“Tipperary has been particularly badly hit with job losses in firms such as Bulmers, Hydro Tech and Pall Ireland and firm closures such as Lisheen Mines, Procter and Gamble and the Merriott Radiator Plant. Couple these with the many Dell workers who were resident in Tipperary and a situation that needs immediate attention is evident,” he said.

The one-year “programme is aimed at business graduates who wish to specialise in modern management techniques as well as those currently in employment, seeking employment or running a business who may wish to significantly enhance their business and management skills in a changing economic environment”.

Lectures will run one day per week, with workshops and discussion forums on a second day.

“Students will be supported in self-directed study throughout and assessed every three weeks at the completion of each learning unit. Several days of specialist seminars and workshops throughout the year will also be offered as part of this course,” Dr Griffin added.

He said that modules have been structured differently to allow students to build up an extensive portfolio, through continuous assessment.

For more information, call 0504-28162 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it