Business and Management

Higher Diploma in Business
with optional Work Placement

Key Features of the Higher Diploma in Business

• Conversion style programme for non business graduates
• Students may choose to specialise in one of the following areas: Business, Information Systems or HRM
• The primary objective of the course is to improve the job prospects of graduates and to help with the continuation of their academic careers. It helps to prepare and assist students in securing employment in a range of national and international organisations
• The development of appropriate skills and knowledge and the students understanding of the world of business and management in the workplace.
• One of the most attractive aspects of the full-time programme is the opportunity to gain practical work experience over a four month period. The opportunity of a full time position may arise, and graduates of this programme are at a distinct advantage in terms of future employment prospects.
• The provision of a combination of academic theory, practical business applications and skills to assist in the transition to the world of business. This will be accomplished through the content of courses offered and the range of learning processes employed
• Upon completion, graduates will have the business knowledge and skills required to commence employment in a variety of business areas such as marketing, finance, management, and HRM within a variety of industry sectors.

Aims of the Programme

This programme has been designed to address the needs of students and employers in a dynamic and ever changing business environment. This course is designed for graduates of all disciplines except business who are interested in pursuing a career in business or who wish to develop significant business knowledge. The primary objective of the course is to improve the prospects of its graduates in the job market and or to help with the continuation of their academic careers. The course also helps to prepare and assist students in securing employment in a range of national and international organisations.

Programme Structure

Full-time

For full-time students, delivery of the programme is structured over two semesters with an optional four months work experience from June to September.

Work placement (Optional)

One of the most attractive aspects of the full time programme is the opportunity to gain practical work experience over a four month period. The opportunity of a full time position may arise, and graduates of this programme are at a distinct advantage in terms of future employment prospects.

Part-time

For part-time students the programme is structured over three semesters, each of approximately four months duration. Each semester covers four subjects on an intensive and challenging basis. During each semester, students are typically required to attend lectures on two evenings per week and occasional weekend workshops.

Assessment

Student assessment will be based on a combination of continuous assessment and end of semester examinations. Continuous assessment will involve a number of assessment methods, including research essays, analysis of case studies, practical assessments and projects. For the purpose of continuous assessment students will be required to work individually and in groups. End of semester examinations will usually be closed book, timed constrained written examinations, which will feature a range of question styles.

Entry Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must hold:

• A primary Honours Degree award of at least pass level in a non-cognate discipline from a recognised third level institution or equivalent qualification
• An IELTS score of a minimum 6.0 or equivalent, where full-time study has been conducted in a language other than English or applicants whose first language is not English.

Careers

On completion of this programme graduates will have the business knowledge and skills required to commence employment/career development in a variety of business areas such as marketing, finance, management and business administration within a variety of industry sectors.

Full-Time Programme Content

Part-Time Course Content

Learner protection for this programme is provided in accordance with Section 43 of the Qualifications (Education and Training ) Act 1999.