Diploma in Business Studies

Course details

This programme is designed to give the student an understanding of the theoretical and practical skills necessary for success in the business environment. The broad philosophy of this programme is to provide students with an appropriate base of relevant business knowledge, to promote personal development and business career advancement. Students have the opportunity to study many key areas in the business world and are encouraged to use the benefits of the programme to further their careers.

Aims and Objectives

On completion of the programme students should have acquired the skills to:

• Understand a range of business functions and the multi-disciplinary nature of business.
• Apply appropriate academic theories and concepts to a range of business issues
• Develop their learning skills to meet the demands the modern business environment through the study of economics, finance, marketing, management and business research
• Acquire practical business and management experience to their working lives.

Course Structure

This programme is pided into two semesters with each semester consisting of four modules.

The eight modules are delivered over one academic year with exams held in January and May.

Assessment

To be awarded the Diploma in Business Studies, students will be required to successfully complete a final examination (100%) for each subject at the end of each semester. There is no continuous assessment element to this programme.

Programme Content

SEMESTER ONE

Accounting

The fundamental aim of this subject is to introduce the student to the basic principles of financial and management accounting. The course will enable the student to develop basic skills in respect of recording, summarising and interpreting. The objectives of the course will be for the student to appreciate the role of accounting in planning, decision making and control and to provide a foundation for students to pursue further studies within this key area.

Business Functions

This subject will introduce the student to the complexity of modern business organisational structures and give the student a sound knowledge of the major function and service activities within a business. An awareness of the critical interrelationships that exist within the modern business organisation will be developed and the course will enable the student to contribute to the planning and control process.

Marketing Principles

This module is designed to provide the students with an understanding of the fundamental principles of marketing and to introduce them to the application of marketing thinking to business decisions. This module provides an introduction to many of the techniques employed by marketers to achieve business success.

Economics

This module is designed to give the student an excellent grounding in the fundamentals and functions of economics in today’s business environment. This module covers a wide range of topics from supply and demand theory to national and international trade issues. A large part of this module focuses on national banking, inflation, income, unemployment and fiscal issues.

SEMESTER TWO

Integrated Marketing Communications

This module is designed to provide information about consumer/customer communications including advertising, public relations, promotions and Internet marketing.

Business Research Methods

This module introduces students to the theories and concepts of research techniques and shows how mathematical models can be applied to basic research activities. It will prove to be essential for those who endeavour to undertake any form of research within the correct environment. On completion of this module the student should clearly understand the role of marketing research in organisations. It also introduces students to various mathematical and statistical concepts required to develop skills in the practical application of these concepts in relevant business situations.

Business Law

The objective of this module is to provide an understanding of the legal system in Ireland and Europe with a particular focus on company law. Students will gain competence in the legal aspects of the creation of a limited company and the shareholder relationship with a limited company. Other topics covered include tort law, agency and contract law.

Management Theory and Practice

A comprehensive review of management theory and practice will be provided within this module. On completion of this subject, the student will be able to understand the complexities of modern management and will be familiar with the process of management decision-making and organisational design. The module will also empower the student to gain an insight into the interdependencies of a typical management structure.