Business (Certificate, Year 1, L6, 60 ECTS) (SUSI Funded)

Stage 1

Leadership and Management Development

This module will provide the participant with an understanding of management practice and managerial skills applicable to the workplace through the discussion on the history of management and the evolution of management and leadership theory to the present day. The objective to enable participants to understand the differences between management and leadership including styles and characteristics of successful managers/leaders. For any student that is currently unemployed, they will be facilitated with a live case study.

Human Resources and Developing People

This module is concerned with the practice of human resources and employee relations in a managerial context. It discusses human resource management policy and practice concerning recruitment and selection, performance management, careers, training and development, job design and reward. It provides an overview of current developments in employee relations and considers the influence of employers, employees and other
stakeholders in shaping the employment relationship.
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. Candidates that are not currently in employment will be supported with a live case study.

Financial Accounting

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, which is often one of the first activities assigned to business graduates in accounting or finance roles. Learners also undertake 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. This module builds on students’ knowledge of double entry accounting and preparation of the final accounts for sole traders.

Applied Practice 1 Personal and Professional Context

This module is designed to assist students with preparation for professional and personal work-based development and well-being. There will be a particular emphasis on career, personal development and well-being in the modern workplace.

Operations, Logistics and Supply Chain Management

To provide the students with the theoretical background and knowledge which will enable them to analyse Operations, Global Logistics & Supply Chain Management and to understand the elements which require integration in order to ensure the successful management of an Operations, Logistics & Supply Chain organisation.
Students will explore the development and management at both strategic and operational levels and will gain exposure to the varied challenges of operations, logistics and supply chain management in different business environments. Emphasis on real world learning examples will be employed throughout the module, linking theoretical concepts to practical applications.

Stage 2

Business Mathematics and Computer Applications

A practical course in business mathematics and computer applications. The development of IT skills enables the student to progress successfully through university and subsequently in their working lives. This module will introduce the student to the practical elements of Information Technology and file management and the fundamental importance of business mathematics. 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. The student will be equipped to collaborate and work remotely through the use of an on-line video conferencing platform. An appreciation of working in a paperless environment will be fostered throughout the delivery of the module.

Customer Service and Value

The effective management of customers requires the effective application of the concepts, tools and techniques of customer service and value creation. This module presents a broad introduction to customer service, the role of customer service in an organisation and the associated concepts, tools and techniques of customer service management. The acquisition, management and retention of customers is a critical business activity and the
delivery of consistent and effective customer service and value is key to achieving this business priority. Customer service is required throughout the entirety of the customer’s interaction with a business and is a key priority for all functional areas of the business including logistics and supply chain management.
Emphasis on real world learning examples will be employed throughout the module, linking theoretical concepts to practical applications.

Micro and Macro Economics

Microeconomics studies individual choice, consumers, firms and Government being the subjects of this choice. Macroeconomics is concerned with the operation of the economy as a whole where we deal with aggregate variables. Arising out of this study is an appreciation of policy issues and their impact on social, economic and environmental sustainability. The purpose of this module is to develop an understanding of the behaviour and actions of individual agents in the economy. This module aims to introduce students to the core principles and terminology of microeconomics and macro economics and their role in business. Students will develop a range of economic analytical skills including numerical, graphical, research and modelling methods that can be applied in a variety of business careers.

Business and Contract Law

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. Furthermore this module will enable students to apply legal concepts and legal reasoning to a range of issues confronted in business.

Management Accounting

The learner will study management accounting techniques, used to provide managers with information to assist with planning, controlling and decision making.The students will develop a competency for preparing budgets
and appraising measurement and control techniques in management accounting.

Stage 3

Applied Practice 2 Organisation Alignment

This module affords students the opportunity to implement the core work practice skills to compliment the other taught modules. Students will be required to make a business case proposal and it will form the basis of a work based learning project that will demonstrate the ability to engage as a skilled practitioner in their discipline. The aim of the module is to encourage learners to develop integrative learning, independent thought and critical reflection skills as they bring together a range of concepts, theories, frameworks and practices. For candidates that are currently not working, previous experience can be drawn upon with support from desk based case studies.

Marketing Management in a Digital Age

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.

Minimum Entry Requirements

This programme will be delivered in a blended Format. Lectures will take place predominantly online with selected Saturday’s per semester taking place at TUS Athlone Campus. Attendance at these days is mandatory.

Each 10-credit module normally equates to approximately 200 total learning hours. Total learning hours include the time spent in class, such as lectures, tutorials, and practical elements, as well as time spent working independently outside of college.

The balance between these varies by discipline and level of study, and learners should be aware that workload will increase at particular times, especially when assignments are due.

The programme is assessed through a combination of continuous assessments, project work and examinations.

Applications will close on 28th August 2026 at 5pm.

Places are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Programme run subject to viable numbers.