Course Summary
The Higher Certificate in Business is a two year flexible, part-time programme which offers the candidate a qualification in general business culminating in a widely recognised and highly regarded award. Once the graduate completes the qualification, he or she will have a general understanding of how business organisations work in the public and private sector. This will position the graduate ideally to enter the workforce or continue with further studies. This is a two year, four semester part time, online programme. Learners on this programme are part time and often in day time employment.
Students currently study a set range of subjects with no electives. The student will be introduced to the core functions of business management such as accounting, management, marketing, entrepreneurship, human resource management, information technology and SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) development.
Whether you are studying part-time online, blended or full-time online, it is very important that you allocate enough study time to your online course to stay focused, reduce stress and achieve your goals. For part-time online or blended learning, it is recommended that you should try to allow for 5-6 hours per week per 5 credit module to your studies. Our online courses have about 2-3 hours of live lectures per week (but this can vary per programme). The rest of your study time consists of independent learning, communicating with your lecturers and classmates and carrying out assignments. Live lectures normally take place between 6pm and 10pm, Monday to Thursday but this may vary depending on the availability of specific lecturers. If the Live Classroom scheduled times for the live online lectures do not suit you, recordings will be made available through Moodle.
Important: please note that this programme is designed to allow new students to enter every year. This means that modules are delivered every second year. Most students complete the programme within the 2-year timeframe. However, if you need to defer part of the course, you will not be able to take the module(s) again until it is running in the designated year. For example, modules running in 2021/22 will not run again until 2023/24.
In 2021/22 the modules in Semesters 1 & 2 ran.
In 2022/23 the modules in Semesters 3 & 4 are running.
In 2023/24 the modules in Semesters 1 & 2 will run.
Please refer to the Course format tab for a list of the modules in each semester.
Modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on student demand and course updates.
Key Course Information
The Higher Certificate in Business is a two year part-time programme which provides students with a widely recognised and highly regarded award in business. On completion of this programme graduates will have a general understanding of how business organisations work in the public and private sector and will be ideally positioned to enter the workforce or continue with further studies.
Students will acquire broad business skills that will enable them to obtain employment across a wide range of business environments, at administrative or junior entry level, or improve their work skills.
This two year programme which will be delivered on-line will not require attendance at the institute. Students will be introduced to the core functions of business management
Important: please note that this programme is designed to allow new students to enter every year. This means that modules are delivered every second year. Most students complete the programme within the 2-year timeframe. However, if you need to defer part of the course, you will not be able to take the module(s) again until it is running in the designated year. For example, modules running in 2021/22 will not run again until 2023/24.
In 2021/22 the modules in Semesters 1 & 2 ran.
In 2022/23 the modules in Semesters 3 & 4 are running.
In 2023/24 the modules in Semesters 1 & 2 will run.
Please refer to the Course format tab for a list of the modules in each semester.
Application Closing Date : 15th August 2025
Entry Requirements
Applicants under 23 require five Leaving Certificate subjects (or equivalent) at grade D including Mathematics and English or Irish. Applicants over 23 will be considered on prior relevant experience and/or motivation for taking the programme.
Applicants with other qualifications and with relevant work experience may also be considered through ATU Sligo’s Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) process. RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions / credit from some parts of a programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work and career. Further information is available through www.atu.ie/recognition-of-prior-learning which is our dedicated RPL portal or by contacting our admissions team at admissions.sligo@atu.ie
Career Opportunities
Learners will acquire the broad business skills that will enable them to obtain employment across a wide range of business environments at administrative or junior entry level or improve their work skills. This very well established part time programme has been a stepping stone for many students entering the business world. Some are now working in the manufacturing, retail and in public service. Some past graduates set up highly successful businesses.
Further Study
Some past graduates, after attaining a higher certificate proceed to pass degree and then to honours degree level. There is a clear pathway once you complete this qualification to move to the Level 7 Bachelor of Business in Management Applications (Online) and then the Level 8 Bachelor of Business Hons (one year full time or two years part time).
Testimonials
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Alumni
Programme Fees
| Academic Year 2023/24 Fees | |
| Total Programme Fees | €6,000 |
| Fees per annum: | €3,000 |
To help make the payment of fees more manageable for students who are self-funding their studies, tuition fees can be paid through payment instalment plans at ATU Sligo. For further information on instalment plans, please visit our Fees and Funding webpage.
If you apply and are approved for an online course at ATU Sligo, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €250 to secure your place. Your deposit will then be credited against the course fees once you are registered as a student. Students at ATU Sligo are also eligible to claim tax relief at the standard rate for tuition fees.
For further information and guidance about Fees and Funding for online and part-time courses at ATU Sligo, click here.
If you are seeking to take your exams online, and you meet the eligibility criteria (overseas students and those with extenuating circumstances), an additional examinations fee will apply. For further information, please visit our Examinations webpage.
Course Format
Semester 1
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Business Mathematics | 10 |
| Personal Effectiveness & Employability | 10 |
| Marketing | 10 |
Semester 2
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Economics | 10 |
| Business Management | 10 |
| Customer Service | 10 |
Semester 3
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Financial Accounting | 10 |
| Law for Business | 10 |
| Computer Applications 1 | 10 |
Semester 4
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Management Accounting | 10 |
| Organisational Behaviour | 10 |
| Computer Application 2 | 10 |