Which diploma in Accounting?

ffoxylady · 31-10-2012 3:53pm

ElektroToad wrote: »

I'm currently doing the PDA at DIT and I'm quite happy with it so far.

Based on the modules I selected my timetable looks like this:

Monday: 12-4pm
Tuesday: 11-4pm
Wednesday: 9-6pm
Thursday: Off
Friday: 9-12pm

As you can see its a pretty nice timetable but the course itself is quite intensive as your lecturers have to cover a lot of material in the 1 year. This basically means that you should try to stay on top of everything so you don't end up feeling left behind.

But having said that, if you are fully committed to the programme you should be fine because none of the material is particularly difficult.

Also, I wouldn't worry too much if you haven't done accounting before at third level. I did a Financial Accounting module during my undergrad but now 5 weeks into the PDA and it already feels like we've covered pretty much everything that I knew previously about the subject (that's how fast-paced the course can be!)

Thanks for all the info its great to hear from some1 doin the course!:) are the class sizes big? an hw r the lecturers(easy to approach/tlk ta etc)?

ElektroToad · 31-10-2012 5:18pm

Class size is probably around 60-ish. The lecturers are mostly grand and generally know their stuff. Classes aren't particularly interactive but most lecturers are usually available to chat to after a lecture if you have a question or whatever.

Some lecturers even go one step further and put up the solutions to questions done in class online which is really handy if you can't make it to a lecture for whatever reason as you will most likely miss a few days due to interviews and presentations during the milkround!

ffoxylady · 31-10-2012 5:35pm

ElektroToad wrote: »

Class size is probably around 60-ish. The lecturers are mostly grand and generally know their stuff. Classes aren't particularly interactive but most lecturers are usually available to chat to after a lecture if you have a question or whatever.

Some lecturers even go one step further and put up the solutions to questions done in class online which is really handy if you can't make it to a lecture for whatever reason as you will most likely miss a few days due to interviews and presentations during the milkround!

cool, thanks! i'm pretty much convinced ill do this course nxt sept. did u have to get two academic references when u applied for the course? have u had any luck in gettin any interviews during the milkround?

ElektroToad · 31-10-2012 6:25pm

I think I only gave one academic reference and the other from my previous employer. Once you have a 2.1 or 2.2 in your undergrad they should accept you no bother.

Regarding the milkround I will admit its been a bit slow for many of us so far. The ones who are getting the most interviews are former engineering students; the Big4 seem to like them for some reason. Maybe its the 500+ leaving cert or maybe they are just "logical thinkers" or some such.

I myself only got 2 interviews so far (E&Y and Mazars) Competition seems really tough this year as it seems that everyone is trying to get into accountancy now because lets face it, it's one of the last sectors that still take on graduates in large numbers! (i think i saw a survey recently which stated that over 50% of all advertised graduate positions in 2011 were in accountancy/finance functions) :eek:

bigmc23 · 31-10-2012 6:37pm

ElektroToad wrote: »

I'm currently doing the PDA at DIT and I'm quite happy with it so far.

Based on the modules I selected my timetable looks like this:

Monday: 12-4pm
Tuesday: 11-4pm
Wednesday: 9-6pm
Thursday: Off
Friday: 9-12pm

As you can see its a pretty nice timetable but the course itself is quite intensive as your lecturers have to cover a lot of material in the 1 year. This basically means that you should try to stay on top of everything so you don't end up feeling left behind.

But having said that, if you are fully committed to the programme you should be fine because none of the material is particularly difficult.

Also, I wouldn't worry too much if you haven't done accounting before at third level. I did a Financial Accounting module during my undergrad but now 5 weeks into the PDA and it already feels like we've covered pretty much everything that I knew previously about the subject (that's how fast-paced the course can be!)

I would agree with eveything here. I'm doing the PDA up in jordanstown. The course material isn't that hard but the amount of work you have to do makes up for that. We're essentially trying to squeeze a commerce degree into one year. The lecturers fly through stuff and your expected to do a lot of work on your own to hand in to class. Three people dropped out so far. I'll be behind now because i devoted a lot of my time into milkround applications and will be away at interviews in dublin. Doubt i'll have much of a christmas as a result

Just letting you know these things, but if you do manage to get through it i'd say your more attractive to a potential employer

ffoxylady · 31-10-2012 8:04pm

bigmc23 wrote: »

I would agree with eveything here. I'm doing the PDA up in jordanstown. The course material isn't that hard but the amount of work you have to do makes up for that. We're essentially trying to squeeze a commerce degree into one year. The lecturers fly through stuff and your expected to do a lot of work on your own to hand in to class. Three people dropped out so far. I'll be behind now because i devoted a lot of my time into milkround applications and will be away at interviews in dublin. Doubt i'll have much of a christmas as a result Just letting you know these things, but if you do manage to get through it i'd say your more attractive to a potential employer

when u say u av to do alot of work on ur own to hand into class what r u referring to (essays, sample questions?)? do ya think its possible to have a part time job while doin the course?

bigmc23 · 31-10-2012 8:37pm

ffoxylady wrote: »

when u say u av to do alot of work on ur own to hand into class what r u referring to (essays, sample questions?)? do ya think its possible to have a part time job while doin the course?

Yeah like working through question banks that the lecturer does up or questions out of books. They'l ask for hand ins every week or so and select ones for marking at random. Part- time job? Not, just now. Milkround and getting to grips/staying on top of work this semester wouldve been too much with a job. I might look for one in semester 2 though depending on how things go

ElektroToad · 31-10-2012 9:36pm

bigmc23 wrote: »

Yeah like working through question banks that the lecturer does up or questions out of books. They'l ask for hand ins every week or so and select ones for marking at random. Part- time job? Not, just now. Milkround and getting to grips/staying on top of work this semester wouldve been too much with a job. I might look for one in semester 2 though depending on how things go

Well in DIT you won't be REQUIRED to do homework every week that will be graded by your lecturers. Will you however be regularly given questions to do and they will tell you basically "do them for your own good as similar questions will be in your exam."

I will agree with bigmc23 on the point that you would find it very difficult to manage college, study and a part-time job during Oct/Nov when you will spend alot of hours in the evenings filling out applications forms and preparing for interviews etc. Maybe after the new year things will calm down a bit...

ffoxylady · 24-01-2013 3:59pm

Hey guys! just wondering hw ur all getting on with the course? hws it been so far, hw were exams etc? I've just been offered a place on the DIT course for September! can't wait to get started

mikey125 · 25-01-2013 12:42am

I'm in the DIT PDA. I'm really enjoying it and find it is not too difficult.

I think its pretty ok once you keep on top of all the material. It does move quite fast so I advise to pay attention in class and make sure you can complete the questions. If not you're going to make it very difficult for yourself come exam time.

The exams this year were quite difficult compared to recent years.. But that might be because alot of us had been expecting the papers to be similar to previous years.. And they were not!

Overall I think it's a great career move, but make sure you enjoy crunching numbers!! Great job prospects, most the people I know in the class all already have jobs lined up.

ffoxylady · 25-01-2013 9:45am

Thanks for the reply! It's good to hear about the job prospects

Have you managed to line up a job out of it? do u think its manageable to balance a part time job with this course?

mikey125 · 25-01-2013 10:08am

Yeah I got PWC, so happy with that! It is manageable, there are a few in the class with part time jobs. It will make it a lot tougher but is do-able. The milk rounds take up a lot of your time be warned! Between applications, presentations and interviews etc you'll be very busy!

So I'd say stick with the PT job if its necessary to pay for the course.. If its jus for spare cash I'd focus on the course, it's only 9 months so put in the effort and you'll get the reward.

My two cents ;-)

ffoxylady · 26-01-2013 7:54pm

pwc, congrats! was the interview hard? yeh i need the pt job to pay for the course so thats my only option

what r ur hrs, days lyk on the course? r u in 5 days a week? I'm coming from an arts degree so i didnt have too many hrs a wk. what was ur under grad degree in?

mikey125 · 26-01-2013 8:05pm

Thanks :-) . No there's was the easiest, really sound interviewers and more of a chat! Ah well ul be fine with the job, you'll just have less spare time that's all. As I said there is a few ppl with jobs. 1st semester was about 18 hours depending on the modules you choose. 2nd semester looks even better we have Wednesdays and Fridays free :-) .. My undergrad was in Quantity Surveying.. But there's a couple of ppl in the class came from UCD Arts and there flying it!

April O Neill · 04-06-2013 9:20pm

Is the DIT PgDip in Acc one full year or an academic year? Thanks!

ffoxylady · 05-06-2013 10:13pm

As far as I'm aware the course is just an academic yr!

April O Neill · 06-06-2013 10:22pm

ffoxylady wrote: »

As far as I'm aware the course is just an academic yr!

Excellent, that's no so bad. I guess it's because it's a pg dip rather than a Masters.

April O Neill · 13-06-2013 6:01am

I've got offered the Professional Diploma in Taxation at DCU and the PgDip in Accounting at DIT. Both interest me in different ways, and there is only a 500 euro difference in the fees this years, as the DCU fees have reduced by 1000 euro this year!

Which one should I do? The taxation one is more niche, which could be a good or a bad thing. The DIT one has some interesting optional modules such as Business Information Systems and Economics.

What to do, what to do!

Chocolate_Bar · 13-06-2013 10:04am

Does anyone know the start date for the DIT PDA?

The website just says September 2013 and I haven't gotten a reply about it from DIT yet.

ffoxylady · 13-06-2013 11:10am

Chocolate_Bar wrote: »

Does anyone know the start date for the DIT PDA?

The website just says September 2013 and I haven't gotten a reply about it from DIT yet.

Hi i think the start date for this programme is either the 9th or 16th of September.

ffoxylady · 13-06-2013 11:14am

Seen as there is now only a 500 euro difference between the DIT and the DCU postgrad accounting course, I am torn on which one to go for. Has anyone done the DCU course? is there a dissertation involved in the DCU course? how is the course? whats the timetable like etc? any info will be greatly appreciated!

April O Neill · 18-06-2013 2:25pm

Just accepted my offer for the Professional Diploma in Taxation at DCU.

EEP! No going back now!

Posy · 01-07-2013 12:10pm

Ooh, good luck with it, April!
I wanted to apply for the PDA in DCU but chickened out considering I have zero accounting experience and the high cost of the course! How is your course different from the PDA- Is it purely for becoming a tax accountant? Do you work in this field already if you don't mind me asking?

ffoxylady wrote: »

Seen as there is now only a 500 euro difference between the DIT and the DCU postgrad accounting course, I am torn on which one to go for. Has anyone done the DCU course? is there a dissertation involved in the DCU course? how is the course? whats the timetable like etc? any info will be greatly appreciated!

Did you make a decision in the end?

April O Neill · 01-07-2013 1:56pm

Posy wrote: »

Ooh, good luck with it, April!
I wanted to apply for the PDA in DCU but chickened out considering I have zero accounting experience and the high cost of the course! How is your course different from the PDA- Is it purely for becoming a tax accountant?

It's part of the PDA but with a taxation specialisation. We'll share most lectures with the PDA.

You can become an accountant with it, or a chartered tax adviser either.

I have no accounting experience, didn't even do business or accounting for the LC as I gave up Business Studies after first year in secondary. My primary degree is in biology. So I wouldn't let that put you off. There's still time to apply, as far as I know!

I've already started reading for the course and I'm not finding it too bad at all.

The cost is an issue for many I know, I was fortunate enough to receive an heritance last year that will pay for it and with a part time job, I'll keep out of debt. Believe me, I know how lucky I am! But on the other hand, I've been treading water in science for several years now in very low paid positions and really need this!

April O Neill · 01-07-2013 2:34pm

Posy wrote: »

and the high cost of the course!

Apply to grantsonline.ie ASAP if you decide to do it, you can get a 2000 Euro one-off payment towards to your fees, but there are only a limited number of grants available. Actually, put in an application anyway, you don't have say exactly what course you're doing. If you don't do one in the end, your application will just be disregarded, so you may as well apply anyway. If you do, the PDA is level 9.

Posy · 01-07-2013 2:56pm

Thanks April.

ffoxylady · 01-07-2013 5:47pm

Posy wrote: »

Ooh, good luck with it, April!
I wanted to apply for the PDA in DCU but chickened out considering I have zero accounting experience and the high cost of the course! How is your course different from the PDA- Is it purely for becoming a tax accountant? Do you work in this field already if you don't mind me asking?
Did you make a decision in the end?

Yeh I think I'll go with the DIT course

Posy · 01-07-2013 6:36pm

Ooh, exciting!

Are you from an arts degree background?

ffoxylady · 01-07-2013 11:10pm

Posy wrote: »

Ooh, exciting!

Are you from an arts degree background?

Yeh I have an arts degree! I only did accounting up to 3rd yr in Skool so lyk u I've no experience but I'm sure there will be a lot of others on the course in the same boat, I hope ha

lyk u tho the fees r killin me!

6 grand is a lot of money but it will be worth it in the end!

Posy · 02-07-2013 12:05am

I was torn between DIT and DCU when I was contemplating one of these courses. I think DIT has more exemptions though?

I'm the same - the last time I did accounting was in Junior Cert year!

April O Neill · 02-07-2013 10:57am

ffoxylady wrote: »

lyk u tho the fees r killin me! 6 grand is a lot of money but it will be worth it in the end!

As above, look into getting a grant!

April O Neill · 02-07-2013 12:06pm

Posy wrote: »

I was torn between DIT and DCU when I was contemplating one of these courses. I think DIT has more exemptions though?

If I had decided on accounting rather than taxation, I think I would have plumped for DIT as there are some interesting optional modules, such as BIS and Economics.

Prettyblack · 02-07-2013 12:47pm

tywy wrote: »

Not when you're an engineering graduate who didn't do accounting for the leaving...

You don't need to have done accounting before to start the CAP 1s. Once you have a degree, you can start ACA. Plenty of people start with no exemptions at CAP 1 level. Saves you a year of a PDA.

ffoxylady · 02-07-2013 2:58pm

Posy wrote: »

I was torn between DIT and DCU when I was contemplating one of these courses. I think DIT has more exemptions though?

I'm the same - the last time I did accounting was in Junior Cert year!

I'm not sure if DIT has more exemptions i think there about the same. Another reason for me choosin DIT is the whole commuting thing. I'll have to commute cos i can't afford to live up there and DIT is easier to commute to.

ffoxylady · 02-07-2013 3:02pm

April O Neill wrote: »

As above, look into getting a grant!

yeh i dnt think i will qualify for a grant tho cos as i still live with my parents they assess both my and my parents income which i think is a bit unfair! and the income limit for postgrad assessment is lyk 10 grand lower than the income limit assessment for an undergrad course!

April O Neill · 02-07-2013 4:19pm

ffoxylady wrote: »

yeh i dnt think i will qualify for a grant tho cos as i still live with my parents they assess both my and my parents income which i think is a bit unfair! and the income limit for postgrad assessment is lyk 10 grand lower than the income limit assessment for an undergrad course!

Ah, I see. Shíte. :-/

ffoxylady · 25-09-2013 8:37am

Hey any1 who did the dit course last yr and got a training contract through the milkround did the company pay for ur course fees?

April O Neill · 25-09-2013 5:10pm

ffoxylady wrote: »

Hey any1 who did the dit course last yr and got a training contract through the milkround did the company pay for ur course fees?

You mean, if they started the 2012/13 course and during the course got accepted onto a training course starting Autumn 2013, would they have their fees retrospectively paid? I can't imagine any firm would do that, seems wishful thinking.

Anyone know?

Santi101 · 25-09-2013 6:42pm

Some firms will pay a certain amount to reimburse you. I did the PDA last year and got around half of the fees back after i got the job.

Big 4 certainly do this.

And it was bloody needed too...........:pac:

April O Neill · 25-09-2013 6:50pm

Santi101 wrote: »

Some firms will pay a certain amount to reimburse you. I did the PDA last year and got around half of the fees back after i got the job.

Big 4 certainly do this.

And it was bloody needed too...........:pac:

Oh gawd, I wish I didn't have this information, my imagination will run away with itself! :pac:

Santi101 · 25-09-2013 7:03pm

Ha, are you applying for jobs already?

Good year doing the PDA, really enjoyed it.

April O Neill · 25-09-2013 7:33pm

Santi101 wrote: »

Ha, are you applying for jobs already?

Good year doing the PDA, really enjoyed it.

Well, getting applications ready at the moment!

ffoxylady · 25-09-2013 9:47pm

Santi101 wrote: »

Some firms will pay a certain amount to reimburse you. I did the PDA last year and got around half of the fees back after i got the job.

Big 4 certainly do this.

And it was bloody needed too...........:pac:

That's good to hear

just have to get a job now! Ha yeh I'm into my second wk of the PDA and it's pretty intense. Really enjoying it tho. When you got the job did u ask if they would pay any of the fees or did they just offer? If u dnt mind me asking which of the big 4 did u get?

Santi101 · 26-09-2013 1:21pm

PWC and its standard for them to reimburse you a certain amount, talking to other people the amount changes from firm to firm. They sent it out around the new year and it's welcome.

Yeah thought it was intense enough at the start, especially around the milk round getting applications sorted and then having to go to lunches, presentations, interviews. Once i got the job secured, just kept on top of the study and it was a fairly comfortable year. Exams were in January which was a bit of a pain but what can ya do........:pac:

orla201 · 22-05-2015 3:15pm

Hi guys,

I know this thread is old but hoping someone will respond. I'm in the same boat as all you guys. I come from an Arts Degree background, just worked in retail for a while after my degree, then did a H Dip into early childhood education. I've been working in Preschool/Childcare sector for two years now but I'm thinking of a whole career change and applying for the PDA in DIT or DCU. I'm 28 but actually feel like I'd be old doing the PDA as it would mean I'd be near 30 when I'd only be starting off a new job in the accountancy sector.(Please God!) Eeekk what are the age range of people on this course?

April in regards to your Post graduate diploma in Taxation, what career prospects did you have with taxation? Did you enjoy the course?
I haven't done any accountancy since JC Business studies but I've always been good with numbers. I've done a Degree, a H Dip, and a post graduate cert to date, so if I invest in this course I really want it to be worth while with good career prospects. Just hope I can handle it!

Thanks,
Orla.

Biloxi Blues · 25-05-2015 11:50pm

orla201 wrote: »

Hi guys,

I know this thread is old but hoping someone will respond. I'm in the same boat as all you guys. I come from an Arts Degree background, just worked in retail for a while after my degree, then did a H Dip into early childhood education. I've been working in Preschool/Childcare sector for two years now but I'm thinking of a whole career change and applying for the PDA in DIT or DCU. I'm 28 but actually feel like I'd be old doing the PDA as it would mean I'd be near 30 when I'd only be starting off a new job in the accountancy sector.(Please God!) Eeekk what are the age range of people on this course?

April in regards to your Post graduate diploma in Taxation, what career prospects did you have with taxation? Did you enjoy the course?
I haven't done any accountancy since JC Business studies but I've always been good with numbers. I've done a Degree, a H Dip, and a post graduate cert to date, so if I invest in this course I really want it to be worth while with good career prospects. Just hope I can handle it!

Thanks,
Orla.

I did the PDA in DCU some time back.

Pros: The ICAI exams were a comparative doddle afterwards.OK, that's the only pro.

Cons: Not only is it in Dublin, but it's in northside Dublin. Surrounding areas were awful kips
It's tough. Everyone in the class had at least a 2:1 degree (most of them southside Hurraw Henrys who went to UCD or Trinity and liked the northside of Dublin even less than me) but there was a high failure rate as it is intense and only a handful of people got honours. But employers want to see honours and explaining it to them that a first time pass is actually a real achievement in that course can be a hard sell. Maybe they mark it easier now.

ffoxylady · 26-05-2015 9:40am

I finished the PDA in DIT last year. It's a pretty intense course but if u put in the work it's manageable.
There was about 30 of us in the class which was a small enough group. I found this good tho as every1 got to know each other better and it was easier to speak to lecturers.
The majority of us were in the age range of about 22-26 and there were a few mature students too.
The vast majority of us on the course got jobs out of it! Lyk I said if u put in the work u shud have no problem with the course and shud easily get a job! ðŸ˜€

MissyFee · 08-06-2015 10:34pm

I have accepted the PDA in DCU starting this September. Little bit apprehensive about managing milkround applications and the workload, but I guess I'll just have to suck it up. Delighted to hear some firms reimburse part of the fees, thought getting a place in one of these firms is a whole other matter I guess

karlfoley · 14-06-2015 2:39pm

Does anyone know if there is an acceptance fee in dcu?

I have been accepted to DIT, on the condition of getting a 2.1 and have paid an acceptance of 300e..

I now am worried about not getting my 2.1 and am looking to apply to dcu as a backup.

I understand I may have to, but I don't fancy paying another 300e to dcu, if I do achieve the 2.1 for DIT in the first place.

Thanks in advance. Karl

Gabi2p · 16-06-2015 11:24pm

Hi All,
I have a question. Maybe someone can give me a good advise. I am just finishing my first year wit ATI (awaiting exam results) and have two options: I can either continue with ATI, finish the second year and get Diploma (but at the full cost) or get financed the ACCA's CAT Cert. As I was informed If I pass my exams well I would get 2 exemptions. The thought of doing the course at no expense is tempting but which qualification makes more sense in IRL ATI Diploma or CAT Cert? Thank you.

Which diploma in Accounting?

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