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By Beth Gormley, PR and Communications Manager, UCD College of Business

“This degree is particularly for students like me who wish to study at their own pace, from home and are unable to relocate to Dublin or quit their current employment,” explained Laura Lofner, a current student in UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School’s MSc in Management Online.

“I chose this Masters programme for a variety of reasons, but the most significant is the accessibility for students living outside of Dublin. The programme has great flexibility due to its online delivery and part-time study.”

Lofner is currently working full-time as a Funding Advisor for Wilhelm Sander-Stiftung, a non-profit foundation which promotes innovation in cancer research based in Munich, Germany.

The current class cohort has students based around Ireland, Europe, Australia, the US, and UK.

“Even though this course is online, one of the biggest surprises for me has been how connected the lecturers and other students are to one another,” continued Lofner. “In the beginning, I didn’t think that I would be able to interact with instructors or classmates as I had in my previous studies.”

“Despite studying in person at my previous college, I feel more at home at UCD.”

Lofner described that group projects and collaborative communication on social media platforms made studying considerably easier, and how staff involvement provided a benefit to the learning experience.

“We have students joining from Brisbane to Blackrock who are able to build relationships around the globe in real-time,” said Gerard Dooley, Programme Manager and Learning Support Officer at UCD Smurfit School. “This not only assists their learning and expands their professional networks, but also offers an online social support group that understands the various challenges faced by students who manage different responsibilities which range from full-time jobs, caring responsibilities for children or loved ones, and other life responsibilities.”

Although there is no requirement for previous work experience, provided applicants meet entry requirements, most students are working professionals and join the course for career advancement. Many have become experts in their current role or have developed niche knowledge in specific areas including tech, engineering, or healthcare professions like nursing or radiography. However, to advance professionally, they need to gain general management skills.

Motivation and Impact

“I had graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, but due to my present position as a funding advisor, I was particularly interested in pursuing a Masters Degree in Business,” explained Lofner. “My studies have already shaped and changed me. I now work in a more structured and efficient manner knowing how to sort tasks according to their priority.”

Beyond gaining expertise in the Management field, Lofner aspired to continue to enhance her mastery of the English language. “I wanted to continue learning through English, as I had done in my undergraduate degree, and be able to exchange my opinions across international businesses.”

While the course helps Lofner to advance her career goals, it isn’t without challenges. Balancing full-time work and part-time study was challenging, but she credits her wider support system in helping her to succeed. “My family and partner provided me with a great deal of financial and emotional assistance during the first trimester. They continue to be an invaluable source of support, and I am more than thrilled and relieved to have them on my side. Additionally, I would also like to thank my current employer, who is likewise quite accommodating if I have time constraints because of extended learning phases or because of online group meetings.”

MSc in Online Management Programme

There are three modules per semester as part of the MSc in Management Online which are mainly delivered through synchronous materials that are pre-recorded. There are also live sessions for each module which are recorded to suit students with various working patterns.

The curriculum incorporates cutting-edge material, including a Business Research Project, which allows students to tailor their studies to a preferred area of interest or career development. Watch the programme video here.

“This programme offers students all the benefits of a comprehensive management education without putting their career on hold thanks to its highly flexible online delivery mode and innovative curriculum and materials,” continued Dooley. “It is particularly suited to professionals in demanding careers and those with caring responsibilities for whom time-flexibility is important, as well as for those based outside of Dublin looking to study at UCD.”

The online programme offers the same curriculum, access to UCD Smurfit School’s world-class faculty, student support teams, platforms and facilities (if desired).

“We’ve been asked if there is a difference between the online and in-class content. The teaching expertise and curriculum is exactly the same as what is taught in person. Students get the same premium positioning of UCD Smurfit School as one of the world’s best business schools in name, reputation and rankings from anywhere in the world. Students are able to study flexibly without compromising quality,” concluded Dooley.

UCD Smurfit School has 25 years of experience in working with part-time students and the programme team have all been part-time students themselves which allows them to understand the unique needs of the class.

Moving Forward

“My personal goal, or rather a role model, is first and foremost my father. He gained valuable management skills early on from my grandfather and enjoyed great success as a self-employed businessman,” said Lofner. “My goal with this management degree is to gain similar management skills, as well as an overview of the business sector, expand upon my previous knowledge and prepare myself for future employment.”

Her advice to those considering the course, but who might be apprehensive about taking the next step is to speak with current students or reach out to UCD staff.

“One can complete the MSc in Management online degree with flexibility, in a welcoming, global virtual environment, and with the excellent assistance of teachers and staff. Individuals can also grow personally, engage in an extracurricular, online environment through the variety of courses and group projects and feel well-cared for at UCD.”

“I definitely recommend this course to those who are already employed, as well as to self-employed people and recent graduates, as it enables one to grow both professionally and personally,” concluded Lofner.

Upon graduation, Lofner will join the UCD Business Alumni network which has 107,000+ individuals in 132 countries worldwide who can offer a wealth of experience, resources and networking opportunities. She also has access to the UCD Smurfit Careers Team which is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world in Financial Times rankings.

Learn more about UCD Smurfit School’s MSc in Management Online (Part-time) here.

UCD Smurfit School has partnered with The Journal.ie to offer one student a full scholarship, worth up to €17,220, for the two year part-time MSc in Management Online. Learn how to apply for the scholarship here.