Business and Management COURSES

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Overview

Joint Awarding Bodies:
The Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) and Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)
Award Level:
9 (Masters Degree)
Duration:
Full-Time: 1 year
Part-Time: 2 years

Suited to:
All Graduates

STREAMS:

MBA in Business Management
MBA in HRM  
MBA in Marketing
MBA in Project Management
MBA in Finance
MBA in Information Systems
MBA in Cloud Computing

  • The MBA offers you a unique opportunity to study advanced theory and practice relating to management and to develop an appreciation of the causes and significance of managing strategy 
  • This unique programme allows you to choose a specialist route for your MBA award – Business Management, HRM, Project Management, Finance, Information Systems, Cloud Computing or Marketing 
  • Aimed at graduates of all disciplines who wish to seek skills and knowledge in business management in an international environment 
  • The award of MBA is synonymous worldwide 
  • Graduates progress in to positions of management across a diverse range of organisations and multinationals, domestically and internationally. 

Aims of the Programme

The ability to confidently manage a business represents a valuable skill-set particularly in the current turbulent economic environment. In order for an organisation to be flexible in diverse business environments and to change direction at speed, there must be expertise in business management and business strategy in a global context. The aim of the programme is to develop these sets of abilities with a particular focus on a thorough understanding of business management. The MBA at Dublin Business School offers you a unique opportunity to study advanced theory and practice relating to management, and to develop an appreciation of the causes and significance of managing strategy.

Key Features of the Programme

This unique programme allows you to choose a specialist route for your MBA award. Students can obtain a named award in any of six streams:  HRM; Project Management; Finance; Information Systems; Cloud Computing; Marketing or general Business Management. This ensures students are afforded the widest choice of specialisms from which to choose. A practitioner focus is part of this programme. Industry-led workshops and guest lecturers keep information current and applied.

All streams within your MBA programme will include:

  • 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.
  • The Project Management stream provides cutting-edge knowledge on the most ubiquitous phenomenon of modern work organisation – the management of work and projects. Graduates possess directly applicable skills in project execution and project control across all of the complex elements of a project so that it can be successfully and professionally managed to its conclusion (e.g. planning; budgeting; HR management; resource allocation; etc).   
  • The HRM stream focuses on the management of people to ensure maximum competitive advantage. Managing resourcing strategy ensures you will know how to strategically plan staffing requirements. Performance management will ensure you know how to get the best from your people as a manager. 
  • The Finance stream addresses international banking and finance through The Theory of Finance and Financial Markets and Institutions modules which can allow organisations to anticipate economic outcomes and make changes of direction quickly in response to economic pressures. 
  • The Information Systems stream provides you with knowledge of current trends in computer networks and how best to use them. Information systems development skills provide you with detailed information on choosing and operating information systems to support the extraction and use of organisational information.
  • The Cloud Computing stream is specifically aimed at facilitating the graduate’s understanding in the area and how organisations may exploit the vast business opportunities that result from the transformative power that Cloud Computing  offers both now and in the future. There is emphasis on structured approaches for delivering effective solutions in the Cloud that address value, efficiency, risks and costs associated with a move to Cloud Computing . 
  • The Marketing stream empowers you to evaluate the central role of marketing strategy for the growth and development of all organisations. Students will be required to critically evaluate a range of theoretical marketing concepts and apply them to practical industry issues or problems as they relate to the current business environment.
  • For students wishing to pursue a broader scope of business study without a specialism in any particular stream the Business Management stream allows a free choice of any two of the options from across all other streams.

Entry Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must hold:
  • A minimum Second Class Honours Degree (2.2) in any discipline from a recognised third level institution 
  • 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.

Programme Content

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme has the following content in stages 1 & 2.

Stage 1
Core Modules
  • International Management 
  • International Business and Trade 
  • Research Skills 
  • Strategic Management  
Optional Modules (Choose 2):

HRM Stream
1. Managing Resourcing Strategy
2. Performance Management

Finance Stream
1. Theory of Finance
2. Financial Institutions & Markets

Information Systems Stream
1. Information Systems Development 
2. Innovation & IT Management

Cloud Computing Stream
1. Theory of Cloud Computing
2. Developing Content for the Cloud

Marketing Stream
1. Principles of Marketing
2. Integrated Marketing Communications

Project Management Stream
1. Project Management Tools and Techniques
2. Project Management Planning and Control

Business Management Stream
(any two optional modules) 
Stage 2
MBA Award 
  • Dissertation 

Assessment Methods

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.

A Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) may be awarded to students who achieve 30 credits, and a Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) to students who achieve 60 credits in the taught stage.

Structure

The MBA degree programme consists of two stages.

Stage 1 is a wholly taught component, contributing 60 credits. For full-time students, the taught component consists of 4 core modules (two are weighted at 15 credits each and remaining two at 7.5 credits each) and two additional optional modules from the relevant award stream chosen (7.5 credits each). As outlined above, students can choose to follow any one of five streams resulting in specialist skills. These modules are delivered over two semesters.

For part-time students, delivery of the programme is structured over 4 taught semesters. During each semester, students will study two modules and 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.

Career Opportunities

The award of MBA is synonymous world-wide with competency in the strategic management of a business. The complexity of a managerial role is captured within the range of modules contained within this programme. Graduates typically progress into positions of management across a diverse range of organisations, multinationals, domestically and internationally. Having gained expert knowledge in international business and trade, graduates take their place at the forefront of organisational leadership internationally. Completing a research dissertation as part of their programme imbues learners with the ability to use scientific principals in conjunction with business models and expert knowledge resulting in excellent decision-making skills. Informed decision-making is at the heart of successful strategic management and this programme produces graduates that can take their place among peers internationally and excel in the disciplines of HRM, IT, Cloud Computing, Marketing, Finance and Project Management. Careers sectors currently range from new  systems or product development, marketing, finance, engineering and science supporting the widely applicable nature of the degree.

Fees

Improve your employability

All of our postgraduate courses offer strong links with industry and the professional world and often carry accreditation from professional bodies. By choosing to study at postgraduate level, not only do you gain valuable skills and experience but you also demonstrate your determination to succeed in a chosen career.

Far from being a postponement to employment, postgraduate study can help you progress further and faster in your chosen career. And, if you're not certain what direction you would like your future to take, further study can provide a secure and structured space to help you find out through exploring your strengths and interests.

Get your foot on the career ladder

A large number of our postgraduate programmes include a work placement option, giving you the opportunity to gain vocational experience, make valuable contacts and gain transferable skills. It is also worth considering that some postgraduate qualifications are essential requirements to getting on the career ladder.

Gain skills for success

During your undergraduate degree you will have developed a strong foundation of transferable skills. Postgraduate study will build on this base, giving you the opportunity to put these highly valuable skills in to practice. You will also gain invaluable practical working examples that you can go on to use at interview to set you apart from other candidates.

Fee Structure at DBS

The course fees for the next academic year are €7,900 full-time or €4,950 per annum part-time for Masters programmes or €5,990 for both full-time and part-time (16 months) higher diploma programmes.  This covers the cost of tuition, registration and examinations. Please note also that there is tax relief for Irish income tax payers at the standard rate of 20% on all fees exceeding €1,000 and up to €7,000. Fees are typically payable in three installments. 50% of the annual fee is due upon acceptance of the programme and prior to course commencement in September with the balance payable in two installments at the end of November and the end of December. You can download our DBS fee information sheet for more information or contact our admissions team who would be happy to discuss the options available for you.

Next Steps

Visit Us

Open days are a great way to help you make your decision about DBS and learn more about the Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Business Management.  As well as experiencing our outstanding facilities, you'll have the opportunity to receive personalised advice from academics from your subject area, meet current postgraduate students and also have your questions answered on general subjects such as entry requirements, student support and the admissions process.

EU Applicants

Applicants should complete the appropriate application form and return it to the Postgraduate Admissions Office along with the following documentation: 
  • Academic Transcripts (Original & Official English Translation where issued in another language). Applicants who have previously attended DBS need not provide this documentation. 
  • Proof of Identification (Birth Certificate, Drivers Licence or Passport) 
  • Detailed Curriculum Vitae 
  • Proof of English (i.e. IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent) where full time study has been conducted in a language other than English or applicants whose first language is not English 
  • Academic/Business References - Ideally one Academic & one Business 
Please see programme content for any course-specific additional application procedures.

In addition to the above, in the instance of Non-EU applicants who have residency in Ireland:
  • A copy of your GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau) Card, Work permit (if applicable) & Passport 
  • The letter that was issued to you by the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform stating why you were provided with the above documentation 

International Students/ Non EU Applicants

Applicants should complete the appropriate application form and return it to the Postgraduate Admissions Office along with the following documentation: 
  • Academic documents   
  • Academic transcripts  
  • Proof of English (i.e. IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent)  
  • A Curriculum Vitae  
  • References from your employer/school/college  
  • A statement of purpose 
  • A copy of your passport 
Please note that copies of all documentation must be submitted, and that it must be translated into English where issued in another language. Please do not send original documents as these will not be returned.

Dublin Business School has a number of overseas offices and representatives worldwide. Please contact us  if you wish to receive further details on your closest DBS representative.

Entry Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must hold:
  • A minimum Second Class Honours Degree (2.2) in any discipline from a recognised third level institution 
  • 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.

BACK TO COURSES

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DBS Open Evening

Now accepting applications for Autumn 2013

We are now accepting applications for all programmes commencing September 2013. Apply online or contact our admissions team for more information by calling 01 417 7500 Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 5.15pm or email admissions@dbs.ie

MEET OUR STUDENTS

“Making the decision to take time out of my career and return to college to complete the full-time MBA was one to which I applied a great deal of thought, assessing the costs and benefits of taking a year out of work to enhance my academic qualifications. It was a difficult decision and one from which I have benefitted hugely. I chose to complete the MBA in Project Management stream in order to gain valuable knowledge and understanding that I will be able to apply at work in order to progress my career. Being able to apply my previous experience to the scenarios and discussions in the lectures, allowed me to learn and reflect on previous situations at work. From a personal point of view, the lectures on research skills and personal development offered me a valuable opportunity to reflect on my skills, development and career path and I made some friends and a network of contacts with who I will remain in touch both personally and professionally. Since completing the MBA I have returned to work in a contract Project Management role, where I have already been able to use the skills and experience gained in the MBA. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at DBS and would recommend the MBA course.”

Laura O’Keeffe

MBA in Project Management