Data & Analytics in Financial Services

At a glance

This programme is relevant to all areas of the financial services sector, in particular international financial services, fund management and all areas of banking.



How you will benefit

On successful completion of this programme, you will be able to:

• Describe and explain the challenges and opportunities provided by integrating data and advanced analytics in the provision and management of financial services

• Examine current practice pertaining to data and analytics in a financial services enterprise or unit and recommend enhancements in design and skills base to ensure the unit provides a competitive service

• Analyse the impact of a data driven culture and the business drivers in facilitating effective use of data and analytics tools and processes in financial services

• Identify the key features of and evaluate the procedures / new technologies within an organisation which assists and empowers its personnel / business units as they learn to use data and analytics in their everyday work

• Communicate clearly (using appropriate media) to pertinent stakeholders the impact of data and analytics on financial services and products design and delivery

• Critically reflect on your professional role and contribution to financial organisations in the context of the application of data and analytics technologies and systems in financial services (and related sectors) and the implications arising from such developments.



Award

Professional Diploma in Data and Analytics in Financial Services from UCD.

This is a level 9 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications and carries 30 ECTS.

Modules and learning outcomes

Strategy and Culture in a Data and Analytics Environment

(NFQ Level 9, 10 ECTS)

• The data and analytics environment

• Data and analytics prototyping

• Value from data framework

• Future impacts

• Data maturity and mindset

• Building a data culture

• Documenting data sources and data maturity analysis

• Data ethics, regulatory environment and compliance



Talent and Assets Management

(NFQ Level 9, 10 ECTS)

• Data management definitions, frameworks and capabilities

• Building a data and analytics team

• Meta data and data architecture

• Data quality management

• Data management frameworks

• Data warehousing and business intelligence

• Privay, data governence and cyber security

• Data management technologies



AI Strategy for Financial Services

(NFQ Level 9, 10 ECTS)

• History and background to Artificual Intelligence (AI)

• Introduction to AI

• Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Maching Learning

• Neutral Networks and Natural Language Processing (NLP)

• Chatbots, Recommender Systems and Intelligent Agents

• Understanding algorithms

• AI bias, ethics and explainability

• AI strategy and governance

• AI use cases within financial service

• Global view of AI

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements to the Professional Diploma in Data and Analytics in Financial Services are as follows:

• An Honours degree (min H2.2, Level 8 NFQ)

or

• Admission may 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. where they have more than 5 years’ experience in a management role.

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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).

Assessment


100% Continuous Assessment.


The pass mark is 40% in all modules in line with UCD academic policy.

Strategy and Culture in a Data and Analytics Environment (NFQ Level 9, 10 ECTS)


Talent and Assets Management (NFQ Level 9, 10 ECTS)


Driving Business Outcomes (NFQ Level 9, 10 ECTS)

Duration: Varies

Delivery is online

Next intake: Autumn Trimester 2025-2026 academic year - (Assessment in January 2026).

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.



Students that enrol to the Professional Diploma in Data and Analytics in Financial Services, can continue and complete the remaining modules in the Graduate Diploma in Digital and Data Strategy in Financial Services, and in doing so will receive the higher award only.