COURSE CURRICULUM

The curriculum for the Master of Accounting (MAcc) program at the University of Galway is designed to balance technical rigor with practical application, guiding students through a structured progression of required and optional modules across semesters. Students must earn a defined number of credits, known as ECTS, each year by completing both required and optional modules, ensuring comprehensive coverage of accounting, finance, and management disciplines. Each module represents an examinable portion of the course, with lectures, tutorials, and assignments forming the basis of assessment, and subjects group related modules together to provide thematic focus. In the first year, students engage with foundational topics such as Investment and Financing Decisions, Management Accounting, Auditing I, Advanced Financial Reporting I, and Taxation I, complemented by a substantial Research Project worth 20 credits that fosters independent analytical and research skills. Optional modules like Strategic Management and Decision Theory, AI, and Analytics allow students to tailor their learning to individual interests and career goals. In the second semester, students continue their professional development through Management Control for Sustainable Organizations, Auditing II, Corporate Finance, Taxation II, Advanced Financial Reporting II, and Skills for Accounting Research and Practice, integrating both technical proficiency and practical expertise. The curriculum is delivered over two semesters per academic year, with each module assigned specific credits reflecting its workload and importance, and the combination of required core subjects and optional modules ensures that students gain both depth and breadth in accounting and finance. By blending rigorous theoretical study, practical application, and research-focused learning, the MAcc curriculum equips students with the skills, knowledge, and professional competencies needed to excel in dynamic financial environments. This structured approach ensures that graduates are not only proficient in technical accounting frameworks but also capable of strategic decision-making, critical analysis, and applying best practices in real-world contexts, laying a strong foundation for success in careers across accounting firms, corporations, and public institutions.