Digital & Data Strategy in Financial Services

At a glance

Navigating the changing nature of financial services requires first-hand knowledge of digital and data strategy, culture and operations. This unique programme combines both digital transformation and data analytics, giving you the opportunity to accelerate your career by studying two of the most in-demand topics in financial services right now.



How you will benefit

The programme aims to give students a solid grounding in the theories and practice pertaining to devising and managing / transforming the organisation’s digital and data strategy. On completing the Graduate Diploma in Digital and Data Strategy in Financial Services, learners will be able to:

• Describe and explain the essence of data and digital strategy (theory and practice) and how outcomes shape digital transformation in an organisation

• Analyse the impact of a data driven culture and design, implement and evaluate a digital strategy for a radical simplification programme in a financial services organisation

• Communicate the current financial services ecosystem to stakeholders and illustrate how digital strategy (or lack of it) impacts on financial services firms’ corporate strategy

• Evaluate the procedures / new technologies within an organisation which assist and empower its personnel/ business units as they learn to use data and analytics in their everyday work

• Ascertain and respond to strategic challenges and opportunities of digital transformation for financial services organisations

• Assess their role within an organization and their personal competencies and capabilities in advancing and progressing the role.



Award

When you successfully complete this programme, you will be awarded a Graduate Diploma in Digital and Data Strategy in Financial Services from UCD.

This is a level 9 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Modules and learning outcomes

This programme runs over one academic year, and students will complete two modules per trimester (Each module carries 10 (ECTS) academic credits)



Autumn Trimester (October – January)

• Strategy and Culture in a Digital Transformation Environment

• Strategy and Culture in a Data and Analytics Environment



Spring Trimester (February – May)

• Digital Assets and Operating Model

• Talent and Assets Management



Summer Trimester (June – September)

• Designing and Delivering Digital Transformation

• AI Strategy for Financial Services

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements to the Graduate Diploma in Digital and Data Strategy in Financial Services are as follows:

• An honours degree (min. 2.2 L8 NFQ).

• Applicants who do not hold a primary degree but have relevant work experience at a middle or senior management level are eligible to apply and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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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).

3 trimesters

This programme is delivered online.

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

This programme enrols three times a 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.