11th December 2008

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With global economic turmoil raising questions about corporate governance, the University of Ulster is a launching a course in Dublin that has at its core the pivotal importance of business ethics and compliance with financial and legal procedures.

The University’s Ulster Business School, in association with one of the world’s leading authority on corporate governance, the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA), is offering a postgraduate course in Management and Corporate Governance, to be taught in the city. The ICSA is the professional body for Chartered Secretaries, who are professionally trained and qualified in company law, accounting, corporate governance, administration, company secretarial practice and management.

“Good corporate governance can be the difference between success and failure in the world of business and this programme of study will equip people with the transferable skills necessary for senior management in a variety of career paths,” says course director John E. Thompson.

Chartered Secretaries help chart a course through regulation, legislation and best practice, to deliver effective operations. The role can be the pathway to many interesting career opportunities in the private and public sectors. 

John Thompson says: “We know from our experience in Jordanstown that there are great job opportunities for graduates with GradICSA.  Many of our past students have found work in Dublin and further afield in Jersey, Guernsey, Australia and Bermuda, so we know the value employers place on the ICSA qualification.

 "The turmoil in the world markets has raised awareness and many questions about corporate governance and in response to the growing demand for a professional qualification from people living in the Republic, this course will now be delivered in Dublin.  

"At this time of recession it makes sense to upgrade qualifications and we are delighted to have recruited such good numbers from an excellent range of employers who clearly value their employees. Employers include PricewaterhouseCoopers, Arthur Cox, A&L Goodbody, KPMG, MOP, Citco and Eagle Star.  

"The role of a Company Secretary, which is a well remunerated board-level position, is to oversee the smooth running of businesses: directing shareholder and pension schemes, advising senior colleagues on areas such as governance, corporate law and risk and influencing the direction of corporate strategy."

Gary Martin, a Senior Lecturer specialising in Corporate Governance at the Ulster Business School, also teaches the course in Dublin.  

"Every day we are confronted with scenarios that go to the heart of what good governance is all about, such as the relationships between organisations and stakeholders, effective risk management and, ultimately, how to achieve the strategic objectives of organisations ethically," he said.

"This qualification provides participants with significant opportunities to enhance their competencies in good governance and contribute to sustained organisational success.”  

Brendan O’Connor, President, Irish Branch of the ICSA and Manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers Company Administration Services said: "We are delighted that this course is now available right here in Dublin and will be of great benefit to the furtherance of the careers of Company Secretaries.  The Company Secretary can add significant value to business.  For example, with their excellent training and attention to detail, they are trained to increase business efficiency, particularly where group structures are concerned, and can often result in cost savings."

The PgD/GradICSA in Management and Corporate Governance is being offered on a part time basis in Dublin. Successful completion of the PgD/GradICSA can lead to the MSc in Management and Corporate Governance.

 

For further information, please contact:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter