BA (Hons) in Business

Business Degree
Type
Undergraduate
Duration
3 Years
Validated by
QQI
Mode
Full-Time / Part-Time / Blended Learning
Campus
Dublin / Cork / Limerick
NFQ Level
8
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Course Overview

Want a degree that inspires you and gives you limitless career options? The BA (Hons) in Business is the perfect foundation for budding entrepreneurs and dynamic business leaders.

This business degree will enable learners to fully appreciate the vital business roles played by finance, digital technology, sales, consumer behaviour, entrepreneurship, marketing, human resource management, and information technology. This broad introduction to many business functions can lead to a diverse range of career opportunities.  

Why Study Business at Griffith College?

This three-year BA (Hons) in Business programme is available through three modes: full-time, part-time and a blended learning approach. The content and assessment is identical for all three modes of programme delivery. The purpose of the BA (Hons) in Business programme is to give students the business skills that are in demand by companies, large and small.

  • Students will learn about the ever-changing business environment and how it is influenced by political, legal, economic, social and technological factors on both a national and international scale.
  • Students will learn to recognise the key characteristics governing a particular company and then identify the factors that are critical to its success in preparation for the business world.
  • Students will learn the importance of digital technology in the modern business environment and apply their knowledge to business problems with real-life clients.
  • Students will create a real-world business plan in their final year and pitch in a dragons den style environment.
  • Students will be encouraged to participate in dynamic and creative areas like entrepreneurship and digital communication and customer engagement.
  • Students have the flexibility to switch to the BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance after Year One or the BA (Hons) in Business (HRM) or BA (Hons) in Business (Marketing) after Year Two.
  • Students will receive lecturing from vastly experienced professionals from a wide range of industries.
  • Students will experience group work within a diverse student body increasing their awareness and capability of multinational employers.

Course Highlights

Intake Dates

  • Dublin - Full-Time - September 2024
  • Dublin - Part-Time - September 2024
  • Dublin - Blended - September 2024
  • Cork - Full-Time - September 2024
  • Cork - Part-Time - September 2024
  • Limerick - Full-Time - September 2024
  • Limerick - Part-Time - September 2024
  • Cork - Full-Time - February 2025
  • Dublin - Full-Time - February 2025

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Check out our CAO HUB for more information about applying through the CAO!

Course codes

  • Dublin: GC400
  • Cork: GC200
  • Limerick: GC300

What our students say

Erica Masterson

The programme was very practical with a focus on transferable skills and employability throughout. We completed real-life case studies and assignments which aided our understanding of various concepts. The classes were really interactive with breakout rooms and discussions to allow students interact. The level of staff support was incredible, they made it clear that they were here to help us and made additional supports such as free online counselling and mental health webinars available.

Erica Masterson
BA (Hons) in Business
David O'Callaghan

The degree helped me transition my career from a self-employed personal trainer to a career in logistics. It gave me the skills needed to deal with decision-making, time-management and working in a fast-paced environment. The staff at Griffith were so supportive through the pandemic and maintained great communication with students. As I was working full-time, the ability to watch lectures from home really helped me balance work and study.

David O'Callaghan
BA (Hons) in Business

Course Details

Students will study a broad range of business subjects in Year One and Two of the course. This acts as the perfect introduction to enable them to select their final year electives. Students have four core modules in Year Three and can choose four electives to tailor their learning in the final year (electives offered subject to demand).

If you have any questions in relation to this please contact the Admissions Office, [email protected].

Year 1

On completion of this module, learners are able to apply the knowledge and understanding of the context, scope, principles and concepts that underpin management accounting. It highlights the importance of costs and the drivers of costs in the production, analysis and use of information for decision-making in organisations. It provides competencies on how to analyse information on costs, volumes and prices and how to take short-term decisions on products and services.

The module aims to provide a balanced approach to both the theory and application of economic concepts. It introduces learners to the fundamentals of microeconomics and exposes them to the principle theories and models used in microeconomics. It also demonstrates how economics can be used by individuals and businesses alike to assess problems and develop solutions. The learners are encouraged to become more astute participants in the economy by employing economic principles and recognising the role of their behaviour, and that of others, on the world around them. In particular, the module introduces economic concepts, an analysis of demand and supply, theories of the firm, competition, elasticity, and behavioural economics.

The principal objective of this module is to outline the role of technology in business and how information technology enables business processes so that an organisation can function and strive in a competitive environment: in other words, how technology is used to benefit business. This is achieved through the acquisition of practical information technology skills but also through an awareness and understanding of the overall role of technology. For all information technology skills that are developed the learners understand the role that these skills play in the overall business function.

This module aims to develop an awareness and understanding of the core functions, skills and challenges of management in a dynamic global business environment. Learners apply management theories and concepts to current business situations, both in Ireland and internationally. Contemporary business management issues are explored using practical examples, case studies and lectures.

Research has shown that the transition from school to college can be a very difficult time for young adults. The initial weeks at college where deadlines are explained, VLEs are demonstrated and college classes begin, can be overwhelming. This module seeks to facilitate this transition to third-level education by providing academic support, personal development skills and a time for reflection in a non-threatening environment.

Learners on first-year business courses often present with a fear of mathematics which they have held since secondary school. This module aims to dispel this fear and instil in learners the confidence to approach problems with an analytical lens. Equipped with this confidence, learners can interpret data and summary statistics, thus contributing to solutions based on solid scientific principles.

This module introduces learners to the key fundamentals of marketing, its role in modern organisations, the importance of understanding customers and aligning marketing activities to create customer value. This module provides academic underpinning via relevant theory and frameworks. This is combined with real-world case studies and examples enabling learners to gain a broad perspective on marketing and its role within organisations.

This module introduces learners to the macroeconomic environment and the principles underlying macroeconomic policies. In particular, it addresses the causes and consequences of aggregate changes in the economy such as inflation, GDP, unemployment and economic growth. Macroeconomics also examines and explores the role of government in influencing the direction of the economy through fiscal and monetary policies. This module also provides learners with real-world scenarios of how economies throughout the globe interrelate.

The aim of this module is to introduce learners to the application of the required knowledge and understanding of the context, scope, principles and concepts that underpin financial accounting. In addition, learners are taught how to apply the principles of double-entry bookkeeping and prepare financial statements for sole trader entities.

Year 2

The module aims to develop learners’ knowledge, understanding and application of concepts, processes and techniques of operations and supply chain management. Learners relate to the transformation of inputs to outputs and the approach that companies take to increase productivity, quality and service to their end consumer. Learners select and apply appropriate concepts, techniques and methods to the design and planning of operations. Learners demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and theories underpinning the discipline of supply chain management including purchasing and logistics.

This module aims to encourage and promote the critical examination of the theory of organisational behaviour. It identifies factors that influence the behaviours of individuals and groups in organisations. The module creates an environment that assists the learner in recognising issues which impact on a company’s effectiveness. Throughout the module, learners consider, discuss and analyse concepts, theories and frameworks to explore their potential contributions in aiding their understanding of organisational behaviours from a contemporary perspective.

The purpose of this module is to develop appropriate skills and knowledge in learners which is intended to prepare them to source employment opportunities and enter the workforce successfully. The module enables learners to gain a broad understanding of the numerous, and diverse range of activities, that combine to secure employment and /or internship opportunities. Furthermore, the module aims to develop learners’ personal and professional skills so that they may act confidently and appropriately in a range of interpersonal business functions.

The aim of this module is to develop an understanding and knowledge of the general principles of Irish law as it relates to business. The learner is introduced to the effect, influence and impact of law in business and, upon completion, they are able to apply relevant law to practical business situations.

 

The module instils in the learner a knowledge and understanding of company law as well as a broad understanding of the rights and obligations of employees and employers as they relate to business. The learner can analyse the strategic importance of ethics to business. The learner can evaluate common ethical problems faced by businesses and display how these can be resolved ethically. The learner understands the importance of culture in setting the ethics framework for managers and employees and can evaluate the role of regulatory forces in the ethical question.

This module introduces the learner to a broad range of contemporary views of human resource practices and policies. Learners gain an understanding of the importance of human resource management in terms of aligning people and business processes. The learner is able to identify the significance of managing the key HR activities such as recruitment, selection, performance, training, etc., in a professional manner.

 

In addition, the module aims to provide the learner with a knowledge of the essential applicable principles in terms of the employer /employee relationship. The module addresses current aspects and changes in employment legislation that can influence the employment relationship and, ultimately, the organisation.

This module aims to engage learners to explore what is arguably one of the driving forces of the current global economic market. The module requires active learning. The module is designed to allow learners to synthesise learning gained from previous modules studied on the programme, applying this learning into devising a commercially viable business proposal.

 

Their findings are presented as a business plan proposal and oral presentation at the end of the semester. The module explains the entrepreneurship process as an ever-unfinished one, of becoming, but also as one that leads to the creation of sustainable growth within an organisation.

This module aims to provide learners with an understanding of the importance of digital marketing in modern business and to gain insight into current tools and best practices used. Additionally, learners grasp how to use digital marketing strategy frameworks to plan, implement and monitor the effectiveness of digital marketing activities.

This module is designed so that learners develop an understanding of the relationship between business and the information systems used in business. Learners are introduced to the system types, how systems are acquired, security issues and current business information system trends. The module also seeks to engender an appreciation of the importance of business information systems in the day to day workplace.

Year 3 - Mandatory Modules

This module acts as a capstone module where learners apply previously gained knowledge across all the key elements involved in starting up a business in Ireland. These competencies include market and competitive analysis, marketing and marketing communications, people and operations, and financial analysis. The module is designed so as to enable learners to synthesize and apply the above key aspects to develop a viable, comprehensive and credible business plan.

This module introduces learners to the basics of financial management and its application in practice. The module focuses on the critical elements of financial decision-making for organisations, including investment decisions, sources of finance, management of working capital and performance appraisal.

 

The module aims to provide learners with an in-depth understanding of the link between company decision-making and the operation of capital markets. Over the course of the module, learners understand and appreciate the strong linkages between finance and globalisation. They demonstrate the importance of working capital management and the tools to manage it. Learners explore the financial environment in which firms and managers must operate.

This module introduces the key concepts and frameworks of strategic management. It is primarily concerned with the key managerial decisions that affect the long-term performance of an organisation and, as such, strategic position, choices and strategy in action are explored.

The module is interdisciplinary and learners build upon existing knowledge of environments that include the organisation itself, industry and wider macro-environments. In addition, existing knowledge gained from studying key functional areas including finance, marketing, human resources and operations is synthesised over the course of the module.

The module is designed to develop the learners’ skills in diagnosing the strategic health of organisations and providing strategic recommendations to senior management.

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to international business in which the environmental (political/legal, cultural, economic and financial) underpinnings of international business are examined. Learners are introduced to trade and investment trends as well as the internationalisation rationales for both MNCs and SMEs. This module analyses competitive environments and provides a strategic view of international business at both firm and national levels.

Year 3 - Elective Modules

This module introduces learners to the major aspects of global marketing. The aim of this module is to develop learners’ skills in the recognition, analysis and planning challenges faced by organisations when marketing globally.

Learners develop a critical awareness of the importance of environmental forces and emerging trends that impact firms marketing on a global level. An international marketing plan with appropriate marketing strategies is designed by learners, providing an opportunity to critically assess the challenges and provide solutions for successful implementation.

Consumer Behaviour in a Digital Era is a multi-disciplinary module that alerts learners to the need to consider marketing activities in relation to other behavioural sciences, particularly, social psychology, sociology, anthropology and economics. It examines social factors such as class, status, the influence of the family and peer groups, and their contribution to the decision-making process of the buyer. It also incorporates the salient issues of cultural change and the development of distinctive subcultures.

This module examines and develops learners’ understanding of the complexities of consumer behaviour in a variety of different environments. The key focus of the module is to enable learners to appreciate the importance of consumers and to adopt a sophisticated approach in understanding consumer behaviour, as a key input to marketing strategy. By the end of this module, learners gain an awareness of current consumer trends and digital consumer behaviour.

This module introduces the learner to the principles and practice of selling as a core business function. The relationship between sales management and the marketing environment is explored and tools and techniques are examined which provide insights into methods for successful sales strategy implementation. Skills in client management to optimise sales efforts are also investigated.

The development and communication of brands is a key marketing activity, central to the rest of the overall marketing strategy. This module aims to develop learners’ knowledge of branding strategies and communications. By the end of this module, learners fully appreciate the value of a brand to an organisation. Learners develop a critical awareness of the importance of marketing communications to global branding.

 

The industry is struggling to understand how to identify and incorporate the right technology into its digital strategy and compete against modern rivals. Learners study how technology is disrupting the business landscape and how leading organisations leverage technology to adapt their business models to remain competitive.

The aim of the module is to provide learners with an opportunity to experience the techniques and practical approaches to managing projects. This includes the core concepts of project management focusing on project justification, the strategic relationships between project and the organisational vision and mission, choosing project alternatives, creating awareness of risk and implementing control mechanisms. Understanding project constraints in terms of time, cost, quality and client acceptance provides a sound introduction to project management. Alternative methodologies are also introduced to learners along with an awareness of new trends in the field.

This module follows on directly from Financial Management, covered in the previous semester, and its aim is to further enhance and deepen the learners’ knowledge of key financial management concepts and practices. The module’s primary objectives are to further explore the principles and concepts addressed in Financial Management; to introduce topics appropriate to the strategic aspects of finance including the impact of risk on the organisation and the various techniques to manage same; calculating the cost of capital; corporate reorganisation; corporate governance and the global financial environment; and to provide the learner with the skills to evaluate complex investment situations.

This module builds on the previous stage 2 modules namely Managing Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management. The IHRM module deepens the learners’ understanding of the strategic management of human resources in an international context. Topics including the influence of cross-cultural issues on organisations and factors which involve selecting and managing an international workforce are examined in detail. Learners evaluate industrial relations and labour laws from the perspective of managing an international organisation. They are equipped to address key issues such as expatriation/repatriation, compensation and reward, and cultural diversity. Over the course of the module, learners evaluate and appraise relevant theories in order to inform their practice as business managers.

This module aims to infuse learners with a knowledge of employee relations and its importance to business success. It allows learners to appraise the strategies and practices that organisations use to enhance a mutually successful employment relationship. This module also has the added objective of ensuring that the learner develops an appreciation of the evolving issues associated with this topic. Furthermore, the module encourages the learner to view employee relations from the perspective of both the employer and employee, hence to recognise the ethical issues that are central to this relationship.

The aim of this module is for learners to develop appropriate knowledge within the field of talent development. This module enables learners to critically analyse and evaluate the formulation and implementation of a range of learning and talent development practices and strategies for an organisation to compete in a dynamic, diverse and competitive business environment. This module provides an in-depth understanding of the numerous and diverse activities involved in the talent function.

This module shows how managing performance links the objectives of organisations to the implementation by its members and staff of their job roles. The module reviews motivational theories and examines the relevance of these to job performance. It focuses on the potential linkage to the performance of extrinsic motivation in the form of rewards that can be monetarised and of rewards that cannot be monetarised. Learners familiarise themselves with the ethical perspective relating to linking rewards to performance. Learners develop an understanding of the purpose and process of appraising performance, including the study of the changing approaches to, and methods of, performance appraisals. The module evaluates the extent to which contextual and cultural environments may influence both the implementation of performance management and the use of reward mechanisms.

This module is designed to broaden the learner’s knowledge with particular emphasis on the software used to analyse data. The module builds on previous spreadsheet skills by focusing on data specific analysis and related tools. It also is designed to help learners become aware of the ever-increasing discipline of data analytics and business intelligence used by the organisation.

Upon completion of this module, the learner attains the appropriate knowledge and skills to apply and exercise good judgements in the understanding, analysis and conclusion of the assurance and non-assurance engagement, in the context of best practice and current developments in the field. The module enables the learner’s understanding of the application of underlying regulations and professional standards relevant to the assurance and non-assurance engagement. The learner considers and reflects on the ethical and professional requirements of the auditor in selecting clients, performing assurance and non-assurance engagements and reporting on these engagements.

The aim of this module is to provide learners the opportunity to grasp the theoretical principles behind corporate governance and to examine its application in specific cases. The module focuses on the similarities and differences that exist between the different corporate governance regimes around the globe with an emphasis on looking at a principle versus a rules-based system. International practices along with specific national codes are examined accordingly.

The module evaluates the social responsibility of business. It considers the ethical and social areas of corporate responsibility and the impacts these have on the reputation and success of an enterprise. Learners develop an awareness and understanding of the current challenges and opportunities facing companies in identifying and managing their responsibilities to diverse stakeholders. The aim is to sensitise learners to ethical business issues which, in turn, allows them to recognise potential problems and more responsible business decisions.

Timetables

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate

2 H5 and 4 O6/H7 grades, to include a language (English, Irish or another language) and Maths.

QQI Level 5 Award

A minimum Full QQI Level 5 Award with 3 Distinctions and a Pass or higher in all other remaining subjects.

International Applicants

Please contact the International Office Team to enquire about entry requirements for international qualifications.

English Language
If English is not your native language, you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard. For further information please contact a member of the Admissions Team.

Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. Please see here for further details.

How to Apply

Applicants under 23 years of age:

Applicants under 23 years of age on the 1st of January of the year they wish to enter must apply through the CAO. Please consult the CAO website for information on important dates for applications.

Course Codes

  • Dublin - GC400
  • Cork - GC200
  • Limerick - GC300

Applicants over 23 years of age (mature students):
If you are 23 years of age on or before the 1st January of the year you want to enter, you may apply as a mature student. Mature students must apply to Griffith College directly online using the Apply Online facility on the website homepage or the button below. Mature applicants will be asked for a copy of their passport.

Fees

For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from the time of application.

Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times; for confirmation, refer to the Intake dates on the Overview tab.

Tuition Fees

Study Mode: Full-Time

Dublin Main Campus

EUR 6,200.00

Cork

EUR 4,850.00

Limerick

EUR 4,750.00

 

Study Mode: Part-Time

Dublin - Main Campus & City Centre

EUR 4,350.00

Cork

EUR 3,100.00

​Limerick

EUR 3,250.00

 

Study Mode: Blended Learning

EUR 4,350.00 (Dublin)

Study Mode: Full-Time

Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.

Study Mode: Full-Time

Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.

Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.

 

An Academic Administration Fee of €250 is payable each September at the start of term. For students starting in the January/February term, €125 is payable in February, and then €250 will be payable each September from then onwards. 

A 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted. The fees above relate to Year 1 fees only.

Flexible payment options

Students wishing to pay their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page for more information and assistance.

Sponsorship

Is your company paying for your course?

They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to the Student Fees Office:

  • Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
  • Email: [email protected]

Cork

2% Learner Protection Charge

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.

QQI Award Fee

Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.

Progression

Academic Progression

Upon successful completion of their honours degree course, graduates may wish to continue their studies with a postgraduate qualification in Griffith College or with one of the many third level institutions in Ireland or abroad.

The Griffith College Graduate Business School offers a portfolio of programmes which may be of interest. The following programmes prepare graduates for the world of international business; at MSc and MBA levels, and in full and part-time modes

  • The MSc in International Business Management will develop your skills and knowledge to specialise in key business industries within International Business and learn how to operate a business across borders.
  • The MSc in Global Brand Management gives students a thorough grounding in current theoretical brand management concepts, marketing models, and tools, as well as new ways of analysing, assessing and developing brand strategies, campaigns and insights.
  • The MSc in Procurement and Supply Chain Management is an award-winning masters programme that is ideal for students wishing to gain industry knowledge of both public and private sector procurement and supply chain management.

Professional Accountancy Exemptions

Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Business at Griffith College can obtain excellent exemptions from the ACCA. You can qualify for up to 6 ACCA exemptions (subject to electives chosen).

Teaching Council of Ireland Recognition

The BA (Hons) in Business at Griffith College is a recognised degree by the Teaching Council of Ireland. This recognition is necessary to apply for the Professional Masters of Education (PME) required for teaching at post-primary level in Ireland.

Applicants wishing to take a select number of modules from the degree for the purpose of gaining additional ECT credits for the Teaching Council of Ireland requirements may do so. Please contact the Admissions Team for further information.

Career Progression

The varied and in-depth content of this programme means that graduate prospects and opportunities are virtually endless. Many graduates of the BA (Hons) in Business have gone on to specialise in areas including management, HRM, finance and marketing. The programme also holds a distinguished record of entrepreneurial graduates who went on to develop their own successful businesses, with some winning prestigious Entrepreneurial Awards.

Ready to take the next step?