Business Studies Courses in Ireland

Business Studies is one of the most versatile areas of further and higher education in Ireland. Whether you want to launch a start-up, gain management skills, or combine business with another discipline such as languages, art or marketing, there’s a course to suit every learner.

This guide highlights the main types of Business Studies courses in Ireland, from QQI Level 5 certificates right up to Level 9 and Level 10 postgraduate courses. You’ll also find links to Business and Accounting course listings on Findacourse.ie.

Why Choose a Business Studies Course?

• Wide choice of specialisms: Business with IT, languages, tourism, art, finance, marketing and more.
• Flexible study modes: Full-time, part-time, evening and online options available across Ireland.
• Progression opportunities: Many further-education courses allow graduates to move on to higher-level courses.
• Career pathways: Business qualifications open doors to roles in management, entrepreneurship, finance, HR, marketing and administration.

Things to Consider Before You Apply

1. Time commitment – full-time, part-time, evening or blended learning.
2. Level of study – QQI Level 5/6 certificates, Level 7 higher certificates, Level 8 degrees, or Level 9/10 postgraduate qualifications.
3. Course content & work experience – check each college’s website for module lists, placement opportunities and practical assignments.

Tip: Many courses now include modules on entrepreneurship, innovation, e-commerce and digital marketing, which are valuable for those planning to start or grow a business.

Certification & Awarding Bodies for Business Courses in Ireland

Not every business course in Ireland leads to a formal award — particularly some short evening classes, workshops or introductory programmes that focus on practical skills rather than qualifications. These can be a great way to explore a topic before committing to a full award.

However, if you’re looking for recognised certification, it’s important to check the awarding body:

• Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) – the national agency that oversees awards from Level 1 to Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). QQI certification is widely recognised and often allows progression to higher-level study.
• University & Technological University Awards – most Level 7–10 business programmes (higher certificate, honours degree, postgraduate diploma, MBA) are awarded directly by universities or technological universities and are aligned with the NFQ.
• Pitman Training Certificates & Diplomas – popular for office administration, bookkeeping, and software-based business skills; valued by employers for practical workplace competencies.
• Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) – an international credential for professionals in business analysis and project environments.
• IBM Business Analyst Certification – suited to those working in technology-driven business analysis roles.
• Other sector-specific certificates may include Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) for marketing or ACCA-aligned modules for accounting.

Choosing an accredited programme helps ensure your qualification is recognised by employers and educational institutions, supports career progression, and can allow you to transfer credits more easily if you continue your studies.

Part-Time & Evening Business Courses

Learners balancing work or family life often opt for flexible learning. Popular part-time options include Business Management and Start-Your-Own-Business courses.

👉 View current part-time and evening programmes on Business and Accounting course listings on Findacourse.ie.

QQI Level 5 & 6 Business Courses (Further Education)

These are ideal for school-leavers or adults returning to education. Many allow direct progression to higher-level study.

• Business and Computers Level 6 at Stillorgan College of Further Education
• Tourism with Business Levels 5 & 6 at Moate Business College
• Business Management at Portobello Institute

Level 7 Higher Certificate Programmes

A Level 7 qualification is a step below an honours degree and usually shorter in duration (two years full-time in many cases). It’s a great choice for those seeking to upskill without committing to a full three- or four-year degree.

• Bachelor of International Business Level 7 (part-time & full-time) at Dorset College Dublin
• Higher Certificate in Business in Office Information Systems – Institute of Technology Tralee
• Higher Certificate in Business in Social Media Marketing – Athlone Institute of Technology
• Diploma in Business Studies (part-time, 4 years) at Institute of Public Administration

Level 8 Honours Degrees

An honours degree typically takes three to four years full-time, but many institutions now offer top-up, part-time and accelerated routes.

• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Entrepreneurship & Management – Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology
• Business Studies – Griffith College, Cork City
• Bachelor of Business Studies (Accounting) – Institute of Public Administration (part-time, 4 years)

Postgraduate Business Courses (Level 9 & 10)

Graduates with a Level 8 degree – not necessarily in business – can choose from conversion courses, specialist diplomas or full MBA programmes.

• Innovation Management – Postgraduate Diploma at University of Galway – Adult Education
• Postgraduate Diploma in Business in Cultural Event Management – Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology

Online & Blended Learning Options

Many colleges now provide online lectures, blended delivery and evening classes, enabling students nationwide to access quality business training without relocating.

Career Prospects & Skills Gained

Graduates from business studies courses often move into:

• Entrepreneurship & start-ups
• Administration & office management
• Finance & accounting
• HR, marketing & sales
• Project management & operations

Key transferable skills include problem-solving, leadership, communication, and digital marketing expertise.

FAQs – Business Studies in Ireland

Q: What entry requirements apply to QQI Level 5 courses?
A: Generally, a Leaving Cert or equivalent; many further-education colleges also accept mature students.

Q: Can I progress from Level 5 or 6 to a degree?
A: Yes, many courses offer progression agreements to Level 7 or Level 8 courses.

Q: Are there online business courses?
A: Yes, several institutions offer blended or fully online courses at certificate, diploma, degree and postgraduate level.

Q: How long does an MBA take?
A: Typically one year full-time or two years part-time.

Explore More Courses

For the latest course dates, fees and enrolment details, visit the Business and Accounting course page on Findacourse.ie.