Studying at Galway Business School

Galway Business School is a small, focused institution where every student is known by name. The way we teach, the way we support our learners, and the community we build together are what set us apart. This page explains what life is actually like for a GBS student.

Who studies with us

Our students come from across Europe, Latin America, Asia and beyond, alongside Irish and EU learners closer to home. In a typical year, we welcome students from around 20 different countries. They study together, work on group projects together, and very often stay in touch long after graduation.

The students who do best at GBS tend to be:

• Curious and willing to engage in class
• Self-motivated and able to manage their own study
• Open to working with people from different backgrounds
• Ready to take on the challenge of an honours degree while also enjoying student life in Galway

How we teach

Our programmes are taught through a mix of lectures, workshops, group projects, presentations and practical exercises, supported by online materials on our virtual learning environment, Moodle. Class sizes are small by design, most modules have between 20 and 40 students, and lecturers are accessible to learners outside of class for tutorials and academic guidance.

We place a strong emphasis on:

• Active learning, where students apply concepts rather than just receive them
• Group work and presentations, building the communication skills employers value most
• Real-world relevance, with case studies, guest speakers and applied assignments
• Independent study, with the support of our library, online resources and learning supports

Assessment is a balance of continuous coursework and end-of-semester examinations, designed to give every type of learner a fair opportunity to demonstrate what they know.

Our programmes

We offer honours degree programmes in business and related fields, alongside short certificate courses, part-time options and Springboard-funded programmes for eligible learners. You can study with us full-time during the day or part-time in the evenings.

Explore our programmes

What our graduates go on to do

GBS graduates leave with the skills, qualifications and confidence to take on a wide range of careers, in business, in management, in the public sector and in their own ventures. Many of our graduates progress to postgraduate study at GBS partner institutions or further afield. Others move directly into roles in Ireland, across the EU, or back to their home countries.

Accreditations and Memberships

QQI Ireland

QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) is an independent State agency responsible for promoting quality and accountability in education and training services in Ireland. It was established in 2012 by the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012. 

ACCA

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants.

CPD

CPD is recognised around the world by employers, professional bodies and educational institutes alike; though it is important to note that there is no standardised system for CPD as of yet. In some countries, CPD may be known by different names or have different terminology attached to it; however the principle is the same. .

Benefits of a Business Education

It might be developing individual potential through our Postgraduate Diploma in Management. It might be setting standards and building teams through our QQI Bachelor of Business. Or it might be addressing skills needs through our Certificate Programmes.

Whatever your goals, business education can prepare you to meet them now and in the future.

The Individual

Build a successful career based on proven expertise

Develop as a person and gain confidence

Increase your ability to influence your organisation

Make education part of your long term strategy

The Manager

Focus on competitive strategy and business goals

Shape the business while delivering business results

Complement industry expertise with transferrable management skills

The Strategist

Deliver corporate strategy by tailoring business needs

Make a difference to organisational performance

Develop long-term strategies for achieving change

Equip individuals to fulfil roles within the business

The Managing Director

Develop effective leaders to drive future strategies

Build in-company culture

Equip your organisation for profitable growth

Establish and maintain standards of excellence within an organisation