Course Summary
The DBS MBA (HRM), awarded by QQI, focuses on the management of human resources to ensure competitive advantage by maximising resources for the benefit of an organisation and society, which places human resource management (HRM) at the heart of organisational management in a complex global marketplace.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for the Master of Business Administration are:
To be eligible for the Master of Business Administration programme, applicants must meet the following minimum entry requirements:
A Level 8 primary undergraduate honours bachelor's degree with a minimum Second Class Second Division award (2.2 classification) in any discipline from a recognised third-level institution (or equivalent).
Alternatively, a Level 6 (EQF) primary undergraduate bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
An equivalent professional qualification such as ACCA or CIMA.
A GMAT examination is a mandatory requirement for all applicants who do not hold an Honours Bachelor's Degree (Level 8) with a minimum of second class second division classification.
For international applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously undertaken a degree taught in English, evidence of English language proficiency equivalent to B2+ or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) is required. This can be evidenced through recognised tests like IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, PTE, or DBS English Assessment, with test certificates dated within the last two years.
Applicants who do not have a Level 8 qualification at a 2.2 award level but have at least three years of work experience may be considered through DBS's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedures. An interview and/or GMAT examination may be required for RPL applicants.
Application Details
We are now accepting applications for programmes taking place in 2025.
Next Intake dates: September 2025
Fees
We are now accepting applications for programmes taking place in 2024.
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Career Progression
Careers Opportunities
Graduates of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme at DBS have excellent long-term career prospects due to the programme’s alignment with current industry needs and the high demand for qualified business professionals in Ireland and globally.
Specific career opportunities and roles that MBA graduates can pursue include:
Management and Strategic Business Roles: Graduates are well-prepared for management and strategic business roles across diverse industries, including public and private sectors.
Business Development and Consultancy: There is strong evidence of growth in management consultancy, with roles like management consultants and business analysts being among the top professional occupations in job vacancy adverts. The programme’s focus on structured analysis, problem-solving techniques, and effective decision-making directly supports these roles.
Project Management: The demand for project professionals is high, with communication, problem-solving, collaborative leadership, and strategic thinking identified as crucial skills. The MBA programme includes dedicated project management pathways.
Marketing and Sales: Roles such as marketing and sales directors, and retail and wholesale managers have seen significant growth in job vacancies.
Finance: Opportunities exist in financial services and related fields.
Other Fields: Graduates can also find opportunities in administration, education, and retail.
Leadership and Innovation: The programme specifically aims to equip learners with skills for making high-level strategic decisions, enhancing productivity, profitability, and organisational value, and preparing them for complex challenges in dynamic business environments.
Entrepreneurship: Graduates can also become entrepreneurs.
Duration
Part-time: 2 years
Delivery
Both versions are delivered through on-site face-to-face and online teaching and learning modalities.