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Business Studies (Higher Diploma)

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Course Overview

The Higher Diploma in Business Studies is a part-time postgraduate course designed to provide non-business graduates with a well-rounded understanding of business to advance their careers in a business setting. This course provides training in the fundamental skills of business administration which enables graduates to play an active role in the development and management of business enterprises. Emphasis is placed on individual and group assignments, focusing on developing both applied skills and key interpersonal skills.

This course also provides a pathway for graduates to progress to level 9 postgraduate studies in business.

For engineering graduates, the course is approved as part of the Engineers Ireland’s Registered Training Providers Programme.

Engineers Ireland 2020 logo

Visit our Business Students Launchpad for sample learning material, tips for online learning & time management and further information on getting started with NUI Galway as a part-time learner.

Applications and Selections

Online Applications open on March 1st, 2021.

Please visit our How to Apply page for Application tips and Supporting Documents information.

Applicants require a Level 8 honours degree of H2.2 standard or above to meet entry requirements. This course is open to graduates of any discipline who wish to acquire a grounding in business practices.
 
Applicants should also possess a good level of computer literacy as this course is taught online.

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

Students are required to participate in online discussions and activities throughout the year. All modules are individually assessed. Typically, assessments consist of assignments and end of year/end-of-semester examinations. Assessments may include: online activities, essays, written reports, presentations, individual and group projects. Written examinations are required in a limited number of numeracy modules (which take place at NUI Galway).

Notice: with the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 coronavirus, we have decided to move classroom-based courses and blended learning seminars to a fully online teaching mode for the academic year 2020/21. The teaching schedule for the 2021/22 academic year will be reviewed over the coming months in line with government restrictions and social distancing guidelines. This decision has been made to ensure the safety of students & staff and our desire to continue to provide upskilling and professional development opportunities for all. If you have any queries regarding the format of online delivery mode, please contact your course administrator for further details.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

Applicants require a Level 8 honours degree of H2.2 standard or above. This course is open to graduates of any discipline who wish to acquire a grounding in business practices. Applicants are expected to possess a good level of computer literacy.  

Entry requirements for part-time students can be found in our FAQs section (i.e. age, English language requirements etc.). 


Additional Requirements

Duration

2 years, part-time

Next start date

September

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

20

Closing Date

TBC

NFQ level

8

Mode of study

Online

ECTS weighting

60

Award

Higher Diploma

CAO

Course code

Course Outline

Course Delivery

This course is delivered online through:

  • Live online lectures
  • Podcasts and presentations (recorded spoken lectures with presentation slides)
  • Screencasts (video recordings, e.g.: a demonstration of how to solve an equation)
  • Reading material, assignments and online discussions

Module Lists

Year 1

  • Information Management for Business I
  • Principles of Microeconomics
  • Introduction to Financial Accounting
  • Contemporary Management Thought
  • Introduction to Management Accounting
  • Leading and Managing People

Year 2

  • Foundations of Marketing Thought
  • Marketing Management

And select 4 modules from the following options

  • Organisational Psychology and Analysis
  • Business Law I
  • Management of Organisational Change
  • Applied Microeconomics for Business
  • Business Intelligence and Analytics
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • Negotiation Skills 
  • Management Skills
  • Implementing Digital Innovation
  • Cases in Marketing Strategy

*The syllabus is subject to change on a cyclical basis. 

Further Education

Graduates may go on to select from a range of level 9 postgraduate courses at NUI Galway or further afield.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Graduates can progress in a diverse range of industries, such as marketing, financial services, information systems and human resources. Graduates can also pursue further postgraduate study at Master’s level, such as the MSc Marketing, MSc Industrial Relations and HR Management courses.

 

Who’s Suited to This Course

The Higher Diploma in Business studies is suitable if you:

  • Have an interest in business
  • Would like to pursue a career in business
  • Wish to pursue a Master’s degree in business and you do not have a business undergraduate degree
  • Wish to complement your undergraduate degree with a business qualification

Learning Outcomes

 

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€2,320 p.a.

Fees: Tuition

€

Fees: Student levy

€

Fees: Non EU

€2,820 p.a.

A fees scholarship of up to 30% may be available for students who wish to upskill for the purposes of re-employment. Students must be registered as unemployed and in receipt of one of the following: 

  • Job-seekers Benefit
  • Job-seekers Allowance
  • One-parent family allowance
  • Disability allowance
  • Community Employment Scheme
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • Signing for social insurance contribution credits

Please download the 2020_21 Fees Scholarship Form for more information.

Find out More

Louise Coyle
Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development
Nuns’ Island, NUI Galway, Galway
Tel: 091 495786
Email: louise.coyle@nuigalway.ie

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