Alternative Investments for Funds and Asset Management

At a glance

The Professional Diploma in Applied Alternative Investments provides an opportunity for professionals working in the funds industry to develop their expertise in the growing alternative assets market.



Increasingly, alternative assets which includes hedge funds, commodities, private equity, structured products and real asset investments such as infrastructure investments, are becoming mainstream investments which are predicted to grow significantly.



Who is it for



The international investment fund industry faces the challenge of upskilling to meet this wave of new investment structures. Given the breadth of alternative assets the programme will appeal to professionals working in the funds industry who want to develop expertise in alternative investments.



It is critical for long term success that those who work in the industry understand how the move to alternatives demands a broader understanding of the investment landscape and the choice of asset type available to investors.



Award

• Professional Diploma in Applied Altenative Investments from UCD.

• This is a special purpose award and a level 9 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Modules

Module is running in Autumn Trimester

Investment Valuation and Risk

Module is running in Spring Trimester

Alternative Investments Strategies for Funds and Asset Management

Module is running in Spring Trimester

Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Alternative Investments

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements to the Professional Diploma in Applied Alternative Investments are as follows:

• An Honours degree (min. 2.2 L8 NFQ) and have at least one year’s experience in the funds industry.

or

• Admission may also be considered for experienced professionals who do not meet the admission requirements as set out above, where they can demonstrate learning through work and training which makes them a suitable candidate for the programme (i.e. they will have significant experience in a senior funds role with responsibility for decision making).

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Professional body membership

You must be a current member of IOB, or become a member, to undertake this programme, (membership year - January to December).

Duration: Varies 3 Montsh Delivery is online

Next intake

Autumn Trimester - (October 2026 - May 2027)



Please note that the programme content and fees are subject to change in the 2026-2027 academic year. Any changes will be outlined in the 2026-2027 Prospectus and at iob.ie in August - the start of the new academic year.

Progression

This award is on the Pathway to MSc in Financial Services. Those wishing to continue their studies and achieve the MSc will receive the higher award only.