Bachelor of Financial Services / Certificate in Financial Services (Distance Learning)

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DN Code:	Non-CAO
Programme Short Name:	BFS (Hons) / (Banking & Finance)
Load (FT vs PT):	Part Time
Levels (UG, G, etc):	Undergraduate studies
Course Information:	Minimum CAO Points 2008: N/A Average CAO Points 2008: N/A Average Intake: N/A Length of Programme: 4-6 Years
Why is this course for me?	UNDERSTANDING YOUR PROGRAMME The Bachelor of Financial Services degree is offered by the School of Professional Finance, a recognised UCD School. The BFS is the only part-time financial services degree accredited by both European and American Academic Accreditation bodies (EQUIS and AACSB) respectively. You are required to register as an associate member of the Institute of Bankers, if not already a member. By the end of the Certificate/Joint Financial Services diploma programme, you will have: • Developed an appreciation and understanding of the fundamentals of the financial services industry • Developed an understanding of the principles of business and management in an Irish and global context • Gained a range of interpersonal skills and be in a position to use these skills Upon completing the degree programme, you will have developed knowledge and skills in a variety of areas: • A solid conceptual and practical understanding of financial services management • An understanding of the theoretical basis of the concepts drawn from a wide range of business disciplines • The ability to critically assess these concepts or techniques • The ability to apply the relevant concepts and techniques to resolve complex business problems/issues • Analytical, critical thinking and research skills • Technical knowledge, application, communication, team building and leadership skills consistent with the changing needs of modern financial services management Both the Certificate/Joint Financial Services diploma and degree are delivered through distance learning incorporating self-managed study at home using comprehensive study manuals and guides and class attendance at weekends or midweek. The Institute’s staff recognise the challenge in distance learning and they are experienced in, and conscious of, the needs of the learner. Day-to-day support is provided to the students by the Institute staff. Online support is also available through the Student Resource Centre. The distance learning format incorporates flexibility in terms of the rate at which you progress through the degree and allows you to study at your own pace, enabling you to balance your work and life commitments. With the BFS, graduates will have a wide choice of career paths within the financial services sector and at an appropriate time may decide to pursue further study and relevant master’s programmes provided by the School of Professional Finance.
What will I study?	MAPPING YOUR PROGRAMME There are three stages in the BFS – the Joint Financial Services diploma is awarded on completion of Stage 1 and the BFS degree on completion of all three stages. At each stage of the BFS students must accumulate 60 ECTS credits. The structure of the BFS is as follows: • Stage 1: 12 modules, 60 credits • Stage 2: 6 modules, 60 credits • Stage 3: 6 modules, 60 credits There is a considerable choice of modules, both Business Studies and Financial Services (for example, Marketing, Economics, International Finance & Trade, Credit & Lending, Mortgage Practice, etc.) in Stage 1 and if you have already passed Certificates/Diplomas you will be accredited with prior learning and may have acquired a number of modules/credits already. Stage 2 has six modules, which are Finance, Management of Information Systems, Treasury & Risk Management, Investment, Law & Regulation and Lending Assessment and Management. Stage 3 also has six modules: Management of Financial Institutions, Corporate Responsibilities & Business Ethics, Strategic Formulation, Strategy Implementation, European Studies and Strategic Human Resource Management.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities	A Bachelor of Financial Services degree from the School of Professional Finance is an internationally recognised degree and is acknowledged by major universities and professional bodies throughout the world. The programme offers you a wide choice of career paths within financial services and also provides a gateway to lifelong learning. Graduates can pursue graduate study, career advancement and may secure a change of direction in their work.
Student Profile	ALUMNA PROFILE The BFS degree helped expand my viewpoints and gave me an insatiable appetite for learning. The modules were thought-provoking, the content up-to-date and critical thinking was encouraged. Gaining the BFS degree has enriched my life and I would not trade the experience for anything. The programme was intense but incredibly worthwhile. The lecturers were energetic and vibrant and highlighted for us motivation, commitment and time management as keys to success. They introduced us to cutting-edge research and encouraged us to expand our horizons and to be more creative. The course has given me a vision of achievement beyond my expectations and I highly recommend it. Patricia Gayer
Related Programs:	Business/Bachelor of Commerce Degree Course Diploma/Bachelor of Business Studies
Contact Information:	The Institute of Bankers in Ireland 1 North Wall Quay, IFSC, Dublin 1 + 353 1 611 6500 Fax: +353 1 611 6565 Email: info@bankers.ie Web: www.bankers.ie
Entry Requirements:	Entry may be obtained on the basis of either mature years or NUI matriculation. The certificate and degree programmes are non-CAO programmes. Applications are submitted directly to The Institute of Bankers in Ireland. Stage 1: Admission into Stage 1 may be granted on the basis of either mature years or by fulfilling the matriculation requirements of the National University of Ireland. Stage 2: Accredited Prior Learning: Exemptions from Stage 1 of the degree programme may be granted to holders of the UCD Certificate in Financial Services or the Joint Financial Services Diploma of the Institute of Bankers/LIA/Insurance Institute of Ireland.