About BA (hons) Business - Work Placement in Dublin Business School

The BA (Hons) in Business programme is designed to give a clearly structured business education that provides a solid foundation for success in a business career. The course provides a strong grounding in fundamental business concepts, ideas, practices and methodologies.

One of the most attractive aspects of the BA (Hons) Business Studies degree is the opportunity to gain practical work experience in a credit bearing work placement over a forty-eight week period. Students commence work in the third year of the programme and can specialise in an area that reflects their course preferences and career ambitions. Students are paid by the company for the duration of their placement and are treated as full-time members of staff. Our dedicated Employer Liaison Officer is in regular contact with employers, developing placement opportunities in industry, commerce and professional offices. Since our first placement year in 1991 there has been a 100% success rate in placing students from this programme. Students are employed in areas including marketing, finance, sales, personnel, production, computing, customer service and general business administration. Students are paid a trainee salary by the company.

The placement enables students to apply theoretical knowledge in a challenging work environment. Students are assigned a tutor who visits during the placement to discuss progress. Whilst on placement, students are required to complete a project, which forms a key part of the overall assessment of the final year. The opportunity for a full-time position upon graduation may arise.

NB: Students must achieve a pass in all subjects at level 2 in order to be eligible for the placement programme.

Career Opportunities

Because of the broad spectrum of subjects studied, career opportunities for business students are numerous. The wide-ranging nature of knowledge and skills gained by business graduates makes them an attractive proposition for any prospective employer. A range of employment opportunities are possible in areas such as marketing, sales, operations, information technology, finance and general management.

Graduating students wishing to pursue further qualifications can proceed to postgraduate programmes up to Masters level or to programmes leading to professional qualifications.

Leaving Certificate

Under the new Common Points Scale for Leaving Certificate 2019, applicants must obtain a minimum of 2H5’s and 4 O6/H7, including a language. Some degree programmes will also require a minimum of O6/H7 in Maths. Please see individual course entry requirements for further details. 

Using the old pre 2017 grading scheme, applicants must have obtained a minimum of grade C3 in two higher-level subjects and grade D3 in four ordinary level subjects, including a language. The Maths requirement for some degree programmes is a minimum of a D3 grade.  Individual course details will outline specific entry requirements. Please ensure to check the exact details for the course of your choice.

A-Levels/GCSE

Applicants must obtain a minimum of four GCSE passes at grade C to include Maths and English plus two A-level passes at grade C or higher.

BTEC

Students applying for any QQI (formerly HETAC) honours/ordinary degree or higher certificate must have obtained a minimum of a BTEC National Diploma in a cognate area.

FETAC Applicants

Minimum entry requirements for graduates of FETAC Level 5 awards is a full FETAC award which includes a Distinction grade in at least three modules. A full FETAC award normally consists of eight modules. A record of achievement does not meet minimum entry standards. Further details can be obtained from the Admissions Office. 

Mature Applicants

If you are over 23 years of age on the 1st of January on the year of admission and do not meet the minimum entry requirements, you may apply as a Mature Student. Mature students should apply directly to the Admissions Office at Dublin Business School. Mature students are assessed on the basis of age, work experience, general education standard, motivation and commitment to the programme for which they are applying. Please forward documentation such as any relevant transcripts, a CV or any other related documentation to the Admissions Office. Proof of age such as a copy of driver’s licence or passport must also be submitted.

English Language Requirement

For EU or Non EU applicants whose first language is not English an additional requirement is to have achieved a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent to qualify for admission to the Honours Degrees (level 8 programmes).

Dublin Business School Highlights