Mary Horgan

Chief Medical Officer (Interim), Department of Health

“Investing time and effort in to successfully completing the Diploma in Corporate Governance has been worth it for me, personally and professionally. The course was delivered by experts in the field who had the ability to impart knowledge in a clear way to a class from diverse professional backgrounds. The course has given the confidence to use this important new skillset to practice corporate governance to the highest level and has opened new opportunities for me in my career.”

Dyan Daly

Director of Physical Analysis, Forensic Science Ireland

“The UCD Diploma in Corporate Governance was a compelling journey into the world of academic excellence, insight and creativity, not to mention the tricks and tips for the day job. I consider myself really lucky to have shared this experience with talented leaders from all sectors of industry and Public Service. I benefitted enormously from the course work, classroom discussions and great facilities on offer at UCD Smurfit Executive Development. A truly fascinating uncovering of Corporate Governance, a framework by which to live your best professional life and a window into What Good Looks Like.”

Ronan Horgan

CEO at Capitalflow

"You join a group of executives from completely different backgrounds from commercial to public service. Each is mature and experienced enough to leave their ego at the door and be open to listening to one another. You learn as much from your peers as from the faculty. The range of different topics and subjects covered; all taught by different expert lecturers with unique styles, I thought was brilliant. It was thoroughly engaging, and learned a lot from the working group that I was assigned to during the programme who were a great help.”

Dan Barrett

Vice President IT, Tyson Foods

“As a CIO, the inclusion of technology governance in the UCD Diploma in Corporate Governance was the catalyst for my decision to join the programme. It was the first year this module was introduced, a timely recognition of the growing strategic importance of digital oversight at board level. The content explored everything from cybersecurity and digital risk to data governance and AI, providing a comprehensive view of how boards must now engage with technology as a core part of their governance responsibilities. The diversity of backgrounds in the classroom created a genuinely enriching environment and every session was thoughtfully delivered by experienced faculty and industry experts. For anyone preparing for an INED role, this diploma is a must. It not only builds the technical knowledge and critical thinking required, but also helps cultivate the strategic mindset and cross-sector awareness essential for board effectiveness today. I would highly recommend it!”

Helen Prendergast

Company Secretary, Davy

“I had the privilege of participating in the UCD Professional Diploma in Corporate Governance, and I can confidently say that it was a transformative experience. As a Corporate Governance Risk Expert, I found the practical application of governance theories particularly valuable. The collaborative learning environment allowed me to draw on my professional experiences and learn from fellow participants who came from a wide variety of sectors and backgrounds. The class established a strong bond and has continued to stay in touch providing an excellent network to lean into when advice or direction is needed. Graduates emerge as informed, agile, and critical thinkers, capable of navigating complexity and uncertainty that governance challenges regularly present. The UCD course is the gold-standard qualification in corporate governance in Ireland and is constantly evolving to reflect emerging trends and practices. A must for any aspiring directors or governance professionals!”

Carmel O'Brien

Independent Non-Exec Director / Chief People Officer

“Having just completed the Diploma in Corporate Governance with the class of 2024, I would heartily endorse the course. Not only does it provide a deep dive into the complexities of the ever evolving landscape of Corporate Governance, but it also includes a group of lecturers who are passionate about the topic and completely generous with their time, to ensure that the students on the course get all they need both in class and out. The Group assignments were a great way of ensuring that all of the class collaborated and learnt from a diversity of backgrounds and expertise. A challenging but invigorating experience.”

Fiona Naughton

Supervisory Board Member at Glen Dimplex

"I realised I needed to improve my skillset and to learn more about being on a board. I wanted to make sure I was qualified to be on the board of Glen Dimplex and wasn’t just there because I was a family member. I really enjoyed the programme. We were given so much valuable information on all the different aspects of being on a board. We covered a broader range of subjects and in much more depth than I expected. It was a big time commitment but it was definitely worth it."

Alison Duffy

Head of Corporate Services, Chester Beatty

"The Corporate Governance Diploma delivered by Smurfit is truly without parallel. The range of topics covered ensures participants are up to date with developments, well prepared and builds confidence in your ability to rise to and meet the challenges you may encounter in your current and future roles. The course is designed and delivered in an engaging and appropriately demanding format that drew the best from people while ensuring we were supported on our learning journey. I believe the benefits of attending the course are both to my career and my personal life through the insights gained and relationships established."