Programme Overview
As your management career develops, you face the challenges of general management. The range of problems and opportunities at this level calls on you to work with and manage diverse teams and people, to tackle issues you’re not specialised in, and to contribute to your organisation’s broader strategy and goals. The Diploma in Management Excellence gives you the skills to grow confidently as a manager and a leader in your business.
The programme develops your insight into the leadership of people and provides you with a toolkit for confidently developing the relationships that are the hallmark of strong leaders. You will be equipped with a broader perspective on the interconnected elements of business strategy and operations, and a deeper understanding of how to create lasting success for your organisation. And you will explore how to maximise your personal impact in a way that is authentic to you and your strengths.
It will give executives the solid foundation to be able to go back to work able to ask the right questions and challenge your teams to think differently. The combination of theory and real-world application with an immersive learning experience makes this a very practical programme. Participants will return to their organisation with the necessary analytical skills and strategic toolkit for improving both short-term and long-term performance.
Key Details
13 October 2025
Next Intake
€8,890 or €8,445*(*UCD Business Alumni)
Fees
9 Months
Duration
6 x 2 Days
Delivery
NFQ Level 9 / 30 ECTS
Accredited / Credits
Module Dates
| Module Title | Module Faculty | Module Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Module 1: The Manager as Leader |
Stephen Boyle Kathleen Halligan |
Mon 13th October 2025 (1.30 - 5pm) Tues 14th & Wed 15th October 2025 |
| Module 2: Competitive Advantage through Operations | Dr. Brian Mc Grath |
Tues 25th & Wed 26th November 2025 |
| Module 3: Marketing Strategy for Profitable Growth (In Digital Era) | Associate Prof. Andrew Keating & Dr. Marius Claudy |
Fri 16th & Sat 17th January 2026 |
| Module 4: Improving Business Profitability | Associate Professor Paul Ryan |
Fri 27th & Sat 28th February 2026 |
| Module 5: Collaborative Communication | John Fitzsimons & Glenn Treacy |
Fri 17th & Sat 18th April 2026 |
| Module 6: Personal Impact and Presence | Stephen Boyle |
Tues 26th & Wed 27th 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. Typical day runs from 9.00am to 5.00pm.
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 ten 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
