A new online master’s (MSc) degree course in co-operative and social enterprise for ICOS co-operative members has been launched. The course has been developed in conjunction with University College Cork’ (UCC) Business School and the Institute of Co-operative Studies and will be delivered by UCC, leading to a master of science qualification.

“This will be a two-year online programme, with first enrolments starting now and the programme will start in September. UCC has developed an impressive track record of online learning delivery, built up over the past 15 years, and we have a long-standing partnership with them across all of our co-operative governance and leadership programmes, so we’re delighted to work with them in bringing this important new programme into being,” head of learning and development at ICOS Skillnet Billy Goodburn said.

“The new master of science programme aims to equip participants with the skills to participate meaningfully and effectively at leadership level in co-operatives and social enterprises. It forms part of our overall programmes designed to enhance leadership skills and capabilities throughout our co-operative sector, which is a major contributor to the economy, including Ireland’s essential renewal and recovery following from the current pandemic crisis.”

The new course includes subjects such as co-operative and social enterprise governance, marketing, innovation, leadership and change management and other specialist subjects, and requires a research dissertation to be completed.