DCU's 2026 - 2028 Executive MBA Programme to DCU Staff
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The DCU Executive MBA: Fully Funded Places (2026–2028)
DCU People are delighted to offer two fully funded places on the upcoming Executive MBA cohort. This two-year, part-time, blended programme (two-thirds on campus and one-third online) is designed to support transformative leadership growth.
The funded places are sponsored by Gareth Yore, Vice-President for People, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at DCU, and coordinated by the Learning and Organisational Development Team in collaboration with Programme Chair Dr Eric Clinton and Programme Manager Nuala Lonergan at DCU Business School.
The Programme at a Glance
Duration: 2 years (part-time)
Schedule: Thursdays (2:00pm – 9:00pm) plus approximately three Saturdays per semester
Accreditation: Triple-accredited (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS)
Cost: 100% funded for two successful applicants through the DCU Education Support Policy
The DCU Executive MBA is a 2 year part time programme, delivered in a blended format with approximately two thirds of lectures taking place face to face at DCU. Lectures are held on Thursdays from 2pm to 9pm during each of the four 12 week semesters, with typically 3 additional Saturday sessions per semester.
The DCU Executive MBA Programme is triple accredited (AMBA, AACSB and EQUIS) and is designed to be a professionally and personally transformative experience for participants.
Further information on the Executive MBA in DCU Business School.
Benefits of the Executive MBA for DCU Staff
Leadership Development
Strengthen strategic leadership, self-awareness and decision-making in complex environments alongside peers from diverse industries. The programme supports collegial and collaborative leadership aligned with DCU values.
Strategic and Cross-Functional Insight
Develop integrated knowledge across strategy, finance, technology, people management and data-driven decision-making to deliver ambitious, evidence-based outcomes.
Practical Skills for Organisational Impact
Build durable professional skills including communication, collaboration, negotiation and leading change, enabling staff to work inclusively and effectively across teams.
Professional Growth and PRD Alignment
Apply learning directly to your role while bringing your Performance, Review and Development (PRD) goals to life. Participants also benefit from fresh perspectives gained from peers across a range of industries and sectors.
The Executive MBA offers a wide range of additional benefits. We encourage you to review the Executive MBA website to learn more about the programme.
Testimonial from Niamh Flynn, Executive MBA Alumna, DCU Business School
To be considered for this funded opportunity, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Grade and Service: P6 grade or higher with at least two years of continuous service at DCU.
- Contract: Your contract must extend beyond the programme end date (September 2028).
- PRD Alignment: The MBA should clearly support your Performance, Review and Development (PRD) goals.
- Manager Support: Applicants must discuss their application with their Line Manager and include a written letter of support.
- Academic Requirements:
- A 2.1 Honours degree, or
- A 2.2 Honours degree with relevant experience
- Applicants without a degree must have 7+ years of managerial experience and apply through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.
- DCU Staff: This funding is available only to DCU staff. Employees of campus companies or affiliated organisations are not eligible.
Please Contact DCU Business School for any queries in relation to the programme
Please contact Learning and Organisational Development for any queries relating to your Fee Support Application - Learning.Development@dcu.ie
Applications close on March 31st, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Applications will be assessed through the following stages:
- Eligibility review by the Learning and Organisational Development (L&OD) team
- Academic review and interview with DCU Business School. Academic Fit reviewed by the Programme Chair and Manager
- Final shortlisting and decision by DCU People
Please note that meeting the eligibility and academic requirements does not guarantee a funded place. Final decisions will be made following the DCU People shortlisting process.
Once your eligibility and alignment are confirmed by the L&OD team, your application moves to DCU Business School. The Programme Chair will review your academic qualifications or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) portfolio and hold an informal interview to ensure the Executive MBA is a good fit for your career development.
The L&OD team will update you to let you know your application has moved forward or will refer it back to you if your application does not fully meet the criteria.
Click here to access the application process, which includes uploading a letter of support from your Line Manager. Academic transcripts are not required at the initial application stage. They will only be requested during the second phase of the process to confirm academic eligibility.
Applications are submitted directly to the Learning and Organisational Development team as part of the first phase of assessment. Applicants will be updated on the outcome of their application in April 2026.