Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Operations and Systems Management

Course Overview
Are You Ready to Drive Operational Excellence and Innovation in High-Impact Industries?
The BSc (Honours) in Operations and Systems Management is a one-year Level 8 top-up degree for graduates with a relevant Level 7 qualification. The programme develops advanced skills in operations, lean management, quality, and systems thinking - key for leadership roles in manufacturing and service industries.
With a strong focus on real-world application, you'll explore high-impact topics such as digital transformation, AI integration, and climate sustainability reporting. The course includes four core modules (Lean, Operations, Quality, and Systems & Process Management) and a capstone industry project, preparing you to lead in today’s fast-evolving operational environments.
Why Study Operations and Systems Management at Griffith College?
This flexible, industry-backed programme equips working professionals with the tools to engineer high-performing organisational systems. Delivered in a blended format, it allows you to study while working and apply what you learn immediately.
- Delivered up to 90% online - with just 3 days on-site per semester, this programme offers unmatched flexibility.
- Industry-designed & employer-endorsed – developed with the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers.
- Master system-wide thinking – blend operations management, Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement.
- Practical, hands-on learning – gain real-world fluency in simulation, data analysis, and emerging tech.
- Drive measurable impact – identify bottlenecks, optimise resources, and reduce environmental/social footprints.
- Career-focused cohort – learn alongside ambitious, analytically minded peers from industry.
- Unlock higher earning potential – gain credentials that boost promotions and leadership opportunities.
Intake Dates
- Dublin - Part-Time - September 2025
- Limerick - Part-Time - September 2025
- Dublin - Blended - September 2025
- Limerick - Blended - September 2025
Related Courses
Course Details
Module Information
This module equips you with the tools and techniques to lead quality initiatives that drive performance and customer satisfaction. Learn how to design and implement effective quality systems across a range of organisational settings.
Discover how to streamline operations, cut waste, and boost value. This module builds your skills in applying Lean principles to drive efficiency, reduce cycle times, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
This module provides a solid foundation in the principles, theories, and practices of managing operations across diverse industries. You’ll gain the skills to analyse, design, and optimise processes to improve efficiency and deliver operational excellence. Key areas include service and product delivery, process improvement, and supply chain management—equipping you to lead performance-driven operations in any organisational setting.
This module explores how to manage and improve organisational systems and processes using a structured, systems-thinking approach. You'll learn to analyse workflows, identify inefficiencies, and apply proven tools and methodologies to enhance performance. Through practical application, you'll develop the skills to drive efficiency, effectiveness, and continuous improvement across complex organisational environments.
This final module allows learners to apply their operations and systems management skills in a real-world setting. Working on a live industry project, you'll demonstrate your ability to set objectives, manage resources, monitor progress, and lead effectively, integrating learning from across the programme. With guidance and feedback throughout, you'll gain hands-on experience as both a project leader and team member, building confidence in delivering measurable organisational impact.
Course Contact

- Dublin Main Campus
Lecturers
The BSc (Hons) in Operations and Systems Management is delivered by an experienced team of academic and industry professionals. Led by Programme Director John McDonough, the teaching team combines strong theoretical foundations with real-world expertise in areas such as operations strategy, quality management, systems thinking, and digital transformation. The programme also benefits from guest lectures by industry practitioners, offering students practical insights into current trends and challenges in the field.
Featured Lecturers
John McDonough is Programme Director for Engineering at Griffith College, where he has led curriculum design and academic strategy for more than a decade. An industrial engineer by training, he began his career with Bausch + Lomb before spending 14 years at Intel, progressing from industrial engineer to training manager and spearheading continuous-improvement initiatives across high-volume manufacturing lines. John holds a BA from Loyola University Chicago, an MSc in Industrial Engineering from the University of Nottingham, and a level 9 certification in Teaching and Learning. He brings this blend of advanced technical expertise and frontline management experience to oversee programme quality, industry engagement and student development.
Noel Hennessey is a Senior Director with over 35 years’ experience driving excellence across the medical-device, pharmaceutical and electronics sectors. Since 2003, he has shaped Lake Region Medical’s Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement strategy—work that was later rolled out to the company’s European, U.S. and Asian sites (2014-2017). Under his leadership, LRM became the first European medical-device manufacturer to earn Shingo Institute accreditation (Bronze) and captured the Irish MedTech Company of the Year award, both in 2012.
Recognised globally for his expertise in employee engagement, Lean, and operational excellence, Noel is a frequent keynote speaker at premier industry forums, including the International Shingo Conference and Enterprise Excellence Ireland. He was inducted into the Shingo Academy Hall of Fame in 2023. Noel holds a DBA from the South East Technological University (formerly WIT) and an MSc in Lean Manufacturing from Cardiff University. He lectures on SETU’s MBS in Lean Enterprise Excellence programme and is co-author of Human Lean (2021); he also has a new book with Darrin Taylor and Aidan Walsh currently in development.
Jim O’Sullivan BE, MSc is an engineer, consultant and lecturer with more than 30 years’ experience translating industrial-engineering principles into operational excellence. A Fellow—and current President—of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Jim founded Prime Management Services Ltd in 1992, delivering management-consulting and training solutions across aviation, manufacturing, public services and the wider semi-state sector.
Holding a Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering, an MSc in Operations Management and a postgraduate certificate in Training and Education, he is also an MTM practitioner, certified psychometric tester and accredited mediator. Jim draws on senior leadership roles (Industrial Engineering, Operations and Industrial Relations) in U.S. and Japanese multinationals to bring real-world depth to his teaching on programmes that span Aviation Management, Emergency Services, Engineering and MBA cohorts at South East Technological University, Griffith College and Heriot-Watt University.
Timetables
This programme is offered up to 90% online, making it ideal for learners seeking a flexible study mode.
Click here to view a sample timetable from the 2025/2026 academic year, or view below.
How to Apply
Academic Requirements
You hold an Ordinary Degree (180 ECTS) in a cognate area or equivalent at NFQ level 7
or
Apply with Prior Learning or Experience.
You can apply even without the standard degree if you have:
- Prior certified learning - (Accreditation of Prior Learning - APL)
- Relevant experience - (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning - APEL)
In these cases, you’ll need to submit supporting documentation, and your application
will be assessed by our APL/APEL committee.
Required Documents
- CV
- Valid Photo ID
- Degree Certificate
- Official Academic Transcripts
English Language Proficiency (if applicable)
If English is not your first language, you must provide proof of English proficiency.
(minimum CEF B2+ or equivalent)
Click the button below to start your application now.
Fees
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: Part-Time / Blended
Limerick: €5900.00
Dublin: €5900.00
An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted. The fees relate to Year 1 fees only.
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(PDF file) and send this to the Student Fees Office:
- Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
- Email: accounts@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
Career Progression
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Operations and Systems Management will have a strong basis for professional progression in industrial engineering and management.
Some roles this course may lead to:
- Operations Manager
- Engineering Manager
- QA Manager
- Logistics Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
- Facilities Manager
- Senior/Lead Engineer
- Production Shift Manager
- Director of Operations
- Director of Supply-Chain Management
- Director of Procurement & Sourcing
- Director of Operations
- Director of Operational Risk & Compliance
Academic Progression
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Operations and Systems Management may be considered eligible to join related Level 9 programmes depending on their qualifications, experience and suitability.
