MA

Professional Accountancy

Learn more about studying Professional Accountancy as an international student.

Add application

Add an application for this program to manage progress and next steps.

Add this program to your longlist or shortlist to track your options.

Image reflecting the subject area of Business & Management Studies, relating to the program.
Heriot-Watt University university logo

Key facts

  • Degree type
    Master's
  • Duration
    4 years
  • Delivery method
    On campus
  • Pace
    Full-time
  • Annual tuition fee
    20,080GBP
  • Start date
    Jan, Sep
  • QS Ranking
    #325

Program overview

What Heriot-Watt University says about their program:

The Professional Accountancy programme at Heriot-Watt University is an MA (Hons) degree designed to prepare students for careers in professional accountancy and business. This unique programme offers the maximum 11 exemptions from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), providing a fast track to Chartered Accountant status upon graduation.

The curriculum focuses on developing a broad understanding of modern accounting, including skills in financial statement preparation, advanced auditing, data analytics, and tax law. Students will also engage in individual projects, group work, and presentations to enhance their technical knowledge and soft skills, which are essential for top employers.

This programme is ideal for those seeking a career in accountancy or financial services. Graduates will be well-equipped with the expertise and ethical grounding needed to succeed in various roles within the accounting profession.

Illustration featuring a variety of academic and scientific symbols, including a graduation cap on top of a profile of Einstein's head, a book, a ruler, a lightbulb, a microscope, a DNA helix, and molecular structure, against a backdrop of a university building with trees and clouds.

Admission requirements

Undergraduate academic requirements

  • Completion of high school/ secondary education

Postgraduate academic requirements

  • Completion of a bachelor's degree (four or five years) in a suitable subject from a recognised university with a minimum grade of Second Class Honours Lower Division (2

    2) or equivalent.

English proficiency

English proficiency is required; accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent.

English proficiency waivers

Documents required

  • Passport
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Degree certificate or diploma
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Statement of purpose or personal statement
  • Recommendation letters
  • Finance proof
  • Translations
  • Credential evaluations
Illustration of academic elements representing admission requirements, including a graduation cap, clock, documents, resumes, ID card, a calendar, and a clipboard.

Required grades

to see how attainable this program is.

  • A levels

    BBC

  • International Baccalaureate (IB)

    29

All grade information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official program page for the latest information on required grades.

Additional requirements

Documents

Applicants must meet the University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.

How to apply

2 routes available:

  • UCAS

    Fixed deadline
    Application fee34.50 GBP - paid to UCAS
    Fee waiverNot stated for this route
    Start applicationHow to apply

  • Direct

    Fixed deadline
    Application feeFee not confirmed
    Fee waiverNot stated for this route

Scholarships at Heriot-Watt University

  • Americas and Europe (Non-EU) Scholarship

    Official page

    Tuition award for talented students from Europe outside the EU and the Americas, available at undergraduate and postgraduate levels for September 2026 entry.

  • International Merit Scholarship

    Official page

    Heriot-Watt's International Merit Scholarship supports international fee-paying students enrolling in January and September 2026 through partial fee abatements.

All scholarship information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official scholarship page for the latest information on eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and application requirements.

Fees

Heriot-Watt University provides fee information that can help students understand how study costs may be structured or may vary across options. Heriot-Watt University encourages students to review official funding and financial-support information to confirm what cost guidance or support may be available.

Graduate tuition

  • Postgraduate Taught

    £20,000 to £28,000 per year

  • MBA

    £35,000 to £37,300

Undergraduate tuition

  • £19,000 to £25,000+ per year (depending on whether it is a classroom-based or lab-heavy course).
Illustration of education and financial elements including a graduation cap, trophy, diploma, books, a piggy bank, stacks of cash notes, and coins, representing fees and funding.

What is the cost of living near Heriot-Watt University?

Category Cost  (in British Pound Sterling)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre£1,465
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre£1,087
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)£170
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)£43
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)£15
Monthly public transport pass£80
Monthly grocery basket£215
Books and study supplies (monthly)£20
Coffee shop drink£5
Cinema or cultural event ticket£15
Gym membership£50

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from livingcost.org (Crowdsourced), en.uhomes.com (Editorial estimate), lothianbuses.com (Official statistics) and savethestudent.org (Editorial estimate).

Visa requirements for Heriot-Watt University

Navigating the visa process is a crucial step in your study abroad journey. Make sure to seek guidance and support to ensure you meet all necessary requirements for your time at Heriot-Watt University.

UK student visa requirements