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
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
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Scottish Higher - AABB
Scottish Advanced Higher - BB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 29 points
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Scottish HNC - Pass
Scottish HND - Pass
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass
T Level
Important note on professional exemptions: To be eligible for the maximum (11) exemptions from Chartered Accountant (CA) examinations, entrants must evidence prior learning in both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics (e.g., completed A-level/IB/university-level modules or equivalent). Applicants who do not demonstrate prior learning in these areas may receive fewer exemptions. We operate contextual admissions defined by our Fair Access Policy which may mean entry requirements are flexible. 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
A level - BCC
Scottish Higher - BBBC
GCSE/National 4/National 5
The University guarantees to make a minimum entry offer to anyone who would be considered a Home or Rest of UK (RUK) applicant and who has achieved, or can achieve, the required grades from the following categories: Priority postcode areas – Home Scottish applicants from SIMD20 postcodes or RUK applicants from POLAR 4 quintile 1 areas – identified through Scottish and UK government targets. Care experience – Home Scottish or RUK applicants who have had experience of care, including adoption, kinship care, foster care and home supervision orders.
English language requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not been educated previously in the English language 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 that we currently accept as proof of English Language ability including our own English Language programmes, can be viewed on our website.
HWU English Language Requirements
https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/entry/english-language-requirements.htm
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £9535* | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
Wales | £9535* | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9535* | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9535* | Year 1 |
Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
EU | £20080* | Year 1 |
International | £20080* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
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
Provider information
Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS