Banking

Who is this programme for?
The Professional Diploma in Banking was introduced specifically to support the development of individuals in leadership positions, or who aspire to leadership roles in banking and financial services.

It exposes students to contemporary issues in ethics and corporate governance relevant to financial institutions within the context of understanding the importance of effective risk management. Students then progress to develop expertise in corporate finance, asset management or strategy, depending on their selection of the relevant optional module.

How you will benefit
This programme will support your personal and professional development whilst giving you an integrated, critical understanding of banking. It will:
• Broaden your knowledge and understanding of the requirements for responsible banking, taking on board the interests of a wide range of stakeholders.
• Develop your thinking on key business challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by management when striving to improve business performance.
• Provide you with the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and expertise in corporate finance, asset management, or strategy in the specific context of retail banking.
• Enhance your business judgement, critical analysis and problem solving skills.
• Develop in you a holistic professional skill set to ensure commercial sustainability and the maintenance of the trust of customers and wider stakeholders.

Continuous Professional Development
Those awarded the Chartered Banker designation on foot of having satisfied both the educational and work experience requirements will be required to complete 6 CPD hours annually to maintain the designation.

We provide all of the required CPD content with a combination of online courses and face-to-face events.

If you hold an IOB designation or a designation managed by IOB, CPD hours may be awarded on successful completion of this programme.

Modules and learning outcomes

Risk Management in Financial Institutions
(NFQ level 9, 10 ECTS)
This module addresses the unique set of risks to which banks and financial institutions are exposed. It examines the challenges facing banks in running a highly-complex, interconnected system. The module aim is to introduce key risk types and risk management topics and methodologies to the student to ensure the student develops an in-depth understanding of both the theory and practice of risk management. The financial risk element of the module aims to introduce students to the key financial risks faced by banks, the methods by which banks measure and manage these risks and the regulations with which they must comply in assuming these risks.

Bank Governance and Regulation
(NFQ level 9, 10 ECTS)
This module introduces Bank Governance and includes a theoretical perspectives on corporate governance. It also considers regulatory framework for credit institutions and will also touch on the boards' role in practice and role of internal governance frameworks. The module aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of the theory and practice of bank governance and the scope of financial services regulation so that they can assess the implications for the development bank strategy and policies.

Bank Capital and Asset Liability Management
(NFQ level 9, 10 ECTS)
This module examines key aspects of capital management in banks. It looks at methodologies for estimation of Pillar I capital for credit, operational and market risk. It then examines Pillar II activities, focusing on stress testing and other aspects of the Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP). Finally, it introduces key concept of Asset and Liability Management, the Internal Liquidity Adequacy Assessment Process (ILAAP) and the role of the Asset and Liability Committee (ALCo) in a financial institution. The module aims to provide students with a technical grounding in the key aspects of bank capital and asset and liability management.

Requirements
Individuals (non-degree holders) admitted to this programme will have at least 6 years' minimum experience in a banking or financial services firm and have completed the Professional Diploma in Financial Services (Level 8, 30 ECTS) or equivalent programmes comprising 30 ECTS at level 8, and a 30 ECTS Special Purpose Award/s at level 7.

Or
Admission will also be granted to individuals with an Honours degree with a minimum honours 2.2
Or

Admission many also be considered for experienced professionals who do not meet the admission requirements as set out above, where they can demonstrate knowledge through their work i.e. they have more than 5 years' experience in a management role.

You must be a current member of IOB, or become a member, to undertake this programme.

Applications for the 2022/2023 academic year will open in August.

Assessment is a combination of continuous assessment and written exams. The pass mark is 40% in all modules in line with UCD academic policy.

Online

The programme fee is €3,500.

Core modules:

•€1,100 per module

Optional modules:

•Corporate Finance €1,300
•Asset Management €1,100
•Strategy Innovation for Retail Financial Services €1,300

Please contact the course provider for the next enrolment and start date.

Professional designation

This programme satisfies the educational requirement for the prestigious and internationally recognised Chartered Banker designation. Chartered Banker is the gold standard for professionals working in the financial services sector.

Chartered Bankers are highly qualified professionals, well equipped for a management career or leadership role

Students who successfully complete this programme will be invited to apply for Chartered Banker designation.

However, to be eligible for the Chartered Banker designation, these students will also have to satisfy the requirement of a minimum of three years' experience in banking or financial services.