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Launching in September 2026, the four-year MA (Hons) in Professional Accountancy will be delivered through Heriot-Watt University’s award-winning Business School across its Edinburgh and Dubai campuses. Designed to combine academic excellence with professional training, the programme creates one of the most streamlined routes into the globally recognised CA qualification - strengthening the talent pipeline for organisations across the UAE. 

A significant feature of this programme is its exemption from the Knowledge and Skills levels of the ICAS qualification, marking the first time ICAS has granted exemptions at this level. This accelerated pathway enables graduates to progress to the final stage of the CA qualification more quickly, reducing employer training costs and giving businesses earlier access to highly skilled, work ready graduates who can support organisational and economic growth in the region.ready graduates who can support organisational and economic growth in the region. 

Students will also have access to Heriot-Watt’s Go Global initiative, which provides international experience across Scotland and the UAE for students, building a globally minded talent pool for employers.

To mark this important launch, we will be hosting a dedicated event at Heriot-Watt University’s Dubai campus on the 14 April to introduce the programme to regional employers, education partners and other stakeholders with an interest in developing future finance and business talent.Watt University’s Dubai campus  

If you would like to attend the event or discuss how your organisation could engage with the programme, please get in touch.