Business Studies
The Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) programme will provide you with a broad business education. You will study the core business principles of accounting, economics, risk management and insurance, human resource management and marketing - specialising in one area as your “major” in the second semester of Year 2.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | University of Limerick |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | University of Limerick | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
4 years
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Min requirements: 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7
English: O6/H7
2nd language: O6/H7 or H4 for language options (See below)
Maths: O4/H7
Other:
Students wishing to take a language option must have a H4 in that language, with the exception of Japanese or Beginners Spanish where a H4 in a language other than English is required.
Leaving Certificate General Entry Requirements
Minimum Entry Requirements
Degree
At the time of an offer, an applicant is required to hold the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent), with a minimum of six subjects. Results must include:
• Grade H5 (Higher Level) or better in at least two subjects and
• Grade O6 (Ordinary Level)/H7 (Higher Level) or better in at least four subjects
Notwithstanding the above, an applicant must have a minimum of an F6 in Mathematics, an O6/H7 in English, and an O6/H7 in another recognised language. Applicants must also ensure that they meet course-specific entry requirements.
For the purpose of satisfying minimum entry requirements
• An F6 (Foundation Level) grade in Mathematics can be used as an alternate to an O6 (Ordinary Level) grade and can be used to satisfy the Mathematics subject requirement.
• Foundation Irish and the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) are not recognised.
Special Mathematics Entrance Examination
The University holds a Higher Level Special Mathematics Entrance Examination in August each year for students who achieve sufficient CAO entry points and satisfy all other entrance requirements, but who do not achieve the requisite grade in Higher Level Mathematics in the Leaving Certificate for Faculty of Science and Engineering undergraduate degrees. Candidates who pass this special examination are deemed to have satisfied the Higher Level Mathematics entry requirement for all courses run by the Faculty of Science & Engineering. Further information and an application form is available from www.scieng.ul.ie
Specific Subject Requirements for Individual Courses
Specific subject requirements for individual courses are detailed above. It should be noted that candidates may continue to fulfill minimum and specific subject requirements from more than one sitting of the Leaving Certificate.
Competitive Entry
Due to the number and calibre of applicants, qualified candidates to all undergraduate degree courses who satisfy the minimum and specific entry requirements outlined above, are placed in order of merit based on a points system. The system operates as follows:
• Points are awarded for all Leaving Certificate Higher and Ordinary Level Subjects based on the grades achieved in each subject with the exception of the following subjects
• Foundation Mathematics
• Foundation Irish
• Points are awarded for the best six subjects.
• Where applicable the LCVP can be considered for points purposes provided the minimum entry requirements and specific subject requirements are satisfied.
• The six subjects must be taken at any one sitting of the Leaving Certificate.
• An additional score of 25 points is awarded for grades H1 to H6 in the Higher Leaving Mathematics. The additional scores apply only where it is included as one of the applicant’s best 6 subjects.
The following rules apply to combinations of subjects when computing an applicant’s point score. These rules also apply in fulfilling minimum entry requirements:
• Physics, Physics & Chemistry count as one subject.
• Chemistry, Physics & Chemistry count as one subject.
• Physics, Chemistry & Physics, and Chemistry count as two subjects.
• Home Economics (Scientific and Social), Home Economics (General) and Home Economics (Single course), any combination counts as one subject.
• English, English Composition count as one subject.
• Music, Music and Musicianship, Music and Musicianship A, Music and Musicianship B, any combination counts as one subject.
• Agricultural Economics, History, Economics, Economic History count as three subjects.
• Any two or three subject combination of: History, Economics, Economic History, Agricultural Economics, counts as two subjects except when Agricultural Economics and Economics are combined in which case they count as one subject.
QQI FET Applicants General Information
Careers / Further progression
Career Opportunities
Employment opportunities for BBS graduates have been excellent, as the degree provides a general business education as well as an opportunity to combine specialist options that will develop your skills in a number of key areas. Students who complete the BBS may choose from a wide range of careers in both the public and private sectors. The precise job titles will depend upon your special interests and abilities together with the nature of your employer’s business (www.ul.ie/careers)
Typical careers include:
• Typical careers include;
• Tax Consultant
• Banking, Insurance and Financial Services
• Accountant
• Financial Analyst
• Stockbroker
• Pensions and Insurance Administrator
• Risk Analyst
• Economist
• Marketing Brand Manager
• Advertising Account Manager
• Management Consultant
• HR Manager
• HR Recruitment and Training
• Public Relations Officer
• Market Research Analyst
• Social Researcher
Follow-On Study
Related postgraduate options at UL include:
• MSc in Business Analytics
• MSc in Financial Services
• MSc in Risk Management and Insurance
• Masters of Taxation
• MSc in Human Resource Management
• MSc in Economics & Policy Analysis
• MSc in International Management and Global Business
• MSc in Work & Organisational Psychology/Behaviour
• MSc in Marketing, Consumption & Society
Further information
Mature Pathways. Please refer to the course web page link below.
Entry 2024
Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2024 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2024 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1 May 2024 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2024 at 5pm
Exceptional online late application (see page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee €60 Closing Date: 22 July 2024 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2024. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2024, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2024 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €60 applies.
Exceptional Late Applications (Exception to the timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22 July at 5pm applies only to applicants who are registered as an undergraduate student on 1 May 2024 in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system. This is an exceptional late closing date and all steps must be completed by 5pm on 22 July. No changes may be made after this date.
If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.
Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.
Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Marino Institute of Education, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick and Maynooth University have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these five HEIs, you should apply through CAO.
Refer to page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
The BBS suite of programmes includes:
Students can choose from one of the following programmes:
1. Bachelor of Business Studies
This option does not include the study of a language.
Upon entry, students who meet additional language requirements could elect to study one of the BBS with Modern Language programmes. They are;
2. Bachelor of Business Studies with French
Students taking BBS with French will study the French language stream throughout the four years of the programme, along with their regular Business subjects.
3. Bachelor of Business Studies with German
Students taking BBS with German will study the German language stream throughout the four years of the programme, along with their regular Business subjects.
4. Bachelor of Business Studies with Japanese
Students taking BBS with Japanese will study the Japanese language stream throughout the four years of the programme, along with their regular Business subjects.
5. Bachelor of Business Studies with Spanish (Beginners or Advanced)
Students taking BBS with Spanish (Beginners or Advanced) will study the Spanish language stream throughout the four years of the programme, along with their regular Business subjects.
Why study Business Studies at UL?
If you are interested in gaining expertise in a specific business discipline, the Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) (Hons) degree offers you a broad choice of options which will enhance your employability on graduation. The BBS degree at UL is among the most popular business courses in Ireland and is accredited by both national and international bodies including the globally recognised business school accreditation body AACSB (www. aacsb.edu) whose mission is to foster engagement, accelerate innovation, and amplify impact in business education worldwide.
The Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) programme will provide you with a broad business education. You will study the core business principles of accounting, economics, risk management and insurance, human resource management and marketing - specialising in one area as your “major” in the second semester of Year 2. Theory will be brought to life through work on practical business projects in addition to an eight month work placement in industry.
Dual Degree Opportunity
In addition, students can avail of an amazing opportunity to earn a second degree from a leading international business school. Under this ‘dual degree’ pathway, Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) students spend their first two years studying in Limerick and their last two years studying at another Business School (while retaining an international work placement). Upon successful completion of their four years of study, students will receive both UL’s Bachelor of Business Studies degree and an equivalent degree from the other business school.
Cooperative Education
A distinctive and integral part of the BBS in UL is the innovative Cooperative Education Programme. This programme offers students the opportunity of employment in an appropriate business environment for an eight-month period in 3rd year. Students will have an opportunity to apply their business education in a real work environment.
Erasmus/International Exchange
The BBS programme offers you the opportunity to study abroad for a semester at any of our exchange partners across the world. The Kemmy Business School currently has over 80 highly ranked academic exchange partners in over 35 countries. These exchanges are open to both language and non-language students as the vast majority of our partner institutions provide courses taught through English. An exchange placement provides a unique opportunity for you to study at another international institution and the academic, social, personal and cultural benefits of studying abroad are enormous.
Transfer Opportunities for Institute of Technology Graduates
The University of Limerick operates a streamlined transfer system for Institute of Technology graduates. Whether you expect to graduate in the current year at Higher Certificate or Ordinary Bachelor’s level or have already graduated and wish to return to pursue a degree programme at the University, applications are welcome. Transferees should hold at least a Merit (2nd Class honours equivalent) Grade and relevant work experience will be an added advantage.
To find out more, go to www.ul.ie/ courses/LM050 or www.ul.ie/business or find Kemmy Business School on Facebook or Twitter.
What you will study
A blend of core business disciplines and management functions is integrated into the innovative design of the BBS, allowing insights to be reached early in the programme. The programme provides a strong foundation in Accounting, Economics, Finance, Human Resource Management, Management, Marketing, Risk Management & Insurance, Applied Statistics and Applied Business Mathematics which run throughout the first three semesters. You will choose your major option in the second semester of year 2. This consists of 2 modules per semester from second through to fourth year, with an intervening cooperative education placement.
A choice of five “major” options is available, of which you will choose one;
Major Options
(1) Accounting and Finance
The Accounting and Finance major option consists of four main areas: financial accounting and auditing, management accounting, finance and taxation. You will learn about the theory and practice of current accounting standards and their implications for financial reporting, along with practical skills in advanced accounts preparation, financial statement analysis, decision making, investment analysis, performance measurement, costing and cost management systems, portfolio selection, personal and corporate taxation. Graduates of this major option pursue accountancy and/or taxation careers in professional practice or industry.
All of the main accountancy accrediting bodies in Ireland may give some exemptions to UL students who hold an Honours BBS Degree. For further information please visit: www.ul.ie/ business/departments/accounting_ finance/accounting-exemptions.
(2) Economics and Finance
The modules contained in the Economics and Finance major option follow a logical and progressive sequence that emphasise three inter-related components: a strong monetary and financial component Corporate Finance, Applied Economic Analysis, and Monetary Economics; an international dimension International Economics, Economics of Integration; and an applied dimension Managerial Economics, Industrial Economics and Public Finance. Extensive use of quantitative techniques and an emphasis on the importance of analytical thinking instills transferable skills in Economics & Finance students that they can use and develop in a wide range of careers.
(3) Marketing
The suite of modules that comprise the Marketing major has been designed to explore marketing theory and practice, whilst simultaneously developing a diverse skills-set that will be immediately transferable to the workplace. Subjects include: Consumption and Consumer Culture, Marketing Communications, Marketing Research, Digital Marketing, Marketing Intelligence, Strategic Brand Management, Marketing Leadership and Marketing Relationships and Networks. Graduates are likely to pursue careers in product and brand management, marketing research, advertising, sales and general marketing.
(4) Human Resource Management
A number of key practice based modules are integral to this major option which include Human Resource Practice, Employment Relations Practice and HR Analytics. Graduates of the HRM major option will have acquired a comprehensive set of work-related skills in the areas of organisational behaviour analysis, interviewing, conflict management, consulting and performance management and will be ideally placed to pursue careers in human resource management, training and development, management consultancy, employment relations, industrial relations, recruitment and selection and academic research.
(5) Risk Management and Insurance
The Risk Management and Insurance major option modules are designed to explore risk management theory as well as the practice of risk management. Students are introduced to the legal system as it relates to the operation of insurance contracts and insurance claims. Many aspects of insurance law are unique to the insurance system and deal effectively with issues such as fraud. Students learn about the important role of the insurance industry in assessing and pricing risks such as illness and/or death. Risk management functions are directly addressed in modules such as Risk Control and Underwriting and Risk Analysis. Graduates are well placed to take up opportunities in the insurance industry and the wider financial services sector.
Minor Options
In year 3, you will also take a minor option which consists of one module per semester over the final two years.
The following Minor Options are currently offered:
• Business Informatics
• Globalisation – An Economic Perspective
• Entrepreneurship
• Financial Services
• Law
• Management
• Organisational Psychology
• Sociology
• Supply Change Management
Students taking BBS with a Modern Language do not take a minor option; instead, they continue their language studies over the final two years of the programme.
To find out more and to view many other student and graduate profiles, go to www.ul.ie/courses
Course Director: Course Director role will be vacant from the end of July and is currently being filled.
Enquiries
Email: admissions@ul.ie
Tel: 00 353 61 202015
www.ul.ie/admissions-askus