Strategic Learning & Development

This flexible, blended learning programme aims to provide students with an opportunity to complete a programme of study focused on the theory and practice of learning and development in contemporary organisational contexts. Students will also develop an advanced understanding of research methodologies and reflective and critical problem solving skills.



Our MSc in Strategic Learning and Development is the only graduate programme of its kind in Ireland, an innovative partnership between DCU and the Learning & Development Institute, the professional body representing Learning & Development Professionals in Ireland.



The development of this new programme is supported by L&D Skillnet and funding is available for eligible candidates looking to upskill. Together this partnership has created this exciting new programme, informed and shaped by the needs of the L&D community of tomorrow.



The programme is designed for graduates to combine study for a NVQ Level 9 Masters award while gaining business knowledge and skills. This accredited programme is specifically customised and designed to map against industry needs to develop the current and future L&D leaders in Ireland.



This two year part-time Masters programme encourages critical thinking, teamwork and communication, analytical and managerial competence, and develops a diverse range of professional attributes which equip graduates to excel and to adopt L&D leadership positions in their professional lives.



This programme is perfect for you if you are a strategic thinker with strong problem-solving abilities. This programme is very much about people: how we interact, learn and develop in the workplace.



Designed in conjunction with both leading industry and academic experts, subject matter incorporates both professional and applied L&D business material as well as an analytics component. Lectures are delivered by experienced experts from academia, industry and practice, facilitating graduates with the most up-to-date theory and practice.



Students on the programme are all eligible for Learning & Development Institute membership as part of the fees for the two-year duration of the programme.



All queries relating to Skillnet funding for this programme should be directed to eimear.south@landdi.ie

Year 1



Semester 1 - Core Modules

MT5808 Strategy, Organisation and Innovation

HR5022 Learning & Development: Design to Evaluation



Semester 2 - Core Modules

HR5012A Personal Leadership & Management Skills

HR5135 Leadership and Change

HR5014 Digital Learning Design & Tools

HR5016 Research Methodology



Year 2

Semester 1 - Core Modules

HR5015 Strategic Learning & Development, Organisational Development



HR5011 HR Analytics & Storytelling



Semester 2 - Core Modules

HR5013 Contemporary Issues & The Future of Learning



Autumn Semester - Core Modules

HR5012B Personal Leadership & Management Skills

HR5017 Strategic Consultancy Project II

• A 2:1 Honours degree in a related discipline (Business, Management, HRM, and Psychology) and a minimum of three years’ work experience.



• Applicants who have achieved a 2.2 Honours degree may still obtain a place. This will depend on availability of places and on obtaining high grades in relevant modules on their undergraduate programme.



• Alternatively, candidates with relevant Professional qualifications and at least 3 years’ relevant work experience in the domain of training, learning and development may be considered for entry subject to interview.



• If an applicant does not hold a primary degree, but has sufficient and relevant working experience (more than 5 years in the domain of training, learning and development) a case for acceptance will be submitted. This will be assessed using DCU (2019) Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.



Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme.

2 years Part-time.

The programme commences in September 2025

Career Prospects

Are you passionate about learning in the workplace? Do you see the benefits of personal development for both individuals and businesses? And would you like to know more about how knowledge creation can keep companies competitive?



The MSc in Strategic Learning and Development might be the perfect programme for you. It combines elements from L&D Design and Strategy to Organisational Transformation, Leadership and Change, Digital Learning Tools, the Future of L&D and Data Analytics.



This programme is an excellent way to accelerate your career. Upon graduation, you will have the analytical and practical skills you’ll need to develop and implement strategies. You will also be positioned to contribute to decision-making and policy discussions at a senior level. This programme will prepare you for a role in L&D departments of large or multinational organisations.



Being one of a very few people in the market with this unique qualification will position you very strongly and open up a range of exciting career opportunities. Not only will you have the support of DCU and the Learning & Development Institute with building your knowledge and expertise, as well as keeping ahead of the latest L&D trends with global research and whitepapers, you will build a strong professional network of like-minded learning and development professionals which will endure long after you have graduated from the programme.



Graduates of the MSc in Strategic Learning and Development will progress their careers in Strategic Learning & Development, Leadership, Talent & HR, Organisation Change & Transformation, People and Culture. They will be attractive to L&D Departments with a strategic emphasis towards skills development, both indigenous and multinational organisations seeking to recruit graduates who can make significant contributions to discussions and decisions at boardroom level.



Graduates will be highly sought after for a variety of positions, including:



Change and Development Manager

Head of Leadership Development

Talent Business Partner

Senior Talent Management Specialist

Head of Organisational Learning

Transformative Leadership Specialist

Learning & HR Technology Business Partner

People Development Manager

Skills Development Leader

L&D Director

Head/Director of Talent Management

Organisational Transformation Manager/Director

People & Culture Partner/Director