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Go Beyond Learning: Elevate Your Career with a TU Dublin Postgraduate Degree

Published: 20 Mar, 2025

Go Beyond Learning: Elevate Your Career with a TU Dublin Postgraduate Degree

At TU Dublin, postgraduate education isn’t just about earning a degree—it’s about transformation. Our Go Beyond Learning campaign showcases how postgraduate study can expand professional horizons, providing students with industry-relevant expertise, networking opportunities, and practical insights that drive career success.

One such success story is Gillian Curran, Chief Investment Officer at Tetrarch Capital Limited, whose decision to pursue an MSc in Real Estate at TU Dublin marked a pivotal moment in her career.

For Gillian, returning to education after nearly two decades in the financial sector was a strategic move to broaden her expertise.

“After completing a BComm International at UCD, I spent over 17 years working in banking and investment, which I greatly enjoyed. In 2014, I joined Tetrarch Capital to assess investment opportunities in Dublin’s real estate market—a fascinating time following the financial crisis. By 2018, I wanted a formal qualification in real estate to strengthen my knowledge. After consulting with industry professionals, TU Dublin’s MSc in Real Estate emerged as the best choice, allowing me to study part-time while continuing my career.”

One of the defining features of postgraduate study at TU Dublin is its practical and industry-focused approach. Students don’t just engage with academic theory—they apply it directly to real-world challenges.

“The programme’s focus on understanding red book valuations, urban economics, planning frameworks, and development appraisals was incredibly valuable. As an investment professional, these perspectives added depth to my understanding of real estate, enabling me to make more informed investment decisions.”

Supportive Lecturers

Beyond coursework, TU Dublin’s lecturers in the School of Surveying and Construction Innovation play a pivotal role in shaping students’ learning experiences. With a strong emphasis on mentorship, they provide the guidance and encouragement needed to excel.

“My thesis supervisor, Dr Eimear Fallon, was instrumental in helping me approach my research on investment cycles in Dublin real estate. Additionally, Dr Lorcan Sirr, who taught Urban Economics, encouraged debate and critical thinking, making learning an engaging and thought-provoking experience.”

Overcoming Challenges & Achieving Success

Balancing work and study is no small feat, but TU Dublin’s flexible and supportive approach makes it possible.

“Managing a full-time job while completing my Masters was demanding, but the lecturers were incredibly pragmatic and supportive. When Covid-19 lockdowns hit during my second year, the transition to remote learning was smooth. That said, nothing quite compares to the energy of in-person discussions and collaboration.”

For those considering postgraduate study at TU Dublin, Gillian says active participation is key.

“Take advantage of networking events, get involved in practical projects, and engage with both lecturers and peers. These experiences are just as valuable as the academic content itself.”

Looking back, Gillian’s most valuable takeaway was the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions on critical topics such as building regulations and urban planning frameworks. This knowledge, combined with TU Dublin’s practical approach to learning, is what truly sets its postgraduate programmes apart.

Ready to Go Beyond Learning?

If you’re considering a postgraduate qualification that blends academic excellence with real-world impact, TU Dublin is the place for you. Whether you’re looking to upskill, pivot careers, or deepen your expertise, our programmes are designed to help you go beyond learning and achieve your full potential.

Register for our Postgraduate Open Days and take the next step in your career.