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Business – BBus (Hons)

  • CAO Points: 278

  • Location: Athlone

  • years: 4


Course Overview

This course will open up a broad range of opportunities in terms of your future career direction. Combining studies within the core business disciplines, with the benefits of practical experience gained through the work placement element of this course, you will be provided with an opportunity to consolidate and apply business skills within a business setting. This will offer you a distinct advantage in securing graduate employment.

You will have the opportunity to study a wide range of business-related subjects, while still having the benefit of selecting the key subject options, known as electives, that interest you most throughout your studies. In addition, you will benefit from a 20-week industry placement in third year, which will afford you the opportunity to put into practice the knowledge you will have acquired in the classroom. You will also participate in a business consultancy capstone project in final year where you will work as part of a consultancy team alongside dedicated lecturers and mentors to solve real world business issues and pitch your ideas to senior company managers and owners. This equips you with a skillset which will be of great value to you when applying for graduate internships and training schemes in the job market.

The option to further internationalise your learning experience by undertaking a semester or year abroad at one of our many partner universities is open to you. All TUS students are further encouraged to apply for several funded Short Advanced Programmes (SAPs) within our RUN-EU network of partner universities. These allow for blended, online and in person opportunities to network, travel and collaborate with students and staff from all over Europe.

Furthermore, you will develop your IT skills through the use of a variety of relevant software application packages.

Students who successfully pass the modules of Insurance and Personal General Insurance as part of their TUS Business programme may gain the following exemptions from The Insurance Institute of Ireland. CIP-01: The Nature of Insurance as part of the Accredited Product Adviser (APA) / Certified Insurance Practitioner (CIP) and CIP-03: Personal General Insurances as part of the Accredited Product Adviser (APA) / Certified Insurance Practitioner (CIP).  These exemptions may be from the designation and/or the qualification, depending on the TUS programme completed. Visit Exemptions | The Insurance Institute of Ireland for details.

Contact Details

Dr. Alison Sheridan

Head of Department

Email: Alison.Sheridan@tus.ie

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate

Grade H5 at higher level in two subjects, plus Grade 06/H7 at ordinary level in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate. Two of these subjects must be Mathematics and a language (English or Irish). It is not a requirement to have studied Business, Economics or Accounting to Leaving Certificate level to apply for this degree.

QQI (FETAC):

Any QQI level 5 award with a minimum of Distinction grade in three modules.

Further Education/Prior Learning Applicants
Applications will also be considered for Direct/Advanced Entry from those with a FETAC Level 5/6 qualification (or equivalent) and/or relevant prior learning. Click here to learn more.

Mature Applicants

Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Course Modules

  • Critical Skills for Learning

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to provide students with the key skills, attitudes and competencies required of an undergraduate to ensure their success during their learning journey. Emphasis is placed on the person and on their personal identity, developing a sense of awareness of what it means to be an undergraduate student and a recognition of the need for life-long learning.

  • Microeconomic Principles

    Credits: 5

    “Microeconomics studies individual choice, consumers and firms being the subjects of this choice. This module aims to introduce students to the core principles and terminology of microeconomics and its role in business. Students will develop a range of economic analytical skills including numerical, graphical and modelling methods that can be applied in a variety of business careers.”

  • Introduction to Management

    Credits: 5

    The aim of the module is to provide students with an understanding of how management practice and human behaviour in organisational settings can contribute to the success of an organisation. Students will learn how to apply motivation theory to workplace situations and gain an understanding of how group dynamics influence organisational behaviour and management practices.

  • Financial Accounting 1A

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to provide an understanding of elementary financial accounting. It introduces the learner to the concepts and principles of financial accounting. Learners undertake reconciliation of accounts, double entry bookkeeping and prepare a Trial Balance. Finally, learners will prepare an Income Statement and a Statement of Financial Position for a sole trader.

  • Business Mathematics

    Credits: 5

    This module is designed to equip Business Studies students with the essential quantitative techniques necessary for business, management and finance. Topics will include assessing investment proposals, applying statistical measures to data and using linear regression and correlation to assess the nature and strength of relationships between business variables

  • Entrepreneurial Skills

    Credits: 5

    The aim of the module is to equip students with an effective skill set for embarking on entrepreneurial activity.

  • French 1.1 (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    This module will provide students with an introduction to French and to the culture of the countries in which it is spoken. It broadly corresponds to Level A1 on the CEFR.

  • Spanish 1.1 (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    This module will provide students with an introduction to Spanish and to the culture of the countries in which it is spoken.

  • Fundamentals of Marketing

    Credits: 5

    The module introduces students to real-world marketing strategies and tools used by practitioners to create and effectively market products and services in today’s dynamic business environment. Students will gain an insight into marketing as a profession, what types of skills marketers need, as well as the role marketing plays within businesses today. This module aims to provide students with a basic introduction to the marketing environment, the marketing mix, market research, and the role of sustainable marketing in a global society.

  • Macroeconomic Principles

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to introduce students to the core principles and terminology of macroeconomics and its role in business. Students will develop a range of economic analytical skills using numerical, graphical and modelling methods. By applying core economic principles through case studies and business scenarios, students will develop skills that can be applied in a variety of modern business careers. This module will provide students with a foundation to undertake study and research in further economic modules at level 7 and 8, here in TUS and/or as ERASMUS and RUN EU students.

  • Computer Applications

    Credits: 5

    This module will introduce the student to the practical elements of Information Technology and file management. Together with instruction in the use and application of Microsoft Applications software, this ensures the student is competently prepared to produce business documents, reports, presentations, spreadsheets and emails. Proficiency in the use of internationally recognised software will provide opportunities for the student to work across sectors, multi-nationals and globally.

  • Financial Accounting 1B

    Credits: 5

    This module builds on students’ knowledge acquired in Financial Accounting 1A. Learners will prepare final accounts of limited companies and analyse the performance of organisations from a profitability, liquidity and long term solvency perspective. Students will also prepare control accounts and suspense accounts.

  • Banking (Elective)

    Credits: 10

    The aim of this module is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the role and function of banking institutions, personal and business banking products and services.

  • Sales and Selling (Elective)

    Credits: 10

    This module focuses on helping students to develop personal selling skills and to evaluate strategies for influencing others in face to face and online contexts.

  • European Business Studies (Elective)

    Credits: 10

    This module aims to introduce the student to the European model of economy and society and provide the student with the skills to analyse key developments and challenges in the evolution of European integration, from the post World War II foundation of the European Coal and Steel Community to the present day. This module also explores the major European policy areas and its institutions as well as Ireland’s experience since becoming a member state.

  • French 1.2 (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    This module will provide student with the practical language and other relevant language skills they need to survive when travelling in countries where French is spoken. It broadly corresponds to Level A1 on the CEFR.

  • Spanish 1.2 (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    This module will provide students with the practical language and other relevant skills they need to survive when travelling in countries where Spanish is spoken. It broadly corresponds to Level A1 on the CEFR.

  • Introduction to HRM

    Credits: 10

    This module should enable the student to acquire an understanding of the importance of effective human resource management to the success of an organisation. It will also identify the interpersonal skills which contribute to the student’s efficiency and effectiveness in the work environment. It will facilitate the student to apply theory and knowledge to real situations.

  • Information Technology and Computer Applications

    Credits: 5

    The module covers the importance of data, information, and data security within an organisation, including common security threats and the measures used to address them. Students also explore modern working environments and technologies such as cloud computing and spreadsheet packages. In addition, they gain hands‑on experience with fundamental spreadsheet features and may have the opportunity to earn a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification in Excel.

  • Business Law

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces students to the sources of law, the structure and practice of the administration of law in Ireland. It also explores the essential elements of business law and the manner in which contract law, tort law, data protection laws and employment law are administered. This module will enable students to apply legal concepts and legal reasoning to a range of issues confronted in business.

  • Operations Management

    Credits: 5

    Operations Management is the ‘engine’ of business as it encompasses the tasks and knowledge required to source, produce and deliver products and services. This module will introduce students to range of tools and techniques available to business managers working in a complex, ‘open/global’ environment and the business ‘system’.

  • Applied Microeconomics (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    This module is designed to build on the fundamentals encountered in a typical first year Microeconomics course. The module should also provide a foundation level of knowledge and skills to apply micro economic analysis to real world business and societal problems as experienced by households, firms and Governments.There is a major emphasis on problem solving throughout the delivery and assessment of this module

  • Services Marketing (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    This module will provide students with knowledge of the major issues facing contemporary services marketers. Its aim is to develop in students an appreciation of the importance of customer delivered value in the services industry and to encourage students to think conceptually about service problems and challenges in order to develop practical services marketing strategies. Students will develop an awareness of how to create a new enterprise, from initial concept through the many stages up to the commencement of operations and production.

  • Applied Entrepreneurship (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to provide the opportunity for students to create a business idea and to produce and present a business plan.

  • French 2.1 (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    This module will develop students’ French language skills and cultural awareness in preparation for their work in French-speaking countries

  • Spanish 2.1 (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    This module will develop students’ Spanish language skills and cultural awareness in preparation for their work in Spanish-speaking countries.

  • Management Accounting

    Credits: 10

    The learner will study management accounting techniques, used to provide managers with information to assist with planning, controlling and decision making. Students will gain insights into how budgeting assists management and what techniques are used for both long term and short term decision making.

  • Marketing Management in a Digital Age

    Credtis: 10

    This module enables the students to acquire an understanding of marketing management but also acknowledges that we live in a time when technology has fundamentally changed how marketing is delivered in organisations globally. Provides students with the concepts, processes, frameworks and experiences that are useful for managing marketing in a digital age.

  • Financial Accounting 2 (Elective)

    Credits: 10

    This module builds on Financial Accounting 1A and 1B from year 1. Students will prepare accounts for partnerships, clubs and societies, as well as basic consolidated (group) accounts. Learners will also apply accounting concepts and accounting standards in the preparation of financial statements. Use of accounting software packages (Sage) will also be introduced. Students considering a career in accounting may wish to take this elective module as Professional Accounting bodies may offer exemptions.

  • International Economics (Elective)

    Credits: 10

    This module builds on first year macroeconomics. It is of particular relevance give the globalisation of the world economy and the issues associated therewith, such as: increased international trade patterns; sustainable economic development; international economic impacts of migration; geopolitical fluidity; war and conflict.

  • ECommerce (Elective)

    Credits: 10

    Students will design and implement e-commerce websites suitable for a variety of businesses using the latest web technologies. The emphasis will be on practical design and implementation of an ECommerce website. Students will get hands-on practical experience in web hosting, content creation, backup and security procedures, the design process, design and implementation of an ECommerce website and measuring website performance using analytics.

  • Insurance (Elective)

    Credits: 10

    The aim of this module is to introduce students to the principles, practice, institutions and products within the contemporary insurance industry. Students of TUS who succesfully pass this module can gain an exemption from the CIP01 prfessional insurance exams of the Insurance Institute of Ireland.

  • French 2.2 (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    This module will develop students’ French language skills and cultural awareness so that they can communicate in formal and informal interactions in French-speaking countries. It broadly corresponds to Level A2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

  • Spanish 2.2 (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    This module will develop students’ Spanish language skills and cultural awareness so that they can communicate in formal and informal interactions in Spanish-speaking countries.

  • Managerial Finance A

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to develop the knowledge and skills expected of a financial manager. Students will gain an insight into the sources of finance used by organisations, how to calculate the cost of individual sources of finance and how to conduct effective investment appraisal.

  • Company Law

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces students to basic principles of company law and the manner in which company law is regulated, administered and enforced. Students will gain an insight into the role played by the Companies Registration Office, the classifications of companies and the incorporation process, along with the legal processes for receivership, liquidation and examinership.

  • Business Information Systems

    Credits: 10

    This module explores modern theories, technologies, and applications that support today’s business environment, including data, information, knowledge, and data analytics. It also covers data security, backup and recovery, future workplace technologies, business information systems, business models, and the environmental impact of technology. Additionally, students examine enterprise resource planning and its role within organisations.

  • Decision Making Techniques (Elective)

    Credits: 10

    This module gives students an appreciation of how management science (quantitative) techniques are used in business decision-making and in underpinning business, accounting and finance subjects. Students will gain an insight into statistical techniques used for risk and decision making, forecasting, linear programming and inventory management.

  • Taxation (Elective)

    Credits: 10

    The aim of the module is to provide students with an appreciation and understanding of the principles and practice of taxation. Students will gain an understanding of the Irish tax system and taxes such as income tax, corporation tax, capital gains tax and VAT.

  • Market Research and Analysis (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    This module will provide students with knowledge and ability to understand, prepare and execute a market research study. It will further enable the students to analyse market research in the community and appreciate the role that market research plays within an organisation

  • Economic Policy and Analysis (Elective)

    Credits: 10

    The module is designed to advance the students understanding of the structure, development, problems and potential of economic policy. In addition, it aims to provide the student with some understanding of the impact of economic policy on citizens, consumers and public/private/voluntary organisations.

  • Business Modelling & Enterprise (Elective)

    Credits: 10

    This module aims to develop the students’ business modelling and entrepreneurial skills to support effective startup and enterprise development. A key focus of the module will be on an enterprise’s capacity to adapt to its increasingly competitive environment and to identify opportunities for improvement which may lead to competitive advantage(s). It will also introduce the student to current practices underpinning organisational learning, which will enable an enterprise’s idea generation through effective resource management. In addition, the student will be enabled to critically analyse the mechanisms and supports available to potential entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs. This module will provide the student with the specialised knowledge, skills and competences required to manage and scale a business.

  • Corporate Reporting (Elective)

    Credits: 10

    This module gives students an insight into how to prepare final accounts and report financial performance in accordance with statutory requirements and international GAAP. Students will prepare group accounts and analyse and interpret accounting information. Students considering a career in accounting may wish to take this elective module as Professional Accounting bodies may offer exemptions.

  • Computer Studies (Elective)

    Credits: 10

    This module introduces students to the principles of database design along with evaluating the issues involved in developing applications systems that meet user requirements. It allows students to develop competencies and confidence necessary to investigate, analyse and document system requirements and to take part in the design and development of new applications systems.

  • Personal General Insurance (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces students to key personal general insurance topics including Household, Motor, Travel, Protection and Private Health Insurance. It focuses on the importance of professional conduct and maintaining a customer focus. This module has been developed with a view to mapping syllabus content to that of the CIP-03 Personal General Insurance module of The Insurance Institute in order to maintain exemptions for students from the professional examinations offered by same. This content will be revised regularly in order to maintain that exemption status.

  • International Marketing (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    This module will extend the student’s knowledge of marketing by concentrated study on the theory and practice of international marketing. It will develop the student’s critical understanding of the dynamic environment in which the international marketer operates. It will develop in the student the ability to apply marketing principles in the international environment.

  • Strategic Human Resource Management (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    This module explores the role of strategic HRM in the overall business strategy. It examines the environmental context within which SHRM operates and the current issues facing HR practitioners.

  • International Business Negotiation (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to develop the student’s ability to successfully conduct effective negotiation within international business contexts.

  • French 3.1 (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    This module equips students with the language skills to communicate with greater confidence and increase their awareness of the business culture in countries where French is spoken in preparation for an overseas placement in semester 2. Students can choose to undertake a placement domestically or internationally. It broadly corresponds to Level B1 on the CEFR.

  • Spanish 3.1 (Elective)

    This module equips students with the language skills to communicate with greater confidence and increase their awareness of the business culture in countries where Spanish is spoken in preparation for their placement in Semester 2. Students can choose to undertake a placement domestically or internationally.

  • Industry Placement

    Credits: 30

    Students will be required to spend 20 weeks on placement in a relevant industry setting. The normal working hours for a placement should equate to between 30 and 40 hours per week.

  • Financial Management 4A

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to develop the ability to critically evaluate financial theory, and apply financial management concepts to various business situations. Learners will be required to assess the benefits and shortcomings of financial theory and models relating to diverse stakeholders. Students will interpret corporate financial data and related external information, given the political, societal and economic environment.

  • Strategic Analysis

    Credits: 5

    This module explores the analysis and application of strategic management theory. Analysis and strategic choice/options will form the central theme of this module. Students are expected to have critical assessment and application skills of all academic models covered on their programme.

  • Advanced Spreadsheets

    Credits: 5

    Students are introduced to and given directed hands-on experience of the more advanced features of a popular spreadsheet package applicable to the modern business environment. The emphasis is on the mastery of advanced spreadsheet features and their use in the practical hands-on manipulation, analysis and presentation of unstructured big data from the business environment locally and internationally.

  • Applied Business Research

    Credits: 5

    This module provides the business student with the necessary skills and knowledge to undertake quantitative and qualitative business research required as part of the Business Capstone Project.

  • Enterprise Database Systems (Elective)

    Credits: 10

    This module develops students understanding of the relational database approach, and its theoretical foundations. It also allows students to acquire a solid understanding of SQL (DDL, DML, DCL), and expose them to its use in at least one leading relational database product.

  • Management Accounting and Decision Making (Elective)

    Credits: 10

    This module develops the students ability to apply management accounting principles to decision making and control situations. It enables the learner to appreciate the alternative management approaches in a decentralised organisation, and also in cost management & strategic management accounting. Students considering a career in accounting may wish to take this elective module as Professional Accounting bodies may offer exemptions.

  • Integrated Marketing Communications (Elective)

    Credits: 10

    This module will focus on the full range of contemporary promotional tools available to the marketer for the integrated marketing communication plan. It will enable students to develop a conceptual and systematic approach to the identification, analysis and solution of problems in marketing communication.

  • Supply Chain Management (Elective)

    Credits: 10

    The module provides students with the theoretical background and knowledge which will enable them to analyse Global Logistics & Supply Chain Management and to understand the elements which require integration in order to ensure the successful management of Logistics & Supply Chain organisation, to understand the major challenges and issues facing organisations developing and implementing supply chain strategies and to enable the students’ to understand the contributions of a supply chain approach to organisational efficiency and effectiveness. It also helps them to analyse the benefits that can accrue from implementing effective supply chain practices.

  • French 4.1 (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    The module consolidates the students’ existing language skills and knowledge of the culture of French-speaking countries with particular emphasis on preparing students to communicate effectively in an international business environment. It broadly corresponds to Level B2 on the CEFR.

  • Spanish 4.1 (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    The module consolidates the students’ existing language skills and knowledge of the culture of Spanish-speaking countries with particular emphasis on preparing students to communicate effectively in an international business environment.

  • Business Capstone Project

    Credits: 10

    This is a challenging, complex, real-time, business problem-solving group exercise. It involves final year students undertaking original research and producing alternative solutions, under academic supervision, of client companies and issues that client companies have identified as being of importance to their business success. Client companies outline their requirements and are then matched with students of the University. Working closely with clients, the students are expected to investigate, research and provide world-class practical suggestions that they must justify in an open forum. Students, from a varied cultural, experience and skills background are expected to produce excellent analysis in a 5,000 word minimum report and their open forum presentation.

  • Professional Skills & Personal Development

    Credits: 5

    This module will give students an understanding of how to identify a career path, affording them the opportunity to reflect on their strengths and career aspirations and how to pro-actively manage their future career. The module also supports the student to develop professional behaviours and capabilities that underpin lifelong learning to prepare them for a lifetime of employability.

  • Financial Management 4B

    Credits: 5

    The module aims to develop students’ ability to critically evaluate financial theory, and apply financial management concepts appropriately to modern complex business situations. Company valuations, growth and reorganisation strategies and emerging global trends & corporate activity will be explored.

  • Applied Strategic Marketing

    Credits: 5

    This module enables the student to develop plans for organisations which optimise resources to maximise returns in a way which aims to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. Applied Strategic Marketing includes all the basic and long term marketing activities, which include: Analysing the business environment, opportunities available and identify threats; and Analysing available resources, unique competences and likely future developments to formulate, evaluate and select best-fit options and decisions to meet the objectives of the business organisation.

  • Financial Markets and Derivatives (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to develop the students’ ability to apply knowledge gained in formal lectures and tutorials to practical HR situations and to further the students’ analytical and problem-solving skills in relation to human resource management issues. In addition, this module will enable the students to develop a critical awareness of good human resource theory and practice and its significance within a range of managerial situations.

  • Contemporary Issues in Marketing (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    This module will provide students’ with an overview of the latest developments in scholarship and practice in marketing and develop students’ understanding of the link between the two. It also serves to familiarise students with the nature of the marketing role in organisations and enables them to think creatively and constructively about the challenges in marketing.

  • Ethical Decision Making and Leadership (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    This module explores how frames of reference and strong contexts can determine the types of decisions that people make and their capacity to lead in an ethical way.The corporate scandals at companies such as Anglo-Irish Bank. Enron and Tyco, the political leadership of countries facing unrest, and the current financial crisis in Ireland, Europe and the US has attracted much debate regarding the role that leadership plays in the demise of both companies, governments and countries. Leaders and their characteristics are often one of the contributing factors to these events. However, in reality, organisations are complex social systems and many of these corporate scandals have mulitiple causes. This module uses a systems perspective and places events in context to provide valuable insights.

  • French 4.2 (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    The module consolidates the students’ existing language skills and knowledge of the culture of French-speaking countries with particular emphasis on preparing students to communicate effectively in an international business environment. It broadly corresponds to Level B2 on the CEFR.

  • Spanish 4.2 (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    The module consolidates the students’ existing language skills and knowledge of the culture of Spanish-speaking countries with particular emphasis on preparing students to communicate effectively in an international business environment.

What can you do after this programme?

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS and/or elsewhere.

This courses will prepare you for a successful business career. Areas you can specialise in include accounting, banking, insurance, marketing, human resource management, administration, retail services and computing. Our sought-after graduates have gone on to pursue a wide variety of careers in companies ranging from small indigenous Irish companies to large multinational corporations.

Industry Relevant Information

Students who select the relevant electives may gain subject exemptions from the professional accountancy bodies. Business students who successfully complete two elective modules in Insurance can gain exemptions for two of the three modules necessary to achieve the Insurance Institute APA qualification.

Student Testimonials

Additional Information

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