MSc in Corporate Governance


The Global leader in Corporate Governance education

The only online corporate governance programme offering a dual master’s — professionally chartered and a QQI Level 9 qualification — to help you advance in your governance career

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Enrolment deadline:

2 September 2025

Start date:  Autumn 2025

Duration: 2 years

Accreditation: QQI Level 9


Why this course?

Curriculum

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In today’s evolving business landscape, strong governance is not optional — it’s essential. Our Master of Science in Corporate Governance equips you with the legal, strategic and leadership skills needed to advise boards, support compliance and drive ethical decision-making at the highest level.  

Dual Qualification

Gain a Level 9 academic award and professional certification from the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (CGIUKI) — a unique advantage in Ireland’s education market. 

Designed for the Irish Market

Taught by experienced legal and governance academics, this programme addresses the specific needs of Irish businesses, boards and regulatory frameworks. 

Study Without Pausing Your Career

Flexible online delivery with evening classes and one module per week of a 12-week semester — structured for working professionals.

Taught by Experts

Learn from distinguished professors in law, governance, funds and boardroom dynamics — with insights from leading guest speakers.

Grow Your Career, Expand Your Impact

Whether you want to become a company secretary, board advisor or governance leader, this programme opens doors to senior roles in a high-demand field.

Dr Val Corbett

Academic Director

This programme empowers
professionals to step confidently
into boardroom roles at a time
when strong governance is more
vital than ever.

Our MSc in Corporate Governance is flexible, accredited and career-advancing.  

The MSc in Corporate Governance is Ireland’s only QQI and CGIUKI-accredited programme delivered in a blended learning,  part-time format.   

Developed by Hibernia College in partnership with the Accountancy School, this Level 9 qualification is purpose-built for professionals who want to lead in corporate governance, compliance and board advisory roles.  

No other Irish programme offers this level of academic and professional impact.  

The programme consists of seven modules delivered over five, 12-week semesters:  

Corporate Law

This module equips governance professionals with a solid understanding of corporate legal frameworks. It emphasises the company secretary’s role in ensuring legal compliance, ethical conduct and effective board support. Learners will explore statutory obligations, regulatory requirements and best practices essential for maintaining corporate integrity and supporting strategic decision-making.  

Corporate Reporting and Company Finance

This module equips learners with the skills to interpret financial statements and assess company performance. It covers the principles underpinning financial reporting, the impact of financing decisions on capital structure and the evaluation of investment projects. Learners will develop the ability to provide strategic financial advice to boards, balancing risk and return considerations. 

Corporate Governance and Compliance

This module provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of corporate governance frameworks and the pivotal role of the company secretary or governance professional. Emphasis is placed on balancing regulatory compliance with strategic organisational objectives, including corporate social responsibility and environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations. Learners will develop the skills to act as trusted advisors, ensuring ethical conduct and effective board operations. 

Boardroom Dynamics

This module delves into the behavioural, cultural and psychological factors influencing board effectiveness. Learners will explore how interpersonal dynamics, diversity and decision-making processes impact governance outcomes. Emphasis is placed on developing the emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills necessary to navigate complex boardroom interactions and foster a culture of effective governance. 

Strategic Leadership

This module emphasises that effective corporate governance transcends regulatory compliance, incorporating strategic foresight and ethical considerations. Learners will explore how to develop and implement strategies that align with corporate social responsibility and environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles. The focus is on equipping governance professionals to contribute meaningfully to organisational vision, strategy formulation, execution and performance review. 

Risk Management

This module equips learners with the skills to assess and manage organisational risks, emphasising the interconnectedness between risk, strategy, governance and compliance. Learners will explore frameworks like Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s objectives and regulatory requirements. The focus is on developing the competencies necessary for governance professionals to advise boards effectively and contribute to sustainable organisational success. 

Dissertation

The Dissertation module is a cornerstone of the MSc in Corporate Governance, providing learners with the opportunity to apply their learning to a substantive research project. This module allows learners to explore a key issue in corporate governance in depth, demonstrating their ability to critically evaluate existing literature, apply appropriate research methodologies and generate meaningful insights relevant to the field.

Student Support

Support for Students

Administrative and technical support teams, faculty and tutors are committed to helping students meet academic and career goals while having a positive experience. Students can draw from a range of available support to navigate big and small questions.

Our Faculty

Our dedicated faculty are mentors and leaders who bring their rich experiences to the learning environment at Hibernia College. They are educators, practitioners and active researchers. Common among all our faculty is their focus on students.

Student Experiences

Are you curious about studying at Hibernia College? Former Professional Master of Education students share their reasons for choosing Hibernia College, their prior experience, research and careers. ‘As a mother and mature student, the course’s flexibility and the use of blended learning made it possible for me to balance my studies with taking care of my family.’ — Therese Barrett

Corporate
Governance

Application Fee €95

€1,000 Deposit on acceptance

€3,750 First instalment (before the course begins)

€4,750 Second instalment (approx. 10 months later)

€9,500

Total tuition fees payable over 2 years

Other Fees

Other fees payable over the course of the programme:

  • 1.7% learner protection charge: This charge is incurred to finance arrangements required under Part 6 of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 to ensure protection of enrolled learners and is applied to each fee instalment. 
  • QQI certification fee: A Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) award fee is applicable in the award stage of all QQI programmes. The applicable QQI award fee for the MSc in Corporate Governance is €20.
  • Graduation fee: The current fee for attending the graduation ceremony is €125. 
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) fee: Where applicable, the fee for processing an RPL application is €150. This fee is payable at the time of submitting the RPL application and is separate from the programme application fee.
  • Supplementary fees: A list of supplementary fees that cover additional services in relation to the programme will be available to view in the virtual learning environment (VLE) from the commencement of the programme.

Entry Requirements

The programme has a minimum entry requirement of a lower Second Class Honours award, 2.2 or equivalent, in a bachelor’s degree at National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 8 in any of these areas: legal studies, business organisation, accounting, finance or management. Learners from disciplines with a partial alignment may be accepted at the discretion of the Programme Director. Applicants who do not possess a degree in any of these areas should contact advisor@hiberniacollege.net for further guidance.

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