Modular Executive MBA

Overview

As an aspirational business leader, your time is at a premium but don’t let that stop you advancing your career. With typically only two days attendance required each month, the modular Executive MBA from UCD Smurfit School is the flexible choice for those with busy professional and personal schedules. Full schedule of dates available here.

Unlock your leadership potential with one of the world’s leading business schools. It’s your future, on your terms.

[email protected] - our MBA Admissions Manager can answer all your queries. Email [email protected]. The Smurfit modular EMBA provides an unequalled opportunity to develop your leadership skills, accelerate your career and build your network whilst applying what you are learning in real-time in the workplace. 

Why consider a Modular Executive MBA?

Flexibility is the distinguishing feature of the modular Executive MBA programme, allowing busy executives and managers to progress their careers (managing personal and professional responsibilities) while gaining an EMBA from UCD Smurfit School. This programme is really well suited to those juggling demanding careers and for those with young families as well as those based outside of Dublin looking to study at UCD.

One of the main advantages of Smurfit’s modular EMBA in terms of time management is the freedom it gives to participants to plan ahead. Dates are locked in and modules are typically spread out evenly over the course of the programme, which allows participants to make fixed arrangements with colleagues and employers before the start of the programme. Another feature is that the flexible delivery also allows for participants to come from further afield nationally. Typically students will be on campus once a month (Friday and Saturday) and will undertake a number of week-long modules over the course of the two year programme.

The curriculum is similar to that of our other Smurfit MBA programmes. The programme builds on students’ previous experience and gives practical skills in business topics such as finance, strategy, marketing, accounting, economics and human resources. Students will also undertake a term foundation at the start of each term to introduce modules as well as complete four hours per module online. The programme is underpinned by a very strong Leadership Development Programme.

On Campus Class Hours

Friday and Saturday (occasional additional Thursdays for the Leadership Development Programme):

8.30am - 6.30pm

Programme Structure Summary

Year 1

• 4 days Foundation Week - Two days programme orientation and preparation 
• 2 additional days Leadership Development Programme (December and May)
• 8 core modules (160 hours face to face classroom hours) 
• 32 online hours (4hours per module)
• 1-week optional travel summer module (additional cost for this module)
• Ongoing dedicated MBA careers support

   Year 2

• 2 days Foundation (including Leadership Development Programme)
• 2 additional days Leadership Development Programme (December and May)
• 7 core modules (140 hours face to face classroom hours) 
• 28 online hours (4 hours per module)
• 1 optional travel module in March 2023 (additional cost for this module)
• 1 optional GNAM Network week travel module June 2023
• 1 final Capstone Project – live company project
• Ongoing dedicated MBA careers support

Curriculum Overview

Year 1

• Foundation Week - Programme Orientation and Autumn Term - 4 days 
• Marketing Management
• Financial Reporting 
• Competitive Strategy
• December Leadership Development Day
• Leadership and Organisational Behaviour
• Spring Term Foundation
• Management Accounting
• Operations and Supply Chain Management 
• Strategies for HR 
• May Leadership Development Day 
• Corporate Finance
• Global Business Environments (optional credit bearing one week travel module. Additional costs for participation)

Year 2

• Autumn Term Foundation - 2 days 
• Leading the Innovative Enterprise
• Investment Management
• Business and Society
• December Leadership Development Day
• Global & Corporate Strategy
• Spring Term Foundation
• Data Analytics 
• Doing Business in International Markets (optional credit bearing one week travel module. Additional costs for participation)
• Entrepreneurship
• May Leadership Development Day 
• Negotiations
• GNAM Network Week (optional non-credit)
• Capstone Project

Please be advised that the above reflects the 2022/2023 curriculum structure and is subject to change each year. Option modules listed are indicative of what has been delivered in previous years and are also subject to change.

- A university degree*

- A minimum of three years’ quality professional experience (excluding summer placements, part-time or temporary work experience) at the time of application.

- A valid score on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). GMAT score of 520 or above required.

- An average IELTS score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.5 in each band on the Academic Version.

OR

- A minimum score of 100 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iTB) with minimum score 24 in Writing, and minimum score 20 in Reading, Listening and Speaking components.