Best Executive MBA Degrees in Ireland

For working professionals who aspire to be business leaders and climb to the very top of the corporate ladder, an Executive MBA from Ireland is an excellent choice. An Executive MBA in Ireland is usually delivered over 2 years as a part-time program and can cost anywhere between EUR 13,000-EUR 25,000 per year (tuition fees). Surprisingly, EMBA programs in Ireland are technically cheaper than studying Executive MBA in Canada, UAE, and even Germany. An Executive MBA degree in Ireland is intended to push your thinking, help you reach your full potential, and give you a rare chance to learn about cutting-edge management theory and practice. 

Numerous business schools in Ireland provide different Executive MBA programs with specializations. Some of these specializations are based on the following major themes:

• Strategic Human Resource Management
• Entrepreneurship & New Venture Creation
• Life Sciences Leadership
• Financial &  Data Analysis
• International Finance
• Cross-Cultural Management and more.

Some EMBA programs in Ireland have received international accreditation from organizations like AACSB, AMBA, or EQUIS, and some are listed in one or more publications that rate the best MBA programs worldwide. Provided as a part-time course over two years, this degree equips the students with crucial knowledge required in the field. 

In this article, Gyanberry aims to give you valuable insights into the Executive MBA degree in Ireland, especially if you’re an international student. Since Irish universities offering the Executive MBA degree are some of the most renowned universities in the world, it becomes essential to meet the eligibility requirements mentioned to get admission into your desired university.

Overview: Best Executive MBA Degrees in Ireland 

To give you a brief overview of the best executive MBA degrees in Ireland, we have curated the below table for your easy perusal.

Why should you pursue Executive MBA in Ireland?

Ireland is home to 4% of the world’s top universities. In addition to that, it is also the one-stop destination for global companies like Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Accenture, etc., which have further made Ireland their European base of operations. Below are listed some of the primary reasons why you should pursue your Executive MBA degree in Ireland as an international student.

• Top Universities: Many of the top universities in Ireland providing MBA to aspiring students have a lot of accreditations, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in the USA, the Association of MBAs (AMBA) in the UK, & EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) in the UK. These are some of the best business schools in Ireland that provide quality and top-notch education for international students pursuing an Executive MBA in Ireland.
• Safety: Ireland is the third-safest country in the world, according to the Global Peace Index Ranking 2022. This makes students’ lives safer and more secure when studying.
• Post-Study Work Permit: International students who have earned a master’s degree at an Irish university can work there for two years after graduation with the help of a post-study work visa in Ireland. Anyone interested in pursuing a job abroad in Ireland should consider this program.
• Global Companies: Numerous multinational corporations (MNCs), including Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and others, have their European headquarters in Ireland. Therefore, visitors from other countries often come and go. Coupled with the practical teaching methods, the provided exposure allows a better hands-on understanding of the concepts in the Executive MBA degree.
• Cost of pursuing the degree: There are a handful of cheap MBA universities in Ireland that offer Executive MBA degrees at economical prices. These universities do not compromise on the quality of courses they provide or the job prospects that ensue!

Top Universities Offering Executive MBA Degrees in Ireland

Some of the top colleges that provide Executive MBA programs in Ireland to international students are listed below for your convenience. Irish universities are among the top 4% in the world. It comes as a boon that the top-ranking universities in Ireland are famous for their Executive MBA courses and are some of the best business schools in Ireland. Most of these universities have also made the top lists for 2023, including the QS World Ranking List and the Times Higher Education Ranking.

Trinity College, Dublin – Trinity Business School

Ireland’s number one college, Trinity College in Dublin, paces to acquire top spots in the Times Higher Education Ranking List and the QS World Top University Rankings. The premier college provides the Executive MBA degree in two categories – the typical part-time Executive MBA and the flexible part-time Executive MBA, which gives you control over when and where you engage. Both courses are delivered over two years. 

The university also provides the Trinity MBA Merit Scholarship to students enrolled in MBA degrees. It is available to applicants who have succeeded in their professional or personal endeavors and are seen as a beneficial addition to a Trinity MBA cohort. The Executive MBA has many electives that can be pursued in both years of studying. These are mentioned below.

• Strategic Human Resource Management
• Entrepreneurship & New Venture Creation
• Strategic Technology Management
• International Finance
• Cross-Cultural Management
• Entrepreneurial Finance

UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School

Being the second-ranking institute in Ireland according to the Times Higher Education Ranking and with rank 181 on the QS World Ranking List, the University College Dublin has a whole different school just for Business aspirants. The UCD Smurfit School’s modular Executive MBA program is a convenient option for those with busy business and personal schedules because it usually only requires two days of attendance per month. 

The course develops the student’s prior knowledge and equips them with practical business knowledge in finance, strategy, marketing, accounting, economics, and human resources. Additionally, each term will begin with a term foundation explaining the modules, requiring four hours of online work from each student. A very effective Leadership Development Program serves as the program’s foundation.

University of Limerick

A research-led and enterprising university, the University of Limerick provides the Executive MBA degree as a part-time course over two years. The core goals of this degree are to improve your grasp of best practices in management, your capacity for strategic thought and action, your leadership and decision-making abilities, and your capacity to recognize and adapt to the dynamics of a changing business environment. 

The UL MBA provides electives in engineering management and aviation management, allowing you to update and expand your knowledge of the critical issues affecting these fields. Moreover, the degree majorly focuses on five major themes, namely:

• Internationalization 
• Managerial Vision and Competencies
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Strategic Thinking 
• Leadership. 

Dublin City University – Business School

Accredited by the Association of MBAs in Ireland, Dublin City University’s Executive MBA program aims to build business executives with ambition, enterprise, and cutting-edge thinking who can produce concrete and sustained results for their organizations by applying their learning. Ireland’s ‘University of Enterprise’ has been consistently recognized in lists of the best young universities in the world.

The course is provided as a part-time course over two years. Participants in the MBA program work on projects and attend action-based workshops in various cities such as Hong Kong, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Boston to gain international exposure.

Technological University Dublin

Standing in the country’s business hub with major companies such as Google, Amazon, Apple, eBay, Twitter, etc., Technological University does not fall short of its co-existing universities. With mentions in top university ranking lists, the university provides the Executive MBA program in two categories – the typical part-time Executive MBA and a specialized Executive MBA in Life Sciences Leadership that provides major life sciences modules and the mainstream Executive MBA courses. 

Both the Executive MBA programs are provided in a part-time mode and a highly flexible manner. The degree provides electives in two fields: Project Management/Enterprise Sustainability and Innovation & Technology Management/Strategic Customer Management. The core modules of study include the following themes:

• Strategy & Leadership
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• Sustainability
• Global Business
• Financial &  Data Analysis
• Emerging Technologies & Data Transformation

Admission Requirements for Pursuing Executive MBA in Ireland for International Students 

Although each institution has its prerequisites for admission, any Irish university providing an MBA program would typically require the following requirements and supporting documentation:

• • At least 3-5 years of professional or managerial work experience
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or any related field from an accredited university
  • Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) scorses should be between 550-600 (Not mandatory)
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Transcripts of Academic results to date
  • Copies of degree certificates
  • Minimum scores on an English proficiency test:  IELTS: at least 6.5; TOEFL: at least 90; PTE: at least 63
  • Letters of reference from previous institutes or places of work
  • Valid Passport
  • Student Visa

Note: Admission and eligibility requirements may vary depending on the university and program chosen.

Cost of Studying Executive MBA in Ireland for International Students

The price of an Executive MBA program in Ireland varies per university. Pre-arrival fees, tuition, and living expenses make up the three main expenses that go towards the overall cost of studying abroad. International students have more vital MBA skills and can look for scholarships to help pay for their studies in Ireland if needed. The price of an Executive MBA degree at several Irish universities is displayed in the table below.

*Fees change depending on availing scholarships, bursaries, and exemplary charges from university to university.

Cost of Living for International Students in Ireland

International students’ annual cost of living in Ireland ranges from 10,000 EUR to 16,000 EUR. This is also based on things like your location, your institution, your overhead costs, your commute, etc. But don’t worry; there are many options to help ease your mind about straining your budget! 

Working part-time in Ireland has become increasingly common due to the self-independence wave that has spread among young people. Part-time employment opportunities abound in Ireland, particularly for university students. Most of these jobs accept students eager to work after university hours, accommodate vacation days, and provide additional benefits! These jobs pay well enough to cover your living costs, allowing you to enjoy your student life and travel freely.

Scholarships for International Students Pursuing Executive MBA in Ireland

The Irish government, colleges, and other organizations offer scholarships in Ireland. Each organization has different requirements for qualifying, and the scholarships are only given at the organization’s discretion. Since Executive MBA is a specialization attributed to the MBA degree, the scholarships available for MBA degrees in most universities also apply to the Executive MBA degree. Some of such scholarships are mentioned below.

*All scholarships are based on academic merit and excellence.

Career Prospects & Salaries for EMBA Graduates of Ireland

An Executive MBA degree from Ireland enables you to work in leadership roles in top global companies and succeed in your career. Companies like Google, Hubspot, Amazon, LinkedIn, EY, KPMG, and many more hire EMBA graduates from top Irish universities. We have tried to list the most mainstream job opportunities in this field. Remember that the salaries offered are just to give you an idea of the compensation, and should not be taken at face value.

*Salaries mentioned are for Ireland employees based on the survey conducted by Glassdoor.

Top Companies Hiring EMBA Graduates from Ireland

Considering that significant specializations are offered in the Executive MBA degree, there is a lot of scope for employment in various sectors. Top global companies strive to set up their European bases in the hustle & bustle of the tech-savvy city of Dublin. Some of these companies that provide jobs after completing your graduation in the Executive MBA program in Ireland are mentioned below.

• Ernst & Young
• Hewlett Packard (HP)
• Facebook Inc.
• Bank of Ireland
• Schneider Electric Ltd.
• Boston Scientific
• Masonite
• Hollister
• Accenture
• Microsoft Corp.
• Ericsson Ltd. and many more.

Conclusion

A postgraduate degree in business is highly recognized worldwide due to the vital need for business professionals in today’s commercial-driven world. Ireland is one of the few countries that offers top-notch higher education in this area. The business sector has many work opportunities because international students can enroll in top colleges and courses.  If not pursuing an Executive MBA degree, there are a lot of cheap MBA universities in Ireland offering MBA degrees with numerous specializations and electives to choose from.

Furthermore, Irish higher education institutions spend their complete efforts on helping foreign students settle in and gain the skills necessary for a productive stay. This makes it simpler to pursue a degree that requires mental effort, like finance. When choosing, budget, academic requirements, on-campus amenities, and international rankings must all be considered. Our admissions counseling services have helped thousands of students get into the colleges and universities of their dreams. For further information, kindly schedule a video consultation with one of our experts. You can also read our blogs to learn more about MBA programs in Germany, UAE, the Netherlands, Canada, and Ireland.