Leading Cultural Change & Ethical Behaviour in Financial Services

At a glance

The programme aims to develop your critical awareness in the areas of culture, behaviour, and ethics. It aims to equip you with decision-making, reflective and analytical skills to enable you to implement an effective culture that considers the intended and unintended consequences of decisions and policies for the consumer, shareholders, and society.



The programme has been designed in consultation with the Compliance Institute and other leading experts in the areas of Consumer Protection Risk Culture, Ethics and Behaviours.



Who is it for?

The programme is aimed at senior managers with the knowledge and tools to lead and embed effective cultures in their organisations.



Award

Professional Diploma in Leading Cultural Change and Ethical Behaviour in Financial Services from UCD.

This is a level 9 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications and carries 30 ECTS.

Modules and learning outcomes

• Ethical Practice in Financial Services: (NFQ level 9, 10 ECTS)

Introduction to ethics in financial services - its relevance and importance. Approaches to ethical decision making - models, frameworks and challenges. A series of practical case-study sessions focusing on: Organisational pressures and ethical fading, managing conflicts of interests, the impact of culture and leadership styles, and ethical dilemmas



• Behaviour and Organisation Culture: (NFQ level 9, 10 ECTS)

Understanding how decisions are made. The impact of cognitive biases on individual and group decisions (group think, over confidence etc). Diversity, inclusion and its’ impact on decision making. The role of performance management. Understanding and embedding ‘Consumer focus’ behaviours and conduct standards. Regulatory expectations.



• Leading and Implementing Cultural Change: (NFQ level 9, 10 ECTS)

Understanding of organisation culture and mindsets. Purpose, values and trust as drivers of an effective culture. Understand the indicator of a sound risk culture. How to lead cultural change (leadership styles and their impact, role modelling). Instilling a culture of empowerment and accountability. Regulatory expectations (5 Cs, CPRA model, Consumer Impact model). Culture MI and reporting to the board. Whistleblowing and speak up.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements to the Professional Diploma in Leading Cultural Change and Ethical Behaviour in Financial Services are as follows:

• An Honours degree (min. 2.2 L8 NFQ)

or

• Admission may also be considered for experienced professionals who do not meet the admission requirements as set out above, where they can demonstrate knowledge through their work i.e. they have more than 5 years’ experience in a management role.

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Professional body membership

You must be a current member of the Compliance Institute or IOB to undertake this programme, (membership year - January to December).

Assessment


Appropriate learning tasks and activities will be assigned regularly to monitor student learning and provide feedback.


Students completing the programme will be assessed in a variety of ways – continuous assessment components will include completing practical projects, reflective journals and critical writing.


The pass mark is 40% in all modules in line with UCD academic policy.

3 trimesters

Delivery is online

Fees €1,450 per module

Next intake: Autumn Trimester 2025-2026 academic year.

Progression

This award is on the Pathway to MSc in Financial Services. Those wishing to continue their studies and achieve the MSc will receive the higher award only.