Postgraduate Diploma in International Business and Law
Course Overview
This flexible Diploma Course offers a global insight into business management and law.
The Postgraduate Diploma in International Business and Law enables students to develop the skills required to become independent-minded, knowledgeable and innovative business managers with a core grounding in International Law.
Why Study Business & Law at Griffith College
The Postgraduate Diploma in International Business and Law is available on a full basis, taught over one calendar year. The programme combines the core operational and organisational aspects of international business management with advanced theoretical and practical legal knowledge, allowing students to develop a solid grounding in the twin disciplines of international business and law. Taught by experienced practitioners and research staff in both the Graduate Business School and the Law Faculty, the programme is designed for holders of an undergraduate business or law degree.
- Students will develop the skills and knowledge necessary for further study in International Business.
- Students will learn through an interactive teaching style that encourages significant contributions and presentations in class in order to promote the exchange of ideas and build confidence.
- Students will have the opportunity to display their managerial ability and the application of skills and knowledge in the workplace through the completion of individual management competency reports.
- A flexible study model gives students the option of either part-time study with class size, structure and assessment tailored to each individual module.
- For the business graduate, it offers the opportunity to gain the understanding necessary to fully participate in complex legal transactions and to anticipate and manage legal issues as they arise in the international business arena.
- For the law graduate, it provides the basis for the acquisition and development of business acumen and to fully appreciate the influence that trade and international law issues have on management decision-making and operations.
- Students will have the option to further their studies with progression onto our MSc in International Business and Law.
- Delivered from Dublin but available to applicants nationwide.
Intake Dates
- Dublin - Full-Time - September 2025
Meet the lecturers
Sana lectures in International Privacy and Data Protection Law. She is an experienced attorney (qualified Barrister-at-Law), author and lecturer-in-law in Privacy, Corporate Governance and Anti-Money Laundering. Sana is IAPP qualified and has the following data protection qualifications: CIPP/E, CIPP/US and CIPM. Sana is also a Fellowship in Privacy (FIP). Learn more
Course Details
Core Modules
The primary objective of this module is to impart a critical understanding of the structure, objectives and mechanisms of corporate governance, and the legal and other issues affecting systems by which corporations are directed and controlled.
Typical international commercial transactions involve numerous contracts over national boundaries. The objective of the module is to make participants familiar with the key contracts and institutions in international commerce. Learners examine private international law (conflict of laws) issues, international contract terms (INCOTERMS), and the Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) and UNIDROIT principles as they apply to international contracts. Attention is paid to the role of the WTO as it is considered one of the most important developments in the history of international trade law. GATT is another significant area upon which there is significant focus.
The aim of this module is for the learner to develop a practical understanding of the role and goals of financial accounting, management accounting and financial management and be able to apply them to business situations. Within the delivery of the module, the lecturer will provide learners with the analytical tools necessary for determining the financial implications of business activities and decisions in an entrepreneurial context. Learners develop skills in the use of a variety of accounting techniques, with particular emphasis on the interpretation of, and use of accounting information for decisionmaking within the organisational context.
This module introduces and develops the concepts, perspectives and tools associated with the discipline of strategy formulation and development. It provides conceptual understanding and places the concepts and tools within the complexities of undertaking business in different industrial and market contexts, countries and cultures. As well as providing the learner with a core body of knowledge of strategy, the module aims to go beyond the prescriptive “toolbox” approach to strategy making, and develop and instil in the learner an appreciation of the complexities, subtleties and behavioural factors that fundamentally shape what businesses do and why.
Within this module, learners will develop an understanding of the nature, purpose and value of business and commercial research. The learner will be guided on how to conduct a critical literature review using best practice in developing a critical approach. Through the module, workshops will be provided covering the various primary data techniques. Learners develop a knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods and understand how these can be usefully employed in carrying out a research dissertation. Learners can make a strong argument and defend their work in a professional manner. Learners are equipped with a well-developed research proposal which will direct their dissertation research.
This module aims to introduce and improve learners’ knowledge and understanding of human resource management within the context of a professional services firm (PSF). Within this module, important aspects of people management are assessed, from understanding the theoretical principles underpinning HR practice, to critically analysing concepts, approaches, frameworks and practice models in HRM. From a business development and strategy perspective, the impact of globalisation and technological developments in the field of professional services are also explored. Overall, the emphasis in this module is on exploring the particular characteristics of management of employees and other resources in PSFs.
Electives
This module aims to provide learners with an understanding of the nature of enterprise and entrepreneurship and introduces the role of the entrepreneur, innovation and technology in the entrepreneurial process.
This module focuses on an analysis of principal features of the international tax law system, from the perspective of Irish and EU law. The module looks generally at the main theories, concepts and principles of international tax law and then more particularly at the main substantive areas of the subject such as public international law and taxation, the OECD Model Income Tax Convention and EU law as it affects member states’ tax systems.
This module provides a broad overview of the legal and practical aspects underpinning International Commercial Arbitration. The objective of any arbitration is to resolve a dispute. To facilitate resolution, all unnecessary obstacles need to be removed. In the context of international disputes there can be many obstacles, such as language barriers, different jurisdictions, different legal principles etc. To alleviate these difficulties a number of international instruments have been enacted throughout the years culminating in the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law in 1985.
The objectives of this module are twofold. Firstly, it seeks to develop within the learner an in-depth understanding of the economic and political basis for the internal market of the European Union and the laws that ensure its operation. Secondly, it requires the learner to critically analyse the European Union’s policies in the sphere of competition law. The module will address a number of current legal issues in the development of the Internal Market, such as the future of the Eurozone, the position of Public Services and the impact of the developing jurisprudence on Citizenship. The learner is encouraged to critically assess the basis for competition law within the EU and engage with academic commentary and court decisions to determine whether the overall policy goals are being met.
We are living with an ever-increasing societal and commercial dependence on technology. This brings with it many advantages but also disadvantages. One such disadvantage relates to the issue of data protection of natural persons. This was at the forefront of the European Commission when it proposed the need to update the European Union’s (“EU”) approach to data protection. The growth in technology, development of cloud-based solutions, the international use of technology products and the fact that there were vast differences amongst member states in implementing the EU Data Protection Directive of 1995 (“1995 Directive”) highlighted why the 1995 Directive was quickly becoming out of date.
This module provides a detailed overview of the principles regarding the key aspects of intellectual property law: international copyright, patents, design rights, trademark and passing off, and misappropriation of personality and publicity and privacy rights. Case law illustrating the application of these principles along with international treaties dealing with intellectual property is addressed. The module seeks to enhance the learner’s ability to apply theoretical aspects of the jurisprudence to real life situations through the use of case studies.
At a time of emergence from crisis on the global markets, this module seeks to enable learners to address the major regulatory and contractual aspects of financial services law. The module deals with the institutional structures created to protect international financial transactions. There is a particular focus on the impact that European Union legislation is having on the area, with a number of the key regulations being examined in detail. There is also a strong emphasis on the 2008 financial crisis and the impact that it has had on the financial services industry. The module is suitable for those seeking to work in law firms that have international financial services as a significant part of their workload, but also for those who hope to work directly in the financial services sector.
Timetables
The Postgraduate Diploma in International Business and Law will consist of two or three semesters that will take place over 12 to 18 months.
Full-time
The full-time programme is delivered over two semesters and classes will take place Monday-Friday, between 9am and 6pm.
Part-time
The part-time programme is delivered over three semesters. Each semester will follow this structure:
- Initial six weeks – three evenings per week, 6.30pm-9pm; online
- Following six weeks – three weekend workshops, Saturday 10am-4pm (subject to change); on campus
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for this programme is a minimum of 2.2 honours undergraduate degree (level 8) in a business or law-related discipline.
Non-business graduates with relevant work experience may apply on the basis of their experiential learning. Please contact the admissions team to find out more.
Accreditation of Prior Learning and Prior Experience (APL/APEL)
The Graduate Business School welcomes applications from those with prior academic and/or professional learning experience which may be relevant to the PGDip in International Business and Law programme. Applicants who wish for their prior academic and/or professional learning experience to be considered are requested to indicate this at the time of application and we will be happy to examine all of the relevant documentation accordingly.
English Language
Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. Please see here for further details.
How to Apply
Applicants should apply directly to Griffith College.
As part of your application, you may be asked to provide supporting documents, including:
- Proof of ID (passport)
- Undergraduate Degree Award and Transcripts
- Up to date and detailed CV
- Documents supporting funding eligibility
If applicable:
- Translation of both degree award and transcripts
- Current GNIB
- Proof of English proficiency
Fees
For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from the time of the application.
Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times. For confirmation, refer to the intake dates in the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Study Mode: Full-Time
Dublin: EUR 8,150.00
Study Mode: Full-Time
Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Dublin
Non-EU living in Ireland or abroad: 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.
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.
A 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted. The fees above 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 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.
General Fee Information
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.
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
On completion of the level 9 Postgraduate Diploma in International Business and Law students may progress onto the MSc dissertation stage of the programme.
You can contact our admissions team to discuss what progression options are available to you.
Career Progression
Through the Postgraduate Diploma in International Business you will have gained valuable professional experience, built a strong foundation of communication and presentation skills, and covered a diverse range of topics. There is a wide range of career options for our graduates including:
- Business Development Specialist
- HR Manager
- Business Analyst
- Product Manager
- Operations Manager
- Market Research Analyst
- Global Brand Advertising Manager
- Management Analyst
- International Accountant
- Global Economist
