Interview with Dr Val Corbett, Programme Director MSc in Corporate Governance
Can you share with us more about your own educational journey?
After completing my law and master’s degrees at University College Cork, I started my professional career working in corporate governance with KPMG. After some time, I was attracted to academia and joined Griffith College where I was Head of the Law School for several years. I completed a postgraduate certificate in Third Level Teaching & Learning with Dublin Institute of Technology in 2008 and my PhD with Trinity College Dublin in 2017.
Can you share with us more about your experience in Education and Law?
I have over 24 years of experience teaching law programmes at graduate, postgraduate, and professional levels. I have also published several textbooks and articles in the field of law. I advocate a problem-based approach to learning where students are presented with real-world and hypothetical case studies which are used as a vehicle to promote learning.
What drew you to the field of Corporate Governance?
Recent corporate scandals at home and abroad have shown just how delicate the balance of power, responsibility, and accountability within large organisations is. The study of governance blends the study of law, strategy, risk management, and psychology, which can promote ethical decision-making and long-term sustainability in businesses. It is this blend that I find fascinating.
What are some ways technological advances have shaped the profession?
Like almost every aspect of life, technological advances continue to shape the profession. Innovations like AI and blockchain offer new tools for monitoring compliance and managing risk thereby reducing the chances of fraud and error. However, these advances also introduce challenges, such as the need for cybersecurity measures and the ethical concerns surrounding automated governance.
What sets the MSc in Corporate Governance apart?
The Master of Science is a unique programme in that it is the only one of its kind offered in Ireland and which leads to a dual of MSc and which is also professionally accredited by the CGIUKI. Moreover, the programme is a blended learning programme which means that students can undertake the programme online in their own time and from anywhere.
The programme is aimed at graduates with business or law qualifications and professionals employed or seeking employment in highly regulated areas such as company secretarial, finance, corporate law, financial services, funds management, and other related regulated fields, involving corporate governance and compliance. For those with an appropriate undergraduate degree, this programme can also facilitate a career switch.
Skills gained from the programme are valued across a wide range of sectors, from multinational corporations and professional services firms to funds management companies, non-profits and financial institutions”.
What is on the horizon for the programme and our students?
We hope that this exciting new offering will open opportunities for those who wish to pursue a career in this area. The online nature and evening delivery of the programme will facilitate those who are already working to pursue this qualification. It also presents a wonderful opportunity for students around the country to study without having to travel to do so.
