Accounting and Performance Analytics (MSc)

Our MSc in Accounting and Performance Analytics is a 12-month full-time conversion programme designed for graduates from any discipline (except accounting) who wish to develop expertise in both Accounting and Information Systems (IS). Students complete taught modules from September to May, followed by either a graduate placement or a group-based applied research project beginning in June. This structure ensures a balance between academic study, professional development, and practical application. The programme endeavours to prepare future-ready accounting professionals by combining core accounting principles with information systems and analytics, reflecting the realities of modern business where financial decision-making increasingly relies on data and technology.

 

You will:

• Develop a deep understanding of management accounting, performance management, and risk control.
• Gain hands-on experience in programming, database design, and business data visualisation.
• Learn how to design and apply information systems that enhance decision-making and organisational performance.
• Benefit from exemptions from three major professional accounting bodies; CIMA, ACCA, and Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI), giving you a head start toward professional qualification.

This programme is eligible for the CIMA Academic Masters Gateway and carries ACCA and CAI exemptions. Depending on module choices and grades, the following exemptions are available to participants*:  

• ACCA recognises this MSc for accreditation. Upon graduation, students have exemptions from up to 5 ACCA examinations.

• Upon graduation, students may be eligible for exemptions from CAI examinations depending on module selection and grade.

 The course also offers the potential of a three-month industrial internship opportunity, allowing you to gain invaluable industry experience and professional connections.

 *Please note: exemptions from professional accounting bodies are independently awarded, and subject to change based on syllabus and content updates. 

Programme content

Students take 90 credits as follows – 60 credits of taught modules (Part I) and 30 credits of research modules (Part II)

Part 1: Students take 60 credits as follows - all listed core modules 50 credits and 10 credits of elective modules:

Part I - Core Modules

• AC6002 Accounting Information Fundamentals (5 credits)
• AC6412 Ethics & Sustainability Reporting (5 credits)
• AC6419 Principles of Cost Management (5 credits)
• AC6420 Advanced Managerial Accounting (5 credits)
• AC6421 Performance Management, Risk and Control for International Firms (5 credits)
• FI6006  Professional Development (5 credits)
• IS6125  Database Analysis and Design (5 credits)
• IS6200  Programming for Business I (5 credits)
• IS6218  Understanding Global Business Processes (5 credits)
• IS6219  Enterprise Data Analytics and Visualisation (5 credits)

ELECTIVE MODULES

• IS6217  Programming for Business II (5 credits) or 
• AC6424  Financial Reporting 1 (5 credits)

And

• IS6126  Databases for Management Information Systems  (5 credits) or 
• AC6425  Financial Reporting 2 (5 credits)

Part II - Students take 30 credits as follows:

• AC6016 Placement (30 credits) or AC6017 Applied Research in Performance Analytics (30 credits)

The MSc Accounting and Performance Analytics is a full-time programme running for 12 months from the date of first registration for the programme. Students take taught modules from September to May, followed by either the completion of a group-based research project or a graduate placement commencing from June onwards.

Students undertake taught modules to the value of 60 credits and an industrial placement or industry report to the value of 30 credits. In the event of a placement not being secured an unplaced student will undertake project work of an equivalent credit value as specified by the Head of Department.

Exit Award

Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting and performance analytics

Candidates who pass taught modules to the value of 60 credits in Part I may choose to exit the programme and be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma (NFQ Level 9, Major Award).

The MSc Accounting and Performance Analytics is the only master’s programme in Ireland that fully integrates accounting, information systems, and analytics. It offers students a distinctive combination of financial expertise and technological insight that reflects the needs of today’s data-driven business environment. As a conversion programme, it is particularly well suited to graduates from a wide range of academic backgrounds who wish to transition into the fields of accounting, financial management, or business analysis. The programme carries exemptions from three of the world’s leading professional accounting bodies; ACCA, CIMA, and Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI), giving graduates a significant advantage as they progress toward professional qualification. Designed in close consultation with industry, the course incorporates guest lectures, workshops, and case studies ensuring that students engage with real-world challenges throughout their studies. Placement opportunities with leading companies in Ireland, the UK, and Europe further strengthen the practical dimension of the degree. Graduates of the programme have an excellent employment record and have gone on to successful careers as management consultants, business analysts, management accountants, financial accountants, and project managers.

Graduates of the MSc Accounting and Performance Analytics develop a distinctive blend of analytical, financial, and technological skills that position them strongly in the modern business environment. The programme equips students with the ability to evaluate organisational performance, interpret financial and operational data, and apply analytical insights to support strategic decision-making. Students gain practical experience in designing and implementing information systems, managing databases, and using programming and data visualisation tools to enhance business intelligence and reporting. Alongside these technical capabilities, the programme fosters the communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills essential for leadership in accounting and performance management roles. As a result, graduates are well prepared for careers as management or financial accountants, business or systems analysts, data and business intelligence specialists, project managers, and consultants in accounting, technology, and performance management. The combination of accounting foundations, digital fluency, and applied business analysis ensures that graduates are equipped to thrive in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.

There are national and international placement opportunities available. The Accounting and Performance Analytics course is unique in having cultivated an international reputation for the calibre of our students, and we have strong relationships with placement companies and employers in Ireland, the UK, and Europe. Across the Atlantic, students have been placed in organisations in New York and Seattle. Strong links are maintained with the financial services industry in Luxembourg. Post-graduation, a growing contingent of Chinese students has opened up the possibility of careers in China.

For MSc Accounting and Performance Analytics (Management Information and Managerial Accounting Systems) (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Communicate and work effectively to a high professional standard;
• Demonstrate advanced analytical and problem-solving skills associated with effective practice;
• Engage in advanced application of frameworks and techniques in organisational settings
• Apply data driven accounting techniques to support responsible leadership in International organisations;
• Analyse management information needs and develop ethical and appropriate process automation and business intelligence solutions;
• Conduct financial information analysis to inform sustainable decision making.

 

This course consists of traditional classroom-based lectures in addition to a series of computer practical sessions. You will also gain experience of seminars, industrial site visits, guest lectures, student presentations to (and feedback from) leading industry experts etc. On average, you can expect 25 contact hours per week (i.e. lectures/practical sessions) with the remainder of your time spent researching and completing projects and assignments.

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are used during this course. In addition to the traditional end-of-year written examinations, you will undertake a series of individual and group assignments and projects during the year in the areas of both management accounting and information systems.

Who teaches this course?

This course is taught by a team of dedicated and experienced academics who all have relevant industrial experience, either in management accounting and/or information systems. The majority of the teaching team also have PhDs which facilitates them in guiding your research efforts.

Full module information is detailed in the section below.

Applicants must hold a minimum Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in a discipline other than accounting. Applicants who do not meet the Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) standard may be admitted to the programme under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) on the basis of significant relevant practical or professional experience as deemed appropriate by the Programme Director and subject to the approval of the School of Business.

It is important to apply early as this programme is often over-subscribed. If your application is successful, i.e. if you meet all of the entry requirements and upload all of the required documentation and there is still space on the programme, then you will receive a full offer.  If you are deemed suitable, and there is still space on the programme, but you have not yet received your final examination results or English language results (where required), a conditional offer will be issued.

If you apply and the programme is already full and you meet all of the admission requirements, you will be placed on a wait list. Applicants on this wait list are prioritised over later applicants.

View the grades comparison table

Non-EU Candidates

Non-EU candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to Irish university primary degree level. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. To verify if you meet the minimum academic requirements for this programme please visit our qualification comparison pages.

For more detailed entry requirement information please refer to the International website .

1. Choose Course

Firstly choose your course. Applicants can apply for up to three courses under one application. Details of taught courses are available on our online prospectus.

2. Apply Online

Once you have chosen your course you can apply online at the online application portal. Applicants will need to apply before the course closing date. There is a €50 application fee for all courses apart from the Education - Professional Master of Education - (Secondary School/Post-Primary Teacher Training) which has a €100 application fee.

3. Gather Supporting Documents

Scanned copies of the following documents will need to be uploaded to the online application portal in support of your application. Applicants may need to produce the original documents if you are accepted onto a course and register at UCC.

• Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC
• Any supplementary items requested for your course.

Please log into the online application portal for more details.

4. Application processing timeline

Our online application portal opens for applications for most courses in early November of each year. Check specific course details. 

Questions on how to apply?

Please use our web enquiry form to contact us.

The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

Non-EU Applications

For full details of the non-EU application procedure please visit our how to apply pages for international students. In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

Not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above.

For more information please contact the International Office.