Bachelor of Financial Services 2014/2015 iii The Institute of Banking
Who we are THE INSTITUTE OF BANKING The Institute of Banking is the largest professional institute in Ireland. We are a community of 32,000 members who work in banking and in both international and local financial services in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Professional development of our members through education is at the heart of what we do. We are a not-for-profit organisation. The Institute provides university level banking education programmes and related services. These enable our members to achieve and sustain their professional qualifications and continuing professional development essential in meeting customer and regulatory expectations. More than 10,000 of our members studied with us last year and we have over 20,000 CPD members. Excellence in education A recognised college of UCD As a recognised college of University College Dublin (UCD) and the standout banking industry educator, we offer qualifications of the highest standard. We currently have more than 30 programmes ranging from Professional Certificates (level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) to Masters Degree (level 9). We design our programmes to be practical and relevant, but grounded in academic rigour. We focus on providing innovative and flexible education options to ensure that we meet the changing needs of our members. All our programmes are part-time. Contact us We are delighted to hear from current or prospective members, or from anyone interested in the work of our Institute. Please contact us and we will help you in any way we can. The College The Institute of Professional Banking Finance Who we are
Introduction Dear Colleague, I hope you will consider joining us as a student on our Bachelor of Financial Services (BFS) Degree Programme. The BFS is our longest running programme, and we are proud to have in excess of 1,100 graduates since 1993. These graduates have used this degree to further enhance their careers across a broad cross section of the financial services industry including credit management, treasury, risk management, corporate banking, business development and international finance. The BFS has recently undergone a programmatic review and its new structure and content reflects the needs of the current financial services industry based on input from key industry stakeholders and our graduates. This part-time level 8 programme is designed for those working in the financial services industry. A key feature of the programme is that it has been developed by both industry experts and academics and so merges the academic knowledge required for a level 8 programme with relevant professional skills. The Professional Banker designation now offered to students during the programme is a key indication of this blend. This brochure comprehensively details the three stages of the BFS. Stage 1, the University Diploma in Financial Services, is a distance learning programme supported by webinars available 24/7 for maximum flexibility. Modules from the second and third stages of the degree are delivered using a combination of elearning, workshops and lectures which allows students to tailor the pace of their studies to suit their own particular needs. Furthermore modules are delivered over three semesters each year which allows students to progress at a constant pace throughout the year, again reflecting the preferences of our students. I wish you the best of luck with your studies, and look forward to working with you to help you achieve your potential on the BFS. Regards, Elena Day, Head of Undergraduate Programmes The Institute of Banking Introduction
Bachelor of Financial Services I wanted a greater understanding of the financial services industry and formal education was the key to achieving this. The assignments gave me a greater knowledge and understanding in all the programme subjects. Researching topics and putting an accurate case together was very worthwhile. It ensured I had more in-depth knowledge of the subject and I could inject this relevant knowledge into my work. It enables me to contribute more in my job as I know much more about how the financial services industry works. My approach to my career has changed too. I learned to be more analytical and factual, and I use these new skills in my approach to work. Geraldine Cummins Citi WHO IS THIS PROGRAMME FOR? The Bachelor of Financial Services (BFS) degree addresses the educational needs of those who wish to develop management and senior management careers in financial services. The BFS provides those who work in banking with an ideal opportunity to acquire a level 8 university degree, which is recognised and supported by the financial services industry. While providing a broad business foundation, this programme also examines contemporary issues of importance to the financial services industry. A key feature of this programme is that it merges academic knowledge with relevant professional skills and has been developed by both industry and academic subject leaders. Different modules involve various delivery approaches from a combination of elearning and workshops to full days of lectures. The BFS is designed with those working full-time in mind, and is flexible so that candidates can continue to pursue their career goals while studying. BENEFITS FOR YOU AND YOUR ORGANISATION Upon successful completion of the BFS degree graduates are expected to be able to: Demonstrate a solid conceptual and practical understanding of contemporary issues in banking and financial services in an Irish and global context Apply concepts and techniques to evaluate complex business problems to aid decision making Develop and critically evaluate strategy and the sustainability of business models in banking and financial services Integrate learning into professional practice to take responsibility for personal and professional development. PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION Members who complete Stage 2, and who commit to completing Continuing Professional Development hours, will be entitled to use the designation Professional Banker. Professional Bankers are recognised for their knowledge of and proficiency in banking. It is a fundamental acquirement for those seeking to develop and advance a career in banking, including management roles. Bachelor of Financial Services
CURRICULUM The BFS has three stages comprising: Stage 1 - University Diploma in Financial Services This stage consists of any nine modules from our portfolio of university level 7 qualifications plus the following three mandatory modules: - Microeconomics - Macroeconomics - An Introduction to Financial Accounting Information Stage 2 Stage 2 consists of four core modules and any other three modules: Core - Customer Experience Management (NFQ Level 8, 5 ECTS) - Principles and Practice of Banking - Principles of Credit Risk (NFQ Level 8, 5 ECTS) - Wealth Management Options (choose three): - Banking in a Digital Age - Business Management - Personal Debt Management and Personal Insolvency - SME Credit Risk Assessment - SME Financing and Distressed Credit Analysis Stage 3 This stage consists of six modules: - Corporate Governance and Finance - International Finance - Personal Development Planning - Portfolio Management - Strategy for Financial Services - Treasury and Risk Management AWARD When you successfully complete this programme you will be awarded a Bachelor of Financial Services degree (level 8) from UCD. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS The second level educational requirements for employment in financial institutions are acceptable for entry to the University Diploma in Financial Services. Holders of the University Diploma in Financial Services are eligible for direct entry to Stage 2, subject to the completion of the three mandatory modules. Holders of the Joint Financial Services Diploma are eligible for entry to Stage 2. Applicants with an ordinary degree in business (or equivalent) will be considered for direct entry to Stage 2. PROFESSIONAL BODY MEMBERSHIP You must be a current member of the Institute of Banking, or become a member, to register for this programme. Membership is currently c40 per calendar year. DELIVERY A variety of teaching and learning strategies are used across the different modules, ranging from elearning and workshops to full days of lectures. DURATION Each stage of the BFS can be completed in a calendar year on a part-time basis. ASSESSMENT Assessment is a combination of continuous assessment and written exams. FEES Stage 1 From c295 per module Stage 2 Core modules (excluding the Wealth Management module) c475 per module Optional modules (including the Wealth Management module) c495 per module Stage 3 c630 per module You may be required to purchase a textbook/ etextbook for certain modules. Please contact us for further information. Tax relief may be available to candidates who are paying fees in a personal capacity. Further information is available from www.revenue.ie. SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS Applications are currently being accepted. To apply, download the application/registration forms at www.iob.ie/bfs and return to the Institute: The Registrations Team The Institute of Banking IFSC 1 North Wall Quay Dublin 1 PROGRAMME COMMENCEMENT 29 September 2014 INTERESTED? NEXT STEPS For further information on this programme visit www.iob.ie/ bfs or you can contact the following: Mary O Dwyer BA Programme Manager T: +353 (1) 611 6527 E: bfs@iob.ie Elena Day, BSc, MBS Programme Director Head of Undergraduate Programmes T: +353 (1) 611 6525 E: bfs@iob.ie JFSD holders may be subject to matriculation, which involves a NUI fee of c150. Further information is available from the Programme Manager. Curriculum
The Institute of Banking IFSC, 1 North Wall Quay Dublin 1 P: +353 (0)1 611 6500 E: info@iob.ie W: www.iob.ie