The Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) programme offers a well-rounded foundation in business principles, along with the opportunity to specialise in your chosen area of interest in the final year. The course is structured to provide a broad knowledge base in the first two years, before focusing on more advanced study and practical experience in the third year.

Year 1
In the first year, students are introduced to the fundamentals of business and key disciplines, providing a solid foundation for your future studies.

• Introduction to Management/Financial Accounting
• Principles of Microeconomics/Macroeconomics
• Business Information Systems & Information Management for Business
• Mathematics and Statistics for Business
• Management & Enterprise
• Foundations of Marketing Thought

Year 2
Year two builds on your knowledge and allows for deeper exploration of core business concepts. You will also have the flexibility to start exploring areas of specialisation.

• Macroeconomics and the Business Environment
• Management Accounting I
• Organisational Psychology
• Business Finance I
• Marketing Management
• Elective Modules (e.g., Business Law II, The Psychology of Consumer Behaviour)

Year 3
In the third and final year, you will specialise in one of the following areas, with advanced modules and practical learning opportunities to ensure you’re prepared for your future career.

Specialisation options:

1. Accounting & Performance Measurement
2. Economics & Public Policy
3. Human Resource Management
4. Marketing Management
5. Digital Business & Analytics
6. Finance
7. Business Law
8. International Business
9. Enterprise
10. Management

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The BComm opens up a world of career opportunities in business, finance, marketing, management, and beyond. Our graduates are highly sought after by employers across a wide range of industries, including banking, consultancy, tech, government, and multinational corporations. Whether you're interested in pursuing a career in accounting, marketing, HR, or international business, the BComm provides the foundation you need to excel in the global business landscape.

• Accountant
• Financial Analyst
• Tax Advisor
• Auditor
• Business Analyst
• Management Consultant
• Marketing Manager
• Brand Manager
• Sales Manager
• Product Manager
• Human Resources Manager
• Recruitment Specialist
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager
• Project Manager
• Operations Manager
• Supply Chain Manager
• Teacher
• Entrepreneur
• Investment Banker
• Financial Planner
• Risk Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Digital Marketing Specialist
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Consultant

Career Progression

Graduates often begin their careers in entry-level roles and progress into senior management. With further professional qualifications and experience, many move into leadership positions in global organisations or establish successful careers as entrepreneurs.

Key skills developed during the BComm which employers value include:

• Financial Acumen
• Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking
• Leadership and Teamwork
• Effective Communication
• Strategic Decision-Making
• Global Business Awareness

For those interested in specialising further, we offer a variety of postgraduate study opportunities across key business areas.

 

J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics is proud to hold several prestigious accreditations that enhance the global recognition and quality of its programmes:

• AACSB - Global Accreditation: AACSB is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools and the largest network connecting students, educators, and businesses worldwide. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to delivering top-tier business education that meets global standards.
• Athena SWAN Silver Award: Recognising our commitment to advancing gender equality in higher education and research.
• PRME – Principles for Responsible Management Education: As a signatory to PRME, we are committed to integrating sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility into our teaching, research, and campus culture, preparing graduates to lead responsibly in a complex global business environment.

These accreditations reflect the high quality and global relevance of our programmes, providing graduates with opportunities in competitive job markets worldwide.

 

AY105 Mary Cosgrove

EC143 Féidhlim McGowan

GA192 Maitiu de Hal

LW190 Nicola Murphy

MK3106 Shekhar Misra & TBC

MS1100 Willie Golden

ST1120 Davood Roshansangachin

SH140 Rachel Robinson

SH102 Begoña Sangrador-Vegas

GR140 Vincent O'Connell

GR141 Thomas Wilks

AY104 Natasha Caulfield

EC142 Dr. Edel Doherty

GA191 Dorothy Ní Uigín

MA119 Ray Ryan/Kevin Jennings

MG3116 Johanna Clancy & Lilia Wasserka-Zhurakhovska

MG3107 Michael Campion

MS120 Martin Hughes

SH102 Carmen Grau

SH140 Rachel Robinson

MG2101 Yixin Qiu

AY208 Rehman Mian

AY209 Sophie Sweeney

MK2102 Sinead Duane

EC247 Aidan Kane

EC2101 Jason Harold / Gerard Turley

CI200 Dongxia Zhang

LW290 Csongor Nagy

EC259 Edel Doherty

MG3118 Maeve O Sullivan

MG3117 Josephine Igoe

MS2100 Michael Lang

BSS2104 Gesche Kindermann

MS2101 Noel Carroll / Simeon Vidolov

AY207 Patricia Martyn

EC2100 Brendan Kennelly

MG3108 Michael Campion

MG3121 Fiona Sheridan

MK206 Sheila Malone

ST2120 Carl Scarrot

The Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) programme is designed to equip students with a strong foundation in business principles, alongside critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills. The learning experience is interactive and practical, combining theoretical frameworks with real-world applications to prepare students for diverse careers in the global business environment.

How Will I Learn?

• Interactive Lectures and Seminars — Engaging sessions encourage discussion, case study analysis, and collaborative learning to deepen understanding of core business concepts.
• Practical Projects and Simulations — Real-life business scenarios, group projects, and simulations help develop decision-making and leadership skills..
• Technology-Enhanced Learning — Use of online platforms, business analytics software, and digital resources supports flexible and independent study.
• Workshops and Guest Lectures — Industry experts and practitioners share insights to connect theory with current business practices.

How Will I Be Assessed?

• Continuous Assessment — Regular assignments, presentations, and group work provide ongoing feedback on student progress.
• Examinations — Written exams evaluate understanding of core subjects and analytical skills, typically held at the end of each semester.
• Case Studies and Reports — Practical reports and case study analyses allow students to demonstrate application of theory to business challenges.
• Participation and Professional Development — Active participation in class and professional skills workshops contribute to overall assessment.

 

University of Galway and PwC Ireland have announced the renewal of a strategic partnership to promote talent for business.      

The partnership runs for five years until 2030, ensuring PwC and the University’s J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics continue to collaborate on the University's Bachelor of Commerce Skills Pathway, focusing on developing students' innovation and entrepreneurial talent. The programme will comprise three modules: Skills for Success; Skills for Business; and Innovation, Creativity and Enterprise.

Graduate Success Story

James Fahy, a recent Bachelor of Commerce graduate, is Co-Founder and CEO of JustTip - a start-up that’s transforming cashless tipping. The company recently raised €1.1 million in funding, bringing total investment to €2.1 million, supported by ComOp and Enterprise Ireland. With 600+ merchants already using the platform, JustTip is gaining national recognition. James and co-founder Ciara were recently named Overall Winners of the 2024 Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards.

 

Course Queries:
business@universityofgalway.ie 

Programme Director:
Martin Hughes
Lecturer in Business Information Systems
Programme Director BComm 2023 – Current
J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics
College of Business, Public Policy & Law
martin.hughes@universityofgalway.ie

 

Q: How many contact hours are there per week?

A: Depending on module selection, students can expect to be in-class approximately 18-20 hours per week. Students are expected to equal this time with individual study, group projects, assignments and class preparation.

Q: Can I transfer from the Bachelor of Commerce to the Bachelor of Commerce (Global Experience)?

A: The Bachelor of Commerce can be extended from three to four years. We offer students a competitive opportunity based on student performance and merit to enhance their studies, spending one academic year studying abroad or one academic year on work placement or one semester studying abroad along with a one-semester work placement. In the third year students will study a range of business courses in English at an international partner university in North America, Australia, Asia or Europe, providing students with an invaluable experience and graduating with a BComm (Global Experience) degree. Students will return to University of Galway to complete their final year.

Q: Are students who didn’t study Accounting or Economics at Leaving Cert going to struggle with Accounting/Economics modules?

A:  Most students entering the BComm haven’t studied Accounting or Economics at Leaving Cert, and the programme is designed with this in mind. First-year modules start from the very basics, and we offer plenty of support to help you build confidence as you go. For Accounting in particular, students are grouped into classes based on their prior experience, so whether you're a complete beginner or have studied it before, you'll be learning at the right level. Tutorials and smaller teaching groups are also used in both Accounting and Economics to give students more support and the chance to ask questions in a relaxed environment.

Q: Are there alternative entry routes to the BComm/BComm (Global Experience) programme?

A: For information on FETAC entry routes options please visit: http://www2.cao.ie/fetac/fetac_search.php

For information on transferring from an alternative programme visit: Internal Transfers - University of Galway

Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, another language, Mathematics, and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Alternative Pathways

The Access Centre at University of Galway provides a number of alternative entry routes to undergraduate programmes. See below some useful links:

• QQI/FET/FETAC Places
• Mature Students
• Access and Foundation programmes
• HEAR Scheme
• DARE Scheme

Other Qualifications

If you are a school leaver presenting results other than Leaving Cert results, please review the entry requirements relevant to you:  

• A Level students
• International Baccalaureate students
• EU students

For applicants whose first language is not English, it is important to check our English Language Requirements.

Admissions Office

Our Admissions Office provides additional detail relevant to CAO applicants including key dates, FAQs and instructions for non-school leavers.

 

Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.

Mature Applicants

Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry. Further information available here.

QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants

Apply via the CAO. See our  QQI/FET/FETAC Applicants page for information on places available and entry requirements.

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee

Application Process

Students applying for full undergraduate degree programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), and who are liable for full non-EU tuition fees, should apply online via Apply to University of Galway. Our application portal opens on the 1^st October each year for each the following September.  

Further Information

Please visit the international application webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.