Business Studies - Online

The Higher Diploma in Business Studies is a part-time postgraduate course designed to provide non-business graduates with a well-rounded understanding of business to advance their careers in a business setting. This course provides training in the fundamental skills of business administration which enables graduates to play an active role in the development and management of business enterprises. Emphasis is placed on individual and group assignments, focusing on developing both applied skills and key interpersonal skills.

This course also provides a pathway for graduates to progress to level 9 postgraduate studies in business.

For engineering graduates, the course is approved as part of the Engineers Ireland’s Registered Training Providers Programme.

Who’s Suited to This Course

The Higher Diploma in Business studies is suitable if you:
Have an interest in business
Would like to pursue a career in business
Wish to pursue a Master’s degree in business and you do not have a business undergraduate degree
Wish to complement your undergraduate degree with a business qualification

Course Delivery

This course is delivered online through:
Live online lectures
Podcasts and presentations (recorded spoken lectures with presentation slides)
Screencasts (video recordings, e.g.: a demonstration of how to solve an equation)
Reading material, assignments and online discussions

Module Lists

Year 1
Information Management for Business I
Principles of Microeconomics
Introduction to Financial Accounting
Contemporary Management Thought
Introduction to Management Accounting
Leading and Managing People

Year 2
Foundations of Marketing Thought
Marketing Management

And select 4 modules from the following options
Organisational Psychology and Analysis
Business Law I
Management of Organisational Change
Applied Microeconomics for Business
Business Intelligence and Analytics
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Negotiation Skills
Management Skills
Implementing Digital Innovation
Cases in Marketing Strategy

*The syllabus is subject to change on a cyclical basis.

Applicants require a Level 8 honours degree of H2.2 standard or above. This course is open to graduates of any discipline who wish to acquire a grounding in business practices. Applicants are expected to possess a good level of computer literacy.

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

The next intake for this course will be in September 2024.
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Applications System. This course is listed under Adult Learning & CPD Courses Application.

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

Applicants require a Level 8 honours degree of H2.2 standard or above to meet entry requirements. This course is open to graduates of any discipline who wish to acquire a grounding in business practices.

Applicants should also possess a good level of computer literacy as this course is taught online.

Duration: 2 years, part-time

Mode of Study: Online Learning*
*While this course is delivered fully online, students are required to attend campus for accountancy examinations. Students domiciled overseas should contact the Course Administrator regarding exam arrangements in advance of applying for the course.

Next start date September 2024

Further Education
Graduates may go on to select from a range of level 9 postgraduate courses at the University of Galway or further afield.

Career Opportunities
Graduates can progress in a diverse range of industries, such as marketing, financial services, information systems and human resources. Graduates can also pursue further postgraduate study at Master’s level, such as the MSc Marketing, MSc Industrial Relations and HR Management courses.