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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation
University of Galway’s vibrant research community take on some of the most pressing challenges of our times.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Business (Foundation)
Diploma in Foundation Studies (Bus)
Centre for Adult Learning and Professional Development- Title of Award
- Foundation Diploma
- Course Code
- SFD8
- Delivery
- On Campus
- NFQ
- 6
- Duration
- 26 weeks
- ECTS Weighting
- 30
Why Choose This Course?
Course Information
The Foundation Diploma is a part-time evening course that allows entry into specific full-time degree courses.
This course is designed for individuals who have been out of the formal education system for some time and now wish to begin third-level studies in the areas of Business, Law or Arts.
The preparatory nature of the course builds up participants’ confidence in their academic ability and equips them with skills that will help them to participate in future third-level education courses.
The course includes Accountancy, Economics, Mathematics, Business Skills, Information Technology, Skills for College and Career, Academic Study Skills and Academic Writing.
Curriculum Information
Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Glossary of Terms
- Credits
- You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
- Module
- An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
- Optional
- A module you may choose to study.
- Required
- A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
- Semester
- Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year.
Year 1 (30 Credits)
RequiredDFS1130: Mathematics (Business Humanities)
DFS1130: Mathematics (Business Humanities)
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5
This module will facilitate students to follow an academic taster in Mathematics. The module is designed to develop an appreciation of and insight into specialist knowledge within this area and will enhance their critical thinking and problem solving abilities. Throughout the module students will be supported in developing the ability to write and complete exam papers to a standard which prepares them for the first year of an undergraduate degree programme. Students will improve their analytical and interpretive skills and will be able to discuss and debate on various topics covered in Mathematics.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- On successful completion of the first part of this module ('Mathematics I'), the student will be able to: Carry out arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division with natural, rational and real numbers
- • Carry out the above operations with symbols used to represent numbers of the above forms
- • Convert fractions to percentages or decimals as well as calculate percentage increase/decrease
- • Use mathematical rules and symbols to solve numerical problems , using a scientific calculator where appropriate
- • Carry out arithmetic operations with algebraic expressions
- • Solve/simplify algebraic expressions/equations using techniques such as factoring and removal of brackets
- • Represent data using frequency distributions and histograms
- On successful completion of the second part of this module (‘Mathematics II’), the student will be able to: • Recognise linear, quadratic and cubic functions and draw their graphs
- • Compute the derivative of a function using basic rules of differentiation as well as product, quotient and chain rules
- • Use the derivative of a function to locate maxima and minima
- • Solve systems of linear equations using elimination of variables and represent solutions graphically
- • Compute limits using the properties of limits
- • Calculate measures of central tendency such as the mean, median and mode
- • Calculate measures of dispersion such as the range, standard deviation and the interquartile range
- • Solve a system of three linear equations in three unknowns
- On completion of Mathematics II, Humanities/Business students should additionally be able to: • Carry out computations involving simple and compound interest
Assessments
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
- GRÁINNE MORAHAN 🖂
- IMELDA BYRNE 🖂
- KATHLEEN HARTIGAN 🖂
- MARY SURLIS 🖂
- HELENA MORAN 🖂
- TRISH BOURKE 🖂
- SINEAD HIGGINS 🖂
- KIRSTEN PFEIFFER 🖂
- DANIEL WILLIAM SAVERY 🖂
- Neil Humphries 🖂
- OLGA O MAHONY 🖂
Reading List
- "Foundation Maths" by Croft, Anthony and Robert Davison
Publisher: Harlow: Pearson Education/Prentice Hall - "College Mathematics for Business, Economics, Life Science and Social Sciences" by Barnett, Ziegler and Byleen Pearson Education/Prentice (older editions of this book are fine).
Publisher: Pearson Education/Prentice (older editions of this book are fine). - "Basic Engineering Mathematics" by Bird, John.
Publisher: Oxford: Elsevier.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredDFS1117: Business Skills
DFS1117: Business Skills
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5
This module will build up students’ confidence in their academic abilities in Business Skills. It will enhance students’ knowledge and basic understanding in these specialist areas and develop students’ analytical and problem solving skills. Students will gain a firm grounding in basic concepts and will become proficient in the interpretation and application of business principles. Throughout the module students will develop the ability to complete exam papers to a standard which shows s/he could pass the first year in Business Skills.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- • develop a basic business plan using relevant technology (some examples being excel, word, powerpoint);
- • explain management concepts;
- • apply key business concepts to the business plan (for example budgeting, strategic planning, marketing, human resources and communication skills);
- • reflect on and learn from the process of completing the business plan.
Assessments
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
- AIDAN KANE 🖂
- GRÁINNE MORAHAN 🖂
- IMELDA BYRNE 🖂
- KATHLEEN HARTIGAN 🖂
- MARY SURLIS 🖂
- HELENA MORAN 🖂
- TRISH BOURKE 🖂
- SINEAD HIGGINS 🖂
- DANIEL WILLIAM SAVERY 🖂
Reading List
- "Digital Marketing Excellence" by Chaffey, Dave, & Smith PR
Publisher: Routledge Publicaions - "Human Resource Management in Ireland" by Gunnigle, Patrick, Heraty, Noreen, & iMorley, Michael
Publisher: Gill and Macmillan - "Professional Business Skills" by Perlitz, Lee.
Publisher: Cengage Learning - "Business Analysis [Electronic Source]: Best Practices for Success" by Blais, Steven
Publisher: Wiley Publications - "Social Media [Electronic Source]: Usage and Impact" by Noor Al-Deen, Hana S., & Hendricks, Allen John
Publisher: Lexington Books - "Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument" by Cottrell, Stella.
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan - "Make That Grade – Marketing" by Linehan, Margaret, & Cadogan, Thérèse
Publisher: Gill and Macmillan - "Marketing, An Introduction for Students in Ireland" by Rogan, Donal
Publisher: Gill and Macmillan - "Make that Grade – Management" by Linehan, Margaret
Publisher: Gill and Macmillan - "The Business Analysts Handbook" by Podeswa, Howard. (2009) The Business Analysts Handbook
Publisher: Cengage Learning - "How to Prepare a Business Plan" by Blackwell, Edward .
Publisher: Kogan Page - "The Business Skills Handbook" by Horn, Roy
Publisher: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. UK Higher Education Business Management. - "Digital Media: An Introduction" by Lewis, Richard. (2005)
Publisher: Pearson Prentice Hall - "Enterprise Development" by Lessen, Ronnie
Publisher: Gower Publications
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredDFS1116: Accountancy
DFS1116: Accountancy
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5
This module will build up students’ confidence in their academic abilities in Accountancy. It will enhance students’ knowledge and basic understanding in Accountancy and develop students’ analytical and problem solving skills. Students will gain a firm grounding in basic concepts in this specialist area and will become proficient in the interpretation and application of business principles. Throughout the module students will develop the ability to complete exam papers to a standard which shows s/he could pass a first year financial and management accounting course.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- • Outline the basic principles that guide the preparation of financial statements from summary information about an organisation’s activities
- • Describe the different types of business entity: sole trader, partnership, and company
- • Prepare a set of financial statements for a sole trader
- • Identify and account for any adjustments which are required for year-end accounts
- • Analyse and interpret a set of financial statements
- • Discuss and utilise management accounting techniques such as cash budgeting, breakeven analysis and costing
Assessments
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
- GRÁINNE MORAHAN 🖂
- IMELDA BYRNE 🖂
- KATHLEEN HARTIGAN 🖂
- MARY SURLIS 🖂
- HELENA MORAN 🖂
- TRISH BOURKE 🖂
- SINEAD HIGGINS 🖂
- CLODAGH MCGARRY 🖂
- DANIEL WILLIAM SAVERY 🖂
Reading List
- "Accounting" by Jones, Michael
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredDFS1115: Economics
DFS1115: Economics
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 5
This module will facilitate students to follow an academic taster in Economics. The module is designed to develop an appreciation of and insight into specialist knowledge within this area and will enhance their critical thinking
and problem solving abilities. Throughout the module students will be supported in developing the ability to write and complete
exam papers to a standard which prepares them for the first year of an undergraduate degree programme. Students will improve their
analytical and interpretive skills and will be able to discuss and debate on various topics covered in Economics.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- • Distinguish between the concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics and discuss the contributions of key economic thinkers
- • Explore why markets are seen as a good way to organise economic activity and illustrate market outcome using graphs.
- • Explain different types of market structure and the concept of market failure.
- • Understand how economic activity is measured using the circular flow model.
- Discuss money, prices, inflation and interest rates with reference to banking systems and European Economic and Monetary Union.
- • Analyse how governments can use fiscal and monetary policy to influence the economy
- • Explain the role of Globalisation and international trade on the macroeconomy
- • Describe the costs, measurement and causes of unemployment
Assessments
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
- GRÁINNE MORAHAN 🖂
- IMELDA BYRNE 🖂
- KATHLEEN HARTIGAN 🖂
- MARY SURLIS 🖂
- HELENA MORAN 🖂
- TRISH BOURKE 🖂
- SINEAD HIGGINS 🖂
- SEAMUS LYNCH 🖂
- DANIEL WILLIAM SAVERY 🖂
- RACHEL COVENTRY 🖂
Reading List
- "Foundations of Economics" by Gillespie, Andrew
Publisher: Oxford University Press - "Economics" by Mankiw, Gregory N. and Mark P. Taylor
Publisher: Cengage Learning - "Principles of economics, an Irish text." by Turley, Ger, Maloney, Maureen and Francis O’Toole
Publisher: Gill and Macmillan
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
RequiredDFS1128: Academic Communications Skills and Engage: Skills for College and Career
DFS1128: Academic Communications Skills and Engage: Skills for College and Career
Semester 1 and Semester 2 | Credits: 10
This module is designed to meet the needs of individuals undertaking a foundation course. It is an integral part of an educational process as it involves helping the individuals to understand their starting points, to identify their next goals and to enable participants to move from one to the other. It enables the individual to acquire the necessary skills to benefit from, and participate in third level courses, build up students’ confidence in their personal and academic abilities and assist the students to identify and choose the University course that best suit their aptitudes. Participants also learn techniques and strategies that help them make better use of time and improve their learning capabilities and are encouraged to move forwards towards self evaluation and self correction.
This module will provide students with an opportunity to practice writing in the different styles necessary for academic situations in University. During the course essays will be submitted which will give students the chance to improve their abilities and provide them with an alternative approach to writing. Advanced level Microsoft powerpoint, Microsoft word and internet explorer will also be covered as part of the IT component while students will gain an understanding of communication skills both verbal and body language through the communications element of the module.
(Language of instruction: English)
Learning Outcomes
- ACADEMIC TECHNOLOGY - Use the NUIG Information system and tools
- Organise and manage files (locally and cloud)
- Utilise referencing software for citation purposes
- Create and edit, documents, slides and worksheets for academic purposes
- Use Social Media for collaborative academic group work
- ACADEMIC WRITING - Demonstrate proficiency in the basics of grammatical construction, including sentence type and structure, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary
- Identify and explain the component elements of a paragraph
- Plan and execute a well structured piece of academic writing
- Develop and sustain a written argument/critical analysis
- Draft and redraft written work until the final result is satisfactory
- Follow academic conventions with regard to the presentation, tone and technical requirements of written work
- Explain the meaning of plagiarism and avoid plagiarism by using appropriate in-text citations and preparing a bibliography
- ENGAGE - Navigate the University campus and identify and know how to access student services, including the library
- Meet and engage with academic staff, and demonstrate that they have attended undergraduate lectures during the academic year
- Demonstrate increased self-awareness and understand the implications of personality, skills, values, motivators and interests in careers decision-making.
- Reflect on their career path to date and draw up a career action plan for the future.
- Research careers, labour market information and higher education programmes.
- Apply for third-level programmes of interest at NUI Galway and other institutions
- Plan the financing of their third-level studies.
- ACADEMIC STUDY SKILLS - Recognise their own learning style and evaluate personal strengths, weaknesses and skills (exam preparation and procrastination)
- Establish and adhere to a plan of work that balances academic and personal commitments
- Show that they have developed efficient listening, reading and note-taking skills
- Demonstrate good communications skills, including the ability to deliver an individual and team presentation
- Use revision and exam preparation techniques to minimise stress and maximise performance in exam situations
Assessments
- Department-based Assessment (100%)
Teachers & Administrators
Click a name to search for their researcher profile. Note: Only teachers publish research profiles.
- GRÁINNE MORAHAN 🖂
- JOSEPHINE WALSH 🖂
- IMELDA BYRNE 🖂
- VINCENT O'CONNELL 🖂
- FIONA SHERIDAN 🖂
- CLAIRE COMMINS 🖂
- NIAMH DOHENY 🖂
- KATHLEEN HARTIGAN 🖂
- MARY SURLIS 🖂
- HELENA MORAN 🖂
- TRISH BOURKE 🖂
- SINEAD HIGGINS 🖂
- PAT MOFFAT 🖂
- JAMES WADE 🖂
- GABRIEL BOURKE 🖂
- DANIEL WILLIAM SAVERY 🖂
- ANDREA LYNCH 🖂
- OLGA O MAHONY 🖂
Reading List
- "Buzan’s study skills: mind maps,memory techniques,speed reading and more!" by Buzan, Tony
Publisher: Harlowe:BBC Archive/Pearson - "The Study Skills handbook" by Cottrell, Stella
Publisher: BasingStoke:Palgrave - "Skills for success:personal development and employability" by Cottrell, Stella
Publisher: Houndmills:PalgraveMacMillan - "Write great essays! A guide to reading and essay writing for undergraduates and taught postgraduates" by Levin, Peter
Publisher: Maidenhead:Open University Press - "Guide to citing and referencing." by Mulligan, Jane and Siobhan Carroll (eds)
Publisher: Galway:James Hardiman Library. - "Developing work and study skills" by Lee-Davies, Linda
Publisher: Andover: Cengage - "Reading at university: a guide for students" by Fairbairn, Gavin and Susan Fairbairn
Publisher: Buckingham: Open University Press - "CAO Handbook 2013" by CAO
- "The good study guide" by Northedge, Andrew
Publisher: Milton Keynes: The Open University - "Guide to citing and referencing" by Mulligan, Jane and Siobhán Carroll (Eds)
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Part-time foundation courses provide a flexible pathway into undergraduate programmes at University of Galway. You’ll gain subject knowledge, core academic skills, and hands-on learning to progress to full-time university study. You will:
- Strengthen your knowledge in the subjects you are passionate about.
- Develop essential academic and practical skills for university.
- Access guidance and support every step of the way to ensure success.
The course takes place over 26 weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays (7-10pm) and one or two Saturdays per month (10am-5pm).
Most modules on the course are assessed through a combination of coursework and examination. For modules where coursework counts for less than 100% of marks, exams take place at the end of each module or semester.
Kathleen Hartigan
Mature Students Officer
Tel: 091-492695
Email: maturestudents@universityofgalway.ie
Accreditations & Awards
Meet our Employers
Entry Requirements and Fees
Students must have access to a laptop or PC with a good WIFI network. Maths from Leaving Cert is desirable, or Further Education in Mathematics, along with reasonable IT skills.
Applications will reopen in April 2026.
You will need to upload a passport photo and a photocopy of passport/birth cert or marriage cert.
Please email foundationprogrammes@universityofgalway.ie with evidence of your Social Welfare Payment or bank statement showing payment with your application.
| Course Type | Year | EU Tuition | Student Contribution | Non-EU Tuition | Levy | Total Fee | Total EU Fee | Total Non-EU Fee |
|---|
The course fee is €380* and is payable by postal order made out to University of Galway with your name and course clearly written on the back of the PO and is posted to Mature Students Officer, Áras Uí Chathail, University of Galway or the fee can be paid at registration date.
*If unemployed the cost of the course is €60.
Why University of Galway?
World renowned research led university nestled in the vibrant heart of Galway city on Ireland's scenic West Coast.







