Course Summary
The only Postgraduate course in Ireland which combines MSc Management & Corporate Governance with The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland qualification.
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
You should have a second class honours degree in any subject from a recognised institution or have obtained an equivalent standard in a professional or other qualification recognised by the University for this purpose, for example, the CGIUKI Diploma in Business Practice.
If you do not meet the above requirements, you may be admitted at the discretion of the Course Committee. In this case, normally you will be interviewed to assess your capability to undertake a rigorous course of study. The award of GradCG will depend on whether you meet the CGIUKI entry criteria.
Students who have achieved relevant professional or postgraduate qualifications MAY be granted exemptions from modules on the course, in accordance with the University's accreditation of prior learning (APL) policy.
Other qualifications
If you do not meet the above requirements, you may be admitted at the discretion of the Course Committee and in accordance with the University's APL policy. In this case, normally you will be interviewed to assess your capability to undertake a rigorous course of study. The award of GradICSA will depend on whether you meet the CGIUKI entry criteria.
Conditions of claiming graduate status of CGIUKI
• You must have registered with CGIUKI as a collaborative student and pay the fee to become a registered student member of CGIUKI.
• Those with the relevant work experience can apply for chartered secretary status and use the post nominal ACIS.
English Language Requirements
English language requirements for international applicants
International students will be required to have achieved IELTS 7 (with no contributing band at less than 6.0) or equivalent.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements
• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country
Exemptions and transferability
applicants who have completed masters level qualifications, qualifications from the Governance Institute or other professional bodies, or who have significant work experience may apply to be exempt from modules. Please contact a member of the Course Team for more information.
Application Details
Your Application
You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.
Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.
Start Date: September 2026.
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.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
Students who study the part-time route through this course may be able to seek promotion within their own organisation. There is a great demand for graduates from this course who have both a valuable academic qualification and a professional qualification from The Chartered Governance Institute UK and Ireland.
A number of organisations recruit directly from this course each year and the course can boast an employment rate of over 90% over the past few years with successful students being appointed to graduate level positions in organisations such as the following:
Maples Finance, BDO Ireland, Mason Hayes and Curran, FBD Holdings, Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Lex Tray, Eversheds (Manchester), Mazars, Citi, A & L Goodbody, Bank of Ireland, Action Aid, KPMG, William Fry, PWC, Blackrock, Maples Finance and Deloitte.
Chartered secretaries are high-ranking professionals with a diverse set of skills unique amongst many professions. Trained in corporate law, finance, governance and corporate secretarial practice, Chartered secretaries are the focal point for independent advice about the conduct of business, governance and compliance. They can also offer legal and accounting advice and manage the development of strategy and corporate planning.
A great deal more information on the job, opportunities and salaries of such skilled individuals can be found at www.cgi.org.uk.
Duration
The full-time MSc Management and Corporate Governance course is usually taught on two days a week, with lectures taking place during the afternoon and evening. As well as weekly lectures some subjects are taught on a "block" basis - meaning that the modules are taught over four days; one module in semester 1.
Students completing the Master's qualification will be required to take three modules in semester 3, these are usually taught on a 4 day "block" basis between May and July.