ICAS and Heriot-Watt University (HWU) have launched master’s programme aimed at fast-tracking students into the accountancy profession.
From September 2026 the MA (Hons) in Professional Accountancy will be available at HWU’s campuses in Edinburgh and Dubai.
The four-year degree grants exemptions from the first two levels (Knowledge and Skills) of ICAS’ CA qualification. This is the first time ICAS has given exemptions from the Skills level, enabling direct profession to the final level (Integration). Graduates can dedicate their three-year ICAS training contract to gaining the practical industry experience they then need to achieve chartered status. It also reduces cost for employers!
Gail Boag, CEO at 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. Whether students join us straight from school, through a graduate apprenticeship or via university study, our ambition is to provide a route to chartered accountancy that’s right for everyone.”
