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BA (Hons) in Accounting & Finance

BA (Hons) in Accounting & Finance

Overview

Gain the accounting, finance and management skills needed for a dynamic career in the world of finance and business

The BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance degree is delivered on a full-time, part-time and blended learning basis and is ideal for students interested either in a career in the accounting profession or who wish to develop the expertise to analyse business activities from a financial perspective.

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Why Study Accounting and Finance at Griffith College?

This Accounting and Finance degree reflects the multiple requirements of today’s business and finance world, preparing you for a career in accounting, banking, stockbroking, currency trading, management, insurance or positions in the financial sector. Whether you want to change career or are studying accounting and finance, or are a school leaver, the BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance is for you.

  • If you are interested in the application of numerical techniques and the interpretation and communication of financial information, this course is ideal.
  • Once completed, students will have the necessary skills to pursue a dynamic rewarding career in accounting and/or finance.
  • The city centre location delivers the programme in the evening on a part-time basis
  • You can qualify for 9 ACCA exemptions, ACA CAP 1 exemptions and a number of CPA exemptions
  • You will receive lecturing from vastly experienced professionals from a wide range of industries.

Course Highlights

  • Excellent reputation within industry
  • Excellent rates of graduate appointments
  • Convenient part-time city centre location
  • Gain an honours degree in three years
  • Excellent study progression opportunities

Intake Dates

We run 2 intakes for this course commencing in Spring and Autumn.

  • January 2020*
  • September 2020

*subject to sufficient numbers

Worried about commuting to class, have you considered Blended Learning?

Blended Learning combines traditional classroom based learning with online formats like webinars and lecture videos meaning you only have to travel to class one Saturday per month on campus. Read more about the blended learning course option here. 

    What our students say

    Accounting and Finance Courses

    Enrolling in the Accounting & Finance part time degree was a huge decision, but the lecturing staff, and indeed everyone at Griffith College, made the transition easy and enjoyable. Managing a full-time job along with studies was made easier by the consistent level of support. I found the classes to be a fantastic open environment full of discussion as well as structured lectures and great reading material. I would highly recommend anyone considering studying Accounting & Finance to choose Griffith College.

    Sam Mc Dougall
    BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance (part-time)
    Accounting and Finance Courses

    I am a second year student studying on the Accounting and Finance degree in Griffith College. It is a very interesting course and the lectures are extremely helpful and kind; they're always ready to help. Griffith College is a place that encourages students to work hard and the BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance recognises the efforts that students put into their work.

    Chizara Chimdi-ejiogu
    BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance (Full time)
    Course details

    The year one and two Finance/Accounting and Management modules act as a perfect introduction and development for the final year modules. 

    Year One
    Business Management

    The objectives of this module are to provide learners with a clear understanding of the concepts and management functions of all businesses. To examine the environmental factors that influence management decisions. Furthermore, this module enables learners to understand the role of management in managing people. The knowledge gained in this module provides a foundation for the Management Practice module in year 2 of the programme. 

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    Effective Learning and Development

    Many learners find the transition to college a difficult time as they seek to adapt to their new environment while also grappling with the academic aspect of college. The objective of this module is to assist the learner in their transition to third level education by providing them with academic support and development skills that will ease this transition. Learners are supported in their development of competencies and skills which will support them throughout their learning journey. This module provides learners with the foundations of good academic practices in a collaborative environment. 

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    Micro Economics

    Economics underpins a great deal of decision-making not only in business but also in our everyday lives and as such is an essential cornerstone of this programme.

    Economics is typically divided into two main branches namely microeconomics and macroeconomics. While macroeconomics is concerned with the economy as a whole microeconomics examines the individual parts of the economy and focuses on how individuals and firms make decisions and how these decisions interact.

    This module is designed to introduce learners to the fundamentals of microeconomics and expose them to the principal theories and models used by economists. It demonstrates how economics can be used by individuals and businesses alike to assess problems and develop solutions. 

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    Quantitative Analysis for Business

    The main objective is to ensure that learners appreciate the importance of mathematics and statistics for successful decision making in a range of business disciplines (e.g. finance, economics, marketing etc.). They learn how to apply these mathematical skills to manipulate and interpret numerical data. They are required to use a statistical package to support them in their application of mathematics and statistics in their analysis of business data. 

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    Financial Accounting (linear)

    This module introduces learners to basic theoretical and practical accounting concepts, and explains how they apply to business entities. Specifically, the module is designed to ensure learners understand the importance of financial and accounting principles and can relate them to how businesses manage cash and other financial transactions. The module develops the learner’s ability to prepare, analyse and report on financial statements for different entities. 

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    Information Technology Skills

    The objectives of this module are, to outline the role of IT and IS processes so as to enable business learners to understand their importance and to show how they can be effectively utilised to the benefit of an organisation. The module also seeks to enable the learners to develop practical IT skills which are an essential component of the modern business environment. Finally it seeks to develop the learners’ understanding of general IT concepts to see how they can be used in the business world. 

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    Legal Aspects of Business

    This module is an introductory law module for business learners, which provides an overview of the Irish legal system with particular emphasis on aspects of law which impinge on businesses as they operate. The focus is on Irish law but many aspects of European Law is also highlighted and discussed. The primary and central focus of the module is the application of law within business structures after the skills and knowledge have been taught. The focus of this module is to provide learners with a comprehensive overview of the important aspects of law which affect businesses in operation in Ireland and the European Union. 

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    Macro Economics

    Economics underpins a great deal of decision-making not only in business but also at government level and as such is an essential cornerstone of this programme. Economics is typically divided into two main branches namely microeconomics and macroeconomics. While microeconomics examines the individual parts of the economy macroeconomics is concerned with the economy as a whole and the role played by government. This module is designed to introduce learners to the macroeconomic environment and the principles underlying macroeconomic policies and government strategies. 

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    Year Two
    Accounting Information for Managers

    This module is designed to provide learners with an understanding of how management accounting plays an integral part in business organisations. It highlights the importance of costs and the driver of costs in the production, analysis and use of information for decision making in organisations. It provides competencies on how to analyse information on costs, volumes and prices to take short-term decisions on products and services. 

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    Company Law

    This module will provide the learner with knowledge of the historical development of company law and develop within the learner an understanding of the sources of company law, with particular emphasis on the Companies Act 2014, and their interaction. It will further provide the learner with an understanding of the main principles and rules of company law and their interaction and an understanding of the practical operation of company law.

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    Finance and Wealth Management

    The objective of this module is to develop the knowledge and skills expected of a finance manager in relation to investment and financing decisions. This module provides the learner with skills to explore the financial environment in which an entity and its managers must operate, assess capital investment situations as well as an understanding of the various methods that can be used to finance capital investments. This module aims to demonstrate the importance of working capital management and the tools to manage it. It also provides the learner with the means to manage personal wealth and pension planning. 

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    Professional Development

    The purpose of this professional development module is to develop appropriate skills and knowledge required for business professionalism and communication success. This module enables learners to gain a broad understanding of the numerous and diverse activities that combine to successfully source internships and employment opportunities. Furthermore the module ensures that learners develop the necessary knowledge and understanding of the techniques used to deliver professional business presentations including written, oral and visual. 

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    International Financial Reporting

    This module builds on the basic financial accounting techniques introduced in Financial Accounting at stage 1 and further develops knowledge and understanding of more advanced financial reporting concepts and principles. Learners are required to apply this understanding by preparing and interpreting financial reports in a practical context. 

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    Management Accounting Systems and Analysis

    This module is designed to provide learners with an understanding of different costing systems and techniques used to assist management in the decision making process. It provides a thorough grounding in Management Accounting systems and procedures. The aim is to provide the learner with the skills to utilise a variety of costing techniques in a range of practical business situations and enable learners to analyse management accounting information and apply it to a wide range of planning, control and decision situations. 

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    Management Practice

    The objectives of this module are to provide learners with a clear understanding of the range of business concepts. Furthermore, this module links the areas of people management, marketing, and ethics etc. which affect all businesses. This module gives the learners an inside view of the environmental factors that influence business decisions. This enables learners to understand the role of management as providers. The knowledge gained in this stage 2 module is a follow on from the module Business Management in stage 1. 

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    Technology in Accounting and Finance

    This module is designed to broaden the learner’s knowledge of information systems with a particular emphasis on their future use of systems and software in accounting, finance and business management. The module is building on the skills and knowledge that have been acquired in the stage 1 modules IT Skills and Financial Accounting. 

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    Year Three
    International Corporate Reporting

    This module builds on the concepts, conventions and principles introduced in the modules Financial Accounting and International Financial Reporting in Stages 1 and 2. This module is designed to give learners a thorough grounding in the practical and theoretical aspects of financial reporting at an advanced level. The aims of the module are to enable the learner to analyse and evaluate financial statements of both individual and group entities and to develop the learner’s critical understanding of the current issues in financial reporting, including the professional and ethical duties of an accountant. 

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    Performance Management

    This module builds on the knowledge acquired at Stage 2. It provides learners with an understanding of strategic management accounting principles. It enhances and further develops the learner's ability and awareness of advanced management accounting techniques and topics. 

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    Professional Development Portfolio

    The module provides the learner with an opportunity to record and reflect on the tangible skills, experiences and achievements developed over the duration of the degree. The learner is also encouraged to engage with the career and development experiences and insights of others to help focus and inform their own further personal and professional development. 

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    Taxation 1

    This module is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of the workings of the Irish tax system in relation to personal income tax and value added tax (VAT). It develops the ability to apply knowledge and skills in providing taxation information to individuals on the impact of these taxes. The module provides learners with the opportunity to explore the impact of income tax on the transactions of individuals and partners. 

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    Audit and Assurance

    This module focuses on the legal and regulatory environment of the assurance engagement and the professional and ethical considerations for the assurance provider. It also seeks to provide the learner with the ability to identify, analyse and conclude on an assurance engagement in the context of best practice. 

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    Corporate Finance

    This module further develops the principles of financial management outlined in the ‘Finance and Wealth Management’ module and introduces other topics appropriate to the strategic aspects of finance. The purpose of this module is to provide learners with an understanding of how entities acquire resources, and allocate them among present and future activities and projects.

    The learner develops the knowledge and skills expected of a finance manager, in relation to finding and allocating capital to increase the wealth of the firm’s shareholders.

    Concepts such as corporate objectives, capital investment appraisal, business risk, financial risk, weighted average cost of capital (WACC), working capital management techniques, the valuation of financial assets and risk management are studied. 

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    Strategic Management

    This module is designed to help learners identify and understand the sources of superior company performance. Here we guide the learner through the theoretical and conceptual frameworks that underpin analysis of the external and internal environments of the firm, the formulation and implementation of strategies and finally the evaluation of chosen strategies. The module is designed to develop the learner’s skills in diagnosing the strategic health of organisations and providing strategic recommendations to senior management. Through participation on this module, learners are provided with an opportunity to synthesize and apply existing knowledge across several disciplines. 

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    Taxation 2

    This module is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of the workings of the Irish tax system in relation to Corporation Tax and Capital Gains Tax for both individuals and companies. It develops the ability to apply knowledge and skills in providing taxation information to individuals and corporations on the impact of these taxes. Learners are provided with the opportunity to explore the impact of all major taxes on the transactions of individuals, partners and companies. 

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    Year Three Electives*
    Corporate Governance and Accountability

    This module examines in detail the subject of Corporate Governance. The module assesses the importance of identifying, assessing, controlling and mitigating risk within the context of Corporate Governance. Learners also evaluate the objectives and importance of internal control systems. Learners gain an appreciation of corporate social responsibility and the risk it can create to an organisation. Learners gain insight into ethical decision making. 

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    Derivatives

    The aims of the module are to develop an appreciation of the key features of major derivative instruments and the principles of derivatives pricing. Learners develop a practical understanding of the possible uses of derivative instruments and the ability to apply that knowledge to explore how derivative instruments can be used in risk management. 

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    Project Management

    This module examines in detail the subject of project management. The module assesses the importance of identifying, assessing, controlling and managing projects in a business context. Learners gain an appreciation of project management best practice and assess the relationship between project management, technology and strategy. 

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    Valuation and Securities Management

    This module provides learners with an understanding of security analysis and valuation from both a theoretical and empirical perspective. It is designed to provide the tools required to analyse the performance of securities, value securities and assess returns on active investment strategies. 

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    *One elective must be chosen.

    Electives are delivered in semester one of the final year, and are offered subject to demand.

    Timetables

    Provisional Timetable - Year 1 (Full-time)

    Provisional Timetable - Year 2 (Full-time)

    Provisional Timetable - Year 3 (Full-time)

     

    Provisional Timetable - Year 1 (Part-time)

    Provisional Timetable - Year 2 (Part-time)

    Provisional Timetable - Year 3 (Part-time)

    How to Apply

    Entry Requirements

    Leaving Certificate

    2 H5 and 4 O6/H7 grades, to include a language (English, Irish or another language) and Maths.

    English Language
    If English is not your native language, you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard. For further information please contact a member of the Admissions Team.

    How to Apply

    Applicants under 23 years

    Applicants under 23 years of age on 1st of January, 2018 must apply through the CAO system www.cao.ie. Please consult the CAO website for information on important dates for 2018 applications.

    CAO Codes

    • Dublin - GC401
    • Cork - GC201
    • Limerick - GC301
    APPLY THROUGH CAO

    Applicants over 23 years

    Mature Students
    Applicants over 23 years of age on 1st January 2018 must apply to Griffith College directly online using the Apply Online facility on the website homepage. Mature applicants will be asked for a copy of their passport.

    APPLY DIRECTLY
    Fees

    For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from time of application.

    Tuition Fees
    Irish/EU, living in Ireland

    General Fee Information 

    An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below. The fees below relate to Year 1 fees only.

    Study Mode: Full-Time

    Dublin Main Campus

    EUR 3,180.00

    Cork

    EUR 4,150.00

    Limerick

    EUR 4,550.00

    Study Mode: Part-Time

    Dublin - Main Campus & City Centre

    EUR 3,700.00

    Cork

    EUR 2,300.00

    ​Limerick

    EUR 2,900.00

    Irish/EU, living abroad

    General Fee Information 

    An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.

    Study Mode: Full-Time

    Dublin Main Campus

    EUR 6,650.00

    Cork

    EUR 6,000.00

    International

    General Fee Information 

    An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.

    Non-EU students: a Medical Insurance, Student Services and Administration fee of EUR300 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.

    Study Mode: Full-Time

    Dublin Main Campus

    Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.

    Cork

    Non-EU Living in Ireland: EUR 7,000.00

    Non-EU living Abroad: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.

    Limerick

    Non-EU Living in Ireland: EUR 5,600.00

    Direct Debit Scheme

    Students wishing to pay for their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please download our Fee Payment Information document to review the payment plan schedule and how to apply.

    Sponsorship

    Is your company paying for your course?

    They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to the Student Fees Office:

    • Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
    • Email: [email protected]

    Cork

    2% Learner Protection Charge

    All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.

    QQI Award Fee

    Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.

    Progression

    Academic Progression

    Upon successful completion of their honours degree course, graduates may wish to continue their studies with a postgraduate qualification in Griffith College or with one of the many third level institution in Ireland or abroad.

    The Griffith College Graduate Business School offers a portfolio of programmes which may be of interest. The following programmes prepare graduates for the world of international business; at MSc and MBA levels, and in full and part-time modes

    • The MBA in International Business programme is divided into three stages, taking one year to complete full-time and approx. two years part-time.

    • The MSc programme is divided into three stages, taking one year to complete full-time and approx. two years part-time.

    • The MSc Accounting and Finance programme is divided into three stages, taking one year to complete full-time and approx. two years part-time.

    Professional Accountancy Exemptions

    Graduates of this programme may wish to pursue further studies they can gain substantial examination exemptions from the following professional accountancy bodies:

    • 9 ACCA Fundamental exemptions

    • ACA CAP 1 exemptions

    • CPA Formation 1, Formation 2 and Professional 1 exemptions (subject to electives chosen).

    Career Progression

    The programme gives you an understanding of the business, legal, and social environments in which accountancy operates and enables you to be conversant in the technical languages and practices of the accounting sector in a market economy. These include measurement and disclosure in financial statements, managerial accounting, auditing, taxation and business law. While typical careers focus on the world of finance and accounting in particular, any aspect of the business arena is open to graduates. A significant advantage is the many exemptions from the professional exams for which graduates of the course are eligible. Students who do not wish to focus on a career as an accountant will find numerous opportunities in banking, stockbroking, currency trading, management, insurance or positions in the financial sector.

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