Course Director:  Orla Lenihan   e: orla.lenihan@ul.ie   t: +353-61-202238

Course Administrator:               e:   t:

Overview
The Professional Diploma in Accounting is a one year part-time "conversion" programme of study designed to equip non-accounting graduates with a thorough grounding in accounting theory and practice.  Students will gain a high level of competence in the accounting discipline through a challenging learning environment, thus allowing them the opportunity to progress to study for a professional accounting qualification.

Why should you consider a Professional Diploma in Accounting?

• The accountancy profession has grown in complexity and stuture over the last two decades and accountants now play a key role in Irish and international business and industry.
• A Professional Diploma in Accounting offers exceptional employment prospects.
• Graduates from the progrmme will be entitled to exemptions in full from the CAP1 examinations of Chartered Accountants Ireland, subject to minimum grade requirements.
• Student will be exposed to a self-learning environment that will expand their critical-thinking, analytical skills and ethical values.
• Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the key disciplines of accounting, finance, taxation and business law.

Course Structure

Autumn Semester	Spring Semester
Financial Management	Corporate Finance
Management and Cost Accounting	Performance Management
Financial Accounting	Financial Reporting
Taxation	Company and Partnership Law
Legal Environment of Business

Entry Requirements
Applicants will possess a minimum of a 2.2 honours primary degree in any field other than accounting related fields.  An interview may form part of the application process.  Applicants who cannot satisfy the minimum 2.2 honours primary degree requirement may be accepted on the basis of relevant professional experience.

In the case of international students, applicants must hold a qualification that is equivalent to an Irish or UK honours bachelor's degree (NQAI level 8).  Where candidates are non-native English language speakers, the candidate should meet the University's English Language Requirements.

Delivery
A variety of educational approaches will be employed in the delivery of the programme, including interactive lectures and tutorials, guided reading, small group team work, seminars and workshops, e-learning and guest speakers from industry.  The programme is delivered on a part-time basis in the evenings and at weekends.  Approximately a quarter of the student workload will be taken up by formal contact hours.  The remainder of the student workload will be divided between independent and private study and the preparation of projects and examinations.

Graduates and Careers
The Professional Diploma in Accounting will prepare graduates to pursue careers in accountancy firms, financial institutions, and manufacturing and service companies in Ireland and abroad.