Edinburgh Business School Heriot-Watt MBA
Course Overview
An MBA Designed for Working Professionals
Develop the skills and insight to lead with confidence through an MBA from Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University, delivered in partnership with Griffith College. Strengthen your strategic thinking and management expertise while learning from experienced academics and industry professionals.
Why Study Business Administration at Griffith College
Advance your career with an internationally recognised MBA from Griffith College, delivered in partnership with Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University.
Study part-time through flexible online learning, with live evening classes and recorded sessions that fit around your schedule. Develop practical skills in leadership, strategy and financial decision-making, and tailor your studies to you goals.
Graduates earn a globally accredited Level 9 qualification and join an international community of Griffith College and Heriot-Watt alumni working in leading organisations worldwide.
Intake Dates
- Limerick - Blended - September 2025
- Online - Blended - January 2026
- Limerick - Blended - September 2026
Course Details
Course Details
The MBA at Griffith College is delivered part-time over two years and is designed to fit around the schedule of working professionals. All classes are delivered live online in the evenings, with recordings available for later viewing. Students are encouraged to allow additional time for reading, research and independent study to make the most of the programme.
The structure is flexible, with modules delivered on a rotating basis throughout the academic year. This means that students joining in different intakes study the same nine core modules, but in varying order depending on when they enter the programme.
Throughout their studies, students are supported in developing effective time management, critical thinking and applied business skills that can be immediately used in their professional environments.
Programme Structure and Awards
The MBA is awarded by Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University and is structured around three progressive postgraduate awards. Students automatically build toward the full MBA as they complete each stage.
Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration
Awarded after successful completion of any three MBA courses. (at least one mandatory module)
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration
Awarded after successful completion of six courses in total. (at least one mandatory module)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Awarded after successful completion of nine courses in total.
This final stage consolidates learning and focuses on applying theory to complex strategic, leadership and organisational challenges.
Upon completion, graduates earn a globally recognised MBA, positioned at Level 9 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications and Level 11 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.
MBA Course Modules
All students complete the following nine core courses:
- People, Work and Organisations
- Leadership Theory and Practice
- Delivering Successful Projects
- Financial Decision Making
- Strategic Marketing
- Developing and Executing Strategy
- Economics for Business
- Business Negotiation
- Entrepreneurship and Creativity
Course Syllabus
This course develops the students' appreciation for factors that influence how people behave at work and how these link to performance. Emphasis is placed on understanding individual differences, how these differences affect group dynamics and how organisational factors affect individual behaviour. Students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to positively impact individual, team and organisational performance in a variety of dynamic organisational contexts.
This course equips managers and business professionals with the knowledge, skills and competence to manage projects effectively using integrative concepts, tools and techniques. The fundamental concepts of the project management discipline are covered including how to set the decision-making mindset and how to assist organisations in materialising their strategic and change objectives.
The course critically examines the concept of leadership in organisations, explores major theoretical developments in how leadership is understood and provides opportunities for managers to reflect on real-life leadership issues. Across eight modules, key developments in leadership theories and how they apply to modern organisations are explored. The course hones in on some example settings for practice, including creative industries and projects, to explore alternative approaches to leadership. The role of leadership in setting and shaping organisational strategy is also examined, and contemporary issues of gender, culture and ethics are discussed.
This course introduces students to fundamental economic concepts and the workings of the market system. Different market structures and their impact on organisations are reviewed and the role of government in the economy is examined. Macroeconomics is explored in the context of business impact and decision-making and international economic issues are also discussed.
The philosophy underlying this course is that marketing-oriented companies put customers first, are geared for long-term success and that this orientation must be championed by top management and infused throughout the whole organisation. Students are introduced to the requisite strategic marketing techniques such as strategic analysis and planning, implementation - via a number of integrated and synergistic marketing functions and activities - and marketing control, aided by an array of marketing metrics and digital developments.
The course begins with a closer look at the current ‘financial landscape’ before examining the application of financial and management accounting tools relevant to critical financial decisions. These tools include: key performance indicators, break-even analysis, working capital management techniques and the budgeting process. Students also examine financial management techniques and consider the decisions that organisations face on investment, finance and dividend, and how an organisation ultimately makes those decisions.
This course is the capstone course in the online MBA programme. The core areas of strategic management are covered and the general management setting is used to integrate ideas across the core disciplines covered in the other MBA courses. Developing and Executing Strategy examines the evolution of management and academic thinking around strategy and strategic management over the past 50 years, reviews the diversity of contemporary strategy theory and practice and examines the role of strategy in the management of different types of organisations.
The course then examines different aspects of strategy including strategic intent, analysis, strategic options and implementation. The other management disciplines such as: leadership, organisational behaviour, economics, marketing and finance are also considered. Finally, an integrative framework for strategic decision-making is presented, which facilitates a holistic approach to complex business and management issues.
Available Shortly
Available Shortly
Course Contacts
- Limerick
Lecturers
Timetables
Timetables
September- December 2025
January - April 2026
Entrepreneurship and Creativity (Available soon)
Leadership, Theory and Practice (Available soon)
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
The programme is open to residents across the island of Ireland (all 32 counties).
Applicants should normally hold a recognised honours degree (first or second class) or an equivalent professional qualification.
Candidates who do not meet this requirement may still be considered if they can demonstrate relevant management experience or Level 7 qualification with evidence of prior learning.
Applicants whose first language is not English may be asked to provide evidence of English proficiency, such as IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
How to Apply
Applying for the MBA is simple:
- Complete the online application form using the Apply Now button on this page.
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Prepare your supporting documents – for example:
- A copy of your passport or driving licence
- Academic transcripts or professional certificates
- An up-to-date CV
You don’t need to upload these right away; they can be provided later in the process.
- Submit your application.
Once received, a member of our Admissions Team will contact you within three working days to confirm next steps and request any additional information if required.
If you have questions at any stage, contact our MBA Admissions Team at [email protected]
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.
Fees & Funding
The MBA is designed to be flexible, both in how you study and how you pay.
You can pay per module or per semester, as you progress through the programme. This allows you to spread the cost of your studies over time in a way that suits your schedule and budget.
Alternatively, you can pay your tuition in full on commencement of the programme.
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Per Module: €1,900 per module
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Per Semester: €3,800 per semester
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Full Programme Fee: €17,100 (for nine modules in total)
There is no application fee, and applying does not commit you to enrolling.
A €500 non-refundable deposit is required only once you accept your place and complete registration.
Funding Opportunities
This programme has been approved by Next Level Skillnet for a potential fee subsidy of up to 45% for eligible students.
Funding is available to employees of companies that are members of the Next Level Skillnet Network and who meet the eligibility criteria. Please note that funding is limited and cannot be guaranteed.
To learn more or check if your organisation is a member, visit:
www.nextlevel.ie

All fees are subject to annual review by Griffith College and Heriot-Watt University.
How do we become a member?
Click the link below for more information on Skillnet membership.
Progression
Academic Progression
Graduates of this course have the option to continue their studies at Griffith College. We offer a number of options including:
- Postgraduate Diploma in International Business and Law
- Postgraduate Diploma in International Business
- Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting and Finance Management
You can contact our admissions team to discuss what progression options are available to you.
Career Progression
The MBA supports professionals who want to take the next step in their careers, whether that means moving into management, changing industry or developing the skills to lead their own business.
Graduates finish the programme with a broader understanding of strategy, finance, leadership and decision-making, and the confidence to apply these skills in complex business settings.
Common career paths for MBA graduates include:
- Senior management and leadership positions
- Business development and strategy roles
- Operations and project management
- Financial planning and analysis
- Human resource and talent management
- Product and brand management
- Consulting and business analysis
- Entrepreneurship and start-up ventures
Graduates have progressed to roles including Business Development Manager, Financial Analyst, HR Manager, Operations Manager, Product Manager and Management Consultant, working across sectors in Ireland and abroad.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a flexible globally recognised program, blending academic rigor with practical business insights, tailored for real-world applicability.
Yes, the program is recognised at Level 9 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications
The program is flexible, typically taking 2 years to complete, but can be extended for those balancing work or personal commitments.
Candidates typically need a recognised undergraduate degree (Level 8), or a Level 7 qualification with management experience. Professional Certifications are also taken into consideration. An up to date C.V is required as part of the application process.
Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency through an IELTS assessmen
Yes, the program is delivered part-time from Griffith College Limerick. 1-2 evenings per week. If you can’t attend classes in person, classes are available live, online, providing flexibility for professionals.
The curriculum includes core business disciplines like Economics, Finance, Marketing, and Leadership. More details can be found under Course Details at https://griffith.ie/mba
The MBA programme is only available to Irish/EU students or anyone holding a Stamp 4 Visa in the Republic of Ireland.
The program is modular, allowing students to study at their own pace, with a focus on self-directed learning. Each module has one evening class per week delivered over 13 weeks.
With the exception of the entrepreneurship course, all courses are examined by written examination. Assessment includes objective questions (where appropriate), case studies and essays. All courses are examined three times per year aligned to Heriot-Watt University's two semesters and the summer period. Exams are open book and take place over a 24hr period.
The MBA is designed to be flexible, both in how you study and how you pay.
You can pay per module or per semester, as you progress through the programme. This allows you to spread the cost of your studies over time in a way that suits your schedule and budget.
Alternatively, you can pay your tuition in full on commencement of the programme.
- Per Module: €1,900 per module
- Per Semester: €3,800 per semester
- Full Programme Fee: €17,100 (for nine modules in total)
There is no application fee, and applying does not commit you to enrolling.
A €500 non-refundable deposit is required only once you accept your place and complete registration.
Yes. This course has been approved by Next Level Skillnet for a fees subsidy of up to 40% for students whose company is a member of the Next Level Skillnet Network and who meet their eligibility criteria.
Please note that we cannot guarantee funding as there are only a limited number of subsidies available.
How can your company sign up?
Graduates can pursue leadership roles across various sectors, leveraging their enhanced managerial and strategic skills.
The curriculum includes case studies, practical assignments, and projects to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.
Students have access to a range of support services, including academic guidance and career advice through the Griffith College support Network.
The program offers vast networking opportunities, including interactions with a global student body and alumni network.
While not a requirement, professional experience is valued as it contributes to a richer learning environment.
You can apply online through the College’s application portal at https://www.griffith.ie/apply-online/course/3495
There are two intakes for the program, January and September each year.
Who Can I Contact for More Information About the MBA Program?
For detailed information or advice on the Heriot-Watt MBA programme please contact us at [email protected]