Bachelor of Business Studies (HONS)

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The Programme

The BBS (Hons) is a four-year, part-time degree programme that provides a comprehensive examination of subject critical to contemporary business life. Covering topics in accounting and financial management, human resource management, marketing, project management, and business processes, it aims to equip graduates with skills and competencies that are essential to business and management in all enterprises, public or private.

On completing the first year, students receive a Certificate in Business Studies. On completing the second, a Diploma in Business Studies. They can exit the programme after either of these awards of continue to study and obtain a honours degree.

Is This Programme for you?

This degree attracts students who want to obtain a solid grounding in the areas of business common across the public and private sectors. Its wide range of modules explain and analyse the central roles that, among other areas, finance, marketing, human resource management, technology, and administration play in business strategies and everyday operations.

Subjects

Year One – Certificate in Business Studies

The first year is both a stand-alone qualification – Certificate in Business Studies – and part of the four-year degree programme.

Financial Accounting

This course explains the key principles and techniques of financial accounting. Students will learn about different accounting systems, the purpose of accounting records, the preparation and analysis of profit and loss accounts, balance sheets and income and expenditure accounts.

Quantitative Methods

All organisations, whether operating commercially or otherwise, must undertake research and analyse relevant data. This course explains the principles of business research and the mathematical techniques used when examining the results of that research. Among the specific topics addressed are the preparation of surveys, population samples and linear regression and correlation.

Managing IT/Managing Human Resources

This course explores the proper management of two of the most crucial components in an organisation. The first part of the course considers such topics as the role of IT in the workplace and the appraisal of investment in new IT systems. The second part turns to human resources, examining the responsibilities of the HR manager in today’s workplace.

Business Administration and Marketing

This course describes and assesses the proper organisation and control of a business unit and examines one especially vital business function: marketing. It covers, among other things, financial and administrative controls, best practice in day-to-day operations and marketing strategies.

Year Two –Four

The later stages of the degree programme cover a wide range of business topics, including: 

• Accounting and financial management
• Business economics
• Project management
• Enterprise and innovation
• Marketing fundementals
• Marketing in the digital age
• Consumer and organistional behaviour
• Employee relations and engagement
• Auditing and coporate governance
• Strategic management and business plans

Assessment

The programme is assessed by means of assignments and final examinations.

How To Apply

1. Download this Application Form  and complete it (if your fees are being paid by your employer, be sure to include all the relevant details on the form).
2. The form MUST be accompanied by: (a) proof of ID (copy of passport, birth cert, or driving licence), (b) a passport photo, (c) the programme fee (see section on Fees).

Send the completed application form and the above items to undergrad@ipa.ie.

You may also apply by post.

Prospectus

Programme Delivery and Applications

IPA programmes are part time and generally delivered through a blended learning model.  To apply, see the How to Apply section on the relevant programme and download the application form below.

Undergraduate Application Form 2024

Undergraduate Application Form