Introduction
Accountancy at Aberdeen gives you a thorough grounding in theory, practice and business skills, taught by experts in accounting practice, with the advantage of real-life employers and scenarios integrated into your programme.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MA
- Duration
- 48 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- UCAS Code
- N400
- Pathway Programme Available
- Undergraduate Foundation Programme
The MA Accountancy at Aberdeen provides a thorough grounding in theory, practice, and business skills, taught by experts from a diverse range of professional backgrounds, with the advantage of real-life employers and scenarios integrated into the programme. The programme provides a path to professional accreditation, and develops the essential skills, experience, and attributes required for a career in chartered accountancy or another key role in the dynamic environment of business and finance.
You will benefit from having close links with employers, real-life business scenarios, and professional training facilities such as our Bloomberg finance lab, used by major financial services companies across the world.
What You'll Study
The use of various forms of assessment and learning environments facilitates the development of generic transferable skills enhancing student employability.
Students will also benefit from developing and having close links with employers, real-life business scenarios, and professional training facilities such as audit simulation and Bloomberg finance lab, used by major financial services companies across the world.
- Year 1
-
Compulsory Courses
- Accounting and Accountability (AC1011)
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15 Credit Points
This course introduces the theoretical and contextual foundation of accounting. It does not involve any technical aspects of accounting or bookkeeping but provides an introduction to the political, economic, institutional, professional and managerial context of accounting. The main content includes:
- Socio-political and economic mechanisms of accountability; theories of accountability.
- Constitution of organisations and the role of accounting within organisations.
- Constitution of accounting as a business function: how accounting is organised within organisations.
- Constitution of Accountancy as a Profession: how accountancy is organised as a profession.
- Sustainability and accounting: how accounting is reorganised to address sustainability issues.
- The Economics of Business and Society (EC1006)
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15 Credit Points
This course is an introductory course in microeconomics where we study the decision making of individual actors (consumers, employees, firms, governments, etc.) in an economy. Actors must make decisions about behaviours because they face scarce resources, but often they find that trading with other actors in markets can increase the wellbeing of all parties. This course models and examines the nature of these interactions, highlighting when they work well and when they fail to increase wellbeing and what might be the solution to these failures.
- Finance 1: Finance, Risk and Investment (FI1004)
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15 Credit Points
This foundation course in finance, risk and investment is the requisite for several degree programmes and for level 2 real estate and finance courses. The module considers the nature and operation of investment markets, focusing on three asset classes; shares, bonds and real estate. It looks at the characteristics of these investment options in terms of their risks and returns. The module introduces basic financial mathematics: time value of money, calculation of present values and investment rates of return. Finally, it considers the role of financial institutions and regulatory bodies in personal finance, where consumers and financial markets interact.
- Accounting Principles (AC1516)
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15 Credit Points
This is an introduction to accounting which aims to provide an understanding of how organisations – particularly small and medium sized businesses – capture, create and use accounting information both to guide their activities internally within the management function and to communicate their financial performance and position to external users of the accounts. This course allows students to develop practical and analytical skills through a problem-solving approach to accounting-related aspects of business performance reporting and control, particularly in relation to bookkeeping, accounts preparation, budgeting and management accounting.
- The Global Economy (EC1506)
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15 Credit Points
This course is an introductory course in macroeconomics where we study the behaviour of the economy as a whole. Whereas microeconomics focuses on individual markets, macroeconomics addresses the “big issues” such as unemployment, inflation, economic growth, and financial crises. Macroeconomics is a lively subject, full of discussion and debate, as economists and policymakers take different views on macroeconomic issues, their causes and appropriate policy responses. Issues such as: Is the economy growing? What causes unemployment and how can we reduce it? How can we avoid recessions? When is inflation a problem? Are banks lending too much?
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
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This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students (and articulating students who are in their first year at the University), is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Academic Writing for Business (AW1003)
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This compulsory evaluation is designed to find out if your academic writing is of a sufficient standard to enable you to succeed at university and, if you need it, to provide support to improve. It is completed on-line via MyAberdeen with clear instructions to guide you through it. If you pass the evaluation at the first assessment it will not take much of your time. If you do not, you will be provided with resources to help you improve. This evaluation does not carry credits but if you do not complete it this will be recorded on your degree transcript.
Optional Courses
Select further credit points from courses of choice to gain a total of 120 credits (60 in each half-session).
(NOTE: Students seeking maximum accreditation from ICAS must also take course MS1009):
- Managing Organizations (MS1009)
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15 Credit Points
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the fundamentals of management, the internal structure and processes of organisations. Students will understand the main functions of management, what management is, what managers do and the factors that influence behaviour and performance of managers and other employees within an organisation.
The course will introduce a range of theories, research and real-life illustrations of a diverse range of management practices and organisational behaviour. The course will cover areas of: Staffing, Groups and Teams, Leadership and Management, Human Resource Management, Organisational Structure, Culture and Change, Communication, Marketing, Branding and Organisational Processes.
- Year 2
-
Compulsory Courses
- Management Accounting 2 (AC2031)
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15 Credit Points
This course extends the operational tools and techniques introduced in level 1 Accountancy courses. It develops more complex problem-solving techniques in the planning, control and decision-making process. It shows how quantitative methods and analytical techniques can be applied in management accounting solutions to management problems. It also emphasises the diverse industrial, commercial and not-for-profit settings in which management accountants work. It seeks to develop in students an understanding of the organisational context as well as the nature of management accounting information. The focus is to enhance students' problem-solving and communication skills, and develop their ability to select and apply appropriate techniques in specific contexts.
- Finance 2: Business Finance (FI2004)
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15 Credit Points
The main aim of this course is to develop a sound understanding of fundamental principles underlying the theory and practice of finance, thereby providing a strong basis for further study of advanced finance theory and cognate disciplines. The course introduces students to important concepts in finance: principles of assets pricing, concept of risk and return, theory of interest rates and pricing fixed income securities, evaluation of investment project with a focus on embedded real options. It equips students with good analytical skills in order to understand the implications of financial decisions by understanding the fundamentals that govern them.
- Financial Accounting 2 (AC2530)
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15 Credit Points
The objective of FA2 is to build upon material introduced in first year in order to develop students' technical skills in financial statement preparation. Students will gain an appreciation of the regulatory framework for financial reporting. They will examine the usefulness of financial statement information, by looking at the form and content of accounts produced by public limited companies. Students will explore how to account for basic transactions through the implementation of current accounting standards and apply their knowledge in both the manual and the computerised environment, the latter through the SAGE accounting package.
- Understanding Statistics (PO2508)
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15 Credit Points
This course aims to provide students with an understanding of statistical concepts and methods relevant to accounting, management, finance, real estate and economics. The course is intended to enable students
i) To understand the principles of descriptive statistics, index construction, statistical inference, correlation, regression and time series analysis
ii) To apply statistical techniques to the analysis of accounting, business and economic issues and interpret findings
iii) To identify important sources of data in accounting, business and economics
- Business Law (LS2533)
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15 Credit Points
This course is designed to provide non-LLB students with an understanding of the main issues in business law. Topics will cover elements of the Scottish law and legal system concerning Contract Law (including the unfair contract terms), Agency, Delict, Employment Law, Partnership, Bribery Act and Company Law.
Optional Courses
Select 45 credit points from courses of choice to gain a total of 120 credits (60 in each half-session). The optional courses must include at least 30 credits from level 2 Business School courses (AC, EC, FI, IN, MS, PO).
- Year 3
-
Compulsory Courses
- Financial Accounting 3 (AC3049)
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15 Credit Points
This course builds upon the material in Financial Accounting 2. The aim of the course is to strengthen practical and analytical accounting skills through the study of accounting problems and to develop the ability to critically appraise conventional accounting practice through an understanding of alternative accounting theories and their application to topical issues in financial accounting.
- Management Accounting 3 (AC3054)
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15 Credit Points
Building upon the material in Management Accounting 2, the course examines in greater detail behavioural, managerial, and strategic aspects of management accounting and management control. The course content includes management accounting issues pertaining to:
- Strategic management accounting
- Operational management issues including quality management
- Performance evaluation and management systems
- Management control systems, and
- Advance decision making techniques such as decision-trees, learning curves and project evaluation and review techniques
- Audit Practice (AC3560)
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15 Credit Points
This course aims to develop the students’ knowledge, understanding and critical awareness of the audit techniques, judgements and practical skills associated with a financial statement audit. The context of the course reflects both the UK and International legal, regulatory and ethical framework.
The course forms an introduction to the 4th year Audit Theory and Evolution course which goes on to explore the historical context and current professional, regulatory, ethical and societal challenges and developments facing the audit and assurance profession.
- Taxation (AC3561)
-
15 Credit Points
The aim of this course is to provide knowledge and understanding of the UK tax system and its administration. Students will gain an appreciation of direct taxes payable on income, profits, and other gains by both individuals and by corporations, and indirect taxes on spending. Knowledge application of the different taxes within the UK taxation system will be achieved by solving tax problems and computing tax liabilities.
Optional Courses
Select 60 credit points from courses of choice to gain a total of 120 credits (60 in each half-session). The optional courses must include at least 30 credits from level 3 Business School courses (AC, EC, FI, IN, MS, PO).
- Year 4
-
Compulsory Courses
At least 30 credit points from the following Accountancy courses: AC4034, AC4035, AC4036.
- Dissertations in Accountancy (AC4528)
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30 Credit Points
All Accountancy and Finance students must undertake a dissertation. Students taking a joint degree may undertake the dissertation in either discipline, but not both. It is designed to show that you are able to:
Carry out a substantial piece of research on a chosen subject without close supervision
Critically analyse and evaluate work carried out by others
Reach your own conclusions based upon your analysis and evaluation of relevant evidence, whether this is prior research only or prior research coupled with your own research.
Write-up the results of your work in a clear, coherent and logical way.
- Accountability and Sustainability (AC4034)
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15 Credit Points
Sustainability, both in its ecological and social dimensions, has now become a challenge that concerns all types of organisations across the world. The media coverage has raised awareness among the general public on different aspects of sustainability and new regulations are emerging on this issue. Thus, a well-structured accountability system capable of managing and disclosing sustainability impact of organisational practices is an essential element for the successful sustainable organisation. Disclosure is an important part of the accountability process. Social and environmental accounting explores how organisations can disclose information to various stakeholders pertaining to issues such as: socially responsible investments, human rights, climate change and other environmental matters. Reporting and auditing of information on sustainability issues are a relatively new practice in the accounting field but rapidly growing in relevance. Managers will be required to deal with these issues on a frequent basis. Thus, this course will build up strong employability skills.
- Audit Theory and Evolution (AC4035)
-
15 Credit Points
This course builds on the knowledge and understanding gained in Audit practice in year 3. It will explore the historical context and current professional, regulatory, ethical and societal challenges and developments facing the audit and assurance profession. As such it contextualises financial statement audit within the expanding audit universe. A main objective of the course is to provide an opportunity for students to think critically about the state and future direction of audit as a profession.
- Public Sector Accounting (AC4036)
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15 Credit Points
This course examines of the special issues concerning the public sector of the economy. It investigates why public sector accounting is different from private sector accounting and examines management accounting, financial accounting and auditing from a public sector perspective. The course will be of interest those wishing to develop knowledge and understanding of the importance of financial management of this segment of the economy. It utilises a research-based set of readings and examples and is highly accessible to accounting students.
- Accounting History (AC4537)
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15 Credit Points
Is knowing the history of accounting useful? Would it make it easier to be an accountant? Would you understand business better? Would you be a better accountant? “Yes”. This course will show you why. In accounting history, we strip back the façade that surrounds accounting. Revealed are the business-driven needs and the financial reporting needs that led us to where accounting is today. You will understand why what accountants do is indispensable, from perspectives only history can bring.
- Corporate Governance and Professional Ethics (AC4538)
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15 Credit Points
Corporate governance has become one of the most significant challenges for organisations and for the managers who work within them. The reasons for this include high-profile corporate scandals, conflict of interests, manipulations of financial statements, ethical dilemmas, crises like the global financial crisis, credit crunch or even pandemic, and a growing need to demonstrate corporate accountability, transparency and ethical practices. The “Corporate Governance and Professional Ethics” course will deepen students understanding and stimulate critical thinking in these areas. Students will have the opportunity to practise problem-focused decision-making on a range of governance and ethical issues that affect the operation of contemporary organisations. The course will be of benefit if students wish to develop further insights into good corporate governance system and professional ethics as part of their career development.
- Contemporary Issues in Accounting (AC4539)
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15 Credit Points
The 21st century accountant is facing a host of challenges in the workplace. This course examines a range of topics that are shaping the nature of the work that accountants do, and which will drive the future directions of professional practice. Due to the sometimes transient nature of the issues concerned and the need to respond to current events, the list of topics in the syllabus is indicative rather than fixed.
Optional Courses
Select additional credit points from Business School Honours courses of choice to gain a total of 120 credits for the year (60 in each half-session). Options must be selected from level 3 or 4 Business School courses (AC, EC, FI, IN, MS, PO).
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
The use of various forms of assessment and learning environments facilitates the development of generic transferable skills enhancing student employability.
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
Why Study Accountancy?
- 1st Scotland in Student Positivity for Business Studies and Management Studies in the National Student Survey 2024
- 4th in the UK for Accounting and Finance in the Guardian University Guide 2025
- The MA Accountancy programme at Aberdeen can form part of a direct path to professional qualification status being accredited by The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS).
- Graduates also receives exemption to the certificate and operational level of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualification, and to the foundations in accountancy level and four papers from the applied knowledge and skills level of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification.
- Students will also benefit from developing and having close links with employers, real-life business scenarios, and professional training facilities such as audit simulation and Bloomberg finance lab, used by major financial services companies across the world.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
General Entry Requirements
- 2024 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB
Applicants who achieve BB over S4 and S5 and who meet one of the widening access criteria are guaranteed a conditional offer. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB
Minimum: BBC
Adjusted: CCC
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.
PLEASE NOTE: National 5/ Standard Grade/ GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics / Applications of Mathematics is required in addition to the requirements noted above.
- 2025 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: BBBB
Applicants who have achieved BBBB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBC
Applicants who have achieved BBC at Higher and meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an unconditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.
Adjusted: BB
Applicants who have achieved BB at Higher, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an adjusted conditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.
We would expect to issue a conditional offer asking for one additional C grade at Higher.
Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBC
Minimum: BCC
Adjusted: CCC
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.
PLEASE NOTE: National 5/ Standard Grade/ GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics / Applications of Mathematics is required in addition to the requirements noted above.
Entry from College
Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Arts and Social Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
International Applicants who do not meet the Entry Requirements
The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre offers preparation programmes for international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for undergraduate study. Discover your foundation pathway here.
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| RUK | £9,250 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| EU / International students | £20,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| Home Students | £1,820 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year |
Scholarships and Funding
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
Aimed at those looking for a career as a professional accountant or another key role in the dynamic environment of business and finance.
Graduate roles include Trainee Chartered Accountant in local, national, or Big 4 accountancy firms. Key accountancy / business / finance roles in both public and private sector organisations. or pursuing an academic career through postgraduate studies, academic research & teaching.
Accreditation
The University of Aberdeen courses are accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) which can form part of a direct path to being granted exemptions from the examinations necessary to get professional qualification status.
The Business School is EQUIS accredited, placing it among a select group of globally recognised institutions. Out of over 15,000 business schools worldwide, only around 200 schools across 45 countries have attained this distinction.
This degree holds accreditation from
- Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
- EQUIS
Our Experts
- Programme Leader
- Sarah Jane Smith
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Discover Uni
Discover Uni draws together comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. You can compare these and other data for different degree programmes in which you are interested.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX