Programme Overview
Corporate Governance is the system by which companies are directed and controlled. Creating an effective system of governance supports the strategic direction, evolution and longevity of any organisation. The UCD Professional Diploma in Corporate Governance will impart the technical competence and support the critical thinking necessary to execute governance roles in an ever-changing world. Graduates are informed, agile, critical thinkers and doers, with a capacity to cope with complexity and uncertainty. The programme supports a collaborative learning environment that encourages participants to actively draw on their own professional experiences and the collective experiences of their fellow participants, so they can develop their own and others’ knowledge and insights into the theory and practice of governance in modern real-world situations.
Key Details
17th September 2026
Next Intake
€15,940& €15,140*
Fees
9 Months
Duration
6 x 3 day modules
Delivery
NFQ Level 9 / 30 ECTS
Accredited / Credits
Module Dates
This is a part-time programme which takes place over 9 months in 6 in-person blocks.
| Module Title | Faculty | Dates |
|---|---|---|
|
Block 1 Sub-Module 1: Introduction to Corporate Governance Paradigms and Practice Sub-Module 2: Regulatory Framework for Directors
|
Dr Margaret Cullen
Dr Aoife McPartland |
Thurs 17th – Sat 19th September 2026 |
|
Block 2 Sub-Module 3: Legal Duties and Responsibilities of Companies and Directors Sub-Module 4: Role and Responsibilities of Boards in Practice |
Associate Professor Brian Hutchinson
Dr Margaret Cullen
|
Thurs 15th – Sat 17th October 2026 |
|
Block 3 Sub-Module 5: (i) Business Ethics, |
Ros O’Shea Dr Margaret Cullen Professor Joe Peppard |
Thurs 19th – Sat 21st November 2026 |
|
Autumn Trimester Exams - Monday 7th December 2026 |
||
|
Block 4: Sub-Module 7: Financial Control: |
Ken O’Sullivan
Niall Fitzgerald |
Thurs 21st – Sat 23rd January 2027 |
|
Block 5: |
Richard Pike |
Thurs 18th – Sat 20th February 2027 |
|
Block 6: Sub-Module 11: Improving Business Performance |
Dr Gearóid Hardy Dr Margaret Cullen |
Thurs 18th – Sat 20th March 2027 |
|
Spring Trimester Exams - Monday 12th April 2027 |
||
Lectures typically run Thursday-Saturday from 9am to 5pm. 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 FAQ's | UCD Smurfit School for full details.
Alumni Testimonials
Want to find out more? Watch the videos below to gain deeper insight into this diploma.
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 learning method, immersive environment and world-class faculty all come together to deliver a learning experience unlike any 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 other than our UCD Diploma in Corporate Governance.
Discover our Rankings and Accreditations
