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
18th Sept 2025
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
|
Thurs 18th - Sat 20th Sept 2025 |
|
Block 2 Sub-Module 3: Legal Duties and Responsibilities of Boards in Practice Sub-Module 4: Role and Responsibilities of Boards in Practice
|
Associate Professor Brian Hutchinson Dr Margaret Cullen
|
Thurs 16th – Sat 18th October 2025
|
|
Block 3 Sub-Module 5: (i) Business Ethics, |
Ros O’Shea Dr Margaret Cullen Professor Joe Peppard |
Nov 2025 |
|
Autumn Trimester Exams |
Monday 8th Dec 2025 | |
|
Block 4: Sub-Module 7: Financial Control: |
Ken O’Sullivan
Niall Fitzgerald |
Thurs 22nd – Sat 24th January 2026 |
|
Block 5: |
Richard Pike |
Thurs 26th – Sat 28th February 2026 |
|
Block 6: Sub-Module 11: Improving Business Performance |
Dr Gearóid Hardy Dr Margaret Cullen |
March 2026 |
|
Spring Trimester Exams |
Mon 20th April 2026 |
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.
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.
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
