from a number of accounting firms and are involved in the delivery of accounting workshops. In addition to the academic content of the lectures and workshops, this enables employers to impart their valuable experience to QBS Accounting students, introduces important local employers to our Accounting students and allows our Accounting students to meet and engage with potential future employers.

Peer Mentoring Scheme

Students in later years of the programme volunteer to mentor Year one students. Developing the programme themselves, with support from academic staff, the mentors organise informal meetings, regular contact and a series of events ranging from ice-breaker type events to employer-led sessions with the Year one students.

Research Project

As part of the MAcc, students will complete a work-related research project. This will allow students to explore a contemporary accounting issue of interest to them and/or relevance to their placement, with the support of an academic mentor. Students will develop key employability skills of independent research, communication of findings and critical thinking.

Self-directed study

This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.

Seminars/tutorials

A significant amount of teaching is carried out in small groups (typically 15-20 students). These sessions are designed to explore, in more depth, the information that has been presented in the lectures. This provides students with the opportunity to engage closely with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of their peers. During these classes, students will be expected to present their work to academic staff and their peers.

Student Support Systems

QBS has an active and co-ordinated student support system to assist students in making the transition from school to university.

Work placements

The MAcc includes an integrated, paid, work-based placement during Semester Two of Year Four. Students are supported to secure and complete placement through bespoke, programme-specific employability and professional skills sessions with the QBS Careers and Work Placement Office and potential employers, plus 1:1 support as needed.
The School will also support students who wish to pursue a longer-term placement, for example, a year-long placement, which is usually completed between the second and third year of the programme. This is an optional placement.
In addition, the School encourages students to seek other work-based and/or educational related experiences, whether that is through a summer internship / placement programme (up to three month internship in a local organisation) or studying abroad in partner Universities.

Assessment

Assessment will vary according to the learning objectives of each module. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Module Outlines which are provided to all students at induction and at the beginning of the modules. Accounting modules are typically assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and a final written unseen examination. Continuous assessment may consist of:

• Student Tutorial Portfolio
  This involves the completion and submission of workshop exercises on a weekly and individual student basis. These are collected in the workshops from students each week and assessed, with the mark awarded contributing to the continuous assessment element of the module mark. The mark awarded reflects timeliness, presentation, accuracy and completeness of the required work.
• Small Group Project/Presentations
  Consistent with employer feedback, students are often also required to complete a small (3-5 students) group project such as preparing a report, presentation or analysis on a pre-assigned case study type or discussion-based topic. In some modules, an individual project may be set instead.

Feedback

As students’ progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
• Face to face comment. This may include occasions when you make use of the lecturers advertised “office hours” to help you to address a specific query.
• Placement employer comments or references.
• Online or emailed comments.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which you can review in your own time.
• Feedback and outcomes from practical classes.
• Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.
• Once students have reviewed your feedback, you will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of your work.

Modules

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3
• Year 4

Entrance requirements

A level requirements

AAB + GCSE Mathematics grade B/6

A maximum of one BTEC/OCR Single Award or AQA Extended Certificate will be accepted as part of an applicant's portfolio of qualifications with a Distinction* being equated to a grade A at A-level and a Distinction being equated to a grade B at A-level.

Irish leaving certificate requirements

H2H3H3H3H3H3 + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O3 in Mathematics

Access Course

Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 75% + GCSE Mathematics grade B/6 or equivalent in Access Course.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

34 points overall, including 6,6,5 at Higher Level + if not offered at Higher Level then Standard Level grade 5 in Mathematics or GCSE Mathematics grade B/6.

BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma

QCF BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits at Level 3), with overall grades D*D*D + GCSE Mathematics grade B/6.

RQF BTEC National Extended Diploma (1080 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) at Level 3), with overall grades D*D*D + GCSE Mathematics grade B/6.

Graduate

A minimum of a 2:1 Honours Degree + GCSE Mathematics grade B/6.

Note

All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 and GCSE Mathematics grade B/6 or equivalent qualifications acceptable to the University.

How we choose our students

Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by Queen's Business School. Once your application has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.

Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form, which is considered by a member of administrative staff from the Admissions and Access Service and, if appropriate, the Selector from the School. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.

Applicants for the MAcc Advanced Accounting with Placement must be able to satisfy the University's General Entrance Requirement. All applicants must have GCSE Mathematics at grade B/6 or above. A minimum of grade C/4 is required in English Language. There are no specific subjects required at A-level. Offers are made in terms of grades rather than UCAS Tariff points.

Demand for places differs from course to course and for Accounting, past performance at GCSE is taken into account when deciding whether or not to make conditional offers. For last year’s entry, offers were initially made to those who achieved at least four GCSE passes at grade A/7 or above plus two GCSE passes at grade B/6 or above, to include Maths. Please note that this changes from year to year depending on the demand for places. The final threshold is not usually determined until late in the admissions cycle, so there may be a delay in processing applicants who do not meet the initial requirements.

For applicants offering Irish Leaving Certificate, please note that performance at Junior Certificate is taken into account. The initial Junior Certificate profile to qualify to be made an offer is 4A/4 Distinctions and 2B/2 Higher Merit grades. Please note that this changes from year to year depending on the demand for places. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of Leaving Certificate subjects can be satisfied. The final threshold is not usually determined until late in the admissions cycle, so there may be a delay in processing applicants who do not meet the initial threshold.

Offers are normally made on the basis of 3 A-levels. The offer for repeat applicants is set in terms of 3 A-levels only and may be one grade higher than that asked from first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.

Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification), or one A-level and a BTEC Diploma/National Diploma (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of the overall BTEC grade(s) awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.

For applicants offering a HNC, the current requirements are successful completion of the HNC with 4 Distinctions and remainder Merits.
For those offering a Higher National Diploma, some flexibility may be allowed in terms of GCSE profile but, to be eligible for an offer, a minimum of two Distinctions and remainder Merits is necessary in the year 1 performance. Applicants must successfully complete the HND with 4 Distinctions and remainder Merits in all units assessed in the final year. Any consideration would be for stage 1 entry only.

In addition to the academic requirements above, the information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted, but these are not the final deciding factors as to whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.

A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking will not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking 4 A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.

If you are made an offer then you may be invited to an Open Day organised by Queen's Business School which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University, to find out more about the degree programme of your choice, the facilities on offer together with a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

Please Select Your Country/Region Please Select Your Country/Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria Angola Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bolivia Bosnia And Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Cambodia Cameroon Canada Chile China Mainland Colombia Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Ecuador Egypt Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Fiji Finland France Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong (SAR) Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Ivory Coast Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Latvia Lebanon Liberia Libya Lithuania Luxembourg Macau (SAR) Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Malta Mauritius Mexico Mongolia Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nigeria Norway Oman Pakistan Palestine Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saudi Arabia Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Africa South Korea Spain Sri Lanka St Vincent And The Grenadines Sudan Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates Uruguay USA Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

English Language Requirements

An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs

Career Prospects

Introduction

Those pursuing a career in Accounting should enjoy working with numbers, be effective communicators and work well with people as they will have to analyse and interpret financial information to meet the needs of different users, including managers and investors. Accountants must be prepared to take on challenges and be able to adapt to a constantly changing and dynamic business environment.

Normally the majority of our students become qualified accountants. However, many of the skills that students will acquire during their studies at Queen’s will be of great value in different career and life situations. Core transferable skills include the ability to learn independently, problem solve, understand financial information and work productively as part of a team.

The vast majority of our students are in employment and/or further study within six months of graduating.
http://www.prospects.ac.uk

Employment after the Course

Typical career destinations of graduates include:

Financial accountant
Management accountant
Manager
Analyst
Auditor
Advisor/Consultant
Forensic accountant
Researcher
Financial controller
Partner
Banker
Note: The MAcc includes an integrated and paid work-based placement during Semester Two of Year Four.

Employment Links

Graduate employers include: Baker Tilly Mooney Moore, Bank of Ireland, BDO, Deloitte, EY, Grant Thornton, KPMG, PWC, The Northern Ireland Audit Office, and Ulster Bank.

Alumni Success

"The accounting degree at Queen's University not only equips students with the skills needed for their future careers, but their close links with firms in Belfast, such as BDO NI, help students obtain these sought after careers. Not only are the modules taught by enthusiastic and knowledgable experts, the content is contemporary and relevant, so is sure to serve you in your future career whether it be in an accounting or adjacent business role." Philip Hamill, Trainee Chartered Accountant, BDO NI

Prizes and Awards

A number of local and global employers and professional bodies sponsor prizes on an annual basis. Employer prizes include scholarships, cash awards, placements and mentorships from firms including: ASM, Baker Tilly Mooney Moore, BDO, Deloitte & EY.

Prizes and scholarships are also available from ACCA, CIMA and Chartered Accountants Ireland.

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£4,855
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£4,855
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£9,535
EU Other 3	£20,800
International	£20,800

¹EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.

Additional course costs

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

Students who undertake optional study tours are expected to make a contribution of approximately £150.

Upon completion of the MAcc, students can apply for a comprehensive range of exemptions from the examinations of the main accountancy professional bodies. This includes Chartered Accountants Ireland, where the MAcc offers students exemptions from their CAP1 and CAP2 examinations.

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Scholarships

Each year, we offer a range of scholarships and prizes for new students. Information on scholarships available.

How to Apply

Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/applying.

When to Apply

UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2026 from early September 2025.

The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2026 is Wednesday 14 January 2026 (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.

Applications from UK and EU (Republic of Ireland) students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2026) subject to the availability of places. If you apply for 2026 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applications from International and EU (Other) students are normally considered by Queen's for entry to this course until 30 June 2026. If you apply for 2026 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Further information on applying to study at Queen's is available at: www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Undergraduate/How-to-apply/

Apply via UCAS 

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study. Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

1. Applying through UCAS
   Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2026.
2. Applying direct
   The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.
3. Applying through agents and partners
   The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.

Download Undergraduate Prospectus