Business at UCC Postgraduate Programmes - University College Cork

http://commerce.ucc.ie 

Postgraduate Programmes 

Business at UCC 

taking your business education to the next level

POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES 

The Faculty of Commerce is part of the College of Business 

and Law and offers a broad range of programmes, taught and 

research based to bring your business education to the next level. 

Higher Diplomas (Level 8) – 

Taught Programmes 

Our Higher Diplomas are designed for non-business graduates 

who wish to develop their business knowledge and skills. 

Higher Diploma in Accounting 

and Corporate Finance - CKI01 

1 year, full-time 

This is a one year full-time conversion programme focused 

on the study of Accounting and Finance, and is available to 

graduates from all disciplines. The programme aims to enhance 

the employment prospects of graduates in the Accounting and 

Financial Services areas, whilst also preparing graduates for 

study at Masters level. 

Dr Peter Cleary 

t: 021-4902967 

e: p.cleary@ucc.ie 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/CKI01/ 

Higher Diploma in Economics (Competition, Governance 

and Society) - CKI03 

1 year, full-time; 2 years, part-time 

This degree is a purpose built conversion programme open to 

all non-economics graduates that will enable you to enhance 

your portfolio of skills by adding an economics qualification to 

your existing degree. You will gain an extensive and interesting 

set of experiences dealing with the core issues in business 

economics and economic policy and this will provide you with 

enhanced employment opportunities across a wide range of 

business and public sector organisations. 

Dr Edward Shinnick 

t: 021-4902052 

e: e.shinnick@ucc.ie 


Higher Diploma in Management and Marketing - CKI04 


This postgraduate conversion programme gives students with 

a non-business degree a solid foundation in the disciplines of 

Management and Marketing. These disciplines are presented 

as dynamic applied functions whose principles extend to a 

wide range of activities and industry sectors. This programme 

is designed for people who wish to embark on or develop their 

career in management or marketing. It is arranged to give a 

step-by-step coverage of the main functions that marketers 

and managers perform. It is also designed to improve 

understanding of how organisations operate in the private and 

public sector. 

Dr Carol Linehan 

t: 021-4903367 / 4903375 

e: Carol.Linehan@ucc.ie 


Higher Diploma in Personnel Management - Direct Entry 

2 years, part-time 

Note: Applicants must be aged 23 at time of enrolment and have a 

minimum of 2 years personnel, managerial, training or comparable 

experience. Course offered subject to minimum enrolment of 20. 

This programme is offered by the Centre for Adult and 

Continuing Education in association with the Departments 

of Accounting, Finance and Information Systems, Applied 

Psychology, Law and Management and Marketing. It is 

intended to provide professional training for persons who 

have management/supervisory responsibilities in Personnel, 

Production, Engineering, Marketing, Administration and other 

related disciplines. It is designed on a unit basis to meet the 

needs of working professionals. The programme has been 

approved by the Institute of Personnel and Development 

to allow holders of the Higher Diploma gain graduate 

membership of the Institute. 

Mr Willie Weir 

t: 021-4904715 

e: l.fleming@ucc.ie 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/ace/Courses/ 

HigherandPostgraduateDiploma/ 

Higher Diploma in Contemporary Chinese Culture 

and Business - CKA25 


This Higher Diploma is designed to equip students with 

knowledge of the Chinese language (Mandarin) and provide 

them with the expertise to work in a China – facing a multicultural 

and international business environment in the future. 

Prof Fan Hong 

t: 021-4902116 

e: f.hong@ucc.ie 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/CKA25/

Taught Masters Programmes (Level 9) 

The specialist Masters (MBS degrees) are designed to give 

you professional skills and knowledge about a particular area 

of management. 

MEconSc (Economics)* - CKL12 


This programme is designed to prepare you for careers such 

as - professional economists in business, the financial sector, 

the health sector, public sector and the media; - economic 

researchers in public bodies and private consultancy companies 

and; economics lecturers in third level institutions. It also 

provides foundations for undertaking further postgraduate 

studies including PhD programmes in Ireland and 

internationally. 

Dr Rosemary Kelleher 

t: 021-4902998 

e: rkelleher@ucc.ie 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/CKL12/ 

*MEconSc Qualifying Examination 

A graduate who has not reached the required standard or attained 

the requisite number of modules in Economics in the BComm Degree 

Examination (and who has presented for the examination in this 

University) may be permitted to proceed to the MEconSc Degree 

provided s/he sits, with the permission of the Faculty and the Academic 

Council, for the MEconSc Qualifying Examination in Economics and 

attains at least 60% therein.http://www.ucc.ie/academic/postgraduate/ 

calendar/masters/commerce/page08.html 

MBA - CKL11 


The aim of the UCC Executive MBA programme is to accelerate 

and deepen your understanding of the leadership challenges 

of knowledge-based societies and organisations; to introduce 

you to a wide range of leading-edge techniques for analysis, 

problem solving innovation and decision making and to 

enhance your interpersonal relationship skills through intensive 

group work, shared decision making and assignments. 

MBA Administrator 

t: 021-4902394 

e: mbaadministrator@ucc.ie 

http://mba.ucc.ie 

MBS (Business Economics) - CKL06 


Designed in consultation with leaders from 

the business community and public sector 

organisations, this unique programme equips 

participants with the key skills to work in the 

ever-changing business world. Theoretically 

grounded, evidence-based and application orientated, 

the focus is on understanding firm performance and 

competitiveness in the global business environment. 

Dr Catherine Kavanagh 

t: 021-4901868 

e: c.kavanagh@ucc.ie 


MBS (Business Information Systems) - CKL01 


This programme provides students with a coherent portfolio 

of business, management and consultancy skills, as well as 

enhancing their knowledge of IS concepts and core technical 

skills. This is achieved through a series of modules oriented 

around three themes: Information Systems; Professional and 

Consultancy Skills and Innovation and Software Development. 

Dr Brian O’Flaherty 

t: 021-4903335 

e: BOFlaherty@afis.ucc.ie 


MBS (Corporate Finance and Accounting) - CKL02 


The modern business world is characterised by an ever 

increasing pace of change. All business professionals 

require the flexibility to deal with continuing development 

and uncertainties. We aim to provide students, who have a 

background in Accounting or Finance, with the analytical and 

intellectual skills that will help them deal with current and 

future developments in these areas. The programme, therefore, 

focuses on providing students with the skills necessary to 

assimilate, communicate and apply knowledge within the 

disciplines of Accounting and Finance. 

Beginning in 2008/09 Musgrave Group have established the 

Musgrave Group Postgraduate Scholarship in Accounting 

and Finance, valued at €4,000 per annum, to support a UCC 

graduate for the purpose of proceeding to the MBS Corporate 

Finance and Accounting Degree at UCC. For further details of 

the programmes and the scholarship see www.ucc.ie/en/accfin/ 

Dr Mark Hutchinson 

t: 021-4902597 

e: mbscfa@afis.ucc.ie 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/CKL02/

MBS (Electronic Business) - CKL17 


This is an intensive and innovative programme designed to 

provide honours graduates with little or no prior technology 

experience with i) a critical understanding of Internet and 

mobile business strategies, models and processes; ii) a high 

level of competence in the technology skills needed to develop 

professional electronic and mobile business systems; and iii) 

excellent employment opportunities and a world class student 

experience. 

Dr Joseph Feller 

t: 021-4903337 

e: jfeller@afis.ucc.ie 


MBS (Food Marketing) - CKL09 


This postgraduate programme is designed for graduates 

interested in pursuing a career in marketing consultancy, 

marketing research, and marketing management in either 

national or international food companies, retailers or support 

agencies. The programme will enhance your applied marketing 

skills in by providing you with an integrated understanding of 

decision-making processes concerning products and markets 

at all stages of the food chain. Skills acquired will be relevant 

to all facets of the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) area. 

The programme will develop your quantitative techniques, 

report writing, communication and resource management 

skills. These skills and the marketing orientation established 

during the programme will be highly transferable into non-food 

related areas. 

Dr Alan Collins 

t: 021-4902066 

e: a.collins@ucc.ie 


MBS (Government) - CKL07 


This degree provides students with a political science based 

understanding of the nature, challenges and dilemmas of 

contemporary government and governance at national, local, 

regional and global levels, addressing both conceptual issues 

and policy debates. The programme is also designed to enable 

students to develop high-level research and analytical skills. 

The MBS in Government is suitable for graduates of Social 

Sciences, Arts, Commerce, Law or related disciplines. 

Dr Andrew Cottey 

t: 021-4902087 

e: a.cottey@ucc.ie 


MBS (Health Services Management) - CKL08 


The development and enhancement in management skills of 

healthcare professionals is at the core of this programme. It 

seeks to draw on best practice in the top European and US 

health management programmes and on current and emerging 

issues of importance in the health sector. This programme is 

designed to provide world-class learning for those involved in 

the management of health services who operate in an everchanging 

environment that regularly presents new challenges. 

A wide range of subjects, both applied and theoretical are 

covered in the programme. 

Dr Jim Walsh 

t: 021-4902633/4902940 

e: j.walsh@ucc.ie 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/mgt/PostgraduateProgrammes/ 

TaughtProgrammes/MBSinHealthServicesManagement/ 

MBS (Information Systems for Business Performance) 

- CKL18 


A balance is struck between the technology management 

activities and the analysis/development activities that affect 

the practice and theory of information systems in modern 

organisations. This course prepares students to understand 

how organisations operate and how the factors affecting their 

performance can be finely tuned using information systems. In 

this programme, the applied aspects of building, leveraging and 

managing Information Systems and Information Technologies 

rely on both classroom and practical computer laboratory 

interaction where students are taught from beginner level. 

Dr Frederic Adam 

t: 021-4903343 

e: fadam@afis.ucc.ie 


MBS (Management Information and Managerial 

Accounting Systems - MIMAS) - CKL05 

2 years, full-time and includes 6 months industrial 

internship in year 2 

Within the current job market, a strong need exists for 

graduates with practical expertise in both Information Systems 

and Management Accounting. The MBS in MIMAS is aimed 

at meeting that need and provides students with an industry 

oriented programme within two related disciplines; those 

of Management Accounting and Management Information 

Systems. This is a challenging degree programme open 

to all graduates with minimal exposure to computing and 

accounting, both of which are taught from an introductory level 

to a very high standard within two years. 

Ms Karen Neville Mr John Doran 

t: 021-4903668 t: 021-4902555 

e: kneville@afis.ucc.ie e: jdoran@afis.ucc.ie 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/CKL05/ www.ucc.ie/accfin 

MBS (Co-Operative and Social Enterprise)* 

Distance Learning Course - CKL10 


This programme is delivered entirely over the Internet and is 

designed for graduates of all disciplines across Arts, Sciences 

and Engineering, Commerce, Humanities and Social Sciences, 

Law and Languages who have at least two years practical 

experience in the co-operative or social enterprise field. It 

introduces non-business graduates to the world of co-operative 

business while deepening understanding of business as applied 

to co-operative and social enterprises for those who already 

possess qualifications in the business field. 

Dr Olive McCarthy 

t: 021-4903354 

e: o.mccarthy@ucc.ie 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/CKL10/

*MBS (Co-Operative and Social Enterprise) Qualifying 

Examination - CKK01 

1 year, part-time 

Intending applicants for the MBS in Co-Operative and Social 

Enterprise who do not possess an honours primary degree or 

an equivalent academic qualification, but meet all other entry 

requirements, may be permitted to proceed to the MBS Cooperative 

and Social Enterprise Programme provided they sit, 

with the permission of the Faculty of Commerce, for the MBS 

Social Enterprise Qualifying Examination and attain at least a 

Second Class Honours Grade II therein. The MBS Co-operative 

and Social Enterprise Qualifying Examination will comprise 

of 40 prescribed credits from the BSc in Mutual and Credit 

Union Business, as approved by the Faculty of Commerce on 

the recommendation of the Head of the Department of Food 

Business and Development. 

Dr Olive McCarthy 

t: 021-4903354 

e: o.mccarthy@ucc.ie 

http://www.ucc.ie/academic/postgraduate/calendar/masters/ 

commerce/page05ab.html 

MSc Financial Economics - CKL19 


This programme involves advanced study of the practices 

of investment, banking and risk management. Modules 

cover topics such as asset pricing, portfolio management, 

international finance, financial institutions, money markets, 

treasury management and derivative securities. The 

programme also involves an applied research project using 

cutting edge techniques and software. As well as in-class 

lectures and computer lab work, the programme includes 

workshops and seminars with outside practitioners and 

institutions. The programme is designed to prepare its 

graduates for high-end careers in financial markets including 

investment banking, corporate banking, trading/dealing, 

asset management, equity analysis, corporate and financial 

institution treasury, risk management and financial markets 

research and analysis. 

Dr Niall O’Sullivan 

t: 021-4902765 

e: niall.osullivan@ucc.ie 


MA in Contemporary Chinese Culture and Business - CKE74 

1 year, full-time; to include 10 weeks in China 

The aim of this programme is to provide students with an 

advanced understanding of Chinese society including culture, 

education, social system, politics, law, business and management; 

to improve their linguistic and intercultural skills necessary to 

work in or relate to China; and to gain experience in dealing with 

Chinese and Asian counterparts on an executive level. 

Prof Fan Hong 

t: 021-4902825 

e: ching.keane@ucc.ie 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/CKE74/ 

Announcing New Programmes: 

Courses are subject to approval by the relevant 

University bodies 

MBS International Business 

15 months, full-time 

This programme is aimed at graduates with a good primary 

degree or conversion higher diploma in Management and 

Marketing who wish to gain both academic expertise and 

practical experience in International Business. There are 

three distinctive elements: a taught component, a six months 

international placement and a substantial research project 

(applying the work placement experience to some of the 

models and frameworks covered in class). The programme 

will promote personal and professional development and give 

participants a deep understanding of the theory and dynamics 

of International Business. The programme will appeal to those 

wanting to embark upon a career in the international arena 

whether it be in MNCs or international organisations. 

It will cover topics in management, strategy, law, international 

relations, international marketing, brand development, 

financial management, leadership, comparative business and 

globalisation. Class size will be limited to 30 participants. 

Dr Donncha Kavanagh 

t: 021-4902242 

e: d.kavanagh@ucc.ie 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/mgt/ 

MSc Health Economics 


This programme is aimed at economics and business graduates 

and is designed to further their development by providing 

conceptual frameworks and practical tools required for analysis 

and research of public policy, as well as further postgraduate 

study at PhD, DBA and Professional Development level. 

The many exciting and important topics covered include 

the supply and demand for health care services, imperfect 

information, externalities, uncertainty and insurance. Although 

the foundation will be in Health Economics the theories and 

techniques used are applicable to all areas of business and 

public policy. Throughout, the programme provides training of 

the empirical methods in public policy analysis and research. 

Mr Seamus Coffey 

t: 021-4901928 

e: s.coffey@ucc.ie 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/economics/postgraduate/ 

Postgraduate Diplomas (Level 9) Taught 

This is the Faculty’s only Postgraduate Diploma and is designed 

for graduates who have taken some Economics courses in their 

primary degree. 

Postgraduate Diploma in Business Economics - CKJ01 


A distinctive and practice-orientated programme through which 

participants can develop an applied knowledge and integrated 

understanding of how business operates. Through an effective 

combination of challenge and support, participants learn the 

relevant skills, techniques, knowledge, understanding and 

independent thinking for business and business related careers. 

Dr Daniel Kiely 

t: 021-4903494 

e: d.kiely@ucc.ie 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/CKJ01/

Research Masters Degrees (Level 9) 

The Research degrees are available full-time and part-time. 

They provide an opportunity to undertake advanced research 

on a particular aspect of business. Research degrees are based 

on a distinctive learning model that will develop your analytical, 

creative and communication skills. 

MSc (Commerce) Accounting - CKM01 


Dr Margaret Healy 

t: 021-4902966 

e: m.healy@afis.ucc.ie 

www.ucc.ie/en/accfin 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/mastersbyresearch/ 

MSc (Commerce) Accounting - CKM02 


Dr Margaret Healy 

t: 021-4902966 

e: m.healy@afis.ucc.ie 



MSc (Commerce) Business Information Systems - CKM03 


Dr Tom Butler 

t: 021-4903340 

e: tbutler@afis.ucc.ie 

http://bis.ucc.ie 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/mastersbyresearch/MScinMIS/ 

MSc (Commerce) Business Information Systems - CKM04 


Dr Tom Butler 

t: 021-4903340 

e: tbutler@afis.ucc.ie 


http://www.ucc.ie/en/mastersbyresearch/MScinMIS/ 

MSc (Commerce) Finance - CKM05 



t: 021-4902597 

e: m.hutchinson@ucc.ie 



MSc (Commerce) Finance - CKM06 



t: 021-4902597 

e: m.hutchinson@ucc.ie 



MSc (Commerce) Economics - CKM07 


Ms Joan Corcoran 

t: 021-4902126 

e: j.corcoran@ucc.ie 

www.ucc.ie/depts/economics 


MSc (Commerce) Economics - CKM08 


Ms Joan Corcoran 

t: 021-4902126 

e: j.corcoran@ucc.ie 



MSc (Commerce) Food Business and Development - CKM09 


Dr Michael Keane 

t: 021-4902132 

e: m.keane@ucc.ie 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/foodbus/ 


MSc (Commerce) Food Business and Development - CKM10 



t: 021-4902132 




MSc (Commerce) Government - CKM11 


Dr Theresa Reidy 

t: 021-4903028 

e: t.reidy@ucc.ie 

www.ucc.ie/en/government 


MSc (Commerce) Government - CKM12 


Dr Theresa Reidy 

t: 021-4903028 

e: t.reidy@ucc.ie 



MSc (Commerce)Management and Marketing - CKM13 



t: 021-4902242 


www.ucc.ie/en/mgt 


MSc (Commerce) Management and Marketing - CKM14 



t: 021-4902242 



http://www.ucc.ie/en/mastersbyresearch/

Research Masters Degrees (Level 9) 

MComm Research Degrees are available full-time or part-time 

to graduates and in certain circumstances to those who do not 

hold a degree but have an outstanding business, public service 

or professional record. 

MComm-Accounting - CKM15 


Dr Ray Donnelly 

t: 021-4902556 

e: rdonnelly@ucc.ie 



MComm-Accounting - CKM16 



t: 021-4902556 




MComm Business lnformation Systems - CKM17 


Prof Ciaran Murphy 

t: 021-4903331 

e: cmurphy@afis.ucc.ie 



MComm Business lnformation Systems - CKM18 



t: 021-4903331 




MComm Finance - CKM19 



t: 021-4902556 




MComm Finance - CKM20 



t: 021-4902556 




MComm Management and Marketing - CKM21 



t: 021-4902242/4902512 




MComm Management and Marketing - CKM22 



t: 021-4902242/4902512 




MComm Business Economics - CKM27 



t: 021-4902052 




MComm Business Economics - CKM28 



t: 021-4902052 




MComm Food Business and Development - CKM29 



t: 021-4902132 



http://www.ucc.ie/en/phd/ 

MComm Food Business and Development - CKM30 



t: 021-4902132 




MComm Government and Public Policy - CKM25 


Dr Mary Murphy 

t: 021-4902770 

e: maryc.murphy@ucc.ie 



MComm Supply Chain Management - CKM34 


Dr Seamus O’Reilly 

t: 021-4902763 

e: s.oreilly@ucc.ie 


http://www.ucc.ie/en/mastersbyresearch/

Degree of Doctor - (Level 10) 

Research Degrees 

A PhD by research can be pursued in a wide range of subject 

areas within the Faculty of Commerce and provides students 

with an opportunity to do advanced, scholarly research on a 

particular aspect of business on a full-time or part-time basis. 

PhD (Commerce) Accounting - CKN01 

3 years, full-time 


t: 021-4902556 




PhD (Commerce) Accounting - CKN02 

part-time 


t: 021-4902556 




PhD (Commerce) Finance - CKN03 



t: 021-4902556 




PhD (Commerce) Finance - CKN04 

part-time 


t: 021-4902556 




PhD (Commerce) Business Information Systems - CKN05 



t: 021-4903331 




PhD (Commerce) Business Information Systems - CKN06 

part-time 


t: 021-4903331 




PhD (Commerce) Economics - CKN07 


Prof Connell Fanning 

t: 021-4902577 

e: c.fanning@ucc.ie 



PhD (Commerce) Economics - CKN08 

part-time 

Prof Connell Fanning 

t: 021-4902577 

e: c.fanning@ucc.ie 



PhD (Commerce) Food Business and Development - CKN09 



t: 021-4902132 




PhD (Commerce) Food Business and Development - CKN10 

part-time 


t: 021-4902132 




PhD (Commerce) Government - CKN11 


Prof Neil Collins 

t: 021-4902941 

e: n.collins@ucc.ie 



PhD (Commerce) Government - CKN12 

part-time 

Prof Neil Collins 

t: 021-4902941 

e: n.collins@ucc.ie 



PhD (Commerce) Management and Marketing - CKN13 



t: 021-4902242 


http://www.ucc.ie/en/mgt 


PhD (Commerce) Management and Marketing - CKN14 

part-time 


t: 021-4902242 



http://www.ucc.ie/en/phd/

Degree of Doctor - (Level 10) 

Practitioner Degrees 

DBA (Business Economics) Practitioner Doctorate - CKN17 


The DBA (Business Economics) Degree focuses on the 

development and application of advanced conceptual 

frameworks and skills required by senior executives within 

the context of strategic and organisation decision making. 

Its primary aim is the development and application of 

knowledge in a professional setting. 

Dr Eleanor Doyle 

t: 021-4902975 

e: e.doyle@ucc.ie 


http://www.ucc.ie/en/CKN17/ 

PhD (Commerce) Business Information Systems 

(Taught) - CKN18 


The PhD (Business Information Systems) Degree programme 

aims to enable students become proficient in research and 

development skills in the Information Systems field. Students 

will develop an in-depth knowledge of a specific area of 

concentration, as well as the problem solving and analytical 

skills that will enable them make significant innovative 

contributions to the Information Systems discipline. 

Dr Pat Finnegan 

t: 021-4903344 

e: p.finnegan@ucc.ie 


http://www.ucc.ie/en/phd/

Frequently 

Asked Questions 

1. What’s the difference between a Taught 

and a Research Masters? 

A master’s degree may be obtained in one of two modes 

namely by: 

(a) Research only and Major Thesis 

(b) Coursework, Examination and 

Dissertation/Minor Thesis (Taught Masters) 

A candidate who wishes to obtain a Master’s degree by 

Research must pursue a programme of supervised research 

for at least the equivalent of one year full-time from the 

date of first registration for the programme. They must 

prepare and submit a masters thesis of original work 

(approx 40,000 words) in consultation with the supervisor(s) 

and the Departmental Graduate Studies Committee 

upon the work done during the programme which will be 

assessed by Intern and Extern Examiners. The candidate 

may also be required to pass an examination on the subject 

matter of the thesis. 

For further information on undertaking a Masters by 

Research visit: http://www.ucc.ie/en/mastersbyresearch/ 

A candidate who wishes to obtain a Taught Masters must: 

(i) pursue a prescribed postgraduate programme for at 

least the equivalent of one year full-time from the date 

of first registration for the programme; (ii) must pass an 

examination on the programme and reach a required 

standard; and (iii) must submit a dissertation/minor thesis 

or a research project. The candidate may also be required 

to pass an examination on the subject matter of the 

dissertation/minor thesis. The candidate’s dissertation/minor 

thesis for the degree is also prepared under the direction 

of the Supervisor. The level of qualification obtained 

undertaking a taught or Research Masters is the same 

(see National Framework of Qualifications). 

http://www.nfq.ie/nfq/en/ 

For further information on the difference between a Taught 

and Research Masters visit: 

http://www.ucc.ie/calendar/postgraduate/masters/ 

page01.html 

For further information on the range of Taught Masters and 

Masters by Research in Business available at the College of 

Business and Law visit: 

http://www.ucc.ie/calendar/postgraduate/masters/ 

BusinessIndex.html 

2. What’s the difference between a Research Masters 

and a PhD? 

A Research Masters normally takes one to two years 

full-time or two to six years part-time. A PhD normally 

takes at least three years full-time of six years part-time. 

3. What are the fees for the various programmes on offer? 

For details of the fees for the various programmes on offer 

in the College of Business and Law visit: 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/postgraduate/fees/postgradfunding/ 

If you wish to assess the overall costs of undertaking 

postgraduate study at UCC visit: 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/SIN/postgrad/FundingInfo/ 

HowmuchwillitcostHowlongdoesittake/ 

4. What funding is available? 

There are a number of funding options available to students 

who wish to study for a Research Masters or a PhD. 

To explore these sources of funding visit: 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/SIN/Postgraduate/ 

UCCPostgradFunding/ 

5. I’m a non-EU student. 

Is there a fee waiver scheme in place? 

Yes. Further information visit: 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/financeoffice/fees/Financial 

AssistanceforStudents/PHDPostgraduateScholarship 

FeeWaiverforNon-EUNationals/ 

6. Do local authorities provide grants towards 

postgraduate degrees? 

If you are over 23 on the 1st of January prior to your entry 

to the postgraduate course of your choice, and you have 

been living away from your parents on the 1st of October 

in the previous tax year, then you may be entitled to a local 

authority grant, which will pay your fees up to a maximum 

value of €5,600 per annum. The criteria for the awarding 

of the grant are primarily based on residence and income. 

If your income from the previous tax year was below 

€36,400 then you would be entitled to the full grant. This 

requires a student to have been ordinarily resident in a local 

authorities area on the 1st of October previous, and to have 

been in the EU for three of the previous five years. 

Visit: http://www.ucc.ie/en/SIN/PostgraduateFunding/ 

LocalAuthorityGrants/ for more information on the criteria 

for the awarding of the grant. 

7. I’d like to do a research degree but I haven’t a research 

proposal. Can I still apply? 

All departments require a research proposal. However, in 

many cases students only develop a full research proposal 

as part of their research programme. The purpose of a 

research proposal is to allow the student to demonstrate 

that they have a good understanding of what is involved in 

undertaking a research project. Academic research projects 

often do not follow a linear path, so your initial research 

proposal may not always be a good indicator of the form or 

content of your dissertation. 

8. Can I be jointly supervised? 

Yes, if the supervisors and respective Department 

Heads agree. 

9. Can I transfer from a Research Masters to a PhD? 

Yes, if this is agreed by the Department and Faculty. 

10. Can I study abroad during my PhD/MSc? 

Yes, if approved by your supervisor and Head of 

Department. Further details on exchange programmes are 

available from the International Education Office 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/International/StudyAbroad 

forUCCStudents/

11. How is a research degree assessed? 

Typically, a Research Masters is examined solely on 

a dissertation (c. 40,000 words) which documents an 

individual piece of scholarly research. A PhD is typically 

80,000 words. 

12. Will I be required to give tutorials as part of my 

research degree? 

Full-time postgraduate students, in particular those 

engaged in research projects, provide a very valuable 

resource for teaching within higher educational institutions. 

Students are not obliged to give tutorials (unless they are 

in receipt of a studentship see the website mentioned 

further for additional information) but it is viewed by 

many as a crucial part of the training and development of 

postgraduate students engaged in research. 

It provides you with grounding in the research process and 

develops valuable skills which may be useful in furthering 

your career either within academia or in the public private 

sector. Generally, there is a limit of 150-200 hours tutoring 

or demonstrating per year (in UCC), and students should 

not exceed these limits. 

It also provides you with a means to earn money and to 

cover your fees. You should talk to your supervisor or 

any prospective supervisor or department about this, as 

it constitutes one of the largest sources of funding for 

postgraduate study in Ireland. 

Visit: http://www.ucc.ie/en/SIN/Postgraduate/ 

UCCPostgraduateFunding/Studentships 

for more information. 

13. Can I study for a Research Masters or 

Doctorate part-time? 

Yes. 

14. What are the progression routes between 

degree programmes? 

Broadly speaking, the National Framework of Qualifications 

maps out national progression routes in their 10-level 

framework. Thus, one should typically have a level 8 

qualification before proceeding to level 9. However, 

there are many situations where one may be accepted 

into a programme while not having a qualification at the 

immediately lower level. Please consult programme entry 

requirements in the College Calendar. 

http://www.ucc.ie/academic/postgraduate/calendar/ 

15. What are the residency requirements for 

part-time study? 

UCC does not currently impose residency requirements for 

part-time study. 

16. What courses will I be taking as part of my degree? 

The courses (modules) that you will be required to take 

are set out in the College Calendar. Further detail on the 

content of individual modules is available in the Book of 

Modules (though please note that not all postgraduate 

programmes are ‘modularised’ yet). 

http://www.ucc.ie/academic/modules/ 

17. Can I read for a postgraduate degree in business if I 

haven’t an undergraduate degree in business? 

In many cases you can. Please consult the programme entry 

requirements in the College Calendar. 

http://www.ucc.ie/academic/postgraduate/calendar/ 

18. Where can I get further information? 

In most cases you should contact the Department that 

administers the programme in the first instance. 

The Commerce Faculty will provide whatever direction 

it can to help you. 

19. What is PAC? 

University College Cork has now moved to an on-line 

postgraduate application system (PAC) for EU applications. 

EU Applicants for all postgraduate programmes must apply 

online through the Postgraduate Applications Centre in 

Galway (PAC) at http://www.pac.ie There are separate 

online application forms for Taught (by coursework) and 

Research postgraduate programmes. In any one year, 

you may not present more than ONE online TAUGHT 

Postgraduate Studies Application AND/OR ONE online 

RESEARCH Postgraduate Studies application to UCC’s 

postgraduate programmes. 

For more information on the application process 

through PAC follow this link: http://www.ucc.ie/ 

en/ProspectiveStudents/PostgraduateProspectus/ 

ApplicationProcedure/ 

20. Is the application process the same for 

Non-EU students as EU students? 

EU students must apply on-line through the PAC systems 

(see question 19) at http://www.pac.ie 

The International Education Office handles non-EU 

applications and you can obtain an application form from 

this office by emailing InternationalPostGrad@ucc.ie 

21. Is there a student society for postgraduate students? 

Yes follow this link: 

http://www.ucc.ie/students/socs/postgrad/

Department Website Addresses 

For further information on postgraduate programmes offered by the various 

departments within the College of Business and Law please access the 

particular department of interest as listed below: 

Accounting and Finance 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/accfin/ 

Business Information Systems 


Centre for Co-operative Studies 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/ccs/ 

Centre for Policy Studies 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/Departments 

CentresandUnits/CentreforPolicyStudies/ 

Economics 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/economics/ 

Food Business and Development 


Government 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/government 

Law 

http://www.ucc.ie/en/lawsite/ 

Management and Marketing 


Faculty of Commerce 

Rm 2.08 | O’Rahilly Building | University College Cork | Tel: 021 490 3252 

Fax: 021 490 3251 | Email: commerce@ucc.ie | http://commerce.ucc.ie 

The information in this document is for illustrative purposes 

only. It cannot be construed as granting legal rights to any 

person or imposing any legal obligation on the university. 

Courses may alter. This information guide grants no rights 

to any person enforceable by a court.

Business at UCC Postgraduate Programmes - University College Cork

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