Bachelor of Business Studies Course content

Programme choice

If you are accepted into LM050 you must first choose which programme you would like to study. This will influence the modules and pathways available to you throughout your time studying. The available programmes are:

• Bachelor of Business Studies (General)
• Bachelor of Business Studies with a Modern Language
• Bachelor of Business Studies with French (Advanced)
• Bachelor of Business Studies with German (Advanced)
• Bachelor of Business Studies with German (Beginners)
• Bachelor of Business Studies with Japanese (Advanced)
• Bachelor of Business Studies with Japanese (Beginners)
• Bachelor of Business Studies with Spanish (Advanced)
• Bachelor of Business Studies with Spanish (Beginners)

Students wishing to study an Advanced language stream must attain a Leaving Certificate H4 in that language. Students wishing to study a Beginners language stream must attain a Leaving Certificate H4 in a language other than English to demonstrate competency in language learning.

Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS)

A blend of core business disciplines and management functions are 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, Risk, Human Resources, Management, Marketing, and Business Analytics, which run throughout the first three semesters.

You will choose your major option in Year 2 from one of the following areas:

• Accounting and Taxation
• Economics and Public Policy
• Finance
• Human Resource Management
• Marketing
• Risk Management and Insurance.

In Year 3, you will also take a minor option, which consists of one module per semester over the final two years. Students also have the opportunity to go on Erasmus/International Exchange, work placement, and pursue a Dual Degree.

Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) with French (Advanced)

This module is taught to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) standard to:

• Introduce students to Business French relevant to their future professional needs
• Provide students with an understanding of key aspects of contemporary French society
• Enable students to develop practical skills (receptive and active)
• Consolidate students’ knowledge of French vocabulary and grammar.

Students taking BBS with French will study a French language stream throughout the four years of the programme, along with their regular Business subjects. A blend of core business disciplines and management functions are integrated into the innovative design of the BBS with French, 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 and Business Mathematics, which run throughout the first three semesters. You will choose your major option in the second semester of year 2 from one of the following areas – Accounting and Finance, Economics and Finance, Human Resource Management Marketing and Risk Management and Insurance. Students taking BBS with French do not take a minor option; instead, they continue their language studies over the final two years of the programme. The 4-year programme in French focuses on the study of the language for business purposes as well as on giving a deep insight into French / Francophone culture and society to fully prepare students for work in a French speaking environment. Students also have the opportunity to go on Erasmus/International Exchange, work placement and pursue a Dual Degree.

Watch: Introduction to French
 

Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) with German (Advanced)

This module is taught in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The Advanced German module aims to build on students' prior knowledge of the language and to:

• Consolidate existing language skills and further develop overall proficiency in German.
• Introduce students to German Studies with a particular focus on business, economic, and commercial contexts.
• Introduce students to learning strategies and multimedia resources in language learning.
• Prepare students for study, work, and placement opportunities in German-speaking environments.
• Enhance students' intercultural competence and their ability to communicate effectively and professionally in German.

Students taking BBS with German at advanced or beginner level will study a German language stream throughout the four years of the programme, along with their regular Business subjects. A blend of core business disciplines and management functions are integrated into the innovative design of the BBS with German, 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 and Business Mathematics, which run throughout the first three semesters. You will choose your major option in the second semester of year 2 from one of the following areas – Accounting and Finance, Economics and Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing, and Risk Management and Insurance. Students taking BBS with German do not take a minor option; instead, they continue their language studies over the final two years of the programme. Students also have the opportunity to go on Erasmus/International Exchange, work placement and to pursue a Dual Degree in Germany, following which the student receives two degrees, one from UL and one from the German university of Pforzheim.

Watch: Introduction to German

Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) with German (Beginners)

This module is taught to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) standard. The Beginners German module aims to provide students with a strong foundation in German and an understanding of the German-speaking world, particularly its economic and commercial dimensions. 

The module is designed to: 

• Enable the student to comprehend and apply basic German grammatical structures. 
• Expose the student to a range of vocabulary and expressions which will allow her/him to present her/himself to and communicate effectively and professionally with native speakers of German. 
• Foster autonomous language learning skills. 
• Introduce students to German Studies with a particular focus on business, economic, and commercial contexts.
• Develop listening and oral skills in German. 
• Equip the student with basic writing skills in German.
• Prepare students for study, work, and placement opportunities abroad in German-speaking environments.

Students taking BBS with German at advanced or beginner level will study a German language stream throughout the four years of the programme, along with their regular Business subjects. A blend of core business disciplines and management functions are integrated into the innovative design of the BBS with German, 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 and Business Mathematics, which run throughout the first three semesters. You will choose your major option in the second semester of year 2 from one of the following areas – Accounting and Finance, Economics and Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing, and Risk Management and Insurance. Students taking BBS with German do not take a minor option; instead, they continue their language studies over the final two years of the programme. Students also have the opportunity to go on Erasmus/International Exchange, work placement and to pursue a Dual Degree in Germany, following which the student receives two degrees, one from UL and one from the German university of Pforzheim.

Watch: Introduction to German

Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) with Japanese (Advanced)

This module is taught to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) standard to:

• Consolidate existing language and culture skills.
• Improve general competency in Japanese.
• Develop practical communicative skills applied to relevant topics and collaborative projects.
• Introduce students to autonomous language learning strategies.

Students taking BBS with Japanese will study a Japanese language stream throughout the four years of the programme, along with their regular Business subjects. A blend of core business disciplines and management functions are integrated into the innovative design of the BBS with Japanese, 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 and Business Mathematics, which run throughout the first three semesters. You will choose your major option in the second semester of year 2 from one of the following areas – Accounting and Finance, Economics and Finance, Human Resource Management Marketing and Risk Management and Insurance. Students taking BBS with Japanese do not take a minor option; instead, they continue their language studies over the final two years of the programme. Students also have the opportunity to go on Erasmus/International Exchange, work placement and pursue a Dual Degree.

Watch: Introduction to Japanese

Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) with Japanese (Beginners)

No prior knowledge of Japanese required. H4 in a language other than English is required. 

This module is taught to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) standard to provide a firm grounding in understanding, speaking, reading and writing basic Japanese, and aspects of Japanese culture 4 and society, as well as to begin to develop life-long language learning strategies with learners.

Students taking BBS with Japanese will study a Japanese language stream throughout the four years of the programme, along with their regular Business subjects. A blend of core business disciplines and management functions are integrated into the innovative design of the BBS with Japanese, 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 and Business Mathematics, which run throughout the first three semesters. You will choose your major option in the second semester of year 2 from one of the following areas – Accounting and Finance, Economics and Finance, Human Resource Management Marketing and Risk Management and Insurance. Students taking BBS with Japanese do not take a minor option; instead, they continue their language studies over the final two years of the programme. Students also have the opportunity to go on Erasmus/International Exchange, work placement and pursue a Dual Degree.

Watch: Introduction to Japanese

Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) with Spanish (Beginners or Advanced)

Students taking BBS with Spanish will study a Spanish language stream throughout the four years of the programme, along with their regular Business subjects. A blend of core business disciplines and management functions are integrated into the innovative design of the BBS with Spanish, 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 and Business Mathematics, which run throughout the first three semesters. You will choose your major option in the second semester of year 2 from one of the following areas – Accounting and Finance, Economics and Finance, Human Resource Management Marketing and Risk Management and Insurance. Students taking BBS with Spanish do not take a minor option; instead, they continue their language studies over the final two years of the programme. Students also have the opportunity to go on Erasmus/International Exchange, work placement and pursue a Dual Degree.

Watch: Introduction to Spanish

Beginners Spanish

This module is taught to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) standard. The beginner's module aims to provide the student with a strong basic knowledge of Spanish and of contemporary Spain and Latin America, particularly as regards the economic and commercial dimensions. 

The module is designed to: 

• Enable the student to understand and use basic structures of Spanish grammar. 
• Expose the student to a range of vocabulary and expressions which will allow her/him to present her/himself to, and communicate with native speakers of Spanish. 
• Foster autonomous language learning skills. 
• Introduce the student to Spanish and Latin American cultures. 
• Develop listening and speaking skills in Spanish. 
• Equip the student with basic writing skills.

Advanced Spanish

This module is taught to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) standard to: 

• Introduce students to Business Spanish relevant to their future professional needs.
• Provide students with an understanding of key aspects of contemporary Spanish society
• Enable students to develop practical skills (receptive and active)
• Consolidate students' knowledge of Spanish vocabulary and grammar

Year 2 pathways within Business Studies

Regardless of whether you choose to study with or without a language, you will build a foundation of knowledge in Accounting, Economics, Finance, Human Resource Management, Management, Marketing, Risk Management, and Business Analytics. 

In Year 2, you will be asked to choose your major option (or pathway) that you will study for the remainder of your degree. You will choose one of the following: 

Accounting and Taxation

This major builds on the core in Accounting, Finance, and Analytics, developing a strong understanding of financial reporting, performance, and taxation in practice. Students deepen their knowledge through modules such as International Financial Accounting and Reporting, Auditing and Governance and Strategic Performance Management. Taxation is a key focus, with Personal Taxation and Business Taxation supporting applied learning. A significant feature of the major is the opportunity to gain exemptions from the main professional accounting bodies, recognising the depth and rigour of the programme. Graduates are well positioned to progress into professional training or take on roles where financial expertise supports sound business decision making.

Economics and Public Policy

This major option equips students with the analytical tools to make sense of the world around them, from how markets behave, to how governments intervene. Students will take modules such as the Economics of Public Policy, Applied Economic Analysis, Econometrics, and International Economics, which will enhance student's data skills as well as their ability to think critically. Modules in Environmental Economics, The European Economy, and International Macroeconomics also help connect theory to real-world challenges in sustainability, European integration and global imbalances. Graduates emerge with a strong capacity for evidence-based thinking, well-positioned for careers in policy, finance and the public sector.

Finance

Building on the core in Finance and Analytics, this major develops an applied understanding of financial markets, investments, and decision-making. Students engage with modules such as Investment Analysis, Fixed Income and Derivatives, and Financial Institutions and Markets. Empirical Finance strengthens analytical capability through data-driven approaches. Corporate Finance extends knowledge developed in the core, linking theory to practice. A strong emphasis is placed on understanding how financial decisions are made in an ever-changing global environment, supported by International Macroeconomic Analysis. Graduates develop skills relevant across financial services finance, data analytics, and wider business contexts.

Human Resource Management

Building on the core in Organisational Behaviour, Human Resource Management, and Employment Relations, this major equips students with knowledge and skills in managing and developing people within organisations. Through modules such as Human Resource Practice and Skills and Applied Organisational Behaviour, students build practical workplace capability. Modules in Employment Relations and Conflict Resolution strengthen communication and negotiation skills. Digitalisation, Data and HR develop an analytics focus, supporting evidence-based decision-making. Modules in Sustainable Work and Organisational Behaviour and Contemporary Human Resource Management in a Global Context equip students for emerging challenges. This major prepares graduates for roles that help people to thrive at work.

Marketing

The Marketing major builds on core modules in Marketing Principles, Consumer Behaviour, and Analytics to explore how organisations create value and connect with customers. Students develop key insight and applied knowledge through Consumption and Consumer Culture and Marketing Communications and Digital Marketing. Marketing Research and Marketing Intelligence strengthen research and data-driven decision-making. Strategic Brand Management and Marketing Leadership focus on long term strategy and organisational impact. The major combines creativity and analysis, ensuring students effectively and responsibly manage customer and firm priorities. Graduates are well prepared for a range of roles where communication, insight and strategy are central.

Risk Management and Insurance

This major centres on insurance and the management of uncertainty, building on the core in Risk, Finance and Analytics. It is a unique study offering in Ireland and has well-established industry links both nationally and internationally. Students explore key concepts through modules such as Insuring Risk, Insuring Life, and Insurance Law and Claims. Analytical and decision-making skills are developed through Risk Analysis and Underwriting Risk, alongside perspectives in Governing Risk and Insurance Innovation. This major benefits from exemptions from key professional insurance exams. Graduates are well positioned to progress into careers in insurance, including underwriting, claims, broking, and advisory roles, or to take on roles where risk analysis and management inform decision-making.

Minor options

In Year 3, you will also take a minor option, which consists of one module per semester over the final two years. Students who opt to study a language as part of their BBS degree do not take a minor option; instead, they continue their language studies over the final two years of the course.

The following minor options are currently offered:

• AI and Business Analytics
• Applied Economics
• Entrepreneurship
• Investment and Financial Technology
• Law
• Management
• Organisational Psychology
• Sustainability

Cooperative Education

A distinctive and integral part of the BBS is UL’s innovative Cooperative Education Programme. This programme offers students the opportunity of employment in an appropriate business environment for an eight-month period in Year 3. You will earn a current standard salary while on placement and have an opportunity to apply your 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 100 highly ranked academic exchange partners in over 40 countries. These exchanges are open to both language and non-language students, as most 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.

General degree structure 

General degree structure with a Modern Language

Degree major options

Accounting and Taxation

Economics and Public Policy

Finance

Human Resource Management

Marketing

Risk Management and Insurance

Degree minor options

AI and Business Analytics

Applied Economics

Entrepreneurship

Investment and Financial Technology

Law

Management

Organisational Psychology

Sustainability