Courses
Governance in Financial Services
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
Course Details
| Course Code | LY_HGOFS_G |
|---|---|
| Level | 9 |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Credits | 60 |
| Method of Delivery | Online |
| Campus Locations | Donegal – Letterkenny |
| Mode of Delivery | Part Time |
Course Overview
This Postgraduate Diploma in Governance is for SMEs who want to learn and upskill to face evolving regulatory requirements, operational risks, compliance obligations, and governance challenges. The programme is designed to equip participants with the skills needed to effectively manage risk, strengthen governance practices, support organisational resilience and contribute to sustainable business success.
Recognising the rapid pace of technological advancement, the programme explores how digital tools and technologies, including data analytics, cybersecurity, privacy management, and compliance solutions can be leveraged to improve governance, reduce risk, and enhance operational effectiveness. This practical, technology-enabled perspective is embedded throughout the programme, ensuring graduates can apply best-practice governance principles in organisations of any size and industry.
Course Details
Year 1
| Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Financial Services IndustryThe aim of this module is to provide students with an insight into to the operation of financial services industry in Ireland and Internationally. Learning Outcomes 1. Critique the structure of the main markets in the Financial Services Industry in Ireland and Internationally |
10 | Mandatory |
| 1 |
Blockchain Technology and PracticeThe aim of this module is to develop an understanding and awareness of the capabilities and limitations of Blockchain enabling learners to assess which business challenges it can address. Learners will also explore the use of blockchain based initiatives such as tokens, assessing the costs and benefits of employing this technology. Learning Outcomes 1. Critically evaluate blockchain technologies, their core components, protocols, and use cases |
05 | Mandatory |
| 1 |
Principles of Information SystemsProvides an insight into the central concepts of information systems. Learning Outcomes 1. Appraise the use of Information Systems (IS) within organisations. |
05 | Mandatory |
| 1 |
Governance Ethics & RegulationThe aim of this module is to provide students with an awareness and understanding of the role of governance and regulation in financial services. Learning Outcomes 1. Appreciate the Irish model of regulation and corporate governance |
05 | Mandatory |
| 1 |
Research MethodsThe purpose of this module is to enhance participant knowledge and understanding of work-based research paradigms, methodologies and research methods. It will afford opportunities to examine a range of methodologies and make decisions about their appropriateness in the writing of a research proposal. The module will allow learners to critically examine choice of research paradigm and theoretical assumptions which underpin the use of particular approaches and methods, to develop arguments to justify the selection of specific methodology for a given study, and to identify and design a work-based research study. The module aims to provide participants with a sound knowledge of the methodologies necessary to complete a postgraduate research project. Learning Outcomes 1. Write a proposal that will serve as the starting point for their research or work-based learning project. |
05 | Mandatory |
| 2 |
Financial Services RegulationThe aim of this module is to provide students with an insight into the main pieces of Financial Services Legislation in the Ireland, the UK and US. Learning Outcomes 1. Critique the current regulatory architecture from a n Irish, UK and US perspective |
10 | Mandatory |
| 2 |
IT Security Compliance & PrivacyTo provide the student with skills to understand and appreciate IT security, compliance, data retention and privacy best practices necessary for the successful administration and coordination of an organisation's compliance measures. Learning Outcomes 1. Critically examine the best practices available for IT Security, including compliance and privacy. |
10 | Mandatory |
| 2 |
IT Risk Management & AuditTo provide the student with skills to understand, evaluate and appreciate the governance, data retention and risk management drivers required for the successful planning, administration and direction of an organisation's governance and compliance programme. Learning Outcomes 1. Critically appraise and assess the best practices available for IT governance. |
10 | Mandatory |
Recommended Study Hours per week
Examination and Assessment
On-Campus Attendance Requirement
Note: Check programme Examination and Assessment requirements, as they may involve examinations to be taken on campus.
Progression
The PG Dip also provides a clear progression pathway to the MA in Governance. Students who wish to continue to the full Master’s degree will complete an additional 30 credits of work-based learning (fee of €2,400 applies).
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Must be from one of the following counties: Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan, Sligo, Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Derry, Tyrone,
Must be from a Small Medium Enterprise (SME) and requiring innovation
Willing to undertake the Innovation Pathway with Catalyst (Eligibility Check, Innovation Audit, 1-1 Call & Innovation Plan, max time 1hour and 30 minutes in total)
You will be in receipt of State Aid under the GBER scheme if you undertake this programme.
Fees
Total Fees EU: €4,800
The PEACEPLUS Innovate+ project can fund eligible applicants to undertake the Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) in Governance (60 credits), covering tuition fees of €4,800. The PG Dip also provides a clear progression pathway to the MA in Governance. Students who wish to continue to the full Master’s degree will complete an additional 30 credits, with a tuition fee of €2,400.
Further information on feesCareers
Graduate careers typically include roles such in anti-money laundering , Case Analyst, Compliance Manager, Corporate Governance Manager, and Internal Auditor. The main employers are in banking, financial services, insurance, and pensions.
Further Information
Application Closing Date
Who Should Apply?
Contact Information
INNOVATE+ applications
Catalyst our INNOVATE+ partner, are on hand to guide your business through the Innovate+ opportunity for your organisation. Their specialist innovation officers shall support your application to avail of the INNOVATE+ opportunity, commencing with a free business innovation audit.
A project supported by PEACEPLUS; a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)
