MSc in Strategic Learning & Development

Program Overview

This part-time, two-year MSc program in Strategic Learning & Development equips professionals with critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and analytical management skills for leadership roles in learning and development (L&D). Graduates acquire valuable L&D expertise while building strong business knowledge and skills, preparing them for a range of career opportunities in L&D, organizational change, and talent development. The program is accredited and aligns with industry needs, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills for success in the field.

Program Outline

Business School & MSc in Strategic Learning & Development

Degree Overview:

Overall Description:

This two-year, part-time Master's program fosters critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and analytical management skills while developing essential professional attributes for excelling and taking on leadership roles in learning and development (L&D). Graduates acquire valuable L&D expertise while building strong business knowledge and skills. This accredited program aligns with industry needs, equipping current and future L&D leaders in Ireland.

Targeted Audience:

Professionals working across L&D, including those supporting organizational performance improvement through people development, working with organizational change initiatives, or dedicated to building a robust talent pipeline for achieving strategic ambitions. Specific roles within this cohort may include L&D professionals, organizational change agents, and those committed to talent development.

Program Design:

Created in collaboration with leading industry and academic stakeholders, the curriculum seamlessly blends professional and applied L&D business topics with critical data analysis techniques. Renowned experts from academic, industry, and professional backgrounds lead lectures, providing participants with contemporary theoretical underpinnings coupled with practical expertise.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Acquire a profound understanding of an L&D Director/Manager's multifaceted role.
• Cultivate a well-defined set of vital L&D leader competencies.
• Exhibit exceptional autonomy and demonstrably excel within chosen L&D roles.
• Understand the process by which L&D programs translate into actual learning impact outcomes within organizations.
• Master engagement strategies for fostering collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Design effective strategies for successfully leading L&D programs during periods of organizational change.
• Develop innovative solutions to leverage lucrative opportunities and overcome L&D team challenges.
• Maximize the potential of digital tools and methodologies to enhance L&D and support transformative organizational endeavors.
• Inspire and empower colleagues and partners outside the organization to stimulate creative L&D activities and innovations, ultimately supporting the achievement of organizational goals.

Structure and Schedule:

Delivery Mode:

Flexible, blended learning environment.

Time Commitment:

• Online sessions take place one evening per week, from 4pm-7:30pm (specific day subject to confirmation).
Additional asynchronous content with recordings complements live online sessions as part of the total workload.
• On-campus attendance is required for three days per semester, on weeks 1, 6, and 12, from 9am-5pm (specific day to be confirmed).

Learning Environment:

DCU Business School fosters an interactive and engaging learning space encouraging active participation and discussion among program participants.

Course Materials and Resources:

Available through Brightspace online learning platform.

Outline:

Program Content:

• L&D Design & Strategy
• Organizational Transformation
• Leadership & Change
• Digital Learning Tools
• Future of L&D
• Data Analytics

Module Descriptions:

Specific module information is currently unavailable. Please check program updates for further details closer to program commencement.

Careers:

Program Benefits:

Graduates emerge equipped with the analytical and practical expertise necessary to design, implement, and evaluate impactful L&D strategies. Participants develop the essential skills and knowledge base to contribute effectively to high-level decision-making and critical discussions within organizations, thus positioning themselves for L&D leadership roles in both national and multinational corporations.

Career Opportunities:

Successful program completion opens doors to a dynamic range of career paths, including:

• Change and Development Manager
• Head of Leadership Development
• Talent Business Partner
• Senior Talent Management Specialist
• Head of Organizational Learning
• Transformative Leadership Specialist
• Learning & HR Technology Business Partner
• People Development Manager
• Skills Development Leader
• L&D Director
• Head/Director of Talent Management
• Organizational Transformation Manager/Director
• People & Culture Partner/Director

Graduate Employment Prospects:

Possessing this unique professional qualification sets graduates apart in a competitive talent market, presenting diverse exciting career advancement openings. Additionally, program participants enjoy ongoing support from DCU and the Irish Institute of Training and Development (IITD), guaranteeing continued skill and knowledge building while staying abreast of emerging global L&D trends through access to cutting-edge research and thought leadership insights. Furthermore, the program fosters a robust professional network connecting learners within the L&D community, facilitating professional connections that extend well beyond program completion.

Other:

Accreditation:

Nationally accredited, level 9 postgraduate qualification.

Further Information:

Access detailed program information including current course structures and additional modules via the linked website: https://business.dcu.ie/course/msc-in-strategic-learning-and-development/

Part time EU Status Fee Part-time €7,200 per annum Non EU Fee Part time €14,400 per annum