Introduction
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.
Entry requirements
A university degree*
A minimum of three years’ quality professional experience (excluding summer placements, part-time or temporary work experience).
A valid score on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
Full-Time MBA: preferred minimum score of 600. Please note that we look at applications on a holistic basis, and a high GMAT score does not guarantee admission. The average GMAT for our current MBA class is 646. If you have any questions in regards to your application we recommend that you contact the MBA Admissions team.
GMAC Executive Assessment (EA): EA score of 149 and above required. More information on the EA available here. Please note the EA is accepted for EMBA applicants only. The current average EA score for our EMBA class is 151/200.
For both the MBA full-time and EMBA, apart from meeting the minimum overall GMAT/EA score, candidates must also do reasonably well in the quantitative component of this test.
Alternatively to the above, candidates for both the full-time and EMBA can submit a valid GRE Test Score. Indicative equivalencies are available through GRE
NB: Please note that scholarship competitions may require earlier submission of a GMAT score, which may vary from those noted above.
All applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of competence in the English language. If English is not your first language you must present with the minimum standard in a recognised English language test, as outlined below. The exception to this rule is if you have completed your primary degree or an entire third level qualification through English, in a majority English speaking country.**An average IELTS score of 7.0 overall components and a minimum of 6.5 in each band on the Academic Version. Or
A minimum score of 100 is required in the Internet-based TOEFL (ITB) with minimum score 24 in Writing, and minimum score 20 in Reading, Listening and Speaking components.For all proficiency tests, the results must normally have been issued within two years prior to the start of your programme.
Through our rigorous selection process, we endeavour to manage expectations so that the candidate’s aspirations for the programme and career objectives are aligned with what the programme can deliver.
UCD MEM graduates can apply to our EMBA or the full-time MBA. If offered a place, they must take the programme in full (two years in the case of the EMBA) so all credits in the EMBA / MBA full-time from entry 2018/19 onwards and must meet our GMAT requirements.
*If you do not hold a university degree equivalent to NFQ Level 8 please contact Admissions for further advice on the non-standard admissions process.
**List of majority English speaking countries:Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Guyana.
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.
