The role of the corporate governance professional has evolved significantly over the past two decades. Modern governance professionals are expected to possess a broad and integrated skill-set spanning finance, regulation, law, risk management and strategic oversight. As organisations face increasing demands for transparency, accountability and responsible leadership, the need for professionals with expertise in corporate governance continues to grow.
The Master of Business Studies in Corporate Governance is designed to equip postgraduate students with the knowledge, analytical capability and professional judgement required to operate effectively in this complex environment. The programme provides a comprehensive understanding of governance principles, regulatory frameworks and organisational oversight, enabling graduates to contribute confidently to effective decision-making and long-term organisational sustainability.
Delivered over two years, the programme comprises 90 credits, including 70 credits of taught modules and a 20-credit research component. The research element enables students to explore governance challenges in greater depth while developing advanced analytical and critical thinking skills.
In today’s rapidly changing professional landscape, careers are increasingly evolving from being “position-centred” to “portfolio-centred.” Professionals must therefore develop a diverse set of knowledge and skills that can adapt to changing organisational and technological environments. This programme supports students in building an academic and professional skills portfolio aligned with their career ambitions.
Technological change and automation are transforming the nature of work across all sectors. The OECD estimates that up to one in two jobs may be affected by automation, although the impact will vary significantly across occupations. The skills most resilient to these changes are those that require professional judgement, critical thinking, strategic oversight and the ability to perform complex, non-routine cognitive and interactive tasks. These capabilities are at the heart of the governance discipline. By developing expertise in governance practices and decision-making, graduates of this programme will gain the skills required to navigate a technology-enabled and increasingly automated business environment.
The Master of Business Studies in Corporate Governance therefore provides graduates with the toolkit to future-proof their careers, enhance their professional credibility and play a key role in strengthening governance practices within modern organisations.
The programme has been developed in line with the competency framework of the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (CGIUKI). Graduates are eligible for Chartered Graduate (GRADCG) status with CGIUKI once graduated. A flexible blended learning delivery designed for working professionals with a vibrant and supportive postgraduate learning community, both on campus and online.
Delivery
Modules in Semesters 1, 2, 4 and 5 will be delivered using a blended learning format. Each semester will include two modules, with teaching structured as follows:
Weeks 1, 6 and 12 will be delivered face-to-face on campus.
All other teaching weeks will be delivered online
Classes are scheduled for Monday afternoons and evenings to support working professionals.
Two modules — Applied Research Methods (Semester 3) and International Business and Politics (Semester 6) — will be delivered in an intensive block format over one week in May/June. Students have the option to complete both of these modules in Semester 3. Choosing this option would allow students to eliminate Semester 6 and complete the programme earlier. However, this option would require students to take an additional week away from work to attend the intensive teaching block. This accelerated option applies only to the Applied Research Methods and International Business and Politics modules.
Year 1
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Company Law
Corporate Compliance
Applied Research Methods
Corporate Governance Practice
Risk Management
Year 2
Semester 4
Semester 5
Semester 6
Financial Analysis
Board Practices
International Business and Politics
Strategy Development and Implementation
Applicants must hold at least a Level 8 qualification in business/finance/economics/Law, Applicants holding a non-business/finance/economics/Law honours degree (level 8 award) or applicants without a level 8 qualification may qualify under Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) as per SETU academic guidelines on RPL.
International students must meet the SETU requirements for postgraduates in IELTS or equivalent. This programme resides in the Faculty of Business (this is important when determining the appropriate English language competency criteria to apply).
Successful completion of the Master of Business Studies in Corporate Governance can support graduates in advancing both their career ambitions and further academic development.
Graduates of this programme will have the opportunity to progress to Level 10 doctoral studies, including PhD or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programmes. These pathways provide an opportunity for those interested in pursuing advanced research, academic careers, or senior leadership roles that require a high level of expertise and analytical capability.
The Faculty of Business at South East Technological University has experience supporting graduates from similar programmes in progressing to doctoral study. For example, graduates from the Master of Business in Finance and Business Analytics have pursued PhD qualifications, while a number of MBA graduates have progressed to DBA programmes.
This programme therefore not only enhances professional capabilities but also provides a strong foundation for those wishing to continue their academic journey at doctoral level.
Linda Ford, CEO CGIUKI
“We are pleased to welcome the new MBS Corporate Governance qualification from South East Technological University to our validated postgraduate route. This is a master’s qualification with a professional pathway to Graduate membership of the Institute, using the GradCG designation, because the content is mapped against the Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme. Students also benefit from being part of a university cohort, with lectures, seminars, and a research-led dissertation or project, alongside access to the Institute’s knowledge, guidance and networking that can help them take their next step in governance.”
George Alton, Irish Branch President CGIUKI
"We are delighted that SETU are launching this new master’s course and look forward to working with them over the coming years as we aim to grow the number of qualified Company Secretaries and Governance Professionals throughout Ireland. The geographical reach of the course is particularly valuable, ensuring accessible learning opportunities for students across the South‑East of the country and strengthening the local talent pipeline. At a time when demand for qualified governance professionals continues to remain exceptionally strong, this programme will play an important role in helping to meet that demand and in supporting the ongoing development of governance expertise within the region.”
