NCI Course Details

The course will progress you through an in-depth knowledge of business management from its basic operational foundations to the more strategic level, and inform you of emerging new issues in this sphere.

Our experienced faculty and the block delivery nature of the programme enables the course to offer you an interesting range of business assignments that will see you critically assessing approaches taken in work examples and case studies. This emphasis on practical assignments together with expert industry guest lecturers and a range of online materials will make for a fulfilling learning experience.

Assistant Professor Dave Cormack, Programme Director of the BA (Hons) in Business Management, discusses the structure and benefits of undertaking this course here:

This part-time course is aimed at people working in business and management areas or intending to move into them.

Stage 1

Block 1

• Business Management Practice
• Leadership and Influencing
• Working with People

Block 2

• Aspects of Business Law
• Financial Accounting
• Economics of the World
• Business Communication

Stage 2

Block 1

• HRM in the Business Framework
• Business Economics
• Marketing
• Introduction to Business Statistics and Analytics

Block 2

• Business Statistics and Analytics for Decision Making
• Essentials of Employment Law
• Management Accounting
• Technology for Business

Stage 3

Block 1

• Entrepreneurship
• Strategic Management
• Economic and Social Policy

Block 2

• Change Management
• Project Management
• Sustainability and Business Ethics

This course is delivered with online lectures and online learning materials and, subject to guidelines, supported by classroom-based learning events. This gives students the opportunity to meet up in the college and speak directly with lecturers and fellow learners.

For more information on the modules taught on this course view our module descriptors.

This course is designed to radically change the experience of part-time study, with the learner no longer bound to traditional academic semesters that are more suited to full-time students

The course is delivered over three stages with each stage consisting of a block of 11 to 13 weeks with a short break built in after completion of each block and over the summer period. Submission deadlines and exams may fall within the break period.

This course is supported with online materials that supplement classroom-based lectures. This gives students the opportunity to meet-up in the college and speak directly with lecturers.

Typically the schedule would be:

Stage 1

Block One
September to mid-December 2024
Break
 

Block Two
Mid-January to mid-late April 2025
Break

Stage 2

Block Three
Mid-May to end of July 2025/beginning of August
Break

Block Four
Mid-September to mid-December 2025
Break

Stage 3

Block Five
Mid-January to end-April 2026
Break

Block Six
May to August 2026

Blended: Online with some face-to-face classes.

The course is designed to appeal to those at work or seeking to re-enter the workforce. There are no specific academic requirements with applicants considered based on work and other experience. Applicants under 21 will be assessed based on Leaving Certificate or equivalent.

For applicants whose first language is not English, please note the English language entry requirements.

Note that applicants with a Certificate in First Line Management or a Certificate in Retail Management will get exemptions from some modules in stage 1. Applicants who have previously completed a Higher Certificate in Management may in some circumstances be eligible to enter the programme at Stage 2.

Any applicant with substantial experience may be eligible for module exemptions, you can apply by showing evidence of prior learning based on your employment experience.

All students applying to NCI must have access to a laptop that will allow them to attend classes online and, where relevant, to participate in on-campus learning.

The minimal suitable configuration is:

Processor:

• Intel 7th (or higher) generation processors (Core i-3, ii-5, -7,i-9-7x)
• or AMD Ryzen 3rd generation processors, running at 2.0GHz and above (Intel Atom/Celeron or AMD Athlon/Sempron Processors may cost less, but may not meet your requirements)

Random Access Memory (RAM):
8 GB minimum

Solid State Drive (SSD) Capacity:
256 GB minimum

Wireless Card:
802.11 a/b/g/n compliant with Bluetooth Capability (incompatibilities have been noted with the Qualcomm Atheros Wireless Adapters and software device drivers)

Graphics Card:
Direct X9 or later

Supported Operating Systems:
Windows 10 Home/Pro

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure their computer is functioning correctly and that they have full administrator rights. NCI cannot provide support for these personal devices.

Student Laptop Loan Scheme

A Laptop Loan Scheme is available for eligible students to assist them in completing their chosen course.

This programme is designed to offer learners the maximum of flexibility with different entry and exit points and awards. This allows learners to stage their studies as suits them best.

The full Bachelor of Arts Honours in Business Management is awarded by QQI at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications. This award will allow progression to level 9 courses on the NFQ such as NCI’s part-time MSc in Management or MA in Human Resource Management.

However, students may exit after completing stage 1 (60 credits) and receive a Certificate in Business Management at level 6, or after completing stage 2 (120 credits) and receive a Diploma in Business Management at level 7 awarded by QQI on the NFQ. I

If you exit with a minor award you can still return later to finish the whole degree – you set the pace.

3 stages over 2 years.

Two evenings per week plus some Saturdays 09.00-17.00

Please note that exams can be scheduled during the morning, afternoon or evening Monday to Saturday.

The cost of this course is €4,100 per stage.

Full degree encompasses 3 stages, total fee is €12,300.

(Fees revised annually)

You can spread the cost of this course with a direct debit plan.

Scholarships and Discounts

We offer a range of scholarship opportunities and discount offers available to both NCI and non-NCI graduates that will help you access this course.