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Programme Overview

The economic uncertainties of today’s world make it imperative for non-financial managers to have a firm grasp of the financial consequences of business decisions. With volatility in financial markets and margins narrowing from highly competitive trading conditions, mid- to senior-level executives need to be aware of how investment and funding decisions can affect the value of an organisation.

This diploma will enable non-financial managers to communicate effectively with those in senior accounting and finance positions ensuring that all of the organisation’s functions are better integrated, significantly boosting the firm’s overall value. It will provide participants with a renewed ability to integrate a financial approach into their business decision-making. In doing so, they will contribute to ensuring a sound financial basis for implementing all of their organisation’s strategic plans and decisions.

Key Details

Autumn 2026

Next Intake

€8,890 & €8,445*

Fees

9 Months

Duration

6 X 2 Day Modules

Delivery

NFQ Level 9 / 30 ECTS

Accredited / Credits

Module Dates

Module Title

Module Faculty

Module Dates

Module 1: Understanding Financial Statements 

Dr John McCallig

TBC

Module 2: The Financing Landscape 

Ken O'Sullivan & Prof. Cal Muckley

TBC

Module 3: Performance Management 

Derek Moriarty

TBC

Module 4: Key Financial Decisions 

Cormac Lucey

TBC

Module 5: International Financing 

Prof. John Cotter 

TBC

Module 6: Mergers and Acquisitions 

Jack Massey

TBC

Please note - 100% attendance is required at all modules. Should you miss a module due to unexpected circumstances, there is no longer an option to take that module with another intake of the programme – visit www.smurfitschool.ie/executivedevelopment/contactus/faqs/ for full details.

Timing:  Weekdays 9.00am to 5.00pm and Saturdays 8.30am to 4.30pm.

MSc Pathway

This standalone diploma also forms part of the optional MSc in Business (Leadership & Management Practice) Pathway. The pathway framework is comprised of eleven diploma programmes. If participants successfully complete any three of these eleven diplomas within a recommended 5-year timeframe, they are awarded with the MSc in Business (Leadership & Management Practice).

Our portfolio of pathway diplomas build on your existing skill set and add relevant value to your business needs. From corporate governance to leadership development, our diplomas deepen your understanding of contemporary business issues and will help you become a stronger leader who can deal with complex issues in rapidly-changing environments. Our unique teaching method, immersive learning environment and world-class faculty combine to produce an educational experience like no other.

The majority of our diploma programmes are delivered over a series of 6 two-day workshops within a 10-12 month period. The majority of our diploma programmes are assessed on a module-by-module basis through a variety of practical assignments. 

Discover our Rankings and Accreditations

Athena Swan
EQUIS
AACSB
AMBA
Financial Times
The Economist
GNFAM
GBSN
PIM
PRME
CEMS
UNICON
IMCA