Business/Commerce (Degree/Diploma)

Commerce Online (Degree)

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Course Overview
Key Facts
Course Outline
Further Education
Why Choose This Course?
Course Fees
Find Out More

Course Overview

This course allows you to study anytime, anywhere to achieve a Level 8 Bachelor Degree in Commerce. This part-time Bachelor of Commerce is a four-year course in business education, delivered primarily online. This course is tailored for students with work experience who want to develop the knowledge and skills needed to adapt to evolving business methods and environments throughout their careers. Graduates will have a sound knowledge of the fundamentals of business and management and will have an opportunity to gain a more comprehensive grounding in specialist areas such as Marketing, Digital Business and Analytics, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship.

Mode of Study: Online Learning*

*While this course is delivered fully online, students are required to attend campus for accountancy examinations. Students residing abroad should contact the Course Administrator regarding exam arrangements in advance of applying for the course.

Next Level Skillnet Logo

This course has been approved by Next Level Skillnet for a fees subsidy of up to 40% for students whose company is a member of their network. For more information, contact:
Next Level Skillnet – Sue Davies at: sue@nextlevel.ie

Applications and Selections

Applications open from 1st April 2025.

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Applications System. This course is listed under Adult Learning Undergraduate\Postgraduate, CPD, Micro-credentials & Summer School Applications.

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

Applicants must have a minimum of pass Mathematics at Leaving Certificate or equivalent and need to submit a Leaving Certificate or equivalent document when submitting an application. Applicants should also possess a good level of computer literacy as this course is taught online.

Who Teaches this Course

Requirements and Assessment

While this course is primarily delivered online, on-campus attendance is required for accountancy exams*. On-campus support in the form of workshops and tutorials will also be available in certain modules. The majority of learning will take place online.

*Students residing abroad should contact the Course Administrator regarding exam arrangements in advance of applying for the course.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

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

All students who have passed the Foundation Course in Business/Commerce are eligible for admission. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

If you do not meet the standard entry criteria for this course, you may gain entry through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Find out more here.

RPL, Recognition of Prior Learning logo

Duration

4 years, part-time

Next start date

September 2025

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

NFQ level

Mode of study

Online Learning

ECTS weighting

180 ECTs

Award

CAO

Course code

Course Outline

Provisional Outline

Year 1: Management: Enterprise and Society, Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics, Introduction to Management Accounting, Introduction to Financial Accounting, Information Management for Business, Business Information Systems Mathematics for Business and Skills for Learning.

Year 2: Business Finance, Applied Microeconomics for Business, Macroeconomics for the Business Environment, Business Law I, Management Skills, Introduction to Marketing, Marketing Management, Organisational Psychology and Analysis, and Statistics.

Year 3: Customer Experience Design, Qualitative Marketing Research, Marketing Analytics and Research, Economics of Public Policy, Ireland in the Global Economy, Work and Employment Relations, Information and Operations Management, Management Accounting 2, Business Law II

Year 4: Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Management of Organisational Change, Business Strategy, Cases in Marketing Strategy, Integrated Marketing Communication, Implementing Digital Innovation, Business Intelligence and Analytics.

Electives: Students will also select two electives (2 x 5 ECTS) in Year 4. Electives are subject to change for each cycle e.g. Introduction to Sustainability, Negotiation Skills, Leading and Managing People, Introduction to Financial Economics.

Note that the curriculum for the Bachelor of Commerce Online is revised and updated on a regular basis.

Students receive an online resource pack via Canvas for each module, containing core learning materials. Some modules require students to purchase a prescribed text. Students communicate with dedicated module lecturers and tutors via Canvas. E-mail and telephone support are also available.

Course Delivery

The course is delivered through a combination of:

Live online lectures/tutorials
Recorded lectures
Online Learning Resources
Reading material and assignments
Online discussions

Further Education

Upon completing the part-time Bachelor of Commerce, graduates can choose from a variety of postgraduate courses in their chosen field at the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics and beyond.

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

A Bachelor of Commerce degree provides graduates with a strong foundation for success in a wide range of careers across the business and enterprise sector. This degree opens doors to career advancement opportunities, making it particularly valuable for those looking to progress within their current field or transition into a different area of business. Holding a Level 8 Bachelor of Commerce degree enhances career prospects, equipping graduates with in-demand business knowledge and critical problem-solving skills.

This qualification is widely recognised by employers and can significantly increase earning potential and opportunities for promotion. With the flexibility to study anytime, anywhere, it is ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their expertise, managers aiming to develop their leadership and strategic skills, and entrepreneurs looking to build and grow their own businesses.

Who’s Suited to This Course

The online Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Galway is designed for ambitious adult learners looking to advance their careers, change industries, or gain a formal qualification while balancing work and personal commitments. This course is ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their business knowledge and leadership skills, aspiring entrepreneurs eager to start or grow their own ventures, and managers aiming for career progression. It also suits those returning to education after a break, individuals looking to upskill in areas like finance, marketing, or management, and anyone who values the flexibility to study anytime, anywhere. For those looking to gain a competitive edge in their current role or pivot to a new career path, this degree provides the practical skills and academic foundation to achieve success in today’s dynamic business world.

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€3500 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Tuition

€3,500 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Student levy

€

Fees: Non EU

€4000 p.a. 2025/26

*Next Level Skillnet funding (40% fee subsidy) is available for this course. You also may be eligible for the Adult Learning Tuition Scholarship, find out more here.

Find out More

Course Administrator
Email: ptbusiness@universityofgalway.ie

What Our Students Say

Billy Scannell | Graduate

Throughout the 4 years, the level of guidance and support from the university was outstanding. Lecturers and staff were always accessible and understanding, providing personalised assistance that kept me on track, even during my busiest times. The course structure and online resources were exceptionally well-organised, making it easy to stay engaged and manage assignments from abroad. University of Galway truly went above and beyond to facilitate my success, creating an academic environment that adapted to my needs rather than the other way around. I highly recommend this course to anyone needing flexibility without compromising on quality. After completing the degree, I felt well-prepared to enter the job market, and I soon secured a position in audit and assurance with Deloitte. The knowledge and skills I gained through this course made me a competitive candidate, and the experience of balancing studies with a sporting career demonstrated my dedication and time-management abilities to potential employers.

in Connect with Billy

Jared Robinson | Graduate

The content of the course was diverse and touched on various topics that I found very interesting and ultimately useful to my current role. The online delivery enabled me to work full-time and study to a schedule that suited me and although challenging it was a very rewarding experience. I have been able to apply these skills instantly to my current role, and it has helped me develop a better understanding of my interests, strengths and improved some previously unknown areas of improvement. I am without a doubt a more rounded and professional individual thanks to this course and I would strongly recommend it to anyone who has the interest and curiosity around the business world and how the internal and external environment function together. I have identified transferable skills I didn’t know existed before, like utilising marketing strategies to better provide IT support service and engaging with organisational development models to strengthen synergy between IT and other business functions. My conversations with senior stakeholders hold more weight, and I have been able to achieve a level of influence with strategic decision-making that was once somewhat of a pipe dream.

Emer Gielty | Graduate

I work as a salesperson for a multinational company called Schneider Electric. The course content and delivery were entirely different to what I expected. The variety of modules was wonderful. Broadly I studied economics, accounting, business law, management theory, statistics, business information systems, analytics and marketing. I had a perception of having to drive to Galway every evening after work to sit in a lecture hall, but everything was delivered online, including lectures. Brilliantly, lectures are also recorded, so all of the learning material can be accessed at a time that suits. There were also podcasts. I travel a lot for work, so was able to learn even while driving. I did not feel remote from my lecturers or classmates at any time. There was great interaction throughout the four years. As I said at the outset, I work for a multinational and everything I learned I was able to apply to my job. Suddenly so much of what I heard on a daily basis in work started to make sense to me or took on a greater meaning. I was better able to see the bigger picture and how all of my colleagues in various departments fit together. University teaches you new ways of thinking.

Axel Prada | Student

Attending the part-time online commerce course at University of Galway has been a transformative experience. The relevant content and engaging learning activities provided me with a comprehensive understanding of commerce and practical skills in accounting, finance, marketing, and business management. Managing an online learning course enhanced my flexibility and prepared me for remote collaboration. Personally, the course boosted my confidence, helped me develop transferable skills like critical thinking and communication, and helped me achieve personal growth goals. Professionally, it led me to a new role as the Business Development Manager at Quality English & Quality Education. I get to travel around the world and establish new international partnerships. Overall, the course at Galway University has been instrumental in my personal and professional development, preparing me for success in the business world. I am grateful for this educational journey and excited for what the future holds in store for me.