Business Administration - MBA - Project Management Stream

Overview

This specialism provides innovative knowledge on one of the key skills of the modern business world. A deep understating of the theories and practices of Project Management enables graduates to discuss and share new insights to identify new problems and challenges essential to project management and the overall success of an organisation. This pathway carefully links and aligns the programmes mandatory modules such as Managerial Financial Analysis, Global Issues for Management, Applied Strategic Management, Research Methods and Dynamic Leadership Development with Project Management Frameworks and Project Management Practices culminating with a dissertation which, ensures learners scrutinise social norms and employ tools and techniques of enquiry and producing something new which adds value to the business world. Indeed, Professor Darren Dalcher, Professor of Project Management and founder of the UK National Centre of Project Management, believes that the role of project management will continue to grow with a need for more project managers with project managers becoming “more involved in some of the strategic conversations” and he further states that “the management of project holds the potential to link strategy, stakeholders, benefits, usage of assets, facilities and capabilities…with the link between strategy and the management of resources [key] to effective project management and organisational success” (Institute of Project Management Ireland (www.projectmanagement.ie).



Aims of the Programme

Graduates will be able to critically evaluate the importance of project management within organisations and apply appropriate project management frameworks to delivery enhanced performance in contemporary organisations. They will also be able to demonstrate critical awareness of business information, planning and control mechanisms in project management practices.



Key Features of the Programme

This unique programme allows you to study the pure MBA, or choose a specialist route for your MBA award within the following programmes: HRM; Project Management; Finance; Information Systems; Cloud Computing or Marketing. This ensures students are afforded the widest choice of specialisms from which to choose. A practitioner focus is part of this programme, and industry-led workshops and guest lecturers keep information current and applied.



This MBA includes:

• Personal, academic and professional development.

• Lectures and assessment methods that apply the business knowledge required for students to perform as an effective manager in any organisation.

• Through, extensive study of key issues in business theories students will be capable of evaluation and application of important global management issues which impact on organisational effectiveness and performance.

• Knowledge and understanding of global business, most especially on issues such as globalisation, standardisation and customisation of products and services.

• Skills and knowledge to inform you how an organisation is best managed in a changing world.



With these in mind, the programme is designed to provide you with relevant knowledge, so that you are familiar with the latest theoretical and practical developments relating to business management and development.



Structure

The MBA degree programme consists of two stages. Stage 1 is a wholly taught component, contributing 60 credits.



Full-time

Stage 1 is a wholly taught component contributing 60 credits. These modules are delivered over two semesters.



Part-time

For part-time students, delivery of the programme is structured over 4 taught semesters. During each semester, students are typically required to attend lectures on two evenings per week and occasional weekend workshops. You will undertake a course in research methods in order to prepare for the dissertation stage and to further develop important research skills. Successful completion of the taught component stage allows you to move onto the dissertation stage.



Stage 2 is a supervised dissertation, contributing 30 credits. The dissertation provides you with the opportunity to critically review the literature in any part of the taught syllabus and within your specialist area.

Stage 1

Core Modules

Risk and Change for Global Issues 5

Managerial Financial Analysis 5

Strategic Marketing Analysis 5

Strategic Planning and Management 5

Dynamic Leadership Development 5

Sustainable Operations Management 5

Conducting Research for Business 10

Business Simulation 30



Elective Modules - Choose 2

Module Name ECTS

Project Management Frameworks 10

Project Management Practices 10

To be eligible for the Master of Business Administration programme, applicants must meet the following minimum entry requirements:



A Level 8 primary undergraduate honours bachelor's degree with a minimum Second Class Second Division award (2.2 classification) in any discipline from a recognised third-level institution (or equivalent).



Alternatively, a Level 6 (EQF) primary undergraduate bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).



An equivalent professional qualification such as ACCA or CIMA.



A GMAT examination is a mandatory requirement for all applicants who do not hold an Honours Bachelor's Degree (Level 8) with a minimum of second class second division classification.



For international applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously undertaken a degree taught in English, evidence of English language proficiency equivalent to B2+ or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) is required. This can be evidenced through recognised tests like IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, PTE, or DBS English Assessment, with test certificates dated within the last two years.



Applicants who do not have a Level 8 qualification at a 2.2 award level but have at least three years of work experience may be considered through DBS's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedures. An interview and/or GMAT examination may be required for RPL applicants.

Continuous assessment is an integral part of many of our taught modules. The weightings attaching to coursework and other forms of continuous assessment vary from module to module to facilitate all learning styles. You will experience a variety of teaching and learning assessment methods including lectures, seminars, tutorials, case studies, group and individual projects, examinations and reports.

Full-time: 1 year

Part-time: 2 years



Delivery

Both versions are delivered through on-site face-to-face and online teaching and learning modalities.

Next Intake dates: September 2025

Careers Opportunities

Careers Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme at DBS have excellent long-term career prospects due to the programme’s alignment with current industry needs and the high demand for qualified business professionals in Ireland and globally.



Specific career opportunities and roles that MBA graduates can pursue include:



Management and Strategic Business Roles: Graduates are well-prepared for management and strategic business roles across diverse industries, including public and private sectors.



Business Development and Consultancy: There is strong evidence of growth in management consultancy, with roles like management consultants and business analysts being among the top professional occupations in job vacancy adverts. The programme’s focus on structured analysis, problem-solving techniques, and effective decision-making directly supports these roles.



Project Management: The demand for project professionals is high, with communication, problem-solving, collaborative leadership, and strategic thinking identified as crucial skills. The MBA programme includes dedicated project management pathways.



Marketing and Sales: Roles such as marketing and sales directors, and retail and wholesale managers have seen significant growth in job vacancies.



Finance: Opportunities exist in financial services and related fields.



Other Fields: Graduates can also find opportunities in administration, education, and retail.



Leadership and Innovation: The programme specifically aims to equip learners with skills for making high-level strategic decisions, enhancing productivity, profitability, and organisational value, and preparing them for complex challenges in dynamic business environments.



Entrepreneurship: Graduates can also become entrepreneurs.