A university degree*
A minimum of three years’ (for Full-Time MBA) and five years' (for Executive MBA) quality professional experience (excluding summer placements, part-time or temporary work experience) at the time of application.
GMAT requirements:

Full-Time MBA: A valid score on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). GMAT Focus , GMAC Executive Assessment (EA) or GRE are also now accepted. Preferred minimum score of 600 (565 on the GMAT Focus). Please note that we look at applications on a holistic basis, and a high GMAT score does not guarantee admission. The average GMAT for our current MBA class is 646 (approx. 595 on the GMAT Focus). OR An EA score of 151 and above is required for the FT MBA. Alternatively can submit a valid GRE Test Score. Indicative equivalencies can be calculated here. If you have any questions in regards to your application we recommend that you contact the MBA Admissions team. Apart from meeting the minimum overall GMAT/EA score, candidates must also do reasonably well in the quantitative component of this test.

Executive MBA: GMAT score of 520 (495 on the GMAT Focus) or above required. OR An EA score of 149 and above is required. More information on the EA available here. Alternatively can submit a valid GRE Test Score. Indicative equivalencies can be calculated here. If you have any questions in regards to your application we recommend that you contact the MBA Admissions team. IMPORTANT NOTE for Executive MBA applicants: Where a candidate’s professional achievements and qualifications exhibit the skills and competencies evaluated by the GMAT /Executive Assessment, the UCD MBA Academic Director may grant a waiver for GMAT/EA test following an interview. A candidate with extensive management experience or holders of a master's or PhD qualification in a quantitative discipline from a reputable University will be considered for a test exemption. The decision to grant a GMAT Executive Assessment waiver is at the discretion of the UCD MBA Academic Director. UCD Smurfit reserves the right to request any candidate to submit a GMAT exam. Please note that scholarship competitions may require submission of a GMAT/EA score.

NB: Please note that scholarship competitions may require earlier submission of a GMAT score, which may vary from those noted above. View our Scholarships page for more details.

English Language Requirements: All applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of competence in English language. If English is not your first language you must present with the minimum standard in a recognised English language test, as outlined below. The exception to this rule is if you have completed your primary degree or an entire third level qualification through English, in a majority English speaking country.**
An average IELTS score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.5 in each band on the Academic Version.
OR
A minimum score of 100 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iTB) with minimum score 24 in Writing, and minimum score 20 in Reading, Listening and Speaking components.
For all proficiency tests the results must normally have been issued within two years prior to the start of your programme.
OR
UCD has approved the use of the Duolingo Test of English (DET) for the 2023/24 intake. A DET score of 130 will be accepted with at least 110 in each subscore.

Through our rigorous selection process we endeavour to manage expectations so that the candidate’s aspirations for the programme and career objectives are aligned with what the programme can deliver.

*If you do not hold a university degree equivalent to NFQ Level 8 please contact Admissions for further advice on the non-standard admissions process.

**List of majority English speaking countries:
Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Guyana.

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

B094 Executive MBA Master of Business Administration Part-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught

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.