This course is available through the following application route(s)
This part-time programme is designed for mature students, with work experience, who wish to return to education to complete a diploma or degree in Business Studies while continuing to work.
You can combine work, study and family commitments through a more flexible approach to your learning here at UCD. Our business diploma and degree courses involve a blend of home study and monthly campus attendance, underpinned by an infrastructure of student supports.
You will develop a solid, conceptual understanding of business and organisational management, along with the knowledge application, communication and leadership skills necessary for the modern business environment.
First and Second Year
In the first two years, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of management. You will gain a thorough understanding of the main business disciplines and the principles of management in an Irish and global context. This stage of the course introduces you to the key business functions, including:
Management • Future of Work and Organisations • Academic and Transferable Skills • Marketing Management • Accounting • Skills for Higher Education • People Management • Business Environment • Digital Business and Social Media Strategy • Business Law • Business Economics • Introduction to Finance You will also undertake two academic skills modules, designed specifically to help and support you as you return to education.
Third and Fourth Year
In the Degree stage, you will be introduced to the functions of strategic management. You will explore key aspects of modern business organisation, including:
Human Resource Management • Project Management • Supply Chain Management and Sustainability • Management Practice • Strategic Decision Making in the Digital World • Business Research Project • Strategy • Business and Social Enterprise • Enterprise and Innovation • Optional Business Elective
You will also have the opportunity to undertake a major project in a self-selected area of business management that allows you to develop industry specific knowledge in your selected field.
Student Support
We recognise the needs of part-time students. To support, a dedicated Programme Manager who is well placed to provide both academic and administrative support is available to students. This programme manager also delivers a number of practical academic skills modules to support those returning to education.
Graduates will progress to rewarding and challenging employment in industries including, administration, banking, insurance & financial management, education/training, engineering & construction, healthcare, hospitality & tourism, IT & telecoms, marketing & media and retail, sales & customer services.
Roles may include technical, operational or managerial positions.
On completion of the Bachelor of Business Studies, graduates are eligible to apply for postgraduate study in a range of areas including business strategy, project management and education.
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Options - A)5 of: Please select modules from Year 1 only. |
BMGT1001D | The Future of Work and Organisations | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)5 of: Please select modules from Year 1 only. |
BMGT1002D | Management | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)5 of: Please select modules from Year 1 only. |
BMGT1013D | Skills for Higher Education | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)5 of: Please select modules from Year 1 only. |
ACC1007D | Accounting | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)5 of: Please select modules from Year 1 only. |
MKT1003D | Marketing Management | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of: Students in Year 1 of the DBS are pre-enrolled to BMGT1012D Academic and Transferable Skills. For a Horizons module option please contact your Programme Office with details of your Horizons module choice. NOTE: Horizons modules options are dependent on demand and random allocation. |
BMGT1012D | Academic and Transferable Skil | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - C)5 of: Year 2 Core |
ECON1006D | Business Economics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - C)5 of: Year 2 Core |
FIN1320D | Introduction to Finance | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - C)5 of: Year 2 Core |
HRM1010D | People Management | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - C)5 of: Year 2 Core |
BMGT1008D | Business Environment | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - C)5 of: Year 2 Core |
LAW1001D | Business Law | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D)1 of: Students in Year 2 of the DBS are pre-enrolled to MIS1001D (ICT in Business). If you wish to substitute MIS1001D (ICT in Business) for a Horizons module option please contact your Programme Office with details of your Horizons module choice. NOTE: Horizons modules options are dependent on demand and random allocation. |
MIS1001D | Digital Business and Social Media Strategy | Spring | 5 |
I enrolled on the DBS/BBS course to help me progress my career. I made a career change 5 years ago and felt that taking this course would help move my career along. Personally, it was the best decision to start my career first and have some professional experience and then start a course related to my chosen career path. I could relate my learnings in the course to my professional experience. This made it easier to understand the theory behind each subject. The lectures are very interesting and cover a lot of material and the schedule is delivered in a way to suit a busy schedule.
Zsofia Dosa, Student
General Entry Requirements
Eligibility for the course is considered on the basis of mature years (a minimum age of 23 years on 1 January of the year of entry) or on the basis of matriculation (a minimum age of 21 years on 1 January of the year of entry with students having fulfilled the Matriculation requirements of the National University of Ireland).
Exemptions from the Diploma in Business Studies may be granted in the case of holders of a HETAC Higher Certificate, or Ordinary Degree in Business Studies (with Merit or Distinction) or an equivalent qualification.
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Diploma/Bachelor of Business Studies:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | BSSM Diploma/Bachelor of Business Studies Diploma in Business Studies Part-Time Commencing September 2026 Undergraduate Cert and Diploma Quinn CDL - Domestic Not available to International applicantsApply |