Financial Analysis

Human Capital Initiative (HCI) graduate conversion programme available to business and non-business graduates



The Higher Diploma in Financial Analysis is a graduate conversion course funded by the Government’s Human Capital Initiative programme.



Graduates equipped with skills drawn from the dual disciplines of accounting and economics will play increasingly key and impactful roles in financial, banking and business sectors in the future. The goal of the Higher Diploma in Financial Analysis is to introduce students to and equip students with the applied analytical skills they need to secure future employment in the financial, banking and business sectors. This course will introduce students to the fundamental principles and analytical methods of accounting and economics in addition to modules from other business related disciplines.



Students on this programme study 12 modules, made up of 11 core modules and one elective module. The core modules consist of four modules in Accounting and Financial Analysis, three modules in Economics, two modules in Management, and one module each in Marketing and Management Information Systems. In semester Two, students choose one elective module. Currently, the elective modules are AY209 International Financial Reporting, EC362 Economics of Financial Markets, EC3100 Economics and Philosophy and MS319 Enterprise Systems (may be subject to change).



Upon graduating, course participants will be equipped with a foundation of knowledge and skills that will prepare them for further studies and future careers in this field. The long-term employment prospects for graduates from this course are extremely good. In terms of further study opportunities, graduates will be equipped to progress to MSc level programmes, such as the MSc Corporate Finance and the MSc International Finance at University of Galway. In terms of career opportunities, graduates may take up a range of positions in the financial, banking and business sectors.



Students of this programme secure exemptions from some of the examinations of the ACCA accountancy body. The ACCA grants exemptions from exams in three subjects [Financial Management; Business & Technology; Management Accounting] to all DFA graduates. Students have the opportunity to receive a fourth exemption in Financial Accounting, provided that they choose module AY209 in Semester 2.

Students will take these modules alongside other business students in the Higher Diploma in Business Studies (Semester 1)



Semester 1 (30 credits) *All core, compulsory modules

EC5133: Principles of Economics for Business

AY5123: Accounting and Financial Analysis

AY872: Financial Management I

MG524: Management

MK204: Marketing Principles

MS873: Management Information Systems I



Semester 2 (30 credits) *Core, compulsory modules

EC2101: Macroeconomics and the Business Environment

EC247: Introduction to Financial Economics

AY874: Accounting For Management Decisions

AY875: Financial Management II

SBE3001: Innovation: Creativity and Enterprise



*Optional modules. Choose one module:

EC362: Economics of Financial Markets

EC3100: Economics and Philosophy

AY209: International Financial Reporting I

MS319: Enterprise Systems



Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases). Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.



Please see Course Web Page above for module details.

University of Galway entry requirement: The programme is open to degree holders from a university or other recognised degree-awarding body. Applicants should hold an NQAI Level 8 qualification or equivalent; IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if applicable.



Meet the HCI/Springboard+ Eligibility Requirement.



Recognition of Prior Learning for module exemptions is not available on this programme due to external professional accreditation requirements.

Application via Springboard Courses website.

1 year, full-time

Next start date: September 2025

Career Opportunities

Graduates can expect to secure a position in the financial, banking or business sector.



For graduates already working in the finance field, the Diploma in Financial Analysis can open up opportunities for career advancement. It can help them specialise in areas such as investment analysis, financial planning, risk management, or portfolio management.