Bachelor of Business Degree

Bachelor of Business Degree in Ireland

Welcome to Galway Business School's Bachelor of Business degree programme.

Come to study your Business degree here in the amazing city of Galway, on the west coast of Ireland. The degree programme is awarded by the Galway Business School on behalf of Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).

This programme is designed to give you a clearly structured, yet innovative education in business which will provide you with a solid foundation for success in your future career. 

  • Duration

    3 academic years

  • ECTS

    60 ECTS per year, 180 ECTS over 3 years

  • Next Start Date

    20 January 2025
    22 September 2025

  • Accrediting Body

    Quality and Qualifications Ireland

  • Mode

    Full-time Day
    Part-time Evening

  • Level

    NFQ Level 7 (National Framework of Qualifications)

  • Assessment

    Continuous Assessment
    Exams

  • Minimum English Level

    IELTS Level 6.0 or equivalent

EU Part-time  FeesEU  Full-time FeesInternational Fees
€3,450 €5,100€8,500

Why study the Bachelor of Business degree?

"I am forever grateful to the helpful staff and inspiring lecturers who delivered the material so professionally and made learning so enjoyable" 

Jeanette Dooley, Bachelor of Business Graduate

On our Bachelor of Business undergraduate degree programme, you’ll:

  • Develop employment-focused, transferable skills necessary to perform in a business environment.
  • Learn to effectively communicate information, ideas and solutions.
  • Gain the ability to critically analyse and comprehend the latest thinking and best business practice through real-world scenarios.

The Bachelor of Business degree reflects both best practice in business education and relevance to the real world.

As a business graduate, you’ll emerge confident and work ready, with a relevant and in-demand qualification for a diverse range of careers.

What will you learn on this programme?

On the Bachelor of Business undergraduate programme you’ll:

  • Acquire knowledge of key business frameworks, models and concepts to enhance your skills in today’s dynamic business environments.
  • Build your confidence in analysing and planning business strategies in areas of management, finance and information systems.
  • Learn key problem-solving abilities that will allow you to sort and interpret data, ensuring you can plan, design and implement effective business processes.
  • Enhance your communication techniques so you can communicate competently, confidently and informatively with your peers and business managers.
  • Be prepared to partake effectively in any organisation's multidisciplinary settings due to the group work and assignments.

How is the programme structured?

This is an intensive, cutting-edge programme designed to ensure you’re working to the required standard of a level 7 degree.

The course places emphasis on the practical application of theory. This is supported by problem-based learning, such as:

  • Case studies
  • Group activities
  • Research-based learning (such as business research projects)

You’ll experience online business simulations and participate in new business planning projects that will foster imaginative thinking among you and your classmates.

Year 1Year 2Year 3
Learn to Learn
Computer Applications
Introduction to Business Management
Principles of Economics
Quantitative Methods
Introduction to Marketing 
Introduction to Accounting
Business Communications
Academic and Professional Skills
Business Information Systems
Contemporary Global Business
Digital Research
Business Law
Financial Accounting
Entrepreneurship OR Digital Marketing
Sales Management

Strategic Management
Human Resource Management
Business Data Analysis
Financial Management
Business Research Project 
International Marketing Management

If you want to study individual modules to give your career a boost in Ireland or internationally, you can also sign up to selected semester programmes. 

Some of the modules above are available as part of our Short Certificate Programmes

ACCA Accredited Programme

ACCA Accredited Programme

Delivery Modes

"Our small class sizes ensure you have close interaction with our industry experienced academic team who are passionate about motivating you to achieve your best."

Martin Ronan, Bachelor of Business Graduate

Our Bachelor of Business degree programme is delivered in both a full-time (day) and part-time (evening) basis. 

Full-time mode

As a full-time student, you will study over four days during the week with classes usually starting at noontime. You will benefit from blended learning which incorporates both Face-to-Face lectures and online activities. In addition to this, throughout the semester you can take part in workshops and demonstrations that will lead you towards a better understanding of your coursework.

Part-time mode

As a part-time student, you will study over two evenings per week during the academic year.  The course is developed to provide blended learning, so course material is delivered through Face-to-face learning and online activities.

If you’re already living and working in Ireland, in the Galway area, you can study through our evening programme.

The huge advantage of this comprehensive degree programme is that you can work through the modules of the degree in the way that best suits your personal circumstances.

If you're an international student who is coming to Galway specifically to follow the Bachelor of Business degree, you can follow a daytime programme.

Regardless of how you choose to study our business degree programme here at Galway Business School, you'll benefit from a practical application of the theory through case studies, group activities and research projects.

Assessment 

You’ll be assessed through a combination of continuous assessment and examinations throughout the programme.

Continuous assessment can include:

  • Written examinations
  • Individual or group projects
  • Mock interviews
  • Presentations

Academic Career & Progression Routes 

You may be asking "What can I do with a Bachelor of Business Degree?"

Many options are open to graduates of this course, including:

  • You can continue to our one-year Bachelor of Business (Honours) with International Business, Level 8, degree programme
  • You may choose to apply for courses in other higher-level colleges based in Ireland and worldwide 
  • Progress towards a successful career in business
  • Continue to higher levels of academic achievement.

Top beneficial progress route: Bachelor of Business (Honours) with International Business 

On successfully completing the three years of our Bachelor of Business degree, you can continue on to an honours degree. In GBS, we offer a one year top-up degree programme, Bachelor Of Business (Hons) with International Business.  

If you’re looking to gain a level 8 International business degree that will prepare you for senior roles in business, the top-up programme is perfect for you. In today's digitally connected world, conducting business is increasingly global and many international business graduates work in a variety of sectors. Doing business in other countries and doing business across borders can be extremely profitable, but also very risky. That's why international business exists as a field of study, to prepare you for the challenges and opportunities associated with international trade.  

Specific job roles

Job roles open to graduates of the Bachelor of Business degree programme include roles in multinational and small to medium-sized enterprises in Ireland and around the globe in sectors such as: Marketing, Business Development, Finance, HR, IT.

A business degree is a great way to develop many of the transferable skills needed for working in a business environment. Jobs directly related to your business degree include:

  • Business Adviser
  • Business Analyst
  • Business Development Manager
  • Sales and Retail Manager
  • Management Consultant 
  • Corporate Investment Banker
  • Business Data Analyst

What additional resources are available?

All our students have use of the GBS campus facilities. These include:

  • A campus with spectacular views of the ocean
  • Access to our robust learning platform (Moodle)
  • Technology-enhanced classrooms
  • Online library EBSCO
  • Library with a collection of materials and sources of information
  • School cafeteria
  • Additional services including accommodation, social programme, airport transfers, and more

Furthermore, you’ll benefit from our additional workshops, tutorials and company visits scheduled throughout the year to enrich your learning experience. This will be supported by business simulations and projects on new business development to promote creative and innovative thinking.

Entry requirements

Irish & EEA Students

The entry requirements for the Bachelor of Business degree programme requires applicants to hold a minimum of 5 passes in the Leaving Certificate O6 /H7 or a High School equivalent. For more information visit the CAO website.

GBS welcomes Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme LCVP Holders and applicants who hold a full FETAC Level 5 award (8 modules). Please apply in the normal way through the CAO system, course code GB001.

Part-time EU students must apply directly to the Galway Business School at admissions@galwaybusinessschool.ie.

We advise any students who may have any questions on the course or entry requirements to contact us.

You can contact is by email admissions@galwaybusinessschool.ie or phone +353 (0)91 529000 and we can arrange to meet you to answer any questions you may have and assist you through the application process. 

Non-EU Students

International learners can study only during a full-time delivery mode to meet their visa requirements.

The Bachelor of Business Level 7 for Non- EEA require students to hold a high school diploma equivalent to the Leaving Certificate – Minimum 5 passes O6/H7s or equivalent.

We would advise all international students to visit the NARIC website www.naric.ie to get advice on the academic recognition of your International qualification by comparing it to the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

English Language requirements for international students

If you are a non-native speaker of English, you must have an English language level of IELTS 6.0+ or its equivalent for all business degree programmes.

3-week pre-sessional business English

All international learners must complete a mandatory 3-week extensive pre-sessional business English course prior to the beginning of all Galway Business School academic programmes.

The pre-sessional business English programme will provide you with an intense focus on academic English. You will also gain the analytical tools needed to study a full undergraduate course at Galway Business School.

This is a mandatory requirement and the course will take place in our language school Galway Cultural Institute.

If you're not sure of your level now, you can take this quick online English level test.

Mature Students

Mature applicants must have qualifications and experience deemed equivalent by the College’s QQI approved Recognition of Other Learning (ROL) and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) policies.

Mature students who wish to apply using their Leaving Cert results can do so through the CAO system.

However, mature students can also be considered based on their previous education, work experience and demonstration of their competence to undertake the programme.

If you wish to apply based on these requirements please contact the college directly at admissions@galwaybusinessschool.ie.

Enquire about this course