Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Project Management (Built Environment)
Course Overview
This course addresses a specific need for professionals within the construction industry, and related areas, to upskill their current knowledge.
The programme is designed for those in the middle of their career looking to progress to senior management or become self-employed, but it is equally applicable to those who are looking to up-skill and keep abreast of the needs of the industry. It is designed to introduce and explore the basic concepts and practices of project management and business planning specifically relating to the Built Environment.
When combined with the focus on entrepreneurship, which is unique to the course at Griffith College, this enables learners to consider, create and grow entrepreneurial ventures, both within existing organisations and in start-ups.
Why study Entrepreneurship and Project Management at Griffith College?
In today’s fast-paced business economy of getting ahead and staying ahead, project management is a highly sought-after skill. New projects are often expensive and high-risk, so clients will pay more for the assurance of deliverables. From project planning to leading to monitoring to managing and delivering, this course will give you the vital skills and techniques you need to secure the success of high-performing projects. These skills are particularly useful if you are an aspiring entrepreneur, looking to upskill or are returning to the workplace. The programme is delivered through a mixture of online lectures and on campus workshops which take place in the evenings and weekends to allow for minimal disruption to the working day.
Other reasons to consider this course include:
- Evidence of professional project management skills will help learners stand out to potential employers, increase their earning potential and further progress their career.
- You will develop an entrepreneurial mindset, which will increase your value to potential employers or help you plan ventures of your own.
- Graduates possess directly applicable skills in project execution and project control across all of the complex elements of a project so that it can be successfully and professionally managed to its conclusion.
- This course provides awareness and a basic understanding of the legal issues frequently encountered by entrepreneurs, such as issues around financing, operations of a company, ownership structuring, the raising of capital, federal securities requirements and exemptions, determining valuation, intellectual property, board formation, human resources, and exit strategies.
- The course is managed by Griffith’s long-standing Design Faculty and is delivered by experts from the industry.
The Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Project Management (Built Environment) is an embedded special purpose award in this programme. Learners on this programme who complete the 30 ECTS may choose to exit with the embedded award.
Course Highlights
- Designed to meet the skills required by industry
- Understands the demands of a project manager role and tasks within the context of the building industry
- Develop an understanding of the legal and professional environment and associated requirements relevant to the built environment
- Explore entre/intrapreneurial aspirations and abilities by examining entrepreneurial theory, research and process.
- Friendly, approachable staff (who are experts in their fields) provide a supportive learning environment
- Full access to Student Adobe Creative Cloud - All Apps plan, which gives you 20+ cutting-edge creative tools for desktop, mobile, and web
Intake Dates
- Dublin - Part-Time - September 2025
Course Details
The Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Project Management (Built Environment) consists of 6 modules taught over two semesters. The modules fall into four categories: Entrepreneurship, Project Management, Planning and Building Control and Practice Management.
Course Modules
The module enables learners to explore their entre/intrapreneurial aspirations and abilities by examining entrepreneurial theory, research and process. It introduces the learner to each of the variables that have to be considered when exploring entre/intrapreneurship as an owner/manager of a business or as an employee. Learners also develop an awareness of Finance and possible sources of investment available to entrepreneurs. The module also introduces the learner to Design Thinking.
This module provides learners with the means to understand the role and various tasks of a project manager within the building industry. The module also develops learners' awareness of the skills and competencies required within the project team. Skills developed through the module bring leadership and direction to projects allowing learners to fully appreciate the challenges organisations face in dynamic and changing built environments. Project management creates and enables motivated teams who know their work is valued, so to optimise their performance. Project management enables teams to ensure the deliverables are correct and there is a real return on investment.
This module provides learners with an overview of the legal and statutory and associated requirements relevant to the built environment. While Irish law is the main context for the module, many aspects of European law are highlighted and discussed throughout, as relevant to the sector. Thus learners are provided with a comprehensive overview of the important aspects of law that affect building industry businesses in operation in Ireland and the European Union.
The module enables learners’ critical thinking in applying creativity, innovation, business, trade initiatives, and strategic management, to a business relevant to the built environment. Innovation, research, and new product development are essential to support the sustainability of built environment. This module introduces the learner to: examples of real-life successes and failures in business/product development scenarios; the role of prototyping, project teams, and brainstorming; and the possibility to support innovation in business, however small and incremental. Enterprises need to be aware of Government supports, grants and initiatives available in Ireland to help entrepreneurs and the various funding options such as venture capitalists, sponsorship, crowdfunding, angel investors, and microfinance.
The module enables the learner to apply a range of project management techniques in a project within the context of the building industry. Skills covered in the module facilitate the project management process and ensure that proper expectations are set in relation to time, cost, quality and client requirements. The module assists in the identification and mitigation of risk and ensures that proper project processes are established and followed in the project lifecycle.
This module introduces learners to the role and importance of the management function within an organisation. Learners develop an awareness of how organisations relevant to the built environment need to adapt to a dynamic and changing business environment. The module furthers learners’ skills and abilities in terms of key aspects of effective management such as analytical skills, communication, and decision-making and problem-solving skills. Learners develop their ability to think critically, show initiative and advance their own holistic solutions to organisation-wide challenges which face managers.
Course Contact
Britt Berentzen
- Dublin Main Campus
Timetables
This course is scheduled to commence in February 2025 at Griffith College Dublin's Main Campus.
This part-time programme runs two evenings per week from 6:30 pm -9:45 pm and every second Saturday from 10 am - 5 pm over 2 Semesters.
Year 2025
Timetables will be made available closer to the course start date.
Contact professionalacademy@griffith.ie for further information.
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold a minimum of a Level 7 qualification, or equivalent according to the National Framework of Qualifications.
Applicants require a background from building design and construction-related programmes. CV showing relevant experience within the field is required.
English Language
If English is not your native language, you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard.
How to Apply
Apply directly to Griffith College.
Fees
For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from the time of application.
Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times; for confirmation, refer to the Intake dates on the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Study Mode: Part-Time
Dublin: EUR4487.00
(Inclusive of Tuition Fee EUR4100.00, Academic Administration Fee EUR250.00, 2% Learner Protection Charge (EUR87.00) and EUR50.00 QQI Award fee).
General Fee Information
An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00, a 2% Learner Protection Charge and EUR50 QQI Award fee is applicable each academic year.
Direct Debit Scheme
Students wishing to pay for their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page to review the payment plan schedule and how to apply.
Sponsorship
Is your company paying for your course?
They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to the Student Fees Office:
- Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
- Email: accounts@griffith.ie
2% Learner Protection Charge
All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.
QQI Award Fee
Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.
Progression
This course provides a pathway to Construction Management-related programmes.
