Programme Overview
Driving sustainable and profitable growth in organisations is complex, highly rewarding and a strategic imperative. Leaders, managers and executives within sales, marketing, customer success, operations and business development are all required to execute ambitious growth-sales strategies. No individual leader or function can deliver sustainable and profitable growth on their own, this requires team, department, cross-functional and organisational buy in.
This diploma is designed to equip commercial leaders and senior executives with an in-depth understanding of how to create an executable growth strategy and unlock the next level of business performance. It will challenge and support participants in developing their own critical thinking and create successful growth strategies with clarity, confidence, focus and purpose, while mitigating risk.
Our unique combination of industry practitioners and Smurfit academics will provide participants with concepts, frameworks, leading-edge management models, and results-based learning that will make a measurable difference to their business effectiveness and drive performance levels. The programme will explore how to effectively work and collaborate across teams to achieve growth and performance objectives.
Past participants on this programme have identified sources of performance gain that have, in cases delivered 25% + growth. This programme is the right blend of applied knowledge of sales strategy execution and academic rigor.
Key Details
8 October 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 Dates
|
Module Title |
Module Faculty |
Module Dates |
|
Module 1: Strategy for Breakthrough Sales Performance SBUS41980 |
John O'Gorman |
Wed 8th October (1.30 - 5pm) Thurs 9th & Fri 10th October 2025 |
|
Module 2: Leading and Coaching for Breakthrough Performance SBUS41960 |
Pamela Fay |
Fri 21st & Sat 22nd November 2025 |
|
Module 3: Value-Based Sales and Customer Success SBUS41950 |
Associate Professor Andrew Keating |
Thurs 8th & Fri 9th January 2026 |
|
Module 4: Executing High Performance Business Development, Client Acquisition and Growth SBUS41930 |
John O'Gorman and Dr, Gearóid Hardy |
Fri 27th & Sat 28th February 2026 |
|
Module 5: Negotiations – Changing the Game SBUS41940 |
Stephen Boyle |
Fri 17th & Sat 18th April 2026 |
|
Module 6: Talent Management, Collaboration and Winning SBUS41970 |
Dr. Gearóid Hardy and John O'Gorman |
Fri 5th & Sat 6th 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. Visit www.smurfitschool.ie/executivedevelopment/contactus/faqs/ for full details. Timing: Typically 9.00am to 5.00pm on weekdays and 8.30am to 4.30pm on a Saturday |
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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 10 diploma programmes. If participants successfully complete any 3 of these 10 diplomas within a recommended 5-year timeframe, they are awarded with the MSc in Business (Leadership & Management Practice).
Our portfolio of pathway diplomas builds on your existing skill set and adds 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).
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
