Business Studies

The Certificate in Business Studies is a one-year, part-time programme. It provides a systematic introduction to modern business theory and practice. Students take four subjects and address such crucial topics as accounting techniques, research and quantitative methods, the HRM function in modern organisations and marketing strategies. The Certificate is both a stand-alone qualification and the first year of the four-year Bachelor of Business Studies (Hons) programme. Students who successfully complete this year can enter the second year of the BBS (Hons), where they will have the opportunity to obtain an interim diploma qualification before progressing to the honours degree stages. 

Certificate in Business Studies

Enquire Now

Key Facts

Delivery Method

The programme is delivered through a student-friendly blended learning model. Students attend three in-person weekend seminars at the IPA and attend eight weeknight webinars per module. They are supported in their studies with extensive course material and online resources.

Entry Requirements

Applicants require a Leaving Certificate with a minimum grade C in two higher level papers and grade D in four other subjects. The papers passed must include Irish, English and a third language. Students must have passed the Mathematics paper.

OR

Mature students (students over 21 on January 1 of the calendar year of entry) may enter a programme without the above qualifications. 

Duration

One academic year

Accreditation

NUI

Place on NFQ

Level 6 (Minor award) what is this?

Commences

September 2024

Application Deadline

September 2024

Fees

The cost of the programme is €3,600 per annum (includes all matriculation and examination fees), payable in one or two instalments. 

Employers and Fees

Where employers are paying fees, students, when enrolling, must provide a PO number and employer authorisation on the applicaiton form OR submit a letter from their employer confirming that fees will be paid directly. 

Students Paying their own Fees

Fees can be paid by:

  • Electronic transfer (contact the Undergraduate Office).
  • Debit/credit card (contact the Undergraduate Office).
  • Cheque (payable to the Institute of Public Administration).
  • Bank draft.

Note: Fees may increase slightly from year to year. Where this occors, students will be charged the increased fee.  

Progression

Students can progress to the second year of the Diploma in Business Studies or BBS (Hons).

Expand all

The Programme

The Certificate in Business Studies is a one-year, part-time programme. It provides a systematic introduction to modern business theory and practice. Students take four subjects and address such crucial topics as accounting techniques, research and quantitative methods, the HRM function in modern organisations and marketing strategies. The Certificate is both a stand-alone qualification and the first year of the four-year Bachelor of Business Studies (Hons) programme. Students who successfully complete this year can enter the second year of the BBS (Hons), where they will have the opportunity to obtain an interim diploma qualification before progressing to the honours degree stages. 

Is This Programme for you?

If you want to obtain a solid understanding of subjects at the core of business life, this one-year programme will most certainly meet your needs. The subjects studied have a wide application in both the public and private sectors, so the programme attracts a diverse student body.  

Subjects
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.

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 (scan of passport, birth cert, or driving licence), (b) a passport-type 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

 

Enquiry Form

 

Required fields

 

 

Mailing List

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive regular emails about IPA courses, events, publications and news updates. You can unsubscribe at any time. For further information on how we use your data, please see our Privacy Statement.

Email