For Dublin-based plastic surgery specialist registrar Aoife Feeley, the path to leadership isn’t confined to the walls of a hospital operating theatre. It now also includes the virtual classrooms of UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, where she’s currently completing her MSc in Management Online.
Feeley’s story is a powerful testament to the flexibility, support and transformational learning offered by the programme – especially for professionals working in demanding, high-stakes environments.
“The importance of developing management skills was highlighted early in my career,” Feeley reflects. “Between managing teams, caseloads, operating lists, and the hospital environment, I was interested in learning how to develop these skills in a formalised manner.”
The decision to pursue the MSc in Management Online wasn’t made lightly. Coming from a clinical background, Feeley initially questioned whether she could bridge the knowledge gap. But with reassurance from programme testimonials and conversations with the exceptionally supportive course team, she took the leap.
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“This is a field that could not be further from my education to date,” Feeley continues. “But speaking to the programme staff when I was first considering the Master’s degree – well, their kindness and patience cannot be understated. They helped me believe this was possible.”
What makes the MSc in Management Online uniquely suited to professionals like Feeley is its flexible structure. Students complete three modules per semester, with a combination of pre-recorded content and live sessions – all designed to fit around busy personal and professional lives.
“The online format made it feasible to undertake this alongside my surgical training. And the global nature of the course has been an unexpected joy,” Feeley adds. “Group work with classmates from across the world has broadened my perspective and the collegiality within the year group has helped me through more than one challenging assignment.”
Feeley particularly values the human-centred approach embedded in the programme content. “I’ve been struck by how deeply the course considers human factors in management. It’s changed how I see leadership – helping me recognise different roles and personalities in a team and the importance of being dynamic enough to support each one.”
For Feeley, the journey is also a deeply personal one. Following the recent passing of her father – himself a respected medical professional – Feeley has found renewed purpose in emulating his leadership qualities.
“Everyone I’ve met who worked with my dad describes him as a leader who earned respect through his actions, even from those who didn’t always agree with him. That’s the kind of legacy I’d like to aspire to.”
The MSc in Management Online has provided her with the foundations to build her own leadership style – one that’s both compassionate and effective.
“The course’s focus on group projects and real-world problem solving has helped me build practical teamwork and leadership skills. These will be crucial as I progress through surgical training and take on more responsibility.”
I began this programme to gain management skills relevant to healthcare, but I’ve gained so much more: a global perspective, leadership tools and a renewed sense of purpose
— Aoife Feeley, plastic surgery specialist registrar
Although there is no requirement for previous work experience, provided applicants meet entry requirements, most students are working professionals and join the course for career advancement. Many have become experts in their current role or have developed niche knowledge in specific areas including tech, engineering or healthcare professions like nursing or radiography. However, to advance professionally, they need to gain general management skills.
“This programme offers students all the benefits of a comprehensive management education without putting their career on hold thanks to its highly flexible online delivery mode and innovative curriculum and materials,” says Gerard Dooley, programme manager and learning support officer at UCD Smurfit School. “It is particularly suited to professionals in demanding careers and those with caring responsibilities for whom time-flexibility is important, as well as for those based outside of Dublin looking to study at UCD.”
The online programme offers the same curriculum, access to UCD Smurfit School’s world-class faculty, student support teams, platforms and facilities (if desired).
“We’ve been asked if there is a difference between the online and in-class content,” says Dooley. “The teaching expertise and curriculum is exactly the same as what is taught in person. Students get the same premium positioning of UCD Smurfit School as one of the world’s best business schools in name, reputation and rankings from anywhere in the world. Students are able to study flexibly without compromising quality.”
There are three modules per semester as part of the MSc in Management Online which are mainly delivered through synchronous materials that are pre-recorded. There are also live sessions for each module which are recorded to suit students with various working patterns. The curriculum incorporates cutting-edge material, including a business research project, which allows students to tailor their studies to a preferred area of interest or career development.
UCD Smurfit School has 25 years of experience in working with part-time students and the programme team have all been part-time students themselves which allows them to understand the unique needs of the class.
Feeley’s advice to those considering the programme is clear: don’t let doubt hold you back.
“If you’re on the fence, go to the Smurfit website, read the course details and listen to what past students have to say. The team is so approachable and helpful. And current students like myself are always happy to answer questions.”
Would she recommend it to others?
“Absolutely,” she says. “My experience has far exceeded expectations. I began this programme to gain management skills relevant to healthcare, but I’ve gained so much more: a global perspective, leadership tools and a renewed sense of purpose.”
Whether you’re in healthcare, tech, engineering or any other sector, the MSc in Management Online at UCD Smurfit School equips professionals with the strategic thinking and leadership tools needed for advancement, without putting your career on hold.
Join professionals such as Feeley who are shaping the future of leadership across sectors and around the globe.
To learn more about the programme, visit smurfitschool.ie
