Governance Compliance & Data Protection in Financial Services

National Framework: Level 9
LYIT Internal Code:
LY_HGOVE_M (Masters)
LY_HGCDP_G (Postgrad Dip)

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The duration of the course is one year and this includes a substantial research project, a work-based learning project based on situated learning and reflection.

The M.A in Governance, Compliance & Data Protection in Financial Services aims to meet the legal, compliance, Governance and I.T needs of financial Services companies and has been developed in collaboration with a number of key employers within the relevant industry. The course is designed to enhance skills, judgment and ability to apply the regulatory requirements in the management and practice of compliance in the financial services industry.

Semester 1 modules primarily focus on the development of knowledge around financial services Industry, principles of data protection, governance and ethics and information systems.

Semester 2 modules focus on further developing skills around regulatory frameworks as well as I.T security, compliance and privacy and risk management and audit. The Masters programme offers a capstone as a substantial research project, either a traditional dissertation or a work based learning project based on situated learning and reflection, marrying best practice literature with situated practice, to form critical insights on theory in practice.

We also offer a postgraduate diploma qualification for this course. This course offers learners an opportunity to study the same modules and may suit those seeking a shorter programme duration as the length of programme is 9 months. Learners studying the PG Diploma will not take the Research Practice module and will not be required to undertake the Work Based Learning project.

Key features
• Aims to meet the legal, compliance, Governance and I.T needs of financial Services companies and has been developed in collaboration with a number of key employers within the relevant industry.
• The Masters programme offers a capstone as a substantial research project, either a traditional dissertation or a work based learning project based on situated learning and reflection, marrying best practice literature with situated practice, to form critical insights on theory in practice.

• Delivery is online evening delivery supplemented with virtual summits delivered in 1 or 2 day blocks on pre-designated dates.

Mandatory modules
Semester 1
Financial Services Industry Mandatory 10
Data Protection Practice Mandatory 5
Principles of Information Systems Mandatory 5
Governance Ethics & Regulation Mandatory 5
Research Methods Mandatory 5

Semester 2
Financial Services Regulation Mandatory 10 4
IT Security, Compliance & Privacy Mandatory 10 4
IT Risk Management & Audit Mandatory 10 4

Semester 3
Work Based Learning Elective Project M 30 *

(M) = Mandatory, (E) = Elective

Not all modules will be offered in a given year. LYIT reserves the right to select which modules will run depending on demand and availability of resources.

LYIT reserves the right to re-sequence which modules appear in which semester.

* Not required for Postgrad Diploma (Postgrad Dip = 60 ECTS Credits)

Minimum entry requirements
Level 8 (Hons) Degree in Law, Higher Diploma in Governance & Compliance or a level 8 award in an area cognate to the area of the programme. Applications will also be accepted from candidates holding a qualification as a barrister or a solicitor in Ireland or the United Kingdom. Applicants with relevant experience may also be eligible to apply on the grounds of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), if they have attained appropriate experience and attainment thresholds deemed equivalent to a Level 8 award.

Application Deadline - 14 September.

1 year, full-time
2 years, part-time
PGDip: 9 months

EU Fees: €5,000.00
Non-EU Fees: €10,000.00

Career opportunities
Successful graduates find themselves working in the following sectors:
• Financial Services
• Banking
• Insurance
• Pensions

Graduate careers typically include:
• Anti-Money Laundering Officer/ Supervisor/Manager
• Corporate Governance Manager
• Compliance Manager
• Case Analyst
• Internal Auditor

Follow-on Courses
Follow up programmes elsewhere include:
-Other Masters Programmes/ Doctoral Studies