Your Path to a Rewarding Career in Accounting & Finance
Looking to advance your career with a flexible, part-time degree in accounting? Our Level 8 BA (Hons) in Accounting is designed for ambitious learners who want to gain a top-class qualification while balancing work and life. Delivered over four years, this programme gives you the expertise, practical skills, and professional recognition needed to excel in Ireland’s dynamic business environment.
Why Choose This Course?
✅ Industry-Recognised Qualification Designed to align with professional accountancy exemptions, this degree offers the maximum available exemptions from the professional accounting bodies including Chartered Accountants Ireland (ACA), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Further exemptions available from the Irish Taxation Institute (ITI).
✅ Practical & Career-Focused Gain hands-on experience with real-world accounting, tax, and finance challenges, using the latest tools and technology used by Irish businesses.
✅ Flexible Part-Time Study Perfect for working professionals, career changers, and aspiring accountants who need a work-study balance without compromising on quality.
✅ Ethical & Sustainable Finance Develop leadership skills with a focus on corporate ethics, sustainability, and social responsibility—key values in today’s Irish business landscape.
What You’ll Study
📌 Stage 1: Foundations in Financial Accounting, Business Law, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics & Quantitative Techniques. 📌 Stage 2: Deep dive into Cost Accounting, Corporate Finance & Taxation for Irish businesses. 📌 Stage 3: Specialise with modules in Audit & Assurance, Strategic Analysis, and Advanced Financial Reporting.
Your Future Starts Here
Graduates of this programme go on to secure roles in accounting firms, corporate finance, public sector finance, and industry. Whether you’re looking to become a qualified accountant or enhance your financial expertise, this degree gives you the tools to succeed in Ireland’s fast-evolving business world.
Course Delivery
Classes are delivered using a hybrid approach involving a combination of pre-course reading, pre-recorded classes, live and onsite classes. Please note that the onsite classes are usually held on our Carlow campus. It is important to note that exams will be shared with students from the full time degree programme. These exams may be scheduled for during the day.
📅 Start Date: September 2025 🎓 Credits: 180 (Level 8)
Stage 1
Fundamental Financial Accounting Communications 1.0 Microeconomics Accounting Law Management Quantitative Techniques Computer Applications Macroeconomics 2.0 Fundamental Financial Accounting Accounting Law 2 Management 2 Quantitative Techniques 2
Stage 2
Financial Reporting 1 Cost Accounting Information Systems 1 Commercial/Corporate Law for Accountants Introduction to Marketing Income Tax Management Accounting 1 Financial Reporting 2 Business Tax for Self-Employed and VAT Corporate Finance in Accounting Information Systems 2 Commercial/Corporate Law for Accountants 2
Corporation Tax Advanced Financial Reporting 2 Advanced Management Accounting Capital Taxes and Succession 1 Advanced Corporate Finance 2 Audit and Assurance 2 Strategic Positioning
Entry Requirements
Under 23
Applicants will be admitted to this course on the basis of their results in the Leaving Certificate. Minimum entry requirements are Grade C3 or higher in two Higher level subjects and Grade A to D in four Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate subjects to include English and Mathematics.
Over 23
There is no defined entry criteria for over 23s however, applicants may be asked to provide additional information and/or may be called for interview as part of the application process.
SETU Carlows RPL Policy offers clear pathways to the learner for recognition of previous learning undertaken and offer every credit to the learner in completing such learning.
The Programme Board will be responsible for the assessment of entry standards and applications as part of any RPL Process.
What follow-on study opportunities are available?
Professional Accountancy Exams (see exemptions below)
Professional Taxation Exams (see exemptions below)
Master of Business or other taught or research Master's Degrees at SETU and other universities.
Professional Master's in Education (PME). Completion of a Professional Master's in Education (PME) will allow the graduate to pursue a career in post-primary teaching.
What exemptions will I receive?
Chartered Accountants Ireland (ACA)
CA Proficiency 1 (CAP 1) - all subjects
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Applied Knowledge Level - all subjects
Applied Skills Level - all subjects
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
Financial Leadership Programme (FLP)
Certificate Level - all subjects
Operational Level - all subjects
Operational Case Study
Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland (CPA)
Foundation Level - all subjects
Professional Level - all subjects
Irish Tax Institute (ITI)
Chartered Tax Advisor (Part 1) - 3 subjects
Online Support
Students will have full access to a range of supports available online and through Blackboard, our virtual learning environment. These include our new online programme, PACE, which is designed to support students to access and effectively use library resources in order to complete assignments. Additional supports include an Academic Writing Centre and Maths Support Centre, freely available to all students.
