Financial Planning

It is ideal for individuals currently working in or seeking a career in financial planning and wealth management. This programme has been designed in conjunction with leading advisers and industry experts to ensure what you learn is practical, relevant and immediately transferable to your professional practice. You’ll build on the skills you’ve already developed from the QFA and take your knowledge to the highest international standards.



The Postgraduate Diploma is LIA’s gateway to CFP - the world’s most widely respected financial planning certification. Candidates for CFP certification must pass the Certification Examination of Financial Planning Standards Board Ireland DAC.



To meet the educational requirements for sitting the CFP exam, individuals must hold both the Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA) designation and the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning.



THREE STANDALONE DESIGNATIONS:

Financial Planning Risk Adviser (FPRA)

Retirement Planning Adviser (RPA)

Specialist Investment Adviser (SIA)



AWARD

Once you have completed the course you will be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Business in Financial Planning from Atlantic Technological University (ATU Sigo). This is a Level 9 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications and carries 60 ECTS credits.



EMBEDDED ‘EXIT’ AWARD

If you wish to terminate your studies prior to completion of the entire programme, you are entitled to the Postgraduate Certificate in Business in Financial Planning (level 9) from Atlantic Technological University (ATU Sligo) on the basis that the following three modules are completed:



Principles and Practices of Financial Planning

Investment Management

Retirement Planning



Applications for the exit award must be submitted to level9@lia.ie

Term 1

September - December

- Principles & Practices of Financial Planning

- Risk Management & Insurance Planning

- Retirement Planning*



*The Retirement Planning module can be completed across all terms.



Term 2

February - May

- Investment Management

- Tax and Estate Planning

- Retirement Planning*



*The Retirement Planning module can be completed across all terms.



Term 3

September - December

- Retirement Planning*

- Integrated Personal Financial Planning



*The Retirement Planning module can be completed across all terms.

Relevant 2.2 honours degree (level 8) in business, finance or in a numerate discipline (such as mathematics, physics or engineering)

OR

Equivalent relevant professional qualification:



e.g



Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA) with three years’ relevant work experience obtained in the life assurance or financial services industry.

AITI Chartered Tax Advisers (CTAs)

ACIIs/FCIIs

Actuaries

Member of a Professional accountancy bodies (ICAI, ACCA, CIMA, ICPAI)

Solicitors and barristers



Your application form will be reviewed to ensure you are eligible to complete this course. Payment will not be required until after you have been accepted to the course.

This is an 18-month programme of six modules, delivered over three terms. This part-time programme is delivered primarily via online lectures through Zoom, with supporting face-to-face classes and online material where appropriate. It is also possible to take the course over 6 terms i.e. one module at a time. This path would take 36 months to complete.

Next Exam Date December 2024

Register by September 2024

Modules 6

Exam Timetable can be found at https://www.lia.ie/images/uploads/resources/Exam_Timetable_2023-2024.pdf