The Graduate Certificate in Management of Operations is delivered by DCU Business School as part of the Springboard+ initiative, funded by the Government of Ireland.  This is an online part-time programme which aims to upskill candidates in employment, in transition between jobs or re-entering the workforce.  More specifically the course materials and delivery methods target people who wish to upskill through the convenience of flexible online study as they seek to develop new knowledge and work-ready skills which will enable them to advance to senior management and leadership roles.

The programme is suited to a wide range of sectors crucial to Ireland’s knowledge economy, including supply chain, pharma/biopharma, medical devices industry, public sector, logistics, finance, and self-employed practitioners.  It is designed for participants to critically reflect and gain fresh insights into Operations Management from across diverse disciplines in various settings.

This level 9, postgraduate programme is provided through online distance learning, which means that students can achieve a deeper understanding in a specialist area and provide a sound basis for their long-term career, without disruption to their career or other commitments.

Key Facts

— 1 year, part-time University Graduate Certificate

— 100% online, no attendance requirements

— AACSB accredited

— Level 9 qualification

— This course is free if you are unemployed and 90% funded if you are in employment.

Our award-winning flexible online delivery model enables people located anywhere in Ireland to complete this programme.  In this respect, the study mode prepares students for today’s digital and distributed nature of work.    Online tutorials are offered in the evening, during which students can interact with fellow classmates and engage with course materials.  To ensure maximum flexibility tutorials are recorded so that students can review or catch up later at their convenience. 

While this is a stand-alone qualification, on successful completion of the programme, students can apply to complete a Graduate Diploma which in turn can lead on to an M.Sc. qualification. (Not funded by Springboard)

For more information and to apply visit:  https://springboardcourses.ie/details/8066

See Springboard+ Participant Eligibility FAQs for more details: https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility

Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Social Fund as part of the ESF programme for employability, inclusion and learning 2014-2020.

This is a well-established programme which is recognized as a stepping stone to career advancement in Operations Management.  Contemporary Operations Management demands flexibility, creativity and pragmatism.  This online programme enables students to grow into senior operations management roles in technology-intensive organisations, in the financial sector, in supply chain management, manufacturing or services organisations, in both the public and private sectors. 

Students will gain a critical awareness of current opportunities and new insights into operations management in varied environments.  They will also develop new flexible, transversal skills in business management and be able to apply these to a wide range of business challenges.  The programme is designed to provide graduates of different disciplines with a unique opportunity to develop the hybrid, interdisciplinary knowledge and skills considered essential for modern business development and management.  Students will also develop the range of investigative and analytic skills and techniques required to equip them to assume senior roles within organisations. 

Subject Areas Include

— Service Operation

— Operations Strategy

— Management of Operations

— Project Management & Risk Assessment

— Organisational Change

Students who complete the programme will have a firm foundation in concepts and principles of modern Operations Management.  This foundation includes in-depth understanding of the role of operations in eliciting and satisfying the ever-changing needs of diverse stakeholders.  A strong theory-to-practice emphasis will prepare students to lead and implement change. 

Central to the programme is development of 21st Century Transversal Skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, interpersonal skills (e.g. teamwork, communication and organizational skills), intrapersonal skills (e.g. self-discipline, perseverance, emotional intelligence, etc.), global citizenship (e.g. openness, tolerance, respect for diversity, intercultural understanding,) and critical digital literacy, including ability to locate, interpret and act on relevant information.  Students will also develop a comprehensive understanding of ethical and professional standards relevant to working in a modern international business context.

Fully Online. 100% Continual Assessment. No Exams.

This course opens up opportunities to advance to senior operations management positions.  Graduates of this programme tell us how they have grown in confidence as a result of coming to understand the theory underpinning professional practice brought about by their studies.  This confidence, together with their increased understanding and knowledge, has helped them to become more strategic and meaningful contributors in the workplace, with the ability to engage at a more senior level. 

As high-level academic qualifications are becoming increasingly important to organisations’ recruitment and promotion policies, this degree will add long-term value to your career.  Graduates of this programme are currently employed in manufacturing and service organisations across a wide range of sectors including the financial services, supply chain, pharmaceutical, and electronics industries.  Many graduates are also self-employed.

Entry Requirements

There are five entry routes to this Programme:

1) A level 8 or higher degree in a relevant discipline (Business, Engineering, Science or IT)

2) Chartered membership of a professional body or institute (Institute of Engineers of Ireland, Institute of Chartered Accountants).

3) A level 7 qualification in a relevant discipline or non-chartered membership of a professional body, along with at least three years of managerial work experience.

4)  A level 8 qualification in a non-relevant discipline along with at least three years of managerial work experience.

5) Evidence of substantial relevant managerial work experience.

Applicants will have to submit a C.V. in support of their application and may be requested for interview by the Programme Chair.

Application Procedure

Applications are submitted through the Springboard Application Website: www.springboardcourses.ie/details/8066

All applications should include

1) A scanned copy of all relevant academic transcripts (Translate to English if necessary)

2) A CV with telephone contact details for two referees

3) A Personal Statement (~300 words) detailing your reasons why you think this programme is a good fit for you.

4) For non-native speakers of English, Certification of English competency in accordance with DCU requirements see https://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

See Springboard+ Participant Eligibility FAQs for more details: https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility

APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED UNTIL ALL REQUESTED DOCUMENTATION HAS BEEN UPLOADED TO THE SPRINGBOARD WEBSITE.  THESE DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE UPLOADED IN ONE FILE.

Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Social Fund as part of the ESF programme for employability, inclusion and learning 2014-2020.