Higher Certificate in Business Full-time (Online)

Course Summary

This programme has been paused and the next student intake will be SEPTEMBER 2023

This Higher Certificate in Business is a two-year, flexible, full-time programme, which offers the student a qualification in general business, culminating in a widely recognised and highly regarded award. All lectures will be delivered live online and students will be able to fully participate in group work and project work by means of innovative online supports. There is no requirement to attend campus.

This programme offers candidates 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.

Students currently study a prescribed range of subjects. 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.

Download the Higher Certificate in Business Full-time Online course brochure here

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.

Key Course Information

Application for the full-time online Higher Certificate in Business is via the Central Admissions Office (www.cao.ie). 

Application deadlines can be seen here: 

https://www.cao.ie/?page=timetableevents&bb=importantdates

Application Closing Date : 16th August 2024

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 established programme has been a stepping stone for many students entering the business world. 

Graduates can join companies across all industries providing great flexibility and opportunities for the future. Some graduates also set up their own highly successful businesses.

Further Study

Some past graduates, after attaining a higher certificate proceed to an ordinary degree and then to honours degree level.

There is a clear pathway once you complete this qualification to move to the Bachelor of Business - Ordinary (one year full or part time) and then the Bachelor of Business - Honours (one year full time or two years part time).

Did you know?

Attending lectures is made easy with our online learning environment. Engage in discussions, live chat and interact with fellow students and lecturers.

Unable to attend? That is no problem, recorded sessions are available within hours, so students can watch back at a time that suits. Students can also access a wide range of student supports that are available to them.

Students seeking to study fulltime may not be able to attend campus for a variety of reasons such as: caring, family business responsibilities, disability, cost or geographical location. 

With 18 years’ experience delivering online programmes, ATU Sligo is the leader in achieving academic success for our online students, using innovative teaching and student support services. 

Programme Fees

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

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4