MSc in Strategic Learning and Development launches at DCU Business School

14/09/2022: Yesterday saw the launch of an exciting collaboration between DCU Business School and the Irish Institute of Training and Development (IITD) who have come together, with the support of the Trainers’ Learning Skillnet (TLS) through Skillnet Ireland, to bring this unique programme to the learning and development sector.

The MSc in Strategic Learning and Development is the first masters-level programme in Ireland, focusing on Learning and Development in a strategic and contemporary way. This exciting new master’s degree aims to bridge the gap that exists for learning and development professionals to support their professional practice with recognised qualifications at this level.

The programme is aimed at those working across the full breadth of the people development arena – professionals who are working with their organisations, or with clients, to support the advancement of organisational performance through people. The aim of the programme is to provide the knowledge and insights necessary to position participants as recognised experts within the Learning and Development community and beyond.

Dr. Margaret Heffernan, Academic Programme Director of the new Masters programme from DCU Business School said

“This exciting partnership with IITD and Skillnet highlights DCU’s commitment to offering programmes developed with industry partners that advance high academic standards whilst meeting the needs of practitioners in a key sector of industry. The MSc in Strategic Learning and Development combines elements from L&D Design and Strategy to Organisational Transformation, Leadership and Change, Digital Learning Tools, the Future of L&D and Data Analytics. We expect that this programme will be an excellent way for participants to accelerate their career giving graduates the analytical and practical skills they will need to develop and implement strategies. Graduates will also be positioned to contribute to decision-making and policy discussions at a senior level – this programme will prepare them for a role in L&D departments of large or multinational organisations.”

Sinead Heneghan, CEO of the Irish Institute for Training and Development (IITD) said

“We’re delighted to further build on our already, very strong, relationship with DCU in bringing this Masters in Strategic Learning and Development to the market. Supported by the Trainers’ Learning Skillnet Ireland, IITD and DCU are delighted to be working together now to bring this fantastic programme to our profession. This is a great opportunity for people working in the field to develop a strong knowledge base to support their professional practice. We have received huge interest in this programme already and look forward to seeing many more people in the coming years and gain their Masters qualification and apply their new knowledge back into this sector.”

Tracey Donnery, Director of Policy & Communications at Skillnet Ireland, said

“Skillnet Ireland’s partnership with IITD and DCU Business School has resulted in Ireland’s first MSc in Strategic Learning and Development. This innovative masters programme will be a key enabler in developing the expertise of Ireland’s learning and development professionals, meeting the strategic talent development needs of businesses across many sectors and in developing Ireland’s highly skilled and talented workforce.”

For further information about the MSc in Strategic Learning and Development at DCU Business School please see: https://business.dcu.ie/course/msc-in-strategic-learning-and-development/