The Diploma in Change Management will be of relevance to learners who wish to gain skills and knowledge that will enable them to support change within their organisations. The demand for skilled change managers continues to grow as organisations across all sectors face rapid transformation driven by technology, globalisation, and evolving workplace practices. Modules are drawn from a business-focused curriculum, ensuring a strong grounding in practical and applied aspects of organisational change, leadership, and strategy.

The course consists of 6 modules delivered in a fully online format, including;

• Management of Organisational Change
• Leading and Managing People
• Business Intelligence and Analytics
• Critical Thinking for Effective Change
• Project Management
• Implementing Digital Innovation

*Other elective modules may be available

Semester 1

Management of Organisational Change
The aim of this module is to understand and recognise the various levels of change within an organisation, and to appreciate the impact change can have on staff and on the motivation and productivity of a group. Students will be required to engage and reflect on events happening in the business world around them and produce creative solutions to challenges emerging.

Leading and Managing People
This course provides a solid foundation to the study of Leading and Managing People. The material delivered and presented highlights the practicality of the issues involved in work and employment, and specifically in managing and leading people. People management is essentially about leading and managing people in a way that both maximises and rewards the contribution everyone makes in the organisation. This course introduces content such as recruitment and selection of employees, how to reward, employment terms and conditions, leading and developing talent, international HRM, and other facets of managing the employment relationship.

Business Intelligence and Analytics
Business Intelligence and Analytics enables organisations to exploit data and information systems (IS) at its disposal to maximise organisational performance. This course provides a solid foundation to the study of Business Intelligence and Analytics. It provides learners with a portfolio of business and analytical methods for solving problems and supporting decision-making, as well as an extensive knowledge of business and IS concepts. The module units examine how different business intelligence and analytical approaches can improve the performance of organisations and analyse the types of business problems that advanced analytical tools can address. Learners will develop the skills necessary to gain business insights on the strategic importance of business intelligence and analytics to improve decision-making.

Semester 2             

Critical Thinking for Effective Change
The module will introduce learners to the concept of critical thinking and its associated skills and applications. Participants will learn about the basic concepts of critical thinking, what it means to think critically, how to think critically and why critical thinking competence is valuable. Module topics will explore critical thinking from a leadership/strategic perspective while also looking at the topic from the point of view of individual change (both professionally and personally). This module will endeavour to build critical thinking skills that can be applied in a variety of roles.

Project Management
This module provides a broad overview of the methods and techniques used to manage projects of any type, from their earliest stages through to completion. Students develop several skills such as planning, solving and team building, in addition to leadership and communication skills.

Implementing Digital Innovation
The objective of this course is to build an in-depth understanding of how emerging digital technology influences innovation, and how managers can configure and lead digital innovation initiatives. The module is designed to equip learners with the skills to develop and lead new business models for existing and insurgent organisations. A specific emphasis is placed on understanding how digital technology can disrupt, enhance, and even stifle innovation activities. The course also considers how emerging digital technology can impact important issues such as employee well-being and future employment, and what managers can do now to prepare for these fundamental transformations.

• Designed for Working Professionals
  Delivered part-time over one academic year, allowing learners to balance study with full-time employment.

• Practice-Driven Learning
  Coursework is grounded in real organisational challenges, enabling students to directly apply learning in their workplace.

• Fully online delivery
  The fully online model provides access for students from anywhere with internet access, allowing students to balance study with career, family or other commitments.
  

• Builds Immediately Useful Skills
  Students develop practical skills in managing projects, leading teams and delivering organisational change, not just theoretical knowledge.

• Aligns with National Upskilling Imperatives
  Addresses workforce needs identified through national lifelong learning, innovation and regional skills agendas

Learners who complete the Diploma in Change Management will be well positioned to progress into a wide range of roles where organisational transformation, project delivery, and people leadership are central. Graduates can expect opportunities in every sector undergoing change, including business, public services, healthcare, technology, community organisations and SMEs. This programme will appeal to:

• Managers and team leaders who are tasked with implementing change initiatives and want to strengthen their leadership impact. 
• Professionals working in HR, operations, or project management who are frequently involved in transformation projects. 
• Early- to mid-career professionals who want to develop a specialism in change management as a career path. 
• Employees in sectors undergoing digital or organisational transformation who want to build confidence and resilience in managing change. 
• Professionals seeking career advancement by gaining a recognised qualification in a highly transferable skill set. 

This Diploma emphasises practical, applied learning that enables students to transfer academic knowledge directly into their professional or business settings. The learning and assessment strategies are designed to support adult learners and working professionals, combining flexibility with real-world relevance.

• Application-oriented assignments: Many modules use written assignments, case studies, and project-based tasks that require learners to analyse real business scenarios, propose solutions, or reflect on practice within their own workplace or industry. This helps bridge theory and practice, enabling students to test concepts learned in class against actual business challenges.
  
  
• Continuous and varied assessment formats: The course integrates a mixture of assessments including essays, reports, research assignments, group work, and business-style projects. This variety allows assessment of a broad range of skills including critical thinking, data analysis, decision-making, communication, and strategic planning. All of these skills are highly transferable to professional contexts.
  
  
• Flexible online delivery components: Lectures and learning resources are delivered online, through live tutorials, recorded lectures, and asynchronous study materials. This allows students to balance study with work or personal commitments.
  
  
• Support for adult learners and working professionals: Since the course is tailored for part-time students, the assessment and learning model accommodates diverse schedules and learner needs. Interaction with lecturers and tutors via online platforms, timely feedback, and a structured framework help support continuous professional development while maintaining flexibility.

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.

Graduates will build a robust set of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers across a wide range of industries and roles. Key transferable skills include: 

Leadership and People Skills
Gained through applied group projects, interactive class discussions and role-play.

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Developed through the use of real-world change management scenarios and theory to practice application.

Strategic Planning and Execution
Fostered via experiential learning activities and case study analysis.

Project Management
Developed through applied work relevant exercises and tasks.

Digital and Data Literacy
Built through hands-on experience of relevant analytics and business intelligence software and platforms to inform change management decisions.

Communication & Teamwork
Honed through presentations, group work and class interactions.

Reflective Professional Practice
Fostered by understanding personal leadership style and professional strengths.

Applicants will be expected to have a Level 7 award or a Level 6 plus a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience. Where applicants do not meet the standard entry criteria they may be permitted to apply under the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning policy.

Online Applications will open in April, 2026.

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

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.

Course Administrator
Email: ptbusiness@universityofgalway.ie