135 Dublin City University Business School masters students reached the final hurdle last Friday as they presented their final group presentations to their clients. 

30 groups of students were matched up with a variety of companies back in January, when clients informed the students on the background to the live project. From there, the teams mapped out the market utilising primary and secondary research to problem solve.   

The year-long project gave plenty of time for groups to implement, analyse and optimise some of the applied activities. The groups were also offered the unique opportunity at the results phase of the project to give effective advice to the client and critically analyse live data, offering masters students a hands-on experience that exceeds the value of doing a dissertation.

The practicums are sourced from a wide range of organisations, both business and not-for-profit. 

Wayne Tyrell, Senior Legal Advisor, Irish Aviation Authority said 

“Thoroughly enjoyed working with the DCU practicum students. I was very impressed with the standard of work delivered. The stand-out quality from the groups that I worked with was their innovative approach to solving problems and their confidence in the implementation of solutions”

Practicum Day is a special day within the faculty, Professor Dominic Elliott shares 

“On behalf of the faculty, I would like to offer congratulations to all our postgraduate students presenting their practicum projects to their clients and peers last Friday.  The practicum project offers you a wealth of experience to take with you into industry! Thank you to all our industry partners and alumni who teamed up with us offering this unique opportunity to solve real-world problems.”

Visit our postgraduate full-time pages here

Moving to a new country and leaving the comfort of home can be a daunting experience. As an international student, I joined DCU Business School to upskill myself in 2022 and decided to reside at DCU Campus Residences. I am incredibly grateful to have found a home away from home that provides me with a safe and welcoming environment.

DCU Campus Residences offers outstanding facilities that make everyday living convenient and enjoyable. My apartment, Post Graduate A, is well-equipped, spacious, and furnished with everything I need. The kitchen has all the necessary appliances and utensils for cooking my favourite meals. Laundry facilities within the residence save me the hassle of finding an external laundromat. These excellent amenities enhance my overall living experience.

Living at DCU Campus Residences has provided me with exceptional facilities and allowed me to forge lifelong friendships. One such friend is Wei Xing Chee (AKA- Marcus), who hails from Malaysia and is pursuing an MSc in Management (Business) at DCU Business School. The residence’s location is well-connected, allowing me to explore the city of Dublin and beyond.

Accessible public transportation, such as bus stops and train stations, makes it easy to venture out and discover new places. This connectivity enables me to immerse myself in the local culture and make the most of my time in Ireland. DCU Campus Residences also prioritises security, providing peace of mind. The dedicated staff is always available and ensures a safe living environment.

My experience at DCU Campus Residences has been truly memorable. The exceptional facilities, access to university amenities, convenient connectivity, and sense of security have made it a true home away from home. I am grateful for this wonderful living experience at DCU and look forward to sharing more stories of my journey as an international student in Ireland. Connect with me on Instagram @marketer_singh and LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketerparamjotsingh/ to stay updated on my experiences.

Author: Paramjot Singh, MSc Digital Marketing

Congratulations on your decision to pursue your postgraduation at Dublin City University (DCU)! As you start on this exciting journey, it is essential that you get acquainted with the fundamental aspects of academic life at DCU. This blog will look at academic writing, reference, accessible support resources, commitment hours, and DCU’s focused faculty staff.

Academic Writing and Referencing:

Effective academic writing is essential for success in your postgraduate studies. DCU offers various resources and mentoring to assist you in improving your academic writing abilities. The DCU Writing Centre provides individual consultations, workshops, and online tools to help you develop your writing style, structure your assignments, and improve your critical thinking skills. They may provide helpful feedback on your writing, which can help you enhance your overall academic achievement.

Referencing is another important aspect of academic writing, and DCU maintains strict reference policies. DCU Library provides thorough citing guidelines and courses to help you comply with the proper referencing standard, whether it be APA, MLA, Harvard, or any other.

Assignments:

You will be given a range of assignments during your postgraduate programme, including essays, literature reviews, research papers, presentations, and group projects. It is essential to effectively manage your time in order to fulfill deadlines and deliver high-quality work. DCU’s assignment instructions and tools, as well as faculty members’ assistance, can help you comprehend assignment requirements and construct compelling arguments.

Commitment Hours:

DCU’s postgraduate programmes require dedication and commitment. While the particular hours required will vary based on your degree, it is important to allocate enough time for lectures, tutorials, self-study, and research. Maintain a good work-life balance by scheduling time for leisure and personal hobbies.

Faculty Staff:

DCU is proud of its talented faculty members who are experts in their respective disciplines. They provide the classroom with a plethora of knowledge, industrial experience, and research skills. DCU’s academics and staff are dedicated to assisting your academic advancement, giving advice, and fostering critical thinking. Never feel hesitant to approach them during office hours or make an appointment to address any academic questions or seek clarification.

Services in DCU:

DCU provides a variety of services to promote your general well-being and academic performance. The DCU Library has an abundance of resources for your research and study requirements, including online databases, e-books, and scholarly publications. The library also provides study areas, computer facilities, and printing services.

Additionally, DCU’s Student Support and Development team offers services such as counseling, career guidance, and student well-being initiatives. These services are designed to help you overcome challenges, maintain mental well-being, and make the most of your postgraduate journey.

Conclusion:

Remember that academic writing, referencing, and the various support services are crucial foundations of your success as you become settled into your postgraduate degree at DCU. Utilise the tools offered by the writing centre and the DCU library to develop your writing abilities and research strategies. To guarantee a meaningful and successful postgraduate experience, interact with academic personnel and take advantage of their knowledge and extensive range of support services provided by DCU.

Make the most of the worthwhile prospects that DCU has in store for you as you embrace this exciting phase of your academic career. Good luck with your studies and keep in mind that the DCU community is here to help you at every turn.

Author: Dixith Kannan Ramabadharan

Postgraduate Student Ambassador

Studying MSc in Finance

Dublin City University

Known for its diversity and multiculturalism, DCU is a one-stop destination for international students looking to grow in their personal and professional lives. The inclusivity at DCU makes interaction with different races and cultures more interesting by organizing events such as movie nights, Arctic Disco, Christmas markets, and many more. The wide range of clubs and societies enables international students to connect with like-minded individuals who share the same interests. DCU has also designed an International Faith Centre for international students coming from different religions to get together and find solace within their surroundings. 

Here are some highlights of what a few International Students have to say when asked about their favourite thing about studying at DCU: 

One of my favourite things about DCU, coming from a non-English background is that I get to interact with my peers from all across the globe, which enables me to improve my spoken English, benefiting me in my future career. Students like me, for whom English is a second language, are taken into consideration by the professors to deliver the content of the class, making it easy for the non-local students to understand the content of the module. – Wen from China, pursuing Msc. in Strategy Management. 

My favourite thing about DCU is the vast and magnificent campus. The sports complex, the cafes on campus, the student restaurant, and Nubar are some of the treasured spots on campus. This has helped me get to know my peers outside of the classroom and build connections over and above the academics. After a long day, I love spending time with my friends in and around such a vibrant campus. – Shams from London, pursuing a PhD. In Computing. 

At DCU, there are many international students, and even though we come from different parts of the world, the one thing that connects us is that we are away from home. This brings us together, and in that process, we find our home on-campus. Interacting with so many talented individuals from different cultures has cherished my social life and grown me personally. – Mann Maheshwari from India, pursuing Msc. in Strategy Management. 

An interview with Romal Thakkar, one of our International students from Mumbai, India, pursuing an MSc. in Business Management, gave us quite an insight into the life of an International student at DCU. Let’s take a look at what he had to say. 

Q. What is your favourite thing about studying at DCU?

A. The ideal learning environment which DCU provides through its academic staff, facilities, classmates, and location. All of these make for a successful and memorable study experience.

Q. How easy/hard do you find getting around on campus?

A. Getting around the campus is intuitive and straightforward, as there are plenty of signs and indications on the campus and academic buildings. And if someone is still confused, you can always ask the friendly staff or students at DCU for directions. At various spots on-campus, there are maps displayed, which further aids in finding the way around the campus.

I can recall my first day at the campus; I was a bit nervous seeing how huge the campus was. I had come in 30 minutes before the lecture time, as I thought it would take some time to find my way around. However, on getting down at the Helix bus stop, I quickly found my way to the Business building easily.  

Q. What impact has DCU had on your social life?

A. Coming abroad to study at DCU for a Master’s study has been a significant decision. When I met my classmates and started socializing with them, they were bright, social, and intellectual. Socializing with them daily keeps me engaged and motivated. We meet a couple of times every week to discuss classwork and other topics. Moreover, being social and extroverted has helped me make plenty of friends and valuable connections. I have also joined various clubs and societies, like the Debate club, Enactus, and volunteering society, to connect with people having similar interests and hobbies. Thus, DCU has had a significant positive impact on my social life, and it has been incredibly active and exciting.

Q. Do you think professors are accessible? 

A. All the professors in my program are highly knowledgeable in their field and skilled at teaching. The lectures are interactive and engaging, and the professors encourage students to ask questions and doubts in class, irrespective of how big or small the question is. Apart from this, professors also make time after class for any queries or concerns, and they also have office hours every week for any questions or issues regarding the subject. Furthermore, the professors are also considerate, and some of them go out of their way to solve a student’s query. The majority of the professors in my program are very accessible and open to discussions with the students at any point during the semester.

Q. What does a typical day look like in your life?

A. A typical day during the semester at DCU involves waking up early morning, taking a bath, cooking breakfast and catching, a bus for the university. Most days consist of multiple lectures, one of them being in the early morning. After attending a two-hour morning lecture, I would usually head for lunch with friends at one of the delicious restaurants at DCU. After grabbing lunch, we would sit outdoors and finish up on our food while discussing the materials covered in class. Most of the days, there is a gap of an hour or two between lectures, which gives us time for lunch and to prepare for the following lecture. 

Q. Name the most special thing about DCU, which makes DCU stand out from other universities.

A. I feel multiple aspects make DCU stand out from the rest of the universities.

Firstly, the vast campus and a wide array of academic buildings, offering an extensive catalogue of courses across varied disciplines. Connecting with people from different courses and backgrounds makes for interesting conversations and a great network.

Secondly, DCU offers widely reputed and competitively ranked programs. It provides an ideal learning environment for students and suitably prepares them for research and industry. While studying, there are also ample opportunities for business internships and networking, thereby allowing students to gain professional experience alongside studying. 

Lastly, the diverse teaching, a network of peers from different walks of life, and varied experiences from an international business school would also help me for my future career progression.

These are some aspects, on top of my mind, that make DCU special.

Q. How would you describe your fellow students?

A. My classmates in the MSBM course are dedicated and hardworking. Networking with able, like-minded, and ambitious peers makes for successful academic life at the university. Many of the students in the class come from different educational backgrounds, which makes for a diverse experience. Academically, the majority of my classmates strive for high scores and work intensely towards achieving them. Socially, it has been a delight meeting and conversing with motivated & experienced classmates. Even when it comes to class participation, a very high proportion of students actively participate. Thus, my classmates are driven and high achievers.

Q. How has the academic life been treating you? Are you getting the required help with your assignments? 

A. Academic life at DCU has been going very well. The teachers are proficient, great at teaching, and always open to questions in person or email. The teaching assistants for various subjects have also been invaluable. They are guiding on assignments, providing feedback on projects & presentations, answering queries, and promptly uploading essential materials on Loop (student portal). Apart from the academic staff, other resources such as Library workshops, writing centre, and subject experts helping with assignments have also been of immense help. Career planning provided by experts at DCU has also been beneficial. I have utilized most of these resources and found them to be very resourceful.

Author:  , Current Student of the MSc Management Strategy

Check out our Postgraduate Offering: https://business.dcu.ie/post-graduate/

 

Great news for players as the GPA and DCU enhance their scholarship partnership with additional opportunities now available to intercounty players

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and Dublin City University (DCU) have further enhanced the educational support available for current and former inter-county players with today’s announcement of an extended scholarship agreement between the two organisations

Following the merger of the GPA and the Women’s Gaelic layers Association (WGPA) in late 2020, the GPA and DCU have now merged and enhanced existing agreements. It means that 10 Post Graduate Masters enhanced scholarships and 2 Executive MBA Scholarships are now available to male and female members of the GPA.

From the 2021/2022 academic year players who have been accepted onto DCU Post Graduate programmes will be able to apply for these scholarships. All prospective scholarship candidates must apply through the normal academic procedure to the DCU programmes. The Scholarship candidates will in parallel apply to the GPA for the enhanced scholarship. Eligible candidates will be nominated by the GPA and the names communicated in writing to DCU who will select the successful applicants.

Speaking on the announcement, Ciarán Barr, GPA Head of Operations and Finance said; “We are delighted to extend our Post Graduate scholarship partnership with DCU and are thrilled to strengthen the long-standing partnership that we have built with the college over the years. The ethos of the GPA is all about people and potential. In a fundamental way the GPA’s goals and aspirations match those of DCU – to be a development partner of its students.

DCU President, Prof Daire Keogh said; “DCU has a long record of promoting sporting excellence, particularly in Gaelic Games. This year, we are delighted to build on our partnership with the GPA, by offering scholarships to twelve talented students, on a gender equal basis. I want to wish them every success, as they pursue their academic and sporting ambitions.”

DCU Business School Executive Dean, Professor Colm O’Gorman said; We are delighted at DCU Business School to continue to build on our 10 years of partnership with the GPA.  The recipients over the years have been a great addition to our MBA Programme and to our Full-time Masters Programmes.  We look forward to building on the success and heritage of the DCU GPA Scholarships and to welcoming more scholars to our Programmes in the coming years”

Paul O’Brien, DCU Head of Gaelic Games added; “We are delighted to further extend our post graduate scholarship programme with the GPA to offer support to Gaelic players across all four codes. We are proud to support inter-county players as they strive to excel in their academic and sporting lives.”

The closing date for scholarship applications is 1st July 2021. GPA members who are interested in applying for these scholarships can contact Karen Thorpe, GPA Education Manager at karen@gaelicplayers.com for further information.

DCU are also hosting a Postgrad Open Day on 17th June. Upskill, pivot or start a new career with a Postgrad at @DCU. Register today: dcu.ie/postgradopenday

The GPA and DCU have a long-standing scholarship partnership with this being the 11th year of the agreement between the two bodies.

  Please click through to view the MBA offering at DCU Business School.

 Please click through to view the Full-Time Masters offering at DCU Business School.

 Please click through to view further details on the DCU GPA Scholarship offering.

The Masters in Human Resource Management students, as part of their module on Leadership and Career Development, designed a Leadership Development Programme for new managers in the present day context i.e. COVID circumstances ever-changing, remote working, online learning, the next normal.

The programme design had to be based around this context but also situated on the detailed organisational case study information provided.  The case study was originally designed based on both company information and research data from a research project undertaken by Professor Claire Gubbins.  Its original design was supported by the Teaching Enhancement Unit at Dublin City University.  The case study was updated to challenge the students to design a programme based on the present day context, and had to include external and internal organisational analysis and the implications of same.  In addition, in line with DCU Business School’s emphasis on developing evidence based managers, the design had to reflect the best available evidence in the learning and development field.

Each team was provided with a practitioner mentor and supported by Professor Gubbins during the programme design.  However, for the most part this was very much a self-directed learning activity.  The top three leadership development programme proposals were given the opportunity, as consultancy teams, to pitch their proposals to a practitioner judging panel of dragons.  The panel was composed of 6 top ranking learning and development professionals and thus this was both an immense opportunity and a challenge for the student teams.  The panel provided live feedback to the consulting teams post the pitches which was insightful as to their view of the proposals and provided an additional opportunity for students to learn about how their programmes and their pitches would be received in practice.

“This learning activity addresses calls to better integrate university and industry in university programme assessments.  The students were academically challenged to engage with the best available scientific research to inform their design but also practically challenged to design it, present it and pitch it in a manner translated for industry.  Positioning the organisational case study in the present day context of remote working and online learning really required students to think about the implications of this for delivering an organisational leadership development programme.  While only 3 student teams got to present, the innovations and re-designs suggested to come up with activities which could encourage learning online and engage new managers in online programmes was extremely impressive.  The depth of external and internal analysis conducted demonstrated a true awareness of how the context influenced programme design.  Student teams also went beyond traditional competencies included in new manager leadership development programmes and considered competencies required by leaders now to navigate through and out of the consequences of COVID-19.” said Dr. Claire Gubbins.

The practitioner judges overall feedback and summative comments included: “energised”, “optimistic about the future of learning and development”, “inspired”, “interested in the variety of approaches taken across the proposals”, “delighted to hear the fresh ideas”, and “would be willing to hire any of the presenting teams to develop their proposals”