The MSc International Accounting and Analytics - Pathway B is a fast-track, seven-month programme that begins in January, offering a streamlined academic experience for fully exam-qualified accountants. Thanks to Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), students are exempted from Semester 1 and complete 45 credits of the 90-credit master's through advanced modules and immersive learning experiences. 

As part of the module AY5141 Accounting and Management Control for Sustainable Organizations, students participate in a unique three-week virtual collaboration with peers from Groningen, Ghent, and Galway. Working in multicultural teams, students explore key topics in management control of innovation and sustainability - reflecting the realities of today’s global, digitised workforce. 

Students engage with a dynamic blend of accounting, analytics, and strategic communication modules and attend two Summer Schools in May/June. 

Programme Schedule 

• January-May: Core and Elective taught modules delivered through lectures, workshops, and interactive sessions
• May-June: Two intensive Summer Schools* 

In 2025 students participated in:  

1. Financing Net Zero - delivered by Barry Gavin 
   This summer school aims to provide students with the ability to hold their own with professionals working in the Sustainability sector in terms understanding the Concepts, Language, Structures, Process, Risks, Challenges and Opportunities, essential to navigate the sector. Through real-world case studies and expert-led discussions, participants develop a clear understanding of how finance enables the transition to Net Zero. 
   
2. Disruptive Technologies - delivered by Sharon Cotter and Natasha Caulfield
   This module aims to familiarise students with a range of contemporary issues that influence how businesses operate, and how management both accounts for the stewardship of the business, and, assesses the management of organisational performance and how this is affected by disruptive technologies currently utilised in the running of organisations including robotic process automation, machine learning/AI, cybersecurity and data analytics. Students will get an opportunity during this workshop to learn how to create a digital robot. Guest speakers in 2025 included Prof Michael Madden, School of Computer Science, who discussed Co-creating with Generative AI and Aine Nola, CFO Microsoft Ireland, who delved into Disruptive Technology and Finance. 

*Summer School topics may vary from year to year.  

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Accelerated format for professionals Complete your master’s in just seven months thanks to exemptions through Recognition of Prior Learning. 

Industry-led Summer Schools Learn directly from global firms like KPMG and leading academics through immersive, practitioner-focused sessions. 

Real-world analytics expertise Develop hands-on skills in audit analytics, data visualisation, and performance management tailored for accountants. 

Sustainability-focused curriculum Explore modules like Sustainable Accounting and Governance, aligning your skills with global ESG priorities. 

Career-ready graduates Alumni secure roles in top firms including Deloitte, EY and PwC, with strong demand for analytics-savvy professionals.

Graduates of the MSc International Accounting and Analytics - Pathway B are uniquely positioned to thrive in a rapidly evolving financial landscape where data-driven decision-making is paramount. 

Graduates are in high demand across accounting practices like KPMG, Deloitte and PwC, financial services, consultancies in multinationals and global IT firm and in the public sector and NGOs. 

Graduate Roles 

Typical roles for new graduates include: 

• Audit Analytics Specialist
• Financial Data Analyst
• Management Accountant
• Business Intelligence Consultant
• Corporate Finance Associate 

Career Progression 

With experience, graduates can advance to: 

• Finance Transformation Manager
• Head of Performance Analytics
• Director of Strategic Finance
• Partner in Accounting Practice
• Academic Lecturer or Researcher 

Skills & Expertise Developed 

Employers seek professionals who can: 

• Interrogate and interpret complex datasets
• Communicate insights through data visualisation
• Apply analytics to audit, performance, and governance
• Lead digital transformation in finance functions 

Modules such as Data Science and Big Data Analytics, Storytelling through Data Visualisation, and Sustainable Accounting and Governance ensure graduates are equipped with the latest tools and thinking. 

Emerging Trends & Growth Areas 

Analytics in Audit: Increasing demand for professionals who can apply data interrogation to assurance and compliance 

ESG Reporting: Sustainability-focused finance roles are expanding rapidly 

Digital Finance Transformation: Skills in automation, AI, and cloud-based finance systems are highly sought after 

Global Mobility: Graduates are well-prepared for international roles due to the programme’s global focus and industry exposure 

Further Study & Academic Pathways 

Graduates may progress to: 

• PhD programmes in Accounting, Analytics, or Finance
• Academic careers in teaching and research
• Professional development  

• Prof Breda Sweeney
• Dr Orla Lenihan 
• Dr Patricia Martyn
• Dr Anatoli Nachev
• Dr Anastasia Griva
• Dr Umair ul Hassan
• Prof Eoin Whelan 

Lecturers may vary from year to year. 

Assessment methods include exams, individual and group assignments, presentations, and a hands-on analytics project. These are designed to reflect the practical demands of the profession and help you build confidence in applying your skills.

Programme Director 
Dr Patricia Martyn 
E: patricia.martyn@universityofgalway.ie 

Programme Administrators 
Ms Sharon Gilmartin and Ms Tracy Coloe Cloonan 
E: accountancy@universityofgalway.ie 

Q: Who is this course suitable for?
A: This programme is ideal for early to mid-career accountants who are already qualified members of a recognised professional accountancy body (such as ACCA, CIMA, CPA, ICAI, ICAS, etc.) and want to upskill in analytics and digital technologies. If you're looking to future-proof your career and gain advanced expertise in data-driven accounting, this course is designed for you.

Q: What will I study on this programme?
A: You’ll explore advanced topics in accounting, finance, and analytics, including: 

• Accounting & Management Control for Sustainable Organisations
• Data Science and Big Data Analytics
• Analytical & Communication Skills Development
• Sustainable Accounting, Finance and Governance 

You’ll also take part in practitioner-led summer schools, where you’ll engage with real-world challenges and learn directly from industry experts.

Q: How is the programme assessed?
A: Assessment methods include exams, individual and group assignments, presentations, and a hands-on analytics project. These are designed to reflect the practical demands of the profession and help you build confidence in applying your skills.

Q: What kind of practical experience will I gain?
A: You’ll gain hands-on experience with tools like R, Python, SQL, Tableau and learn how to apply analytics in audit, finance, and performance management. The summer schools offer direct exposure to how leading firms use data to drive value. 

Q: What roles do graduates go on to?
A: Graduates typically move into roles such as: 

• Senior Financial Analyst
• Corporate Finance Consultant
• Audit Manager
• Data Analytics Lead
• Valuations Specialist
• Finance Transformation Advisor 

Many alumni have secured senior positions in firms like Deloitte, Grant Thornton, PwC and EYand some progress into leadership roles within months of graduating. 

Q: What types of companies hire MSc International Accounting and Analytics graduates?
A: Graduates are recruited by: 

• Big Four firms 
• Global financial services companies
• Consulting firms
• Tech-driven organisations
• Aircraft leasing and asset management firms 

Employers value the unique blend of accounting expertise and analytics capability that this programme delivers. 

Q: Are industry connections part of the programme?
A: Yes - very much so. The summer schools are co-designed and delivered with industry leaders, including KPMG and other top firms. You’ll hear directly from professionals using data science and disruptive technologies in their organisations.

Q: What transferable skills will I develop?
A: You’ll build a powerful set of skills, including: 

• Advanced data analytics using tools like Tableau and Python
• Strategic thinking for performance management and financial leadership
• Communication and storytelling through data visualisation
• Problem-solving and adaptability in fast-changing environments
• Collaboration and leadership through group projects and industry engagement 

These skills are highly valued across sectors and will support your career progression in both practice and industry. 

University of Galway recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL). 

This programme is designed to provide early and mid-career accountants with the skills and knowledge needed to engage with big data in a variety of roles in practice and industry. 
 
Candidates who have completed all of the professional accounting examinations and have been admitted as full members by a recognised professional accountancy body including the following: ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAI, ICAS or other IFAC member body assessed as equivalent by the academic programme director, are eligible for consideration.

Data analysis & interpretation Ability to interrogate large datasets and extract actionable insights using advanced analytics tools. 

Strategic decision-making Apply financial and performance data to guide business strategy and operational improvements. 

Communication & storytelling Present complex data clearly and persuasively through visualisation and narrative techniques. 

Problem-solving & critical thinking Tackle financial and operational challenges using structured, evidence-based approaches. 

Digital literacy Proficiency in platforms and tools like R, Python, SQL and Tableau, for modern finance functions. 

Leadership & collaboration Work effectively in cross-functional teams and lead initiatives that drive organisational value. 

Sustainability awareness Understand ESG principles and integrate sustainable finance practices into decision-making. 

Adaptability & innovation Thrive in fast-changing environments by embracing new technologies and methodologies. 

These skills prepare graduates for roles in accounting and finance but also in consulting, tech, public sector, and beyond. 

Minimum Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to have completed all of the professional accounting examinations and to have been admitted as full members by a recognised professional accountancy body including the following: ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAI, ICAS or other IFAC member body assessed as equivalent by the academic programme director. A notarised cert of membership must be submitted before an application can be considered. 

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here.  

English Language Entry Requirements  

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.

Supporting Documents

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course. 

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance. 

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
Masters Full Time	1	€7,750		€13,500	€140		€7,890	€13,640

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships 

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships

University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.  

Business Merit Scholarships  

J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics is committed to attracting high calibre students from around the world. We are offering Merit Scholarships across all of our Taught Master's programmes. To be eligible candidates must have achieved a H1 (or international equivalent) in their primary degree and scholarships are offered on a competitive basis. All candidates who meet these criteria and have accepted a place on the programme are automatically considered for a scholarship. Scholarships are awarded up to 50% of the programme tuition fees. Click here to learn more .

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.