ICD’s Defining Pillars: Specialisation and QQI Assurance
ICD is defined by its focused, boutique approach, offering deep specialisation in business disciplines and ensuring quality through rigorous national accreditation and external examination.
Global Leader in Specialized Fields and Quality
ICD is known for its strong focus on professional pathways, particularly in accounting, ensuring its graduates meet international professional standards.
- National Accreditation: All undergraduate (Level 8) and postgraduate (Level 9) programs, including the BA (Hons) in Accounting & Finance and the MA in Accounting & Finance, are validated and accredited by QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland).
- Professional Accounting Exemptions: The Accounting and Finance programs are designed to maximise exemptions from the professional examinations of the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), with successful graduates qualifying for a significant number of exemptions (e.g., F1-F9 of the ACCA exams), providing a critical advantage.
- Work Placement Opportunities: The college offers Post Graduate Diplomas that include a 12-week work experience/placement module in an accounting/financial services firm, with a successful placement rate of over 85%, directly boosting career prospects in Ireland’s financial services sector.
- External Quality Control: ICD is subject to continuous Standards Verification and External Examination by independent experts from other higher education institutions, guaranteeing academic integrity and standards.
Academic Excellence and Program Depth
ICD offers a concise yet impactful portfolio of programs concentrated in its areas of expertise.
- Undergraduate Honours Degrees (NFQ Level 8):
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Accounting and Finance: A three-year program focusing on financial analysis, accounting principles, and business management, with built-in ACCA exemptions.
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Studies: A comprehensive three or four-year program covering management, marketing, entrepreneurship, and core business principles.
- Postgraduate Degrees (NFQ Level 9):
- Master of Arts (MA) in Accounting and Finance: A one-year full-time program aimed at deepening expertise for professional roles.
- Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting & Financial Services: A one-year program that includes a vital 3-month work placement, ideal for entry into the International Financial Services Sector.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA): A one-year full-time program covering strategic management, marketing, and leadership.
The ICD Campus: Dublin’s Corporate Heart
ICD provides a highly convenient and supportive learning environment in one of Dublin’s most vibrant professional areas.
- City Centre Location: The campus is located at Wicklow House on South Great George’s Street, Dublin 2, placing students immediately adjacent to Dublin’s primary financial, commercial, and cultural districts.
- Boutique College Environment: The deliberate policy of maintaining small learner group sizes ensures a guaranteed lecturer to learner ratio that supports active participation, interaction, and individual attention, enhancing the learning experience.
- Modern Facilities: The campus features modern classrooms equipped with the latest teaching technologies to support business and IT education.
- Post-Study Visa Advantage: Graduates of QQI Level 8 and Level 9 programmes are eligible for the Irish Third-Level Graduate Scheme (Stay Back Visa), offering 1 or 2 years of post-study work rights in Ireland.
Global Maestro’s Application Support: Your Irish Strategy
ICD manages a direct application system with specific financial and English language requirements for international students. Global Maestro offers guidance for a successful application.
- Application Process & Intakes: We guide you through the direct application process to the college for the main intakes, ensuring all required supporting documents are submitted. Applications can be made directly to the college or through the Central Applications Office (CAO) for EU/EFTA applicants.
- English Proficiency Benchmarks: The standard minimum English language requirements are:
- Undergraduate (Level 8): IELTS 6.0 (with no individual band below 5.5) or equivalent.
- Postgraduate (Level 9): IELTS 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0) or equivalent.
- Tuition Fee Management: We help clarify the fee structure for non-EU/EEA students. ICD promotes an “Affordable Education” strategy with competitive fees:
- Undergraduate (First Year Tuition): Approximately €7,500 per year (~$8,200 USD), with a slightly lower fee in subsequent years.
- Postgraduate (Annual Tuition): Approximately €9,000 to €10,000 per year for MA/MBA programs.
- Fees are generally the same for all students (EU and Non-EU) unless a student requires visa assistance from ICD prior to arrival, in which case a higher first-year fee may apply to cover the extra administration costs.
Ready to specialise in Accounting and Finance with an ACCA-accredited, QQI-validated degree in the heart of Dublin? Start your application to ICD Business School with the strategic guidance of Global Maestro. application to IBAT College Dublin with the strategic guidance of Global Maestro.