Course Details
Strategic Learning & Development : September 2028 (MSc)
Commencing Mid-September 2028
About the Course
Ireland’s only Masters in Strategic Learning & Development, delivered by DCU Business School in partnership with the Learning & Development Institute, is
designed for ambitious professionals ready to lead L&D at a strategic level.
This part-time programme blends academic excellence with business relevance combining live online sessions, on-campus learning, and a Strategic Consultancy Project with a real-world client. All participants receive free L&DI membership giving access to Ireland’s leading L&D network, events, mentoring, and resources to support your professional journey.
Who is it for?
L&D Manager/Director
Change & Development Manager
Head of Talent Management
People & Culture Director
Programme modules:
- HR Analytics & Storytelling Leadership and Change
- Strategic L&D, OD & Transformation
- Digital Learning Design
- Contemporary Issues & the Future of L&D
- Personal Leadership & Management Skills
- Strategic Consultancy Project
- Research Methodology
Why do this course?
After successfully completing the programme, graduates will be able to:
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Display an understanding of the role of an L&D Director/Manager
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Display high autonomy and demonstrate expertise in your L&D Role
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Understand how L&D programmes translate into learning impact outcomes for your organisation
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Build engagement strategies with internal and external stakeholders
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Develop strategies for leading L&D developments effectively through organisational change
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Develop creative solutions to exploit the opportunities and surmount challenges facing L&D teams
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Motivate and empower colleagues and external stakeholders to stimulate L&D activity and innovation to achieve organisational goals
- Participate in discussions at a managerial level
Information Webinar on the Masters held in April 2026 :
Course Requirements
Candidates for the Diploma in Learning & Development Practice must:
- Be at least 21 years of age by January 1st of the year of application;
- Hold a Leaving Certificate/FETAC level 5 qualification or equivalent. (It is assumed that participants will have an underlying foundational working knowledge/experience within L&D and/or have at minimum a level 6 qualification in Learning & Development/Training or related area).
- All applicants whose first language is not English must have attained IELTS Level 6 or the equivalent TOEFL score
Are you looking to enhance your expertise in learning and development to drive organisational success? The MSc in Strategic Learning and Development at Dublin City University (DCU) is designed for professionals aiming to deepen their knowledge in talent development, learning strategy, and leadership in dynamic organizational settings.
Funding provided to eligible applicants by Learning & Development Skillnet.
Our MSc in Strategic Learning and Development is the only graduate programme of its kind in Ireland, an innovative partnership between DCU and the Learning & Development Institute, the professional body representing Learning & Development Professionals in Ireland.
Students on the programme are all eligible for L&DI membership as part of the fees for the two-year duration of the programme.

Course Details.
Looking towards your next step in your Learning and Development Journey ?
Then this could be the option for you.
- Start Date: TBC
- Duration: 2 years, part-time .
- Location: Dublin City University (DCU) campus with hybrid learning options.
- Ideal for: Learning and development professionals, HR managers, organisational leaders, and anyone aiming to influence strategic decisions within organizations.
Semester 1: (12 weeks)
TBC
Semester 2: (12 weeks)
TBC
Funding Opportunities: Funding support is available for eligible candidates through Learning & Development Skillnet. For more details, please contact us at: info@ldskillnet.ie to find out if eligible for funding.
Total Cost 2 Years MSc : €15,800 or funded €13,800 ( 2026 Costs 2028 costs TBC )
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Express your interest for Sept 2026 intakeGet this course In-House
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The qualifications pathway through the L&DI has been a real journey for me. From the Level 6 Professional Practice Certificate to the Level 7 Diploma with UCC, L&DI has supported me every step of the way.
Ronan Flood
Warrior Consulting
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