BA (Hons) in Business

Course Overview
Want a degree that inspires you and gives you limitless career options? The BA (Hons) in Business is the perfect foundation for budding entrepreneurs and dynamic business leaders.
This business degree will enable learners to fully appreciate the vital business roles played by finance, digital technology, sales, consumer behaviour, entrepreneurship, marketing, human resource management, and information technology. This broad introduction to many business functions can lead to a diverse range of career opportunities.
Why Study Business at Griffith College?
This three-year BA (Hons) in Business programme is available through three modes: full-time, part-time and a blended learning approach. The content and assessment is identical for all three modes of programme delivery. The purpose of the BA (Hons) in Business programme is to give students the business skills that are in demand by companies, large and small.
- Students will learn about the ever-changing business environment and how it is influenced by political, legal, economic, social and technological factors on both a national and international scale.
- Students will learn to recognise the key characteristics governing a particular company and then identify the factors that are critical to its success in preparation for the business world.
- Students will learn the importance of digital technology in the modern business environment and apply their knowledge to business problems with real-life clients.
- Students will create a real-world business plan in their final year and pitch in a dragons den style environment.
- Students will be encouraged to participate in dynamic and creative areas like entrepreneurship and digital communication and customer engagement.
- Students have the flexibility to switch to the BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance after Year One or the BA (Hons) in Business (HRM) or BA (Hons) in Business (Marketing) after Year Two.
- Students will receive lecturing from vastly experienced professionals from a wide range of industries.
- Students will experience group work within a diverse student body increasing their awareness and capability of multinational employers.
Course Highlights
- Recognised by the Teaching Council of Ireland.
- Projects with real-life clients.
- Flexibility to switch degree discipline.
- Up to Six F Paper ACCA exemptions available.
- Career mentorship is available to all business students.
Intake Dates
- Dublin - Part-Time - September 2025
- Limerick - Part-Time - September 2025
- Cork - Part-Time - September 2025
- Dublin - Full-Time - September 2025
- Cork - Full-Time - September 2025
- Cork - Part-Time - February 2026
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Course codes
- Dublin: GC400
- Cork: GC200
What our students say

The programme was very practical with a focus on transferable skills and employability throughout. We completed real-life case studies and assignments which aided our understanding of various concepts. The classes were really interactive with breakout rooms and discussions to allow students interact. The level of staff support was incredible, they made it clear that they were here to help us and made additional supports such as free online counselling and mental health webinars available.
BA (Hons) in Business

The degree helped me transition my career from a self-employed personal trainer to a career in logistics. It gave me the skills needed to deal with decision-making, time-management and working in a fast-paced environment. The staff at Griffith were so supportive through the pandemic and maintained great communication with students. As I was working full-time, the ability to watch lectures from home really helped me balance work and study.
BA (Hons) in Business
Course Details
Students will study a broad range of business subjects in Year One and Two of the course. This acts as the perfect introduction to enable them to select their final year electives. Students have four core modules in Year Three and can choose four electives to tailor their learning in the final year (electives offered subject to demand).
Year 1
On completion of this module, learners can display basic theoretical and practical accounting concepts, explaining how they apply to different business environments. This module concentrates on the principles of recording, processing and summarising business transactions and events, extracting a trial balance and preparing basic financial statements for sole trader entities. Learners are introduced to the concept of controls in the realm of accounting through the completion of receivable and payable control accounts.
The module aims to provide a balanced approach to both the theory and application of economic concepts. It introduces learners to the fundamentals of microeconomics and exposes them to the principle theories and models used in microeconomics. It also demonstrates how economics can be used by individuals and businesses alike to assess problems and develop solutions. The learners are encouraged to become more astute participants in the economy by employing economic principles and recognising the role of their behaviour, and that of others, on the world around them. In particular, the module introduces economic concepts, an analysis of demand and supply, theories of the firm, competition, elasticity, and behavioural economics.
The principal objective of this module is to outline the role of technology with an emphasis on AI in business. It explores how information technology enables business processes so that an organisation can function and strive in a competitive environment: in other words, how technology is used to benefit business. This is achieved through the acquisition of practical information technology skills but also through an awareness and understanding of the overall role of technology
This module aims to develop an awareness and understanding of the core functions, skills and challenges of management in a dynamic global business environment. Learners apply management theories and concepts to current business situations, both in Ireland and internationally. Contemporary business management issues are explored using practical examples, case studies and lectures.
This module seeks to provide learners with the tools to equip them both practically and emotionally to flourish as individuals and as scholars, preparing learners to succeed in education, and the working world. The module will cover the academic requirements of research skills, referencing, critical thinking skills together with practical skills such as goal setting, time management and note taking. Emotional strength, empathy and resilience is also addressed using case studies and discussions as these traits become ever more important in today’s world.
Mathematics equips learners with the confidence and tools to collect, interpret and apply data to solve problems. Core concepts like statistics, financial mathematics and algebra underpin many business applications such as pricing decisions in economics and business, and investment analysis in accountancy and finance and is therefore a very important first year module. Beyond the mathematical computations this module will enhance logical thinking, problem solving and learners’ attention to detail, all characteristics which are highly valued in today’s business world.
This module introduces learners to the fundamental principles of marketing. It is designed to equip learners with an appreciation for the role of marketing in organisations and an understanding of key concepts to include consumer behaviour, segmentation, market research, marketing planning and the contribution of digital to contemporary marketing. The module emphasises the importance of marketing decision-making allowing the learners to more fully understand the impact of these concepts on business.
This module introduces learners to the macroeconomic environment and the principles underlying macroeconomic policies. In particular, it addresses the causes and consequences of aggregate changes in the economy such as inflation, GDP, unemployment and economic growth. Macroeconomics also examines and explores the role of government in influencing the direction of the economy through fiscal and monetary policies. This module also provides learners with real-world scenarios of how economies throughout the globe interrelate.
This introductory finance module is designed to provide learners with the foundational knowledge and practical skills in the field of finance. This module provides the learner with skills to explore the financial environment in which an entity must operate, as well to understand the various methods that can be utilised to finance the various organisational finance requirements. This module also aims to demonstrate the importance of working capital management and the tools to manage it, including an emphasis on cash flow. Whilst this module focuses on introducing basic finance related concepts to the learner regarding different business requirements, this module also focuses on personal financial planning, outlining its importance in achieving financial stability and reaching long term personal financial goals.
Year 2
The module aims to develop learners’ knowledge, understanding and application of concepts, processes and techniques of operations and supply chain management. Learners relate to the transformation of inputs to outputs and the approach that companies take to increase productivity, quality and service to their end consumer. Learners select and apply appropriate concepts, techniques and methods to the design and planning of operations. Learners demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and theories underpinning the discipline of supply chain management including purchasing and logistics.
This module aims to encourage and promote the critical examination of the theory of organisational behaviour. It identifies factors that influence the behaviours of individuals and groups in organisations. The module creates an environment that assists the learner in recognising issues which impact on a company’s effectiveness. Throughout the module, learners consider, discuss and analyse concepts, theories and frameworks to explore their potential contributions in aiding their understanding of organisational behaviours from a contemporary perspective.
The purpose of this module is to develop appropriate skills and knowledge in learners which is intended to prepare them to source employment opportunities and enter the workforce successfully. The module enables learners to gain a broad understanding of the numerous, and diverse range of activities, that combine to secure employment and /or internship opportunities. Furthermore, the module aims to develop learners’ personal and professional skills so that they may act confidently and appropriately in a range of interpersonal business functions.
The aim of this module is to develop an understanding and knowledge of the general principles of Irish law as it relates to business. The learner is introduced to the effect, influence and impact of law in business and, upon completion, they are able to apply relevant law to practical business situations.
The module instils in the learner a knowledge and understanding of company law as well as a broad understanding of the rights and obligations of employees and employers as they relate to business. The learner can analyse the strategic importance of ethics to business. The learner can evaluate common ethical problems faced by businesses and display how these can be resolved ethically. The learner understands the importance of culture in setting the ethics framework for managers and employees and can evaluate the role of regulatory forces in the ethical question.
This module introduces the learner to a broad range of contemporary views of human resource practices and policies. Learners gain an understanding of the importance of human resource management in terms of aligning people and business processes. The learner is able to identify the significance of managing the key HR activities such as recruitment, selection, performance, training, etc., in a professional manner.
In addition, the module aims to provide the learner with a knowledge of the essential applicable principles in terms of the employer /employee relationship. The module addresses current aspects and changes in employment legislation that can influence the employment relationship and, ultimately, the organisation.
This module aims to engage learners to explore what is arguably one of the driving forces of the current global economic market. The module requires active learning. The module is designed to allow learners to synthesise learning gained from previous modules studied on the programme, applying this learning into devising a commercially viable business proposal.
Their findings are presented as a business plan proposal and oral presentation at the end of the semester. The module explains the entrepreneurship process as an ever-unfinished one, of becoming, but also as one that leads to the creation of sustainable growth within an organisation.
This module explores the strategic foundations of digital marketing and its role in shaping modern business planning. It focuses on developing core competencies in digital analysis, persona research, content and channel strategy, and datainformed planning. Learners explore how artificial intelligence, automation, and shifting consumer behaviours are transforming the marketing landscape and how strategic frameworks (e.g. RACE, SOSTAC) are applied to real-world campaigns.
This module builds upon the strategy foundations developed in the Digital Marketing Implementation & Optimisation module. Learners implement campaign strategy plans in small groups, simulating agency-style production teams. Implementation briefs are based on real Irish businesses. Learners apply their skills across search, social, email, and landing page platforms and complete the full campaign lifecycle through monitoring, troubleshooting, and reporting
This module is designed so that learners develop an understanding of the relationship between business and the modern information systems used in business. Learners are introduced to the system types, how systems are acquired, security issues and current business information system trends with a strong focus on AI tools/systems. The module also seeks to engender an appreciation of the importance of business information systems in the day-to-day workplace as it looks at case studies which illustrate the benefits and challenges of the use and implementation of these systems. Careers that have business and information systems aspects overlap are discussed as some may want to pursue project management, business analyst or even be an end user developer.
This module is designed to provide learners with an understanding of how management accounting plays an integral part in business organisations, highlighting the importance of recording management accounting information accurately. It highlights the importance of costs and the drivers of costs in the production, analysis and use of information for decisionmaking in organisations. It provides competencies on how to analyse information on costs, volumes and prices and how to take short-term decisions on products and services.
Year 3 - Mandatory Modules
This module acts as a capstone module where learners apply previously gained knowledge across all the key elements involved in starting up a business in Ireland. These competencies include market and competitive analysis, marketing and marketing communications, people and operations, and financial analysis. The module is designed so as to enable learners to synthesize and apply the above key aspects to develop a viable, comprehensive and credible business plan.
This module introduces learners to the basics of financial management and its application in practice. The module focuses on the critical elements of financial decision-making for organisations, including investment decisions, sources of finance, management of working capital and performance appraisal.
The module aims to provide learners with an in-depth understanding of the link between company decision-making and the operation of capital markets. Over the course of the module, learners understand and appreciate the strong linkages between finance and globalisation. They demonstrate the importance of working capital management and the tools to manage it. Learners explore the financial environment in which firms and managers must operate.
This module introduces the key concepts and frameworks of strategic management. It is primarily concerned with the key managerial decisions that affect the long-term performance of an organisation and, as such, strategic position, choices and strategy in action are explored.
The module is interdisciplinary and learners build upon existing knowledge of environments that include the organisation itself, industry and wider macro-environments. In addition, existing knowledge gained from studying key functional areas including finance, marketing, human resources and operations is synthesised over the course of the module.
The module is designed to develop the learners’ skills in diagnosing the strategic health of organisations and providing strategic recommendations to senior management.
This module provides a comprehensive introduction to international business in which the environmental (political/legal, cultural, economic and financial) underpinnings of international business are examined. Learners are introduced to trade and investment trends as well as the internationalisation rationales for both MNCs and SMEs. This module analyses competitive environments and provides a strategic view of international business at both firm and national levels.
The purpose of this module is to enhance the learners understanding of ethical and sustainability challenges facing business leaders in a global business environment. Learners will examine how businesses can integrate ethical decision-making with sustainability goals to create long-term value, while addressing pressing environmental and social challenges. The module emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, enabling learners to develop the knowledge and skills needed to navigate complex dilemmas in sustainability contexts and to design business strategies that are both responsible and environmentally sustainable. Throughout the module, learners will explore how businesses can contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals while maintaining ethical integrity and business viability.
Year 3 - Elective Modules
This module introduces learners to the major aspects of global marketing. The aim of this module is to develop learners’ skills in the recognition, analysis and planning challenges faced by organisations when marketing globally.
Learners develop a critical awareness of the importance of environmental forces and emerging trends that impact firms marketing on a global level. An international marketing plan with appropriate marketing strategies is designed by learners, providing an opportunity to critically assess the challenges and provide solutions for successful implementation.
This module introduces learners to the principles and practices of selling and building important customer relations as a core business function. The relationship between sales management and the marketing environment is explored and tools and techniques are examined which provides insights into methods for successful sales strategy implementation, building successful customer relationships as part of the process. Skills in relation to client management to optimise sales efforts are also investigated.
Marketing, branding, and communications is the process of understanding how a brand is perceived in the marketplace and managing marketing communication strategies to help build brand equity with the target market. The development and communication of brands is a key marketing activity, central to the rest of the overall marketing strategy.
The aim of the module is to provide learners with an opportunity to experience the techniques and practical approaches to managing projects. This includes the core concepts of project management focusing on project justification, the strategic relationships between project and the organisational vision and mission, choosing project alternatives, creating awareness of risk and implementing control mechanisms. Understanding project constraints in terms of time, cost, quality and client acceptance provides a sound introduction to project management. Alternative methodologies are also introduced to learners along with an awareness of new trends in the field.
This module builds on the previous stage 2 modules namely Managing Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management. The IHRM module deepens the learners’ understanding of the strategic management of human resources in an international context. Topics including the influence of cross-cultural issues on organisations and factors which involve selecting and managing an international workforce are examined in detail. Learners evaluate industrial relations and labour laws from the perspective of managing an international organisation. They are equipped to address key issues such as expatriation/repatriation, compensation and reward, and cultural diversity. Over the course of the module, learners evaluate and appraise relevant theories in order to inform their practice as business managers.
This module equips learners with a comprehensive understanding of employment relations and its significance in business success. It enables learners to evaluate the strategies and practices organisations use to foster a mutually beneficial employment relationship. Additionally, the module encourages an awareness of evolving issues in employee relations, helping learners appreciate its dynamic nature. By examining perspectives from both employers and employees, learners will also develop a critical understanding of the ethical considerations and sustainable employment which is central to this relationship
The aim of this module is for learners to develop appropriate knowledge within the field of talent development. This module enables learners to critically analyse and evaluate the formulation and implementation of a range of learning and talent development practices and strategies for an organisation to compete in a dynamic, diverse and competitive business environment. This module provides an in-depth understanding of the numerous and diverse activities involved in the talent function.
This module is designed to broaden the learner’s knowledge with particular emphasis on the software used to analyse data. The module builds on previous spreadsheet skills by focusing on data specific analysis and related tools. It also is designed to help learners become aware of the ever-increasing discipline of data analytics and business intelligence used by the organisation.
Upon completion of this module, the learner attains the appropriate knowledge and skills to apply and exercise good judgements in the understanding, analysis and conclusion of the assurance and non-assurance engagement, in the context of best practice and current developments in the field. The module enables the learner’s understanding of the application of underlying regulations and professional standards relevant to the assurance and non-assurance engagement. The learner considers and reflects on the ethical and professional requirements of the auditor in selecting clients, performing assurance and non-assurance engagements and reporting on these engagements.
This module is designed to equip learners with a critical understanding of the performance management process and systems. The module examines the role of performance management and reward in supporting the strategic objectives of the organisation. Learners develop an understanding of the importance of motivation and its linkage to job performance. The module also looks at design decisions and identifies the knowledge and skills needed for effective appraisal processes and reward strategies that are ethical, transparent, and contextual.
This module is designed to develop the learner’s ability to interpret, understand and apply the principles and legislation governing the Irish taxation system in relation to income tax and value added tax (VAT). It provides learners with an understanding of the various reliefs and exemptions available to individuals. It develops the ability to apply knowledge and skills and exercise appropriate and ethical judgement in providing taxation information to individuals on the impact of income tax on the transactions of individuals and partners
This module equips learners with advanced skills in marketing measurement and analytics, enabling them to interpret campaign performance data, evaluate the effectiveness of tactics, and make evidence-informed recommendations. It supports the transition from tactical marketing execution to strategic decision-making, building directly on the foundational skills acquired in Stage 2 modules such as Digital Marketing Strategy and Planning and Digital Marketing Implementation and Optimisation. By the end of this module, learners will be able to confidently assess the success of marketing activities across multiple channels and communicate their findings clearly using a combination of dashboards, data visualisations, and narrative reporting.
Timetables
Please be advised that the timetables below are valid for Semester 1 of the Academic Year 2024 / 2025 for the Dublin Main Campus and are subject to change or changes in the first few weeks of the semester. Ensure you regularly check your Business Student Info page on Moodle for the most up-to-date files.
Full-time indicative timetables
Part-time indicative timetables
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate
2 H5 and 4 O6/H7 grades, to include a language (English, Irish or another language) and Maths.
QQI Level 5 Award
A minimum Full QQI Level 5 Award with 3 Distinctions and a Pass or higher in all other remaining subjects.
International Applicants
Please contact the International Office Team to enquire about entry requirements for international qualifications.
English Language
If English is not your native language, you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard. For further information please contact a member of the Admissions Team.
Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. For more information, please visit here.
How to Apply
Applicants under 23 years of age:
Applicants under 23 years of age on the 1st of January of the year they wish to enter must apply through the CAO. Please consult the CAO website for information on important dates for applications.
Course Codes
- Dublin - GC400
- Cork - GC200
- Limerick - GC300
Applicants over 23 years of age (mature students):
If you are 23 years of age on or before the 1st January of the year you want to enter, you may apply as a mature student. Mature students must apply to Griffith College directly online using the Apply Online facility on the website homepage or the button below. Mature applicants will be asked for a copy of their passport.
Fees
For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from the time of application.
Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times; for confirmation, refer to the Intake dates on the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Study Mode: Full-Time
Dublin Main Campus
EUR 6,350.00
Cork
EUR 5,000
Study Mode: Part-Time
Dublin - Main Campus
EUR 4,500.00
Cork
EUR 3,250.00
Study Mode: Blended Learning
EUR 4,500.00 (Dublin)
An Academic Administration Fee of €250 is payable each September at the start of term. For students starting in the January/February term, €125 is payable in February, and then €250 will be payable each September from then onwards.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.
Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.
Flexible payment options
Students wishing to pay their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page for more information and assistance.
Sponsorship
Is your company paying for your course?
They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to the Student Fees Office:
- Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
- Email: accounts@griffith.ie
Cork
- Post: Student Fees, Griffith College, Wellington Road, Cork
- Email: studentfees.gcc@griffith.ie
2% Learner Protection Charge
All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.
QQI Award Fee
Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.
Progression
Academic Progression
Upon successful completion of their honours degree course, graduates may wish to continue their studies with a postgraduate qualification in Griffith College or with one of the many third level institutions in Ireland or abroad.
The Griffith College Graduate Business School offers a portfolio of programmes which may be of interest. The following programmes prepare graduates for the world of international business; at MSc and MBA levels, and in full and part-time modes
- The MSc in International Business Management will develop your skills and knowledge to specialise in key business industries within International Business and learn how to operate a business across borders.
- The MSc in Global Brand Management gives students a thorough grounding in current theoretical brand management concepts, marketing models, and tools, as well as new ways of analysing, assessing and developing brand strategies, campaigns and insights.
- The MSc in Procurement and Supply Chain Management is an award-winning masters programme that is ideal for students wishing to gain industry knowledge of both public and private sector procurement and supply chain management.
Professional Accountancy Exemptions
Graduates of the BA (Hons) in Business at Griffith College can obtain excellent exemptions from the ACCA. You can qualify for up to 6 ACCA exemptions (subject to electives chosen).
Teaching Council of Ireland Recognition
The BA (Hons) in Business at Griffith College is a recognised degree by the Teaching Council of Ireland. This recognition is necessary to apply for the Professional Masters of Education (PME) required for teaching at post-primary level in Ireland.
Applicants wishing to take a select number of modules from the degree for the purpose of gaining additional ECT credits for the Teaching Council of Ireland requirements may do so. Please contact the Admissions Team for further information.
Career Progression
The varied and in-depth content of this programme means that graduate prospects and opportunities are virtually endless. Many graduates of the BA (Hons) in Business have gone on to specialise in areas including management, HRM, finance and marketing. The programme also holds a distinguished record of entrepreneurial graduates who went on to develop their own successful businesses, with some winning prestigious Entrepreneurial Awards.
