Financial Planning

The Professional Diploma in Financial Planning, awarded by University College Dublin (UCD), is a highly regarded postgraduate qualification (level 9), designed for those working in, or who would like to develop a career in, financial planning and wealth management. It is designed for those who wish to develop their knowledge and skills in the area of financial planning and wealth management.

Who is this programme for?
The programme is for those involved in the following roles with the three years relevant work experience;

Those involved in customer facing roles providing financial advice;
Those in support roles to Financial Planners;
Accountants;
AITI and Chartered Tax Advisors;
Solicitors and Barristers.

Subjects taught

Financial and Data Analysis for Financial Planning (NFQ level 9, 10 ECTS)
This module provides students with the underpinning financial and data analysis techniques required by the financial planning professional. It will cover the (i) structure and content of financial statements and their impact on valuations (ii) calculation principles behind financial planning products and (iii) data techniques relevant to the macro environment in which financial planning takes place.

Asset Management (NFQ level 9, 10 ECTS)
An understanding of robust financial planning and wealth management is an important pre-requisite for meeting customers’ financial and lifestyle objectives. This module covers core concepts in modern portfolio theory and marries them with the practical application of tools and techniques to construct and manage client portfolios. It assimilates a range of theoretical and empirical evidence to provide the best solutions when advising customers on investment and wealth management.

Retirement Planning (NFQ level 9, 10 ECTS)
This module deals with all aspects of retirement provision, public and private, relevant to providing financial advice. It provides you with a macro view of the regulatory environment for pensions. It explores in detail a range of issues including the structure and investment of private arrangements for groups and individuals, insured and non-insured.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirements for the programme are:

Relevant honours degree (second class honours, grade 2 award, minimum) in business or a related discipline
or
Equivalent relevant professional qualification (e.g.) Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA), with three years’ relevant work experience obtained in the banking or financial services industry, Chartered Tax Advisers (CTAs), accountants, solicitors and barristers.

Candidates should also have a working knowledge of Microsoft Excel before starting on the programme.

Professional body membership
You must be a member, or become a member of IOB to undertake this programme.

Duration

Varies.
Delivery is 100% online.

Enrolment dates

Next intake: Autumn Trimester (2024/2025 academic year)

Please note that the programme content and fees are subject to change in the 2024/2025 academic year. Any changes will be outlined in the 2024/2025 prospectus and at iob.ie in August - the start of the new academic year.

Post Course Info

Candidates who successfully complete the Professional Diploma in Financial Planning are eligible to continue their studies in the following ways:

Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning and / or The MSc in Financial Services Both programmes are awarded by UCD and are level 9 qualifications on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Designation
The programme acts as a gateway to the prestigious international designation Certified Financial Planner™ designation.

Financial Planning Standards Board Ireland (FPSB Ireland) require in addition to completing the Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning, a candidate who wishes to become a Certified Financial Planner professional in the Republic of Ireland must;

Have successfully completed the certification exam set by FPSB Ireland

Have met the three year experience requirement in financial planning as set out by FPSB Ireland

Accept continuing obligations for certification, and

Commit to the ethics and standards required for CFP® professionals.