Dublin College Blackrock in collaboration with the Faculty of Enterprise and Humanities at the Institute of Art, Design and Technology Dun Laoghaire (IADT), is pleased to announce the introduction of a new BA (Hons) in Digital Business, commencing in September 2026.
The programme is designed to enable learners to acquire the advanced knowledge, skills and competencies required to work in a business capacity to a high professional standard. The course has a particular focus on developing digital skills such as web applications, digital marketing, enterprise cloud computing, project management, business analysis and digital business transformation. Learners will gain a thorough knowledge of the integral interrelationships between digital technology and business, furthermore they will identify skills gaps in the area of engagement in digital technology.
The aim of this programme is to ensure that learners gain thorough knowledge of the following skills:
- Enhance critical thinking skills in the area of digital business transformation
- The use of appropriate digital technologies in business and marketing
- Evaluation and reporting on ‘real-world’ business scenarios
- Competency development in business such as finance, strategic management, people management, project management
- Competency development in the use and critique of digital platforms for the application of artificial intelligence, website development, digital marketing, cyber law, cloud systems and LLMs.
Learners will be offered the opportunity to do an industry based project or to avail of a work placement with a company to gain work experience as a member of a professional team. This will form part of the formal accredited programme.
What is a Tertiary Degree?
A Tertiary Degree is a new pathway from Further Education and Training with seamless progression into Higher Education to earn an undergraduate degree. See www.nto.ie for further information
This Tertiary Degree will be delivered as follows:
- Year 1 will take place at Dublin College Blackrock
- Years 2 through to 4 will continue at the Institute of Art Design & Technology
Entry Requirements
Applications are invited from candidates holding any of the following:
- Leaving Certificate with five subjects at grade O6/H7
- Leaving Certificate with four subjects at grade O6 plus LCVP with distinction
- Leaving Certificate Applied with Distinction
- Hold QQI Level 4 award with a minimum of a grade of distinction
- Applicants may also present A-Levels or other EU qualifications for Equivalency. Qualifications from countries other than Ireland or the UK should be accompanied with a comparability statement from the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC).
Mature Applicants
Applications from mature students aged 23 or over on January 1 of the year of application are welcome and may be called to interview to outline their holistic life and career experience, interest in and aptitude for the field of study, and recognition of prior learning.
English Language Requirements
- All applicants whose first language is not English and who have not been educated through the medium of English must demonstrate CEFR proficiency at B2 for access. An Irish Leaving Certificate qualification achieved through English meets this requirement. Applicants who have full Level 5 or 6 QQI award obtained in Ireland will not be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency.
Career Opportunities
- Do you want to learn modern digital tools — “You want to understand the platforms, automations, and systems that power successful online businesses.”
- Do you want to turn ideas into digital products — “You have ideas for courses, services, or digital products and want a clear roadmap to launch them.”
- Do you want to improve your marketing skills — “You want to learn how to attract customers using digital marketing, content, and social platforms.”
- Do you want to build a scalable business — “You’re interested in systems that grow without requiring more hours from you.”
- Do you want to create or grow a digital business that earns revenue online?
- Are you looking for a supported pathway from college into a university honours degree — without CAO points?
- Do you want a career‑focused programme with clear progression into the IADT and the wider business and technology sector?
Year 1 - Dublin College Blackrock |
Year 2 - IADT |
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Year 3 - IADT |
Year 4 - IADT |
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Course Structure
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After Year 1, qualified candidates are awarded the QQI Level 5 Certificate - Certificate in Business Studies (5M2102)
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After Year 2, qualified candidates are awarded QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate - Higher Certificate in Digital Business from IADT
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After Year 3, qualified candidates are awarded the IADT Level 7 degree - Bachelor of Arts in Digital Business
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After Year 4, qualified candidates are awarded the IADT level 8 degree - Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Digital Business
