This course allows you to study anytime, anywhere to achieve a Level 8 Bachelor Degree in Commerce. This part-time course 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.

*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.

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

Curriculum Information

This course allows you to study anytime, anywhere to achieve a Level 8 Bachelor Degree in Commerce. 

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.

It 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.

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.

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.

If you do not meet the standard entry criteria for this course, you may gain entry through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. Applicants may also be able to earn module exemptions based on their prior learning. Find out more here.

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.

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.

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

*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.

There are several funding opportunites available for this course:

Adult Learning Tuition Scholarship
A fee scholarship of up to 30% may be available for students who wish to upskill for the purposes of re-employment. For more information download the 2025_26 Fees Scholarship Form.

Next Level Skillnet
This course has been approved for a fees subsidy of up to 40% for students whose company is a member of their network. For more information, contact Sue Davies at: sue@nextlevel.ie

Course Administrator
Email: ptbusiness@universityofgalway.ie