Who is this course for?  

The Higher Diploma in Business Studies at University of Galway is designed for graduates from non-business disciplines -such as Arts, Science, or Engineering, who wish to transition into the business world. It’s ideal for those seeking to: 

• Change career direction and gain a solid grounding in business fundamentals
• Enhance their existing degree with practical business knowledge and skills
• Pursue further study, including postgraduate business programmes like MSc Digital Marketing or MSc Human Resource Management
• Redress academic balance, especially for those who feel they didn’t reach their full potential during undergraduate studies 

Whether you're looking to broaden your career options, upskill for a competitive job market, or prepare for advanced business education, this conversion programme offers a structured and accessible route into the commercial sector 

What will I study?  

Students enrolled in the Higher Diploma in Business Studies at University of Galway will gain a comprehensive foundation in core business disciplines, tailored for those with no prior business background. Here's what the academic journey looks like: 

Semester Breakdown 

Semester 1: Focuses on core modules that introduce the essential pillars of business. These typically include: 

• Marketing
• Economics
• Management
• Accounting
• Business Information Systems 

Semester 2: Offers the chance to specialise or explore areas that align with students’ interests or strengths. This flexibility allows students to deepen their understanding in subjects they are most passionate about. 

All modules are designed assuming no previous business knowledge, making the programme highly accessible. 

Emphasis is placed on practical skills, teamwork, and real-world application, with tutorials and group assignments enhancing the learning experience. 

Students benefit from a structured curriculum with clear module outlines and supportive lecturers 

Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

Career-Ready Curriculum Gain practical business skills that employers value - no prior business background needed. 

ACCA Exam Exemptions Graduates benefit from exemptions with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) - a major boost for accounting and finance careers. 

Engineers Ireland Approved Engineering graduates can use this programme as part of the Engineers Ireland Registered Training Providers Programme. 

Flexible Specialisation Semester 2 lets students tailor their learning by choosing modules that match their strengths and interests. 

Small Class Sizes With around 20 students, the programme fosters strong peer connections and collaborative learning. 

Teamwork & Communication Focus Group assignments and tutorials build essential soft skills for the workplace. 

Pathway to Postgraduate Study Opens doors to MSc programmes in Digital Marketing, Human Resource Management, and more. 

Real-World Relevance Modules are designed with practical application in mind, preparing students for immediate impact in business roles. 

With a focus on real-world application, industry-relevant modules, and a curriculum designed for non-business graduates, this diploma opens doors to a wide range of dynamic careers in business and management. 

Industries & Employers 

Graduates are in demand across multiple sectors, including: 

• Technology & Software - e.g. Genesys, Salesforce, LinkedIn
• Healthcare & MedTech - e.g. Medtronic
• Financial Services - e.g. BNP Paribas
• Agribusiness & Food - e.g. Land O’Lakes Inc.
• Public Sector & Education - including roles in government agencies and universities 

These employers span regional, national, and international markets, reflecting the global relevance of the qualification. 

Graduate Roles 

New graduates typically step into roles such as: 

• Business Analyst
• Marketing Executive
• Account Manager
• Financial Administrator
• HR Assistant
• Operations Coordinator
• Strategic Sourcing Specialist
• Software Implementation Consultant 

These entry-level positions often serve as launchpads for more senior roles in management, consultancy, and strategic leadership. 

Career Progression 

With experience and further study, graduates can grow into: 

• Senior Account Executive
• Business Development Manager
• HR Manager
• Marketing Director
• Entrepreneur or Start-up Founder
• Lecturer or Academic Researcher 

The programme also qualifies graduates for progression into MSc programmes in areas like Digital Marketing, Human Resource Management, and Marketing Practice - many of which are offered at University of Galway. 

Skills Employers Want 

This diploma equips students with: 

• Strong analytical and decision-making skills
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities
• Practical knowledge in marketing, economics, management, and accounting
• Digital literacy and business systems expertise
• Adaptability and problem-solving in dynamic environments 

These are precisely the skills employers seek in today’s competitive business landscape. 

Emerging Trends & Growth Areas 

Graduates are well-positioned to enter fast-growing fields such as: 

• Digital Marketing & E-commerce
• Data-Driven Business Strategy
• Sustainable Business Practices
• Human Capital Management
• Tech-Enabled Service Delivery 

Academic Pathways 

For those interested in academia or research: 

• The diploma provides a solid foundation for masters study in business-related disciplines
• Graduates have gone on to become lecturers, researchers, and contributors to third-level institutions 

Next Steps & Accreditation 

Graduates can benefit from ACCA exam exemptions, supporting careers in accounting and finance. Engineering graduates can also use the diploma as part of the Engineers Ireland Registered Training Providers Programme, enhancing their professional credentials. 

Sophie Sweeney
Mary Cosgrove
Breda Lally
Geraldine Grady
Dimitry Brychkov
Pierangelo Rosati
Johanna Clancy

Please note: Lecturers may change from year to year. 

The MSc in Economics and Finance combines innovative teaching methods with practical, hands-on learning to ensure a comprehensive educational experience. You will learn through a mix of interactive lectures, seminars and workshops led by expert faculty. Real-world case studies, data-driven projects and coding exercises will enable you to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems. 

Group projects and collaborative activities will enhance your teamwork and communication skills, while individual assignments and the final dissertation will help you develop independence and critical thinking.  

Throughout the programme, you will have access to cutting-edge resources, including industry-standard software and real-world datasets, to support your learning and professional growth 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Throughout the programme, your progress is assessed through various coursework and exams, including reports, essays, presentations, and computer assignments. 

1. Continuous Assessment - Regular coursework, including essays, presentations, in-class tests, and language exercises. Students receive regular (weekly) feedback on their progress (30%).
2. Examinations - Written exams take place before Christmas and in May. Written and oral exams evaluate proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and communication. The Final Examination accounts for 50%.
3. Project Work - Research and subtitling projects and translation assignments allow students to apply their skills in real-world contexts (10%).
   

Breda Lally, Programme Director 
T: +353 91 493 635 
E: dbs@universityofgalway.ie 

Q: Who is this course suitable for?
A:This programme is perfect for graduates from non-business disciplines - like Arts, Science, or Engineering -who want to pivot into the business world. Whether you're looking to change career direction, enhance your existing degree, or prepare for postgraduate study, this course gives you the business foundation you need. 

Q: What will I study on this programme?
A: You’ll dive into the core pillars of business, including: 

• Accounting
• Economics
• Marketing
• Management
• Business Information Systems 

Semester 1 covers the essentials, while Semester 2 lets you specialise in areas that match your interests - like Global Marketing, Employment Relations, or Cybersecurity. No prior business knowledge required! 

Q: How is the programme assessed?
A: Assessment is varied and designed to reflect real-world business tasks. You’ll be evaluated through: 

• Exams
• Individual and group assignments
• Presentations
• Case studies
• Quizzes and Test

This mix helps build both academic understanding and practical skills. 

Q: What kind of practical experience will I gain?
A: While there’s no formal work placement, the programme is rich in applied learning: 

• Group projects simulate team-based business environments
• Case studies bring real-world scenarios into the classroom
• Presentations sharpen your communication and persuasion skills
• Modules are designed with industry relevance, preparing you for the workplace from day one 

Q: What roles do graduates go on to?
A: Graduates step into a wide range of roles, including: 

• Business Analyst
• Marketing Executive
• HR Assistant
• Financial Administrator
• Operations Coordinator
• Account Manager 

These roles often serve as stepping stones to senior positions in management, consultancy, and entrepreneurship. 

Q: What companies hire graduates of the programme?
A: Graduates have landed roles with top employers across sectors, such as: 

• Medtronic (MedTech)
• LinkedIn (Tech)
• BNP Paribas (Finance)
• Genesys (Software)
• Land O’Lakes Inc. (Agribusiness) 

These companies operate regionally, nationally, and globally - proof of the programme’s reach and reputation. 

Q: What transferable skills will I develop?
A: You’ll graduate with a powerful set of transferrable skills, including: 

• Critical thinking & problem-solving
• Professional communication
• Teamwork & collaboration
• Digital literacy & business systems knowledge
• Time management & adaptability
• Strategic planning & decision-making 

These skills are valuable across industries - from tech and healthcare to education and government. 

University of Galway recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL). 

Graduates of the Higher Diploma in Business Studies at University of Galway leave with a powerful toolkit of transferrable skills that are highly valued across industries and roles. Here's a breakdown: 

Core Cognitive & Analytical Skills 

• Critical thinking - evaluating business problems and making informed decisions
• Numerical literacy - interpreting financial data and economic trends
• Problem-solving - applying structured approaches to complex challenges
• Strategic planning - understanding long-term business goals and how to achieve them 

Communication & Collaboration 

• Professional communication - writing reports, presenting ideas, and engaging stakeholders
• Teamwork - working effectively in diverse groups through tutorials and group assignments
• Negotiation & persuasion - influencing decisions and building consensus 

Business & Digital Competencies 

• Marketing insight - understanding consumer behavior and market dynamics
• Financial awareness - grasping budgeting, accounting, and cost control
• Digital fluency - using business information systems and tools for data-driven decisions
• Project management - planning, executing, and reviewing business initiatives 

Adaptability & Personal Effectiveness 

• Time management - balancing multiple modules and deadlines
• Resilience - handling academic challenges and feedback constructively
• Leadership potential - developing confidence to take initiative and lead teams 

These skills are not just relevant to business - they’re universally applicable across sectors like tech, healthcare, education, government, and non-profits. They also form a strong foundation for further study or career progression in management, consultancy, or entrepreneurship. 

Minimum Entry Requirements  

Normally a degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent). IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if applicable. 

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.  

Academic entry requirements standardised per country are available here.  

English Language Entry Requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than 6.5 in Writing and no less than 6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course.   

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance. 

Fees for Academic Year 2025/2026

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
PG Diploma Full Time	1	€7,250		€15,000	€140		€7,390	€15,140

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for entry the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.