Programme Overview
The Diploma in Leadership Development helps participants to become better leaders. It is about understanding how they themselves contribute to their eventual success and that of their teams and organisations. Participants will develop insight into their current leadership style, actively shift any leadership obstacles and bring about a renewed sense of leadership empowerment and purpose. Built on strong theoretical principles that are brought to life and tested in participative module sessions, the programme is challenging and highly experiential. Participants are required to examine, share and learn from their own experiences, utilising and implementing fresh insight, tools and techniques.
Leading a team within an organisation is a prerequisite for this programme as some modules are focused solely on working with teams and therefore participants need to be able to fully participate in or contribute to the programme. Moreover, participants must be open to critically examining and building upon their own approach to lead.
Key Details
February 2026
Next Intake
€11,420 & €10,850*(*UCD Business Alumni)
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: Exploring My Leadership Impact – The Personal Dimension |
Camilla Beglan & Eamonn Ward |
Wednesday 11th 4:30pm-7:30pm (mandatory attendance required) Thurs. 12th & Fri. 13th February 2026 |
| Module 2: Enhancing My Leadership Impact - The Relationship Dimension | Camilla Beglan and Eamonn Ward |
Mon. 23rd & Tues. 24th March 2026 |
| Module 3: Building My Leadership Impact - The Team Dimension |
Camilla Beglan and Eamonn Ward |
Mon. 11th & Tues. 12th May 2026 |
| Module 4: Aligning for Organisational Impact – The Systems Dimension |
Camilla Beglan and Eamonn Ward |
Mon. 22nd & Tues. 23rd June 2026 |
| Module 5: Sustaining My Leadership Impact – The Resilience Dimension | Camilla Beglan and Eamonn Ward |
Thurs. 10th & Fri. 11th September 2026 |
| Module 6: Committing to Leadership Impact - The Future Dimension | Camilla Beglan and Eamonn Ward |
Thurs. 22nd & Fri. 23rd October 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. Typical day runs from 9.00am to 5.00pm.
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 (excluding the Diploma in Corporate Governance).
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