Higher Diploma in Business

The Higher Diploma in Business is a one-year full-time (two academic semesters) or eighteen-month (three academic semesters) part-time programme with 12 taught modules (60 ECTS). All modules are mandatory and equal 5 ECTS. The programme is designed as a conversion course for graduates of a Level 8 non-cognate degree who aspire to enter the business world and to enter a management role. Graduates will be eligible for general management roles or management roles within a specific subfield of business complimenting their previous experience and learning. The programme is designed with an interdisciplinary focus reflective of the opportunities and challenges as well as the changing needs of today’s business environment. Modules on the programme range from Management and Organisational Behaviour, Marketing, Business ICT, Legal Issues for Business, Economics, Human Capital Management, Business Finance, Innovation, Creativity and Enterprise, and a capstone Business Strategy to the newly added Operations Management, Supply Chain Management and Business Sustainability. Modules comprise of formative and summative assessments as well as group work and presentations.

The minimum entry requirements for the Higher Diploma in Business are:A Level 8 primary honours bachelor degree award of at least pass level in a non-cognate discipline from a recognised third-level institution qualification.For applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously undertaken a degree taught in English must provide evidence of proficiency in the English language equivalent to B2+ or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). This must be evidenced through a recognised English Language test such as IELTS, Cambridge Certificate or DBS English assessment. Test certificates should be dated within the last two years to be considered valid.Equivalence of overseas awards will be assessed via the NARIC Ireland Foreign Qualifications Database.The recognition and evaluation of experiential learning (RPL) will be determined on a case-by-case basis. In such instances, an interview of the candidate may be required. Applicants will be required to complete the application form and provide written evidence as to their application for acceptance to the programme with prior experiential learning. The DBS Quality Assurance Handbook details the exact procedure for evaluating such applications.