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Accessibility & LanguageHigher Diploma (Business Studies)
College of Business, Public Policy, & Law, J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics
Course Code: HDIP-DBS
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Course Overview
**Business Conversion Programme Available to Non-Business and Business Graduates**
This Higher Diploma in Business Studies (DBS) programme is designed to provide you as a non-business graduate with a well-rounded understanding of business. It is a skills conversion graduate programme for individuals who hold a primary degree in another discipline (e.g., Arts, Engineering, Science) and would like to enter into business-related career or progress into a postgraduate business programme. You will be educated in the fundamental skills of business administration, enabling you to play an active role in the management and development of business enterprises. All modules assume no previous knowledge of the subject.
This programme provides you with the fundamental skills to work in business, and will complement your existing degree. It also provides you with an opportunity for further postgraduate study, with exemptions provided from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) exams.
For engineering graduates, the programme is approved as part of the Engineers Ireland’s Registered Training Providers Programme.
This conversion programme can be the first step to a postgraduate business degree programme, such as the MSc in Human Resource Management, MSc Digital Marketing, MSc Marketing Practice or a standalone qualification in its own right, and is highly valued by employers. It can also provide an opportunity if you didn’t feel you reached your full potential at undergraduate level to redress the balance.
Applications and Selections
Who Teaches this Course
Digital Brochure 2025-26
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AACSB - Global Accreditation
AACSB is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting students, educators, and businesses worldwide
Recognised By:
What Our Students Say
Mark Towey | Software Implementation Consultant, Genesys
What I really enjoyed about the programme was that it gives you a great introduction to all aspects of business. In the first semester you study the core modules, and in the second semester you can branch off into the subjects and modules that you found most interesting or were best at. I found the programme very well laid out, there was a clear structure for every module. A lot of the modules had tutorials which I found very helpful. The lecturers for each module were also very helpful and accessible. I found the course gave me great clarity as to what path I wanted to take in my career. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is considering it.in Connect with Mark
Michelle Murray | Senior Strategic Sourcing Specialist at Medtronic
The DBS came at the perfect time as I wanted a career change from the education sector and business was something I really wanted to try my hand at. This course gave me the opportunity to completely change my path, challenge myself and excel in an area I hadn't worked in before.in Connect with Michelle
Kevin Armstrong | Senior Account Executive | Search & Staffing UK/I - LinkedIn
Graduating from an undergraduate degree at University of Galway, the HDip in Business Studies program was an easy choice for me. Like many others, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Geography but was unsure of what to do next. The HDip in Business Studies provides an accessible route into the world of Business for non-business graduates, it also qualifies graduates to go on and pursue the vast majority of Business Masters programs. My favourite aspect of the program was the wide array of Business areas that are covered, it provides a solid grounding in disciplines such as Marketing, Economics, Management and much more. I believe this course is invaluable preparation for working in any sector, not just Business. It would furnish any undergraduate degree to provide a well-rounded education, as well as opening doors to new areas.in Connect with Kevin
Damien Gunning | Costumer Development M at Land O'Lakes, Inc. USA
I feel that the DBS will be a stepping stone in my academic life and firmly believe it will help contribute greatly to my study of another strand of the business learning curve.in Connect with Damien
Sarah Gilchrist | Analyst, Investor Services, BNP Paribas
I have gained invaluable experience in working as part of a team and communicating effectively. The size of the class is relatively small (approx. 50 students) so we all got to know one another quite well, which made the course and year even more enjoyable. The focus on group assignments and team work has provided invaluable experience and developed my ability to work as part of a team, a skill which is valued highly by all potential employers.in Connect with Sarah
Mark Naughton | Senior Account Executive - Salesforce Marketing Cloud
I chose University of Galway because of my love for Galway city accompanied by the great experience I had here throughout my undergraduate degree. This degree appealed to me because I wanted to gain a broad knowledge of the various aspects of business and increase my overall business acumen.in Connect with Mark
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