The Higher Diploma in Business in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is a forward-thinking, part-time NFQ Level 8 programme designed for professionals aiming to lead inclusive practices and drive sustainable business transformation. With EDI established as a fundamental pillar of modern, high-performing, and ethical organizations, this qualification equips leaders, HR practitioners, policy-makers, and managers to take direct action within their workplaces. Delivered over one intensive stage, the programme empowers learners to critically evaluate organizational strategies, design inclusive interventions, and shape equitable workplace culture with integrity and insight.
Practical Learning & Flexible Delivery
The course is built around flexible online access, continuous assessment, and practical application:
Fully Online Delivery: Delivered entirely online, offering maximum flexibility for working professionals balancing career responsibilities.
Applied Coursework Assessment: Modules are assessed through coursework rather than traditional exams, grounded in real-world case studies to maximize immediate workplace impact.
Transformative Leadership Focus: Prepares students to act as catalysts for change, bridging legislative compliance with innovative organizational development.
Coursework
The intensive one-stage Level 8 curriculum addresses key areas of modern EDI leadership and strategy:
Inclusive Strategic HRM: Integrating equality and inclusion into talent acquisition, retention, performance management, and workforce development.
Innovation Through Diversity: Leveraging diverse perspectives, cognitive differences, and inclusive practices to foster workplace creativity and business growth.
Ethical Leadership & Organisational Culture: Developing ethical frameworks, leading inclusive teams, and embedding EDI values into corporate culture.
Policy Development & Legal Frameworks: Navigating Ireland’s legal framework for EDI, evaluating compliance standards, and drafting impactful organizational policies.
Career Opportunities
Graduates earn a specialized Level 8 qualification that positions them to lead strategic EDI initiatives across corporate, public sector, non-profit, and healthcare environments:
Strategic HR Business Partner & People Operations Lead
Organizational Culture & Engagement Specialist
Policy Lead / Public Sector Compliance Officer
EDI Consultant & Change Management Specialist
Academic Progression to Master’s (MSc / MA) Degrees in Human Resource Management, Business, or Public Policy
Upon completion of the Higher Diploma, graduates possess the practical tools, legal understanding, and strategic expertise needed to transform organizational culture and lead ethical, inclusive workplaces.
Delivery
This programme will be delivered online for the 2025/26 Academic year
The six modules that make up this programme can be taken on a standalone basis as individual certificate awards.
Strategic HRM and EDI
Legal Framework and EDI
Innovation and EDI
EDI Policy Development, Implementation and Evaluation
EDI Origins and Context
EDI Management and Leadership
Graduates with Level 8 qualifications. Other applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis through completion of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). SETU reserves the right to require applicants to attend for an interview to determine their suitability for the programme.
Students will have full access to a range of supports available online and through Blackboard, our virtual learning environment. These include our new online programme, PACE, which is designed to support students to access and effectively use library resources in order to complete assignments. Additional supports include an Academic Writing Centre and Maths Support Centre, freely available to all students.
