Programme Overview
Central to the long-term success of any organisation, strategy defines direction and creates scope to gain competitive advantage. It is what elevates truly extraordinary leaders above merely ordinary ones by enabling them to develop and implement effective business strategies while maintaining motivation, innovation and vision in their people.
Knowledge gained, skills learned and links established on the programme will enhance career potential and directly benefit the organisations that participants work with. The programme provides participants with the insight and understanding needed to lead organisations in a complex global business environment.
The focus on Strategy, Development and Innovation provides the knowledge and skills required to reach the highest level, whether in a commercial or public sector context. It offers business managers and directors with a versatile, strategic toolkit to bring coherence and direction to the actions and decisions of the organisation.
Interested in learning more - check out these two articles 'Why Good Arguments Make Better Strategy' and 'A User's Guide to Open Strategy'.
Key Details
3 November 2025
Next Intake
€8,890 & €8,445 *(*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: Strategic Leadership |
Professor Patrick Gibbons and Associate Professor Ciaran Heavey |
Mon 3rd November 2025 (1:30- 5pm) Tues 4th & Wed 5th November 2025 |
|
Module 2: Strategy in a Turbulent Environment: The New Normal |
Prof. Karan Sonpar |
Mon 15th & Tues 16th December 2025 |
|
Module 3: Business Model Innovation |
Prof. Raomal Perera |
Mon 26th & Tues 27th January 2026 |
|
Module 4: Market Position and Competitive Advantage |
Associate Prof. Andrew Keating and Associate Prof. Marius Claudy |
Mon 9th & Tues 10th March 2026 |
|
Module 5: Leading Innovation and Change |
Professor David Loree - live virtual |
Tues 28th, Wed 29th & Thurs 30th April 2026 |
|
Module 6: Top Management Teams and Strategic Decision Making |
Professor Patrick |
Wed 10th & Thurs 11th June 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. |
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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
