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
2 October 2025
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 SBUS42030 |
Dr John McCallig |
Thurs 2nd October 2025 (1.30pm- 5pm) Fri 3rd & Sat 4th October 2025 |
|
Module 2: The Financing Landscape SBUS42020 |
Ken O'Sullivan and Professor Cal Muckley |
Fri 14th & Sat 15th November 2025 |
|
Module 3: Performance Management SBUS42000 |
Derek Moriarty |
Wed 7th & Thurs 8th January 2026 |
|
Module 4: Key Financial Decisions SBUS41990 |
Cormac Lucey |
Wed 25th & Thurs 26th February 2026 |
|
Module 5: International Financing SBUS42010 |
Prof. John Cotter |
Wed 15th & Thurs 16th April 2026 |
|
Module 6: Mergers and Acquisitions SBUS42040 |
Jack Massey |
Wed 27th & Thurs 28th May 2026 |
|
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. |
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MSc Pathway
This standalone diploma also forms part of the optional MSc in Business (Leadership & Management Practice) Pathway. The pathway framework is comprised of 10 diploma programmes. If participants successfully complete any three of these ten 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. Workshops are typically held on Fridays and Saturdays to minimise interference with busy work schedules. The majority of our diploma programmes are assessed on a module-by-module basis through a variety of practical assignments. There are no examinations (excluding the Diploma in Corporate Governance).
FT Global Rankings confirm UCD as leading Irish provider of Executive Education
UCD Smurfit Executive Development has been ranked in the global top 50 and EU top 25 in both the Open Enrolment and Custom Executive Education in the 2024 Financial Times Executive Education Rankings continuing its place as Ireland’s leading provider of Executive Education.
The School is ranked 33rd in the world in the Custom Executive Education Rankings. Within the ranking criteria, the School ranked an impressive 4th globally for Growth reflecting year-on-year revenue growth and repeat business and 27th for Programme Design which ensures flexibility of the curriculum and cutting-edge expert lecturers. Overall, Client Satisfaction is highest in Ireland and ranks 23rd globally.
In the Open Enrolment Ranking, Smurfit Executive Development ranked 46th globally and first in Ireland marking the 7th year in the global top 50. Among the criteria used to assess the categories, the School scored in the global top 50 in 12 out of 14 categories. Find out more here
The ranking demonstrates consistency at the highest standard in the delivery of world-class executive education programmes and places UCD Smurfit Executive Development with an elite group of business institutions that are among the most recognised in the world.
Discover our Rankings and Accreditations
