Course contact details
Admissions Office
Email:studywithus@hw.ac.uk
Phone:0131 451 3376
Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS
Professional Accountancy
- Master of Arts (with Honours)
- 4 Years
- Full-Time
- 13 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Edinburgh Campus
Course summary
The MA (Hons) Professional Accountancy is a unique four-year undergraduate honours degree that combines rigorous academic study with professional accreditation, offering 11 exemptions from Chartered Accountant (CA) examinations. Offered in collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), one of the world’s most prestigious professional bodies, this programme combines rigorous academic study with full exemption from all 11 Knowledge and Skills level ICAS exams.
Students will gain advanced knowledge in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, corporate finance, and sustainability, while also developing key professional competencies in ethics, leadership, and financial technologies. The curriculum is fully aligned with ICAS content and standards, ensuring that graduates are exceptionally well-prepared for the final professional stages of the CA qualification.
Offered across Heriot-Watt University’s global campuses in the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia, the programme supports international employability and responds to the growing demand for high-quality, professionally aligned accountancy education. It is ideal for students aspiring to pursue careers in accounting, audit, advisory, or financial leadership in global contexts.
Please visit our website for further information on our 3 year honours degrees’
How to apply
Apply by
13 January 2027
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- NN45
- Institution code:
- H24
- Campus name:
- Edinburgh Campus
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelBBC
For entry to Year 2: BBB including at least one of the following: Accountancy, Business, Economics or Maths.
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
UCAS TariffNot accepted
Scottish HNCPass
HNC in a relevant subject with B in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
For Year 2 entry: HNC Accounting with A in graded unit.
Scottish HNDPass
For Year 2 entry: HND in Accounting or Business with BBB in graded units.
Scottish HigherAABB
GCSE/National 4/National 5
It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)
Scottish Advanced HigherBB
including at least one of the following: Accountancy, Business, Economics, Maths plus AABB at Higher for entry to Year 2.
International Baccalaureate Diploma ProgrammeOffer: 29
For entry to Year 2: A total of 34 points including at least one of the following: Accountancy, Business, Economics, Maths at Higher Level 5.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DMM
in a relevant subject (Business/Accountancy/Finance preferred) for entry to Year 1. For entry to Year 2: DDM in relevant subject (Business/Accountancy/Finance preferred).
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)Pass
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK, Europe and International countries. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information on the entry requirements for these.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A level BCC
For entry to Year 2: BBB including at least one of the following: Accountancy, Business, Economics or Maths.
Scottish Higher BBBC
GCSE/National 4/National 5
It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)
English language requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not previously been educated in English must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English language tests, school-level qualifications and Heriot-Watt English language programmes currently accepted as proof of English proficiency can be found on our website.https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We realise that not everyone has an equal opportunity to evidence their full potential from school or college qualifications alone, so we use all the information you provide on your application form to assess both your current achievements and potential to thrive at university. Our minimum entry levels apply to MD20, POLAR 4 Q1 and care experienced students. Students from other widening access backgrounds may get an adjusted offer which is slightly lower than our standard entry requirements.
International entry requirements
We accept a wide range of qualifications from the UK, Europe, and countries worldwide. If your qualification is not listed on https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/international-students/study-in-the-uk/information-for-your-country, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information about entry requirements.
Some qualifications may be suitable for direct entry to Year 2, allowing you to complete your degree in three years. If your qualifications are not suitable for direct entry to one of our undergraduate programmes, we may be able to offer you a place on one of our Foundation programmes.
As an international student, you are likely to require a Student Visa to study in the UK. Please see the FAQ section on our website at https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/international-students for further information about the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) process required for a Student Visa application. https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/international-students/study-in-the-uk/information-for-your-country
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not available
Historical entry grades data is not currently available for Heriot-Watt University - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland | £9790 | |
| Scotland | £1820 | |
| EU & International | £20080 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Subject to confirmation
Related courses
At Heriot-Watt University
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