-
Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
-
University Life
University Life
Each year more than 4,000 choose University of Galway as their University of choice. Find out what life at University of Galway is all about here.
-
About University of Galway
About University of Galway
Since 1845, University of Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.
-
Colleges & Schools
Colleges & Schools
University of Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching across a range of key areas of expertise.
-
Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation
University of Galway’s vibrant research community take on some of the most pressing challenges of our times.
-
Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at University of Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
-
Alumni & Friends
Alumni & Friends
There are 128,000 University of Galway alumni worldwide. Stay connected to your alumni community! Join our social networks and update your details online.
-
Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Accessibility & LanguageBusiness/Commerce (Degree/Dip)
Commerce Online (Degree)
Course Overview
This course allows you to study anytime, anywhere to achieve a Level 8 Bachelor Degree in Commerce. This part-time Bachelor of Commerce is a four-year course in business education, delivered primarily online. This course is tailored for students with work experience who want to develop the knowledge and skills needed to adapt to evolving business methods and environments throughout their careers. Graduates will have a sound knowledge of the fundamentals of business and management and will have an opportunity to gain a more comprehensive grounding in specialist areas such as Marketing, Digital Business and Analytics, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship.
Mode of Study: Online Learning*
*While this course is delivered fully online, students are required to attend campus for accountancy examinations. Students residing abroad should contact the Course Administrator regarding exam arrangements in advance of applying for the course.
This course has been approved by Next Level Skillnet for a fees subsidy of up to 40% for students whose company is a member of their network. For more information, contact:
Next Level Skillnet – Sue Davies at: sue@nextlevel.ie
Applications and Selections
Applications open from 1st April 2025.
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Applications System. This course is listed under Adult Learning Undergraduate\Postgraduate, CPD, Micro-credentials & Summer School Applications.
Please visit our How to Apply page for Application tips and Supporting Documents information.
Applicants must have a minimum of pass Mathematics at Leaving Certificate or equivalent and need to submit a Leaving Certificate or equivalent document when submitting an application. Applicants should also possess a good level of computer literacy as this course is taught online.Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
While this course is primarily delivered online, on-campus attendance is required for accountancy exams*. On-campus support in the form of workshops and tutorials will also be available in certain modules. The majority of learning will take place online.
*Students residing abroad should contact the Course Administrator regarding exam arrangements in advance of applying for the course.
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have a minimum of pass Mathematics at Leaving Certificate or equivalent and need to submit a Leaving Certificate or equivalent document when submitting an application. Applicants should also possess a good level of computer literacy as this course is taught online.
Entry requirements for part-time students can be found here (i.e. age, English language requirements etc.).
All students who have passed the Foundation Course in Business/Commerce are eligible for admission. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Additional Requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
If you do not meet the standard entry criteria for this course, you may gain entry through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Find out more here.
Duration
4 years, part-time
Next start date
September 2025
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
30
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
NFQ level
8
Mode of study
Online Learning
ECTS weighting
180 ECTs
Award
CAO
Course code
Course Outline
Provisional Outline
Year 1: Management: Enterprise and Society, Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics, Introduction to Management Accounting, Introduction to Financial Accounting, Information Management for Business, Business Information Systems Mathematics for Business and Skills for Learning.
Year 2: Business Finance, Applied Microeconomics for Business, Macroeconomics for the Business Environment, Business Law I, Management Skills, Introduction to Marketing, Marketing Management, Organisational Psychology and Analysis, and Statistics.
Year 3: Customer Experience Design, Qualitative Marketing Research, Marketing Analytics and Research, Economics of Public Policy, Ireland in the Global Economy, Work and Employment Relations, Information and Operations Management, Management Accounting 2, Business Law II
Year 4: Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Management of Organisational Change, Business Strategy, Cases in Marketing Strategy, Integrated Marketing Communication, Implementing Digital Innovation, Business Intelligence and Analytics.
Electives: Students will also select two electives (2 x 5 ECTS) in Year 4. Electives are subject to change for each cycle e.g. Introduction to Sustainability, Negotiation Skills, Leading and Managing People, Introduction to Financial Economics.
Note that the curriculum for the Bachelor of Commerce Online is revised and updated on a regular basis.
Students receive an online resource pack via Canvas for each module, containing core learning materials. Some modules require students to purchase a prescribed text. Students communicate with dedicated module lecturers and tutors via Canvas. E-mail and telephone support are also available.
Course Delivery
The course is delivered through a combination of:
- Live online lectures/tutorials
- Recorded lectures
- Online Learning Resources
- Reading material and assignments
- Online discussions
Further Education
Upon completing the part-time Bachelor of Commerce, graduates can choose from a variety of postgraduate courses in their chosen field at the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics and beyond.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
A Bachelor of Commerce degree provides graduates with a strong foundation for success in a wide range of careers across the business and enterprise sector. This degree opens doors to career advancement opportunities, making it particularly valuable for those looking to progress within their current field or transition into a different area of business. Holding a Level 8 Bachelor of Commerce degree enhances career prospects, equipping graduates with in-demand business knowledge and critical problem-solving skills.
This qualification is widely recognised by employers and can significantly increase earning potential and opportunities for promotion. With the flexibility to study anytime, anywhere, it is ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their expertise, managers aiming to develop their leadership and strategic skills, and entrepreneurs looking to build and grow their own businesses.
Who’s Suited to This Course
The online Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Galway is designed for ambitious adult learners looking to advance their careers, change industries, or gain a formal qualification while balancing work and personal commitments. This course is ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their business knowledge and leadership skills, aspiring entrepreneurs eager to start or grow their own ventures, and managers aiming for career progression. It also suits those returning to education after a break, individuals looking to upskill in areas like finance, marketing, or management, and anyone who values the flexibility to study anytime, anywhere. For those looking to gain a competitive edge in their current role or pivot to a new career path, this degree provides the practical skills and academic foundation to achieve success in today’s dynamic business world.
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
€3500 p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Tuition
€3,500 p.a. 2025/26
Fees: Student levy
€
Fees: Non EU
€4000 p.a. 2025/26
*Next Level Skillnet funding (40% fee subsidy) is available for this course. You also may be eligible for the Adult Learning Tuition Scholarship, find out more here.
Find out More
Course Administrator
Email: ptbusiness@universityofgalway.ie
What Our Students Say
Paul McLoughlin | Diploma in Management
...Returning to third level education after 25 years was daunting. However, through a combination of integrated course design, excellent tutorials, and the internet-based learning management system Blackboard, learning has become a pleasure and I have never felt that I am on my own...
Sheila Gethings | Graduate of B.Comm., 2010
...On-line support, through the Blackboard learning system, has made this course much easier than I expected. Information is accessible when it suits me so I can work at my own pace, fitting it in around my own lifestyle. Between the dedicated lecturers and the combined workplace experiences of the class, there is a wealth of knowledge to absorb. Everything I have learned is relevant to my job and has broadened my understanding of the workplace...
