GBS’s Defining Pillars: Western Charm and Applied Business
GBS leverages its location in one of Ireland’s most dynamic cities to offer education that combines a high quality of life with a focus on practical business skills, delivered with a personalised approach in small class settings. This approach is designed to produce graduates with employability-focused, transferable skills sought after by businesses.
Global Leader in Specialized Fields and Quality
GBS is known for the national recognition of its awards and its ability to quickly adapt its curriculum to meet current industry demands.
- National Accreditation: All major academic awards, including Bachelor degrees and various certificates (Levels 6, 7, and 8), are validated and accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the national awarding body, ensuring their alignment with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and international recognition.
- Specialized Certificates: GBS offers a range of semester-long QQI-accredited certificate programmes (Level 6 & 7) in high-demand areas, such as Sustainable Leadership, Human Resource Management, Strategic Operations Management, and Digital Marketing, which are ideal for professional upskilling or a study-abroad experience.
- Industry Focus & International Experience: The curriculum integrates industry insights, and programs like the Bachelor of Business (Hons) with International Business include an obligatory short European study trip to add a practical, international dimension.
- Learner Protection: GBS has Protection for Enrolled Learners (PEL) arrangements in place for all QQI validated courses, providing financial and academic security to students.
Academic Excellence and Program Depth
GBS’s program portfolio is concentrated in business and management, offering clear pathways for progression in essential business disciplines.
- Undergraduate Degrees: Core offerings include the Bachelor of Business (NFQ Level 7) and the Bachelor of Business (Honours) in International Business (NFQ Level 8 Top-Up), focusing on core business foundations, global strategy, and applied skills.
- Enterprise Management: The Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Enterprise Management (NFQ Level 8) prepares students in innovation, effective management, and entrepreneurial development.
- Pathway Programmes: The school provides University Foundation and Pre-Masters pathway programs to help international students meet the necessary academic and English language entry requirements for higher-level study in Ireland.
- Certificate Courses: Short, intensive courses provide specialised knowledge in relevant areas like Strategy and Global Supply Chain Management, and Managing Digital Transformation.
The GBS Campus: Salthill’s Seaside Learning
GBS is situated in a picturesque and highly attractive location, offering a conducive environment for study and a vibrant cultural experience.
- Coastal Location: The campus is in Salthill, Galway, one of Ireland’s most beautiful coastal locations, offering a high quality of life and a blend of city energy and seaside access.
- City Proximity: Galway is a major centre for commerce, IT (hosting companies like Cisco, SAP, and HP), and is a renowned cultural and university city (European Capital of Culture 2020), which facilitates networking.
- Integrated English Support: Through its association with Galway Cultural Institute (GCI), GBS provides mandatory pre-sessional Academic Business English training to support students’ readiness for degree-level studies.
Global Maestro’s Application Support: Your Irish Strategy
GBS uses a direct application process and has clear academic and English language requirements for international students. Global Maestro assists in a streamlined application.
- Application Process and Intakes: We guide you through the college’s direct application system for the main intakes in September and January/February, ensuring all required documentation for your specific QQI level is correct.
- English Proficiency Benchmarks: English requirements are consistent for degree-level entry:
- All Degree Programmes (Level 7/8): IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
- Mandatory Pre-sessional: A 3-week mandatory pre-sessional Academic Business English course is required for all non-native English speakers entering a GBS degree program for the first time.
- Tuition Fee Management: We help clarify the fee structure for non-EU/EEA students. Annual tuition fees are competitive:
- Bachelor of Business (Level 7): Approximately €8,500 (plus academic fee of €250) per year (~$9,300 USD).
- Bachelor of Business (Hons) Level 8: Approximately €9,100 (plus academic fee of €250) per year (~$9,900 USD).
- All fees must be paid through the secure Transfermate Escrow Account pending a visa decision.
Ready to launch your career with a QQI-accredited business degree from Ireland’s west coast? Start your application to Galway Business School with the strategic guidance of Global Maestro.
