Dorset College Dublin

What Dorset College Dublin does

Dorset College Dublin is an independent private Higher Education institution founded in 1983 and headquartered in Georgian buildings at 7 & 8 Belvedere Place, Mountjoy Square, Dublin 1. The college operates four schools — Business, Computing, Healthcare, and English Language — plus a Springboard+/Erasmus+ government-funded vertical, delivering QQI-accredited degrees (Level 7 and Level 8 NFQ), QQI Level 5 healthcare awards, professional diplomas, and short CPD-certified courses. Delivery is blended: face-to-face on the Dublin campus and 100% live online classes for the professional portfolio, with Moodle as the learning management system and EBSCO for library access.

The product portfolio spans three-year Bachelor of Business and BSc in Computer Science degrees, a one-year Bachelor of Business (Honours) in International Business, QQI Level 5 healthcare programs (Nursing Studies, Healthcare Support, Maternity Care Support), and a roster of CPD certificates in CIPD HR, PMI Project Management, Cybersecurity, Python, UX/UI Design, Data Analytics with Python & Power BI, AI for Business, Leadership, and Bookkeeping & Payroll (Sage-based). The college holds accreditations from QQI, CIPD, CPD Certification Service UK, PMI, ACCA, AAT, BGA (under AMBA), ACELS, HECA, and Education Ireland.

Revenue is generated through tuition fees (EU students €4,600–€6,050/year; Non-EU €7,150–€7,650/year), professional course fees (€1,000–€2,950), healthcare programmes (€595–€2,000), employer-sponsored training, and government-funded Springboard+ and Erasmus+ programmes. The institution employs 88 staff, serves a student body drawn from 50+ nationalities with a 21:1 student-to-lecturer ratio, and runs acquisition through a direct-to-website enrollment model, an international agent network, social media presence across five platforms, and partnerships with the Irish Department of Social Protection (Intreo). Reported outcomes include 90%+ graduate employment on the Bachelor of Business (Honours) and 95% student recommendation rates.

Name

Dorset College Dublin

Legal name

Dorset College Dublin

Website

https://dorset.ie

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Dorset College Dublin is an independent private Higher Education institution in Dublin, founded 1983, delivering QQI-accredited business, computing, healthcare, and English-language programmes plus CPD-certified professional diplomas to domestic and international students across 50+ nationalities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Online Competency-Based Universities (CBE) (EDAHALAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Accounting & Finance Certification Prep (CPA, CMA, CFA, FRM) (EDANAIAD), Project, Process & Quality Certification Prep (PMP, PRINCE2, Lean Six Sigma, ITIL) (EDANAIAE), Online Healthcare & Nursing Universities (Allied Health, RN-to-BSN, etc.) (EDAHALAF)

Keywords

• Higher education programmes
• Professional development courses
• University degree programmes
• English language training
• Vocational healthcare training

Headquarters

HQ city

Dublin

HQ country

Ireland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees - Higher Education Programs: Full-time undergraduate degree programs charged at tiered rates for EU and Non-EU students. Programs include Bachelor of Business (Level 7), Bachelor of Business (Hons) in International Business (Level 8), and BSc in Computing (Level 7).
2. Professional and CPD Courses: Continuing professional development courses including CIPD, CPD UK accredited certificates, and PMI certified programs. Offered at various price points from €495 to €2,950 with discounts available.
3. Healthcare Training Programs: QQI Level 5 healthcare courses including Nursing Studies, Healthcare Support, and Maternity Care Support. Priced at €595 to €2,000 with deposit and installment payment options.
4. English Language School: English language courses for international students including General English, Business English, and IELTS preparation.
5. Employer Sponsorship: Employer-funded training programs where companies sponsor employee professional development through CIPD, project management, and other professional courses.
6. Government Training Grants: Revenue supported by government programs including Springboard+ (free courses for unemployed and employed), Intreo Training Support Grant (up to €1,000 for eligible jobseekers), and Erasmus+ funding.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Dorset College Dublin is an independent Higher Education institution that sells QQI-accredited degree programmes (Bachelor of Business Level 7, Bachelor of Business Honours in International Business Level 8, BSc in Computing Level 7), QQI Level 5 healthcare awards (Nursing Studies, Healthcare Support, Maternity Care Support), CIPD-accredited HR qualifications, CPD UK-certified professional certificates in areas such as cybersecurity, Python, UX/UI, data analytics, AI, bookkeeping, and project management, and English language courses. Programmes are delivered through face-to-face classes at its Dublin city centre campus and 100% live online evening sessions, with tuition fees structured by programme level and nationality status.

Product overview

Dorset College Dublin is an independent Higher Education institution offering a multi-disciplinary portfolio of QQI-accredited degree programmes and professional qualifications across three academic schools: School of Business (QQI-accredited Bachelor of Business degrees at Level 7 and Level 8, plus CIPD HR qualifications), School of Computing (BSc in Computer Science Level 7 plus CPD certificates in Cybersecurity, Python, UX/UI Design, Data Analytics, and AI), and School of Healthcare (QQI Level 5 awards in Nursing Studies, Healthcare Support, and Maternity Care Support). The institution also operates a School of English Language and offers Springboard+/Erasmus+ funded professional development courses. Programs are delivered face-to-face on campus in Dublin and via 100% live online classes, with Moodle as the learning management system.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• School of English Language: English language school offering General English, IELTS preparation, and Business English courses.

Products and services

• Bachelor of Business (Honours) in International Business - Level 8 One-year full-time or part-time Honours degree (60 ECTS, Level 8 NFQ) focused on global business strategy, international marketing, and cross-cultural management, with electives in Digital Transformation, International HRM, and Global Operations. Targeted at graduates seeking a Level 8 qualification for career advancement or further study.
• Bachelor of Business - Level 7 Three-year full-time Bachelor of Business degree (180 ECTS, Level 7 NFQ) covering finance, marketing, HR, IT, and business operations with optional Year 3 electives including Marketing Communications, Services Marketing, and Lean Six Sigma. Designed for school leavers and mature learners entering business careers.
• BSc in Computer Science - Level 7 Three-year full-time Bachelor of Science in Computing degree (Level 7 NFQ) covering software engineering, operating systems, networks, cybersecurity, AI, and web development with a Work-Based Learning component. Targeted at school leavers and career changers entering IT roles.
• Pre-Nursing Studies Course (QQI Level 5 Major Award) One full-time equivalent nursing preparation course (QQI Level 5, 8 months) covering anatomy, physiology, nursing theory, care skills, communication, and work experience. Provides a pathway to nursing degree programmes via CAO or UCAS for adult learners entering healthcare.
• Healthcare Support Course (QQI Level 5 Major Award) One-year evening healthcare qualification (QQI Level 5) preparing students for roles as Healthcare Assistants in hospitals, nursing homes, and community care settings. Targets adult learners entering the healthcare workforce.
• Maternity Care Support Course (QQI Level 5 Minor Award) Seven-week intensive course covering ante-natal, labour, postnatal care, infant feeding, and clinical skills for roles as Maternity Care Assistants in hospital settings. Friday 9:30am-5:30pm delivery.
• Professional Certificate in Cybersecurity 13-week evening course (CPD Certificate) covering cybersecurity fundamentals, threat assessment, and security protocols. Delivered 100% live online. Targeted at professionals seeking to enter or upskill in cybersecurity roles.
• Professional Certificate in Python Coding 13-week evening programming course (CPD Certificate) teaching Python programming fundamentals, data structures, and application development. Delivered 100% live online. Targeted at professionals seeking to learn Python for career advancement.
• Professional Certificate in UX/UI Design 11-week evening course (CPD Certificate) covering user experience design, interface design principles, and prototyping tools. Delivered 100% live online. Targeted at professionals transitioning into UX/UI design roles.
• Data Analytics with Python & Power BI 11-week evening course (CPD Certificate) teaching data analysis using Python, Power BI visualization, and statistical methods for business intelligence. Targeted at professionals moving into data analytics roles.
• Artificial Intelligence for Business - Practical Skills for the Workplace 11-week evening course (CPD Certificate) covering AI applications in business processes, decision-making, automation, and AI ethics for workplace implementation. Targeted at professionals seeking AI literacy for business roles.
• Professional Certificate in Bookkeeping & Payroll 14-week evening course (CPD Certificate) teaching double-entry bookkeeping, Sage Accounting/Payroll software, Irish payroll administration (PAYE, PRSI, USC), VAT returns, and bank reconciliation. Targeted at professionals entering or upskilling in bookkeeping and payroll roles.
• CIPD Foundation Certificate in People Practice - Level 3 20-week evening course accredited by the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) covering foundational HR and people management practices. Targeted at professionals beginning an HR career.
• CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management - Level 5 30-week evening course (CIPD Level 5) covering advanced people management, employee relations, talent development, and HR strategy. Targeted at HR professionals seeking senior or specialist HR roles.
• School of English Language Courses English language courses for international students including General English, Business English, and IELTS preparation, delivered via the School of English Language sub-brand. Targeted at non-native English speakers preparing for further study or professional purposes.
• Springboard+ and Erasmus+ Funded Courses Government and EU-funded short programmes including Sustainability Leadership, AI for Higher Education, and Project Management for Academic Administrators, plus semester abroad and Erasmus+ intensive courses. Targeted at unemployed/employed individuals eligible for Springboard+ funding and EU/EEA students seeking mobility experiences.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90%+ graduate employment or self-employment rate for Bachelor of Business (Honours) students
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerQQI is Ireland's national qualifications authority. Dorset College programs are accredited and awarded by QQI, ensuring compliance with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and international recognition of all educational credentials.
• Business Graduates Association (BGA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAMBA BGA membership connects Dorset College business students with global network of business professionals and academics, providing exclusive resources, industry insights, and professional development opportunities.
• Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerApproved centre status enabling delivery of CIPD qualifications including Foundation Certificate in People Practice (Level 3) and Associate Diplomas in People Management and Organisational Learning & Development (Level 5).
• CPD Certification Service UKcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccreditation body independently verifying quality and relevance of professional development training. Dorset College CPD courses receive digital CPD-accredited certificates upon successful completion.
• Project Management Institute (PMI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegistered education provider status enabling delivery of PMI-aligned project management professional courses. Students receive preparation for PMP certification and access to PMI resources.
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerACCA Fundamentals progression pathway from bookkeeping and payroll courses, enabling students to work toward professional chartered accountant qualification through ACCA's global certification program.
• Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAAT qualifications pathway enabling progression from Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping through Level 3 Certificate in Accounting, supporting career development in accounting and finance.
• Erasmus+ ProgrammecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean Union mobility program enabling semester abroad study and short intensive courses. Students from EU/EEA institutions can study at Dorset College, while Dorset students can access partner institutions abroad.
• Springboard+coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIrish government initiative offering free or subsidized education for unemployed and employed individuals. Dorset College delivers Springboard+ eligible programs for career transition and upskilling.
• Intreo (Department of Social Protection)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntreo Training Support Grant (up to €1,000) available for eligible jobseekers enrolling in accredited CPD courses. Government employment service connects Dorset College with jobseeker students.
• MoodlecoreTechnology or IntegrationOpen-source learning management system used as the primary online learning platform for delivering course content, assignments, assessments, and student communication.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• IBAT College Dublin: IBAT College is a private higher education institution in Dublin offering QQI-accredited programmes in business, IT, and healthcare. Comparable to Dorset College in size, programme portfolio, and international student recruitment model.
• Griffith College Dublin: Griffith College is a private higher education institution in Dublin offering degrees in business, computing, journalism, and design. Comparable private college portfolio with similar international student profile and QQI accreditation profile.
• Portobello Institute: Portobello Institute is a private further education and training institution in Dublin offering business, healthcare, and childcare courses. Comparable to Dorset College in QQI accreditation, CPD offerings, and adult learner focus.
• Dublin Business School (DBS): DBS is Ireland's largest private higher education institution, offering QQI-accredited business, computing, law, and accounting programmes in Dublin. Directly comparable to Dorset College in target audience (domestic and international students), programme mix, and pricing strategy.
• ICD Business School: ICD Business School is a private business education provider in Ireland offering professional development and business courses. Comparable to Dorset College in business education focus, target segment, and Irish market positioning.
• City Colleges Dublin: City Colleges Dublin is a private professional education provider offering CPD-accredited business, accounting, and law courses. Comparable to Dorset's professional certificate portfolio and adult learner target market.
• National College of Ireland (NCI): NCI is a private higher education institution in Dublin's IFSC area offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in business, computing, and education. Comparable to Dorset College in private college model, QQI accreditation, and international student focus.
• American College Dublin: American College Dublin is a private higher education institution offering business and liberal arts degrees with an international student focus. Comparable to Dorset College in private college model, English-language delivery, and target student demographic.
• CCT College Dublin: CCT College Dublin is a private higher education institution with computing, business, and accountancy programmes. Comparable HECA member and QQI-accredited private college with similar target student segments.

Broad incumbents

• Kaplan Ireland: Kaplan is a global education and training provider with operations in Ireland, offering professional courses and pathway programmes. Comparable to Dorset College in professional education portfolio but operates across broader geographies and markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/dorsetcollege
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCz6w8LqwZD6YjB1B1B1B1B1
• Facebookfacebook.com/DorsetCollegeDublin
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/dorset-college-dublin
• Instagraminstagram.com/dorsetcollegedublin

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Dorset College Dublin