​Study abroad courses in Ireland: Master’s, Diplomas, and MBAs explained

Ireland ​has been ranking as the ​leading​​​ ​study abroad destination​​​ for international students, thanks to its ​world-renowned universities and education system, ​great career and ​immigration opportunities, a​s well as​​​ high quality of life.

​​Although​​​ Ireland may not be the first country that comes to mind when considering study abroad options, ​this culture-rich and scenic island​​ is becoming increasingly popular among international students. ​Below let’s explore some of the top benefits of studying for a master’s degree in Ireland!​​​

One-Year Degree Courses in Ireland

​​Following the successful completion of an undergraduate degree, a postgraduate or masters course in Ireland typically lasts one year, as opposed to the two-year ​master's programs found in many other countries around the world. With an internationally recognized Irish postgraduate degree, students can save time ​and ​money, and start their ​careers​​ much sooner.​

​​​Ireland is a diverse academic environment offering first-rate postgraduate education. Specifically, master’s degrees in Ireland can be divided into 2 categories:

Taught Master​’​s​ Degrees​

Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Engineering (MEng) are the four main types of taught programs, each lasting 1-2 years full-time.

Students on a taught programme are expected to attend weekly seminars, tutorials, and lectures, ​which is ​similar to an undergraduate degree​. However, the successful completion of a dissertation or company project/internship is a common graduation requirement. ​​,​ ​There is also continuous assessment which can be in the formats of examinations, oral tests, or academic papers can be through an exam, dissertation, or project.

Research Master​’​s​ Degrees

A Research degree ​places more emphasis on independent research skills. Students are required to ​submit a thesis ​that makes an original contribution to knowledge in a particular area of study, ​under the supervision of their academic advisor. A ​Ph.D.​​ is ​also considered a​ research degree, and it can take 3-4 years to complete. During that time, students must write a thesis of 60,000 - 100,000 words, followed by an oral defense presentation in front of the research committee.

Options of research degrees in Ireland include ​Master of Science (MSc), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), and Master of Research degrees are also available (MRes). ​Although guided and advised by an expert in the selected field, a postgraduate researcher is expected to manage their research project and deliver a quality thesis on time.

Postgraduate Study ​Tuition Fees ​in Ireland​

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA students cost​ between €10,000 and €30,000 for a postgraduate or master's degree in Ireland. ​The actual costs of studying Master’s in Ireland can vary greatly with the selected programme, chosen study field, and the Irish city you live in. ​

Studying ​MBA ​in Ireland​

​​MBA in Ireland is a 1-2 year degree offered by some of the t​​​op universities and colleges in Ireland​​.​ Another popular form of MBA within Ireland is the executive MBA, which is designed for professionals with prior work experience.

As a student with some work experience, if you are seeking a more challenging and rewarding study abroad journey, there are many advantages to choosing an MBA over Masters in Ireland.

One of them is p​​​eer-to-peer education, ​by engaging experienced business people, the interaction between students of various backgrounds can be priceless. ​​​Meanwhile, during your MBA program, you'll spend an extensive amount of time building connections with fellow students and alumni. These networking benefits can significantly facilitate graduates’ career progress.

Eligibility​ of Studying MBA in Ireland

Students who wish to enroll ​in an MBA course in Ireland ​must meet the requirements listed below.

• You must have completed a three- to four-year undergraduate program​me​ in a relevant field. 
• Your degree must be ​accredited by​ a reputable university. ​Alternatively​​​, the ​candidate should​​​ have a significant track record of business success.
• ​​​GMAT, GRE or equivalent admission test​​​​ 
• TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE English proficiency tests are required for applicants.
• The ideal candidate must have 3-5 years of work experience. 

​MBA ​Tuition Fees ​in Ireland​

An MBA in Ireland ​ranges from​​​ €10,000 and €15,000 per year for international students. In Dublin, there are several schools with the lowest tuition fees.​ For instance, an MBA programme offered by IBAT college costs around €4,000 per year. In comparison, UCD Smurfit school costs around €29,000 per year.​

Diploma ​C​​​ourses​ in Ireland​

Diplomas are typically awarded by community or technical colleges. Diploma programs take less time to complete than bachelor's or associate degree programs, making them an excellent choice for those looking to advance their careers.​ That being said, students who want to further their education after obtaining a bachelor’s degree may want to pursue a Master's.​

Best Masters Program​me​s to Study in Ireland for 2023

Universities in Ireland provide a wide range of specializations and courses​; they are recognized internationally by leading academic bodies​​. ​Pursuing a Master’s degree helps graduates start a new career in their chosen professional field. It also expands their knowledge of fields related to their current areas of professional specialization.

​​Among the extensive choice of courses provided by the high-quality education system in Ireland, finding the best university and programme for your dream job can be challenging. Below is our curated list of some of the most popular Master's courses in Ireland; we hope this helps inspire your perfect choice!

1. ​MSc in ​Computer Science

Choose Computer Science if you want to learn how computers work and how to create ​a ​cutting-edge ​software product or solution​​. ​Programming is an essential part of postgraduate courses in computer science, ​where ​you'll learn advanced data tools​, ​algorithms, databases, networks, ​​cryptography, ​and​ important ​soft ​skills like critical thinking and communication.

​​For instance, the ​Computer Science ​programme​ ​offered by​​​ Dublin City University places a strong emphasis on software engineering, which is the process of writing, modifying, and maintaining software systems. In the second year, you'll study DevOps and full​-​​ ​stack development, as well as use Git for all of your project work​. Through these practical teaching approaches and hands-on training, students will acquire knowledge and skills that are applicable to real-life situations.

A software engineering degree sets you up with technical IT skills that are in high demand and can be used in various IT and web-based careers, such as​​​ software engineers and systems analysts​. S​​o a world of opportunity awaits you once you complete this course!

2. ​MSc in ​Data Science

The MSc in Data Science and Analytics is a 12-month conversion course that teaches students how to collect, process, analyze, and visualize data in order to extract useful information, explore patterns, and evaluate models.

​​Take the Data Science programme at Maynooth University​ for example. ​Students ​will learn programming, statistics, and database skills, followed by an advanced module on statistical machine learning. ​Beyond practical, professional skills, ​​t​he course covers the social and ethical implications of data use, as well as the implications for business and government. Case ​s​​​tud​​​ies​ ​is also a crucial part of this programme, where students learn how to apply theory in practice and how to induce theory from practice ​in the context of various industries. They will also ​polish their skills in ​​report writing, presentation skills, and teamwork.

3. ​MSc in ​Business Analytics

This program is ​designed​​​ for business innovators and leaders, as well as data engineers transitioning to management positions​​​. I​t provides a roadmap for successfully leveraging analytics and big data to bridge the gap between analytical concepts and​ ​practical business ​value​s​ that ​professionals can contribute​​​. 

​​Take the Business Analytics programme​ at Trinity College Dublin​ for instance.​ ​It​​ cover​s​ a variety of topics​, including​​ big data strategy development and management, identifying opportunities within AI and predictive analytics, exploring new big data sources such as text and network data, aligning big data strategy with technology, and the automation of business processes using predictive analysis.

4. Digital Marketing

This program is designed for marketing professionals who want to expand their​ knowledge and skill set​ in today’s digital world​. It is also appropriate for professionals working in the digital industry who want to improve their ​marketing and/or ​managerial skills and ​learn how to generate​​ strategic insights​ from marketing data​.

​​MSc in Digital Marketing offered by​ University College Dublin (UCD)​ is one of the most popular postgraduate courses in Ireland. ​​​It ​is designed for marketing professionals who want to gain a deep understanding and high level of competence in the use of digital marketing tools and techniques. The combination of strategic, analytical, and practical elements will ​help graduates stand out in the competitive digital job market.

​​Ireland is a perfect destination for international students who are seeking a world-class education. Here at IDP, w​​e can give you personalized advice on ​pursuing a master’s degree, studying for an MBA, or taking part in professional diploma courses​ in Ireland. Contact IDP today for assistance with the study abroad application process!