Financial Planning

The Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning is a prestigious Level 9 qualification and the essential pathway to the internationally acclaimed CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP) designation.



Designed in collaboration with industry leaders, this programme equips professionals with practical, relevant skills that meet the highest global standards in financial planning and wealth management.



Ideal for those holding the Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA) designation, this diploma not only fulfills the educational requirement for the CFP Certification Examination but also positions graduates among a global network of 192,000 CFP professionals across 27 countries.



Benefit to you



This course will provide students with specialist knowledge and the ability to:



Gain expertise in key financial planning disciplines, including investments, pensions, taxation, and estate planning.



Develop advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to craft comprehensive financial solutions.



Learn to evaluate economic, financial, and other critical data for creating integrated financial plans.



Cultivate a deep understanding of professional values and ethical principles to excel in financial planning execution.



This course is for:

This course is ideal for financial professionals holding the Qualified Financial Adviser (QFA) designation who are seeking to advance their expertise to the highest international standards. It is designed for individuals currently working in or aspiring to a career in financial planning and wealth management, offering practical, industry-relevant skills to enhance professional practice and achieve the prestigious CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP) designation.



Award and Designation

Upon completion, participants receive the Postgraduate Diploma in Business in Financial Planning award ATU Sligo and will be awarded the Specialist Investment Adviser (SIA), Retirement Planning (RPA) and Financial Planning Risk Adviser (FPRA) designations by LIA.



Those that successfully complete this programme are invited to sit the CFP exam with the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) in Ireland to earn the internationally recognised CFP designation.



CPD

8 Hours Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is awarded on successful completion of each modules on this course.

Modules

Principles and Practices of Financial Planning

Risk Management and Insurance Planning

Tax and Estate Planning

Investment Management

Retirement Planning

Integrated Personal Financial Planning

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

Register By 23 January 2026.



To register click the link below to complete an application form. Please ensure you meet the entry requirements before enrolling. 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 part-time online course consisting of six modules, delivered one or two evening per week over a 12-week period. The modules are scheduled across two exam terms: September–December and February–May. Participants have the flexibility to complete one or two modules per term.

Next Intake February 2026

Progression

Upon successful completion of this programme, participants are invited to sit the CFP exam with the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) in Ireland to earn the internationally recognised CFP designation.