Programme Overview
The Diploma in Leadership Development helps participants to become better leaders. It is about understanding how they themselves contribute to their eventual success and that of their teams and organisations. Participants will develop insight into their current leadership style, actively shift any leadership obstacles and bring about a renewed sense of leadership empowerment and purpose. Built on strong theoretical principles that are brought to life and tested in participative module sessions, the programme is challenging and highly experiential. Participants are required to examine, share and learn from their own experiences, utilising and implementing fresh insight, tools and techniques.
Leading a team within an organisation is a prerequisite for this programme as some modules are focused solely on working with teams and therefore participants need to be able to fully participate in or contribute to the programme. Moreover, participants must be open to critically examining and building upon their own approach to lead.
Key Details
9 October 2025
Next Intake
€11,420 & €10,850*(*UCD Business Alumni)
Fees
9 Months
Duration
6 x 2 day modules
Delivery
NFQ Level 9 / 30 ECTS
Accredited / Credits
Module Dates
| Module Title | Module Faculty | Module Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Module 1: Exploring My Leadership Impact – The Personal Dimension |
Camilla Beglan & Eamonn Ward |
Thurs. 9th October 2025 4.30pm – 7:30pm Fri. 10th & Sat. 11th October 2025 |
| Module 2: Enhancing My Leadership Impact - The Relationship Dimension | Camilla Beglan and Eamonn Ward |
Tue. 18th & Wed. 19th November 2025 |
| Module 3: Building My Leadership Impact - The Team Dimension |
Camilla Beglan and Eamonn Ward |
Tue. 13th & Wed. 14th January 2026 |
| Module 4: Aligning for Organisational Impact – The Systems Dimension |
Camilla Beglan and Eamonn Ward |
Thurs. 12th & Fri. 13th March 2026
|
| Module 5: Sustaining My Leadership Impact – The Resilience Dimension | Camilla Beglan and Eamonn Ward |
Thurs. 23rd & Fri. 24th April 2026 |
| Module 6: Committing to Leadership Impact - The Future Dimension | Camilla Beglan and Eamonn Ward |
Tues. 9th & Wed. 10th June 2026 |
Please note - 100% attendance is required at all modules. Should you miss a module due to unexpected circumstances, there is no longer an option to take that module with another intake of the programme – visit www.smurfitschool.ie/executivedevelopment/contactus/faqs/ for full details. Typical day runs from 9.00am to 5.00pm.
MSc Pathway
This standalone diploma also forms part of the optional MSc in Business (Leadership & Management Practice) Pathway. The pathway framework is comprised of twelve diploma programmes. If participants successfully complete any three of these twelve diplomas within a recommended 5-year timeframe, they are awarded with the MSc in Business (Leadership & Management Practice)
Our portfolio of pathway diplomas build on your existing skill set and add relevant value to your business needs. From corporate governance to leadership development, our diplomas deepen your understanding of contemporary business issues and will help you become a stronger leader who can deal with complex issues in rapidly changing environments. Our unique learning method, immersive environment and world-class faculty all come together to deliver a learning experience unlike any other.
The majority of our diploma programmes are delivered over a series of 6 two-day workshops within a 10-12 month period. Workshops are typically held on Fridays and Saturdays to minimise interference with busy work schedules. The majority of our diploma programmes are assessed on a module by module basis through a variety of practical assignments, there are no examinations (excluding the Diploma in Corporate Governance).
FT Global Rankings confirm UCD as leading Irish provider of Executive Education
UCD Smurfit Executive Development has been ranked in the global top 50 and EU top 25 in both the Open Enrolment and Custom Executive Education in the 2024 Financial Times Executive Education Rankings continuing its place as Ireland’s leading provider of Executive Education.
The School is ranked 33rd in the world in the Custom Executive Education Rankings. Within the ranking criteria, the School ranked an impressive 4th globally for Growth reflecting year-on-year revenue growth and repeat business and 27th for Programme Design which ensures flexibility of the curriculum and cutting-edge expert lecturers. Overall, Client Satisfaction is highest in Ireland and ranks 23rd globally.
In the Open Enrolment Ranking, Smurfit Executive Development ranked 46th globally and first in Ireland marking the 7th year in the global top 50. Among the criteria used to assess the categories, the School scored in the global top 50 in 12 out of 14 categories. Find out more here
The ranking demonstrates consistency at the highest standard in the delivery of world-class executive education programmes and places UCD Smurfit Executive Development with an elite group of business institutions that are among the most recognised in the world.
Discover our Rankings and Accreditations
