Business ManagementBainistíocht Gnó

TU673 Higher Certificate in Business Management is a two-year theoretical and practical introduction to the processes and principles of business management. It provides those completing the course with a foundation for a career path in business management. Alternatively, the certificate forms a basis for further advanced study; students have the option at the end of Year 2, to select from several further study options at TU Dublin and progress to a degree programme.

The Higher Certificate in Business Management at TU Dublin is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in key business concepts, skills, and practices. This two-year full-time course equips learners with essential knowledge in areas such as management, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship, preparing them for entry-level roles in the business world or further study. 

With a focus on practical, real-world application, the programme blends academic theory with hands-on experience, allowing students to develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities. Ideal for those seeking to kick-start their career or enhance their business acumen, the Higher Certificate in Business offers a flexible and supportive learning environment.

Students have the opportunity to explore many topics throughout the course; they get the chance to network with industry leaders and gain a range of skills and disciplinary insights. Graduates of this programme may consider careers in organizations across all industries.

The programme also fosters an entrepreneurial mindset and provides the necessary skills enabling graduates to develop their own business ideas. The students develop their own business plan and participate in Bolton Trust Student Enterprise Competition in Year 2. The competition aims to foster a spirit of entrepreneurship and encourages a rigorous business planning approach to entrepreneurial activities. 

The programme implemented Business Simulation Game in Year 2 enabling students the opportunity to learn about business decision making and how their decisions, in the context of competitive and dynamic external environment, impact their results. The prize for the winners of the 2024 Business Simulation was a mentoring session with the MPO GrowthHub Ambassador Gareth Sheridan.

Leaving Certificate Requirements

QQI/FET Requirements

In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/qqi

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

After completing a Higher Certificate in Business and Management, you have several career and educational pathways open to you. This qualification is generally at an entry-level or foundational level and it can lead to a range of opportunities, especially if paired with experience or further study.

Graduates would be expected to gain trainee positions within a diverse range of business organisations.

Many students use the Higher Certificate as a stepping stone to a full degree; students can avail of the ‘Advanced Entry’ option and progress to a Level 8 Honours course within TU Dublin's Faculty of Business.

Irish/EU Applicants

Applications from all Irish/EU citizens are made through the Central Applications Office (CAO).

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

The standard closing date to apply is February 1st. Late applications will close on May 1st. For restricted courses, the closing date is February 1st. Please see important dates on the CAO website. For a detailed guide on how to apply, please visit our CAO Hub.

International Students (Non-EU) 

Applications from international students are welcome for this programme. If you meet any of the following criteria, applications should be made directly to TU Dublin via the “Apply Now – Non-EU” link on each programme webpage.

• You hold Non-EU Nationality, and you live in a Non-EU country.
• You hold EU Nationality, but you have not lived in an EU country for 3 of the last 5 years AND you have not attended 5 years primary/secondary education in an EU country.
• You require a Student Visa to study in Ireland

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

For full details on How to Apply, Visa & Immigration Information, Accommodation Information and International Fees, please visit our International Hub.

Application Dates for Non-EU Applicants

Applications for undergraduate courses commencing in September 2026 will open in November 2025. Applications will close in June 2026.

Advanced Entry applications are accepted to this course. For further information on how to make an Advanced Entry application, please visit our CAO Hub. A full list of courses open for Advanced Entry are listed on the CAO website.

To qualify for Advanced Entry applicants must be currently studying, completing, or have successfully completed, studies at Level 6, 7 or 8 in a Higher Education Institution (HEI) or an equivalent, in a related area. You must demonstrate by providing transcripts of results that you have achieved the learning outcomes for each stage you wish to advance past, for example:

• To enter Year 2 via Advanced Entry, you must demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for Year 1.

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website.

Students who are completing their second year on a Higher Certificate programme at TU Dublin, may apply for a place on an undergraduate degree within the Faculty of Business.

The system used is called ‘The Advanced Entry System’ and provides pathways to second and third year of several undergraduate degrees. Advanced Entry operates on a system like the CAO; Year 2 results and students’ preferences are used to allocate a limited number of places available on specific degrees.

Supply and demand and the student’s own average mark at the end of second year (like the CAO points) determine if the student gets a place. If you reach the appropriate level in your final examinations and meet subject prerequisites, you may continue into one of the following courses:

Direct Entry into Year 2 of a 3 year course:

• TU910 Accounting & Finance (Level 8 Honours)
• TU905 Economics & Finance (Level 8 Honours)

Direct Entry into Year 2:

• TU924 E-Commerce in Retailing (Level 8 Honours)

Direct Entry into Year 3 of a 4 year course:

• TU903 Business & Management (Level 8 Honours)
• TU931 Business Studies (Level 8 Honours)
• TU906 Human Resource Management (Level 8 Honours)
• TU907 Logistics & Supply Chain Management (Level 8 Honours)
• TU922 Marketing (Level 8 Honours)
• TU925 Fashion and Retail Business (Level 8 Honours)