Accounting MAcc



Become fully ACCA qualified and open up a world of opportunity as a Certified Accountant

Overview

Our MAcc Accounting Graduate Apprenticeship course blends hands-on technical knowledge with theoretical understanding, utilising a range of remotely-accessible resources to allow access to specialised computer configurations.

Set within one of the UK’s most prominent financial hubs, MAcc Accountancy Apprentices at Edinburgh Napier University might be suitable for people who work in business and finance, taking on roles such as administrator, bookkeeper, trainee accountant, finance assistant, and accounts assistant. Ideal for those looking to advance in accountancy while gaining practical experience in the workplace.

This Graduate Apprenticeship programme allows you to achieve a Masters degree, gain Chartered Accountant status through the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and build up to five years of work experience - all within one integrated programme. This pathway accelerates your learning and fast‑tracks your career progression towards becoming a Chartered Certified Accountant.

ACCA Accreditation logo

 
 
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Mode of Study:

Part-time

Duration:

5 years

Course details

The GA in Accounting is delivered by blended teaching, whereby your employer will allow you to study online with some in-person events as an undergraduate student at Edinburgh Napier University and then return to your workplace with the knowledge that is needed to support the development of the skills which underpin practical application. 
 
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    How you’ll be taught

    There are 2 in-person days of 6 hours each per trimester.

    As Edinburgh Napier University is committed to delivering an excellent personalised student experience, you will have the opportunity to acquire knowledge and develop many valuable skills, such as the ability to collect, analyse, interpret and understand data and information. In acquiring this knowledge and developing the said skills, you shall also appreciate the value of education and the contribution it makes to society.

    There will be on-campus workshops during the course of study providing the opportunity to grow your professional network, share insights and experiences and engage with staff in the campus setting.

    Lecture: Online for up to 2 hours per week over 11 weeks per module 
    Tutorial: Online for 2 hours per week per module over 9 weeks per module 
    Practical class or workshop: In-person for 3 hours twice per module
    Guided Independent Study: takes each module up to 200/400 hours of study
    Ongoing work-based learning with Workplace Mentor

    Lectures are online and pre-recorded so you can watch them when and where suits you during the week, you can also re-watch them and use our Panopto software to navigate exactly to the part you want to review, making them an excellent revision aid.

    Tutorials will be live online with the module leader or second lecturer, they will work with you on the problems set for the week and give feedback to you on your answers and progress. Many problems will be exam style that will prepare you for the final written examination.

    There will be Professional Practice modules in each of the first 3 years of study. These are work-based learning modulesthat will help you to align the topics covered in the classroom with the work you are doing the other 4 days of the week. You will be able to put some of the practical work you have been doing into the classroom context and link the theory to practice.

     
     
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    Assessments

    You will have examinations in most modules in line with the ACCA Accreditation requirements. Other assessments will be a mixture of essays, reports, presentations and tests. These will be set to support the consolidation of the relevant theory alongside the practical skills key for an accountant.

    You will be assessed via: Reports, Centrally Time Tabled Examinations, Projects- Practical, Essays, Oral Presentations, Practical Skills Assessments, Reflective Logs. 

     
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    Facilities

    This course is taught at our Craiglockhart Campus.
     

Popular modules

Year 1

  • Management Accounting
  • Financial Accounting
  • Accounting Information Systems
  • Principles of Economics
  • Professional Practice 1

 

Year 2

  • Corporate Accounting
  • Financial Management
  • Reporting Corporate Performance
  • Business and Corporate Law
  • Professional Practice 2

 

Year 3

  • Advanced Management Accounting
  • Advanced Corporate Reporting
  • Corporate Financial Management
  • Auditing
  • Professional Practice 3

 

Year 4

  • Ethics and Professional Skills (ACCA essential)
  • International Accounting
  • Taxation
  • Innovation in Management Accounting
  • Professional Project 4

 

Year 5

  • Strategic Business Leader (ACCA essential)
  • Strategic Business Reporting (ACCA essential)

Optional (Choose TWO):

  • Advanced Performance Management (ACCA optional)
  • Advanced Audit and Assurance (ACCA optional)
  • Advanced Financial Management (ACCA optional)
  • Advanced Taxation (ACCA optional)

ACCREDITED BY

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

To enter this programme you must work full-time and reside in Scotland and be over the age of 16, however there is no maximum age limit. You are eligible whether or not your employer is an Apprenticeship Levy payer.

Our MAcc is delivered in partnership with ACCA. All employers need to be approved by ACCA and we can support you with a quick and simple check. Your organisation may already be an ACCA approved employer - you can check here

All applicants must:

  • Be 16 or older (some employers may require 18+)
  • Have the right to live and work permanently in the UK
  • Be permanently domiciled in Scotland
  • Meet programme entry requirements

Work Experience and Professional Qualifications

We encourage applications from individuals whose work experience or professional qualifications provide them with a comparable foundation for starting the course. You will be asked to provide evidence of at least 1 year’s relevant work experience through a detailed CV or application form, including an employer reference. Advanced entry may also be granted if you have sufficient industry-related experience and qualifications.

Usually, unrelated work experience is not considered sufficient for entry without meeting the minimum academic entry requirements.

Already have a degree or similar qualification?

You could apply for funding for a Graduate Apprenticeship in a similar subject area if your existing qualification is at a lower level. You may also be eligible for funding if you have completed a degree in a different subject area. For example, if you recently completed a Biology Honours degree, you can still apply for an Engineering Graduate Apprenticeship.

You are not eligible to apply for a Graduate Apprenticeship if you have completed a similar degree within the past 5 years.

 

Year 1

To meet our Standard Entry Requirements you must have EITHER:

  • a minimum of two SQA Highers at Grade B (or equivalent) AND a minimum of two SQA Highers at Grade C (or equivalent) including Grade C in Maths and English OR we may recognise your prior learning
  • A Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6-7 in a related discipline, such as Business Administration or Accountancy
  • HNC with C in the graded unit in a related discipline
  • Sufficient recognition of prior learning (RPL) through industry-related experience, qualifications, and informal learning. RPL applications are considered on an individual basis

If you do not hold any of the above qualifications or awards but have relevant work experience you may be able to enter this programme at any of the above points. Your application will be considered on an individual basis, taking into consideration your previous study and experience. You will be asked to reflect on your previous experience and demonstrate skills, knowledge and understanding equivalent to that achieved on successful completion of the above entry requirements.

There are no Year 2 entry options for 2026/27.

There are no Year 3 entry options for 2026/27.

As all learning, teaching and assessment activities are conducted in English, if your first language is not English you must have a minimum International English Language Testing System score of 6.0 with all four elements having a score of at least 5.5.
We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • MSc Nursing courses
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.



Careers

What does a Professional Accountant do?

Professional accountants often work for accounting firms, providing a range of accountancy services to other businesses, such as tax advice or statutory audits.  Accountants also work within finance departments of other commercial organisations, providing expertise in management or financial accounting, including tasks such as budgeting and strategic financial planning. An MSc in Accounting equips you with strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills, making you versatile and adaptable in various financial roles. Experienced and highly qualified accountants can also be found in a variety of business leadership positions.

Daily tasks and responsibilities in typical accounting roles include: 

  • Financial reporting
  • Advisory support
  • Audit preparation
  • Tax planning and compliance
  • Budgeting and forecasting
 
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