Pensions Management

Overview
Gain the in-depth technical knowledge & skills specifically required to operate at a senior level in the pensions industry.

This Higher Diploma in Pensions Management is designed for those who work closely with pension schemes and retirement planning, either as advisors, consultants, registered administrators, trustees, human resources, tax and finance managers, employees of insurance companies and investment management firms.

Why Study Pensions Management at Griffith College?
The programme provides learners with comprehensive knowledge and competence relating to pensions and retirement planning, including pensions legislation, taxation, insurance and investment, long-term financing, regulation and government policy. The programme also develops the employees' softer skills in the areas of communication, written and oral, active listening, relationship management, problem solving and business awareness.

Course Highlights
- Excellent reputation within industry
- Superb networking and mentoring opportunities within the Institute
- Convenient part-time city centre location
- Endorsed by the Pensions Regulator
- A proven stepping stone to senior career opportunities

Course Details
Both the higher diploma and certificate provide advanced knowledge in the areas of pensions and retirement planning, as well as management practice. The programme enhances and develops the learners' knowledge of pensions and retirement planning principles and the evaluative skills to apply this knowledge to the issues facing individuals, companies and scheme trustees.

Ultimately, successful learners on this programme are able to advise clients (employers, trustees and individuals) and colleagues on all matters relating to pensions in a professional, expert and comprehensible manner.

Course Modules
Module 1: Life Assurance
Module 2: Regulation and Financial Planning
Module 3: Savings and Investment
Module 4: Sustainable Retirement Financing
Module 5: Retirement Provision
Module 6: International Practice
Module 7: Law and Governance
Module 8: Pensions Management and Essential Skills

The programme is intended for people working in the pensions industry who provide advice and coordination services to employers, trustees, members and beneficiaries. This includes people who act as trustees either on a voluntary or professional basis.

Applicants are required to hold at least a level 7 degree in a business discipline, and/or be a Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA, level 7). A minimum of two years working in a pension-related role would be required.

Applicants from other professions, such as legal, accounting, taxation, actuarial and investment, who want to specialise in pensions are also eligible. Others, who do not have the requisite educational standards, but who have a minimum of five years working in a pensions-related role, such as human resources, may also be considered.

Exemptions
Applicants are entitled to apply for a maximum of three module exemptions on the programme through the Colleges Approved Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) policies. The applicant must demonstrate knowledge/experience and/or relevant qualifications e.g. QFA, PTP, etc through a written APEL matrix submission. The following modules are available to apply for exemption.

- Life Assurance
- Regulation and Financial Planning
- Savings and Investments

A discount of €350 is given per exemption granted. This discount applies where exemptions are granted for up to and including the first three modules on the certificate stage of the programme only. Application for exemptions must be made prior to registration and will not be facilitated once the programme has commenced. Please note, exemptions awarded in the award stage of a programme result in the final award appearing as unclassified on the QQI diploma supplement.

Please enquire with the Admissions Team for details and application process for exemptions on this programme.

How to Apply
Applicants must apply to Griffith College directly online using the Apply Online facility on the website homepage or the button below. Mature applicants will be asked for a copy of their passport.

2 years part-time.

The course will consist of online classes two or three nights per week for eight weeks per semester, as well as three in-person or online Saturday classes per semester.

What further study can I do?
Upon completion of the course participants are encouraged to further their studies through joining our Graduate Business School, and by doing so continuing to broaden their knowledge and academic studies within the business environment.