Full Time MBA

Experiential. Transformational. International. The globally ranked Smurfit MBA at University College Dublin provides an unequalled opportunity to unlock and develop your leadership potential, accelerate your career and build your global network.

Our participants enjoy the unique benefits of Ireland’s largest university yet the intimacy of a dedicated campus only a short distance from Dublin’s city centre. Through a rich blend of engaged participants, academic excellence and a MBA Leadership Development Programme participants complete the MBA with an international qualification and a transformed professional life.

Benefit from an outstanding and challenging academic curriculum, delivered by an international faculty within an intimate classroom setting. Immerse yourself in case studies, action learning, international study trips, integrated projects and global virtual teamwork. Expand your horizons with a dedicated careers service and an active network of 4,000 MBA Alumni worldwide.

Global perspective

The Smurfit MBA is designed to develop global leaders. On average, 65% of the MBA class is international and the programme is delivered by an international faculty.

A member of the Global Network of Advanced Management (GNAM) network of 32 business schools including Yale, INSEAD, Oxford and Said Business School, UCD Smurfit School will offer you a global perspective through international study trips and exchanges, action learning via global collaboration, exposure to thought leaders on global issues and problem-solving in international settings.

Rankings and accreditation

UCD Smurfit School is the only business school in Ireland and one of an elite group of schools worldwide to hold “triple crown” accreditation from the three centres of academic and business excellence, Equis, (Europe) AMBA (UK) and AACSB (US).

UCD Smurfit is also the only Irish business school consistently ranked by both the Financial Times and the Economist Intelligence Unit, both of which position the Smurfit MBA in the top 100 MBA programmes in the world.

Experiential learning

MBA participants engage in active learning throughout the programme. From case studies to business simulations to international consultancy, you will learn by doing.

The major Capstone project will task you, as part of a team, to develop a solution to an actual problem faced by an organisation. You will master real-life challenges by applying the knowledge and skills gained throughout the programme, demonstrating your skills of analysis, problem-solving and strategy.

Careers and Alumni

MBA participants have access to a dedicated careers service which will assist you in developing the necessary skills for career development and advancement, including networking, CV-building, career strategy and interviews.

The MBA Alumni Association gives you unparalleled access to an elite and active global network of 4,000 Smurfit MBA Alumni – your network for life.

Leadership development programme

Empowering you to become a self-aware, insightful and influential leader, Smurfit’s Leadership Development Programme helps you to communicate more effectively, better understand your motivations and behaviour, develop your personal strengths and lead others through persuasion and influence.

This innovative and highly interactive programme includes understanding personality and preferences, mastering communication and team building. One-to-one coaching provides a private space during the programme for you to reflect on key learnings and insights.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Smurfit MBA are highly sought after to take up roles across all types of organisations. They are hired into a variety of commercial roles in Ireland and abroad.

Over the past few years, our Full-Time MBA class have secured roles in a large number of organisations, including McKinsey, Google, Accenture, Microsoft, Kellogg’s, EY, Workday, Deloitte, ABB, Grant Thornton, WebSummit, Hilti, PwC, Amazon, Oxfam, Hubspot, Facebook, LinkedIn, Salesforce, Mainstream Renewable Power, KPMG, Ammeon and Trivago.