Overview
Experiential. Transformational. International. The globally-ranked Smurfit MBA provides an unequalled opportunity to unlock and develop your leadership potential, accelerate your career and build your global network whilst applying what you are learning in real-time in the workplace.
As an aspirational business leader, your time is at a premium but don’t let that stop you advancing your career. With typically only two days on-campus attendance required each month, the Executive MBA from UCD Smurfit School is the flexible choice for those with busy professional and personal schedules. Full schedule of in-person dates available here.
Benefit from an outstanding and challenging academic curriculum, delivered by an international faculty. Our location in one of the world's most vibrant capital cities Dublin, a hub of business, finance and innovation, provides a culturally diverse home for our MBA. Immerse yourself in case studies, action learning, integrated projects and global virtual teamwork. Expand your horizons with a dedicated careers service and an active network of 4,000 MBA Alumni worldwide. Engage in Smurfit’s MBA Leadership & Employability Advancement Programme (LEAP) to support your career development and be prepared for the challenges of leadership in an ever changing world.
Why consider the Executive MBA?
Flexibility is the distinguishing feature of the Executive MBA programme, allowing busy executives and managers to progress their careers (managing personal and professional responsibilities) while gaining an EMBA from UCD Smurfit School. This programme is really well suited to those juggling demanding careers and for those with young families as well as those based outside of Dublin looking to study at UCD.
One of the main advantages of the UCD Smurfit EMBA in terms of time management is the freedom it gives to participants to plan ahead. Dates are locked in and modules are typically spread out evenly over the course of the programme, which allows participants to make fixed arrangements with colleagues and employers before the start of the programme. Another feature is that the flexible delivery also allows for participants to come from further afield nationally. Typically students will be on campus once a month (Friday and Saturday) with an additional Saturday morning monthly online session and will also undertake a number of week-long modules over the course of the two year programme.
The programme builds on students’ previous experience and gives practical skills in business topics such as finance, strategy, marketing, accounting, economics and human resources. Students will also undertake a block foundation at the start of each term to introduce modules, in addition to four hours per module in an online format. The programme is underpinned by a unique Leadership & Employability Advancement Programme (LEAP).
The UCD Smurfit MBA Difference
Rankings and Accreditation
Accredited for more than 20 years, we are one of an elite group of schools worldwide to hold the ‘triple crown’ of accreditation from the three centres of business and academic excellence, EQUIS (Europe), AACSB (US) and AMBA (UK). Our accreditations are a signal of quality from international independent peers and are your guarantee that you will receive a top quality, internationally recognised degree.
The UCD Smurfit Executive MBA has been consistently featured in global rankings over the last ten years, including the Financial Times Global Top 100, and is ranked #1 in Ireland in the QS Executive MBA Rankings 2025.
Global Perspective
The Smurfit MBA is designed to develop global leaders. The programme is delivered by faculty from all over the world, and includes a number of opportunities to travel abroad as part of your studies.
A member of the Global Network of Advanced Management (GNAM) network of 32 business schools including Yale, INSEAD, Oxford and Said Business School, UCD Smurfit School will offer you a global perspective through international study trips and exchanges, action learning via global collaboration, exposure to thought leaders on global issues and problem-solving in international settings.
Academic Excellence
Among the keystones of our reputation is the quality and expertise of our 100-strong faculty, comprising leading thinkers and practitioners in subjects spanning the core disciplines of business and management, recruited from across the world.
Experiential Learning
The core academic programme of the Smurfit MBA adapts in tandem with the most up-to-date business and organisational thinking, enabled by research and consultative collaboration between faculty and industry.
MBA teaching is a dynamic mix of theory, implementation, guest speakers, group discussion and analysis, and experiential learning. Case studies, simulations, international study tours and the capstone project is used to build expertise and analytical skills.
The major Capstone project will task you, as part of a team, to develop a solution to an actual problem faced by an organisation. You will master real-life challenges by applying the knowledge and skills gained throughout the programme, demonstrating your skills of analysis, problem-solving and strategy.
Careers and Alumni
The Smurfit MBA is transformative. Our MBA participants have access to a dedicated careers service which will assist you in developing the necessary skills for career development and advancement, including networking, CV building, career strategy and interviews.
An active network of over 4,000 MBA alumni and over 90,000 business alumni worldwide, across a wide range of industry sectors, provides MBA students with a wealth of opportunities for direct connections and mentoring.
LEAP Programme
Global in focus, UCD Smurfit School's award winning Executive LEAP is designed to support managers and senior specialists to make successful career transitions to executive roles, building your capability to lead diverse teams inclusively, and sustainably as the business world faces the leadership demands of the coming decades.
Grounded in the principles of evidence-based management, LEAP is the bridge between the academic and business worlds and forms an integral part of your MBA.
Our EMBA in Numbers
#81
FT Executive MBA Ranking 2024
End August 2025
Starting
24 Months
Duration
Part-Time (Weekend - Monthly)*
Delivery
Class Profile
Based on class of 2024/25
45%/55%
Female/Male
37
Average Age
11 Years
Average Work Experience
The Smurfit Experience
View our Video Gallery and Webinars On-Demand to gain a deeper insight into the Smurfit MBA. These videos and webinars provide valuable and practical insight as you consider your MBA options.
Events
Jun
11
From Manager to Executive: Advancing Your Career with the UCD Smurfit Executive MBA
Webinar
Discover our Rankings and Accreditations
