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The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) and Heriot-Watt University have officially launched a master’s degree designed to accelerate the process of becoming a chartered accountant.
The four-year MA (Hons) in Professional Accountancy will be delivered by Edinburgh Business School. From September 2026, the course will be available at campuses in Edinburgh and Dubai.
Graduates from the programme will receive exemptions from the first two levels of the ICAS qualification, making it the first time the body has granted such exemptions from its skills level.
According to the institute, the streamlined approach allows students to progress directly to the final integration level of their qualification. This reduces training costs for employers and allows more time for practical industry experience.
The syllabus covers technical accounting, ethics, and technology. Students can also participate in a transfer programme to study at the university’s campuses in Scotland, the United Arab Emirates, or Malaysia.
Gail Boag, chief executive of ICAS, said: “This collaboration bridges academia and industry, offering aspiring accountants an accelerated new way to study, qualify, and launch global careers.
“The flexibility of our revamped CA syllabus has enabled ICAS to work with Heriot-Watt on a programme that makes our qualification more accessible and adaptable than ever before.”
Angus Laing, executive dean of Edinburgh Business School, added: “This programme supports our students to pursue a strong academic foundation, professional recognition, and practical excellence in professional accountancy.
“Through innovative collaboration and international reach, we are empowering the next generation of accountants to build impactful, globally connected careers and to shape the future of the profession.”
