Programme Overview
The pressure for change in organisations increases daily. In the private sector, competitive challenges, technological change, enhanced customer expectations and financial pressures combine to put a premium on firms’ abilities to learn and adapt. In the public sector, similar challenges coupled with ambiguous performance criteria place enormous pressure on organisations to react appropriately.
Designed to equip managers with the knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to lead organisational change, this diploma is highly participative to ensure that the collective experience of the entire class group is harnessed.
Key Details
13 November 2025
Next Intake
€8,890 & €8,445*
Fees
9 Months
Duration
6 X 2 Day Modules
Delivery
NFQ Level 9 / 30 ECTS
Accredited / Credits
|
Module Title |
Module Faculty |
Module Dates |
|
Module 1: Introduction to Change, Transformation and Organisation Development - |
Professor Pat Gibbons and Professor Karan Sonpar |
Thursday 13th November 2025 (1.30pm – 5pm) Friday 14th & Saturday 15th Nov 2025 |
|
Module 2: Diagnostic Models and Organisational Analysis |
Prof Pat Gibbons |
Wednesday 7th & Thursday 8th January 2026 |
|
Module 3: Individual Level |
Mr Stephen Boyle |
Friday 27th & Saturday 28th February 2026 |
|
Module 4: Group and Team |
Dr Colm Murphy |
Wednesday 15th & Thursday 16th April 2026 |
|
Module 5: Organisational Culture and Major Systems Interventions |
Dr Brian McGrath and |
Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd May 2026
|
|
Module 6: Leading Change and Evaluation |
Dr Gearóid Hardy |
Wednesday 24th & Thursday 25th June 2026 |
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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. Timing: Fridays 9.00am to 5.00pm and Saturdays 8.30am to 4.30pm. |
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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 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 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).
Discover our Rankings and Accreditations
