Business - Conversion Course

Overview

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 programme is aimed at both domestic and international learners who seek an underpinning in key business theories, concepts as well as business processes, strategies and skills. The programme ensures learners acquire an integrated, balanced, and dynamic business education enabling the development of business knowledge, including previously acquired knowledge and experience. The programme engenders an awareness of the importance of transferable and cross-enterprise skills required of competitive organisations and which stimulate sustainable and diverse careers in business.



The Higher Diploma in Business also permits entry to further Higher Education Institutions or to a number of Level 9 Business programmes such as the MSc Management Practice, MSc Marketing, MSc in Supply Chain Management and Master of Business Administration.

Full-time

Semester 1

Core Modules

• Business Operations Management

• Business ICT

• Legal Issues for Business

• Business Sustainability

• Economics in the Business Environment

• Management and Organisational Behaviour



Semester 2

Core Modules

• Human Capital Management

• Global Marketing

• Business Finance

• Innovation, Creativity, and Enterprise

• Supply Chain Management

• Business Strategy (Capstone)



Part-time:

Semester 1

Core Modules

• Business Operations Management

• Business ICT

• Legal Issues for Business

• Business Sustainability



Semester 2

Core Modules

• Economics in the Business Environment

• Management and Organisational Behaviour

• Human Capital Management

• Global Marketing



Semester 3

Core Modules

• Business Finance

• Innovation, Creativity, and Enterprise

• Supply Chain Management

• Business Strategy (Capstone)

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.

Full Time: 1 Year

Part-time: 18 months



Learners are taught in a hybrid delivery with in-person and live online formats.

Next intake: September 2025

Career Opportunities

Learners who complete the Higher Diploma in Business will develop business acumen through formative and summative assessments, which capture the resilience and agility required of graduates in contemporary and diverse business environments. The need and relevance of agility for an organisation is bedded in each module delivery and assessment, and the learner will see how and why an organisation must function to ensure profitability, sustainability, relevance, and growth. The programme is rooted in creating a well-rounded business graduate whose insights will inform strategic business decisions, from financial to people management, designed to increase productivity, profitability and an organisation’s value and market share. The programme enables the learner to commence their career in business as well as underpinning further business postgraduate studies.