Course Summary
This two year part-time Masters programme encourages critical thinking, teamwork and communication, analytical and managerial competence, and develops a diverse range of professional attributes which equip graduates to excel and to adopt L&D leadership positions in their professional lives. It is designed for graduates to combine study for a NVQ Level 9 Masters award while gaining business knowledge and skills. This accredited programme is specifically customised and designed to map against industry needs to develop the current and future L&D leaders in Ireland.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
• Applicants who have achieved a 2.2 Honours degree may still obtain a place. This will depend on availability of places and on obtaining high grades in relevant modules on their undergraduate programme.
• Alternatively, candidates with relevant Professional qualifications and at least 3 years’ relevant work experience in the domain of training, learning and development may be considered for entry subject to interview.
• If an applicant does not hold a primary degree, but has sufficient and relevant working experience (more than 5 years in the domain of training, learning and development) a case for acceptance will be submitted. This will be assessed using DCU (2019) Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.
Due to the specialist nature of this programme, additional criteria may be used to assess suitability to undertake this programme.
Application Details
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until:
Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2025.
Closing date for non EU applicants is 1st July 2025.
Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are
advised to apply as early as possible.
To apply for this programme:
All applicants should apply via the website - See Application weblink above.
• Provide Level 8 Academic Transcripts in a relevant discipline (Finance, Business, Information Technology or equivalent) from a recognised higher education institution for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
OR
• Provide Level 8 qualification in a non-relevant discipline along with a detailed CV detailing at least two years relevant finance work experience.
OR
• Provide Level 7 qualification in a subject in a relevant discipline or non-chartered membership of a professional body, along with a detailed CV detailing at least three years relevant managerial work experience.
• If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml
The programme commences in September 2025
Fees
€7,200 per annum
Non EU Fee Part time
€14,400 per annum
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
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.
This programme is an excellent way to accelerate your career. Upon graduation, you will have the analytical and practical skills you’ll need to develop and implement strategies. You will also be positioned to contribute to decision-making and policy discussions at a senior level. This programme will prepare you for a role in L&D departments of large or multinational organisations.
Being one of a very few people in the market with this unique qualification will position you very strongly and open up a range of exciting career opportunities. Not only will you have the support of DCU and the IITD with building your knowledge and expertise, as well as keeping ahead of the latest L&D trends with global research and whitepapers, you will build a strong professional network of like-minded learning and development professionals which will endure long after you have graduated from the programme.
Graduates of the MSc in Strategic Learning and Development will progress their careers in Strategic Learning & Development, Leadership, Talent & HR, Organisation Change & Transformation, People and Culture. They will be attractive to L&D Departments with a strategic emphasis towards skills development, both indigenous and multinational organisations seeking to recruit graduates who can make significant contributions to discussions and decisions at boardroom level.
Graduates will be highly sought after for a variety of positions, including:
• Change and Development Manager
• Head of Leadership Development
• Talent Business Partner
• Senior Talent Management Specialist
• Head of Organisational Learning
• Transformative Leadership Specialist
• Learning & HR Technology Business Partner
• People Development Manager
• Skills Development Leader
• L&D Director
• Head/Director of Talent Management
• Organisational Transformation Manager/Director
• People & Culture Partner/Director