Compare Our MBA Programmes

Full-Time MBA

 Executive MBA

Summary

The Full-Time Smurfit MBA is an intensive, one-year programme designed to develop global business leaders from any discipline and across all industry sectors. The full-time MBA can provide the catalyst for career change, development and growth in your professional life. 

The Executive MBA offers busy professionals in all disciplines a highly independent, low-residency delivery. Delivered part-time over two years with classes on-campus once a month, along with a number of week-long modules. This mode of delivery means the programme can accommodate participants who cannot commit to weekly classes. Participants complete the programme on a module-by-module basis. 

Benefits

• A full-time programme completed in one year (August to August)
• Academic excellence delivered by leading faculty specialists
• Multiple networking opportunities
• An international cohort of classmates from diverse professional 
  backgrounds
• Dedicated LEAP (Leadership & Employability Advancement 
  Programme)
• International Study Modules (core modules)
• An alumni network for life
  

• Part-time programme on campus 2-3 days a month
• Complete in two years
• Apply learnings immediately in the work place
• Academic excellence delivered by leading faculty
• An accelerated intensive learning experience with like-minded executives
• Offers busy executives flexibility and the opportunity to complete an 
  MBA while accommodating work, travel and personal commitments
  
• Dedicated LEAP (Leadership & Employability Advancement  Programme)
• International Study Modules (option modules)
• Access to like-minded professional peer group/fellow EMBA students
• An alumni network for life
  

Who is the programme suitable for?

This programme is recommended for those looking to study full-time and who are motivated by regular interaction with leading faculty and peers. It is ideal for people looking to make a significant change in their career with dedicated career support and coaching. Min. 3 years work experience

Programme structure

Time commitment

• Students take all classes at UCD Smurfit’s Blackrock campus generally between 08.00 and 20.00, Monday to Friday with some option modules and other events run in the evenings and weekends.
• Participants should prepare to undertake group work and self-directed study outside of scheduled class time.
• The programme begins with a required four day Foundation Week including orientation activities, workshops and introductory lectures.

• Candidates attend campus once a month, for 2 full days of teaching (Friday and Saturday from 08.30 - 18.30) at our Blackrock campus. A further 1-2 days per term will be required for Executive LEAP workshops.
• Participants should envisage 8-12 additional group work and self-directed study hours per week.
• The Programme begins with a four-day Foundation Week.
• Travel modules each year are optional but encouraged. They typically require one full week of attendance outside of Ireland.

Travel modules and GNAM

Travel modules are core modules. Full Time MBA students undertake the following:
‘Doing Business in International Markets’ and
‘International Consultancy Project’.

In October, students have the option to undertake a module as part of Global Network for Advanced Management (GNAM). Participating students can travel to a network Business School, or may  undertake the module at UCD Smurfit School’s Blackrock Campus.

We encourage everyone to take at least one of the travel modules on offer during Year 1 or Year 2. They require one full week of attendance outside of Ireland: ‘International Consulting Project’ takes place in an EU city in June of your first year, and ‘Doing Business in International Markets’ takes place in an overseas destination in March of your second year. Participating in these subsidised modules will incur an additional fee.

Assessment

Continuous Assessment & Exams 

Greater focus on Continuous Assessment (an exam may be relevant depending on the module) 

Minimum work experience at time of application

3 years 

 5 years 

Average Work Experience (Mean)

 7 years* 

 11 years*

Average Age (Mean)

 31* 

 37*

Fees

 €37,910 (academic year 2025/2026)

€18,940 per year (academic year 2025/2026)

Starts (yearly)

 end of August 

 end of August  

Course Duration

12 months 

24 months