Diploma in Pensions Management & Policy

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Programme Overview

The programme is aimed at those who want a career in a senior pensions consultancy/advisory or pensions management role, providing you with the in-depth technical knowledge and skills specifically required to operate at a senior level in the pensions industry.

The programme is delivered over three semesters and will normally take 18 months to complete in full. Graduates of the diploma will also be awarded with the highly recognised professional status of “Associate” of the IIPM.

The programme focuses on the core areas of retirement provision, investments, insurance and the regulation of this industry. The programme places a particular emphasis on providing an in-depth knowledge of the retirement framework in Ireland, mechanisms and incentives for retirement provision, the micro and macro challenges facing Ireland and corresponding policies to meet such challenges. The programme also develops your specialist skills in identifying a client’s financial needs and in integrating your knowledge across the core areas to develop an appropriate strategy and provide specialist and competent financial advice.

The final semester of the diploma develops the additional knowledge and competencies required by senior pension scheme consultants/advisers, international benefit consultants, managers of pension schemes or administration functions or other such similar roles by focusing on the following three key areas:

• Pension Scheme Law & Governance
• International Practice
• Pensions Management

Lectures given by highly experienced professionals will provide the principal approach to delivery of the programme, ensuring that it is very practical in nature by utilising class discussion, real world settings and case studies in the delivery.

Who is the Programme for?

The programme is suited to anyone who is looking to significantly develop their career in the pensions or financial services industry in a senior advisory, technical or management role. The diploma will also appeal to trustees, individuals working in a corporate trustee company or a pensions manager role in a company. The diploma is also suitable for senior HR specialists, accountants, lawyers and investment consultants who may be dealing with issues regarding their own employer’s or their clients’ pension schemes.

Student Testimonial

“In the ever more complex and challenging world of pensions having a formal professional pensions qualification is now more important than ever. I am delighted to see for the first time a Level 8 Diploma in Pensions Management and Policy on the National Framework of Qualifications. I would consider this an important qualification for anyone advising employers and trustees of pension schemes in Ireland”
Paul O’Faherty - Chairman , Mercer

Duration

3 Semesters
Each semester is 13 weeks in duration followed by exams

Indicative Schedule

Monday and Wednesday night
18.00 – 21.00/22.00

Exams

Jan and May

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have an ordinary bachelor degree (level 7) or equivalent in finance, accountancy, business, HR or other cognate fields. Applicants without a degree or with a degree in a non-cognate field will also be considered for admission based on work and other educational experience.

Assessment

Candidates are assessed by a combination of examinations and continuous assessment, including home assignments, case studies and role play. The pensions management module in semester three also incorporates a work based project assessment.

Exemptions

Holders of existing IIPM or other qualifications may be eligible to apply for exemptions. If you wish to apply for an exemption, please indicate on the application form.

Additional Information and Module Exemption Application forms

• Exemption and Entry Requirements
• Already QFA Qualified

Assessment

Candidates are assessed by a combination of examinations and continuous assessment, including home assignments, case studies & role play. The pensions management module in semester three also incorporates a worked based project assessment.

Award

Diploma in Pensions Management and Policy, Special Purpose Award level 8, (60 ECTS), awarded by HETAC.

Minimum Competency*

Graduates will meet the Central Bank’s minimum competency requirements for those who wish to sell, advise on, or undertake specified activities for the following three categories of retail financial products:

• Savings, Investment and Pension
• Life Assurance Protection
• Shares and Bonds and other
• Investment Instruments

_{*Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is required to be undertaken to maintain the qualification/status.}

Exit Award

On completion of the first five modules above, learners will have the option to exit the Programme and will be awarded a “Certificate in Pensions, Investments and Insurance” (please see page 58 for further details). Learners who exit at this point will have also met the minimum competency requirements and will be awarded with the professional “Membership” status by the IIPM.

Programme Fee

Course Fee Listing. Fees include tuition, registration assessment and capitation fees (Fees revised annually).

You can spread the cost of fees with our direct debit plan.

Venue

National College of Ireland, Mayor Street, IFSC, Dublin 1

Programme can also be delivered in different geographicial areas.

Modules

View our Module Descriptor for more information on the subjects taught in this course.

Programme Modules

Year 1
Insurance	International Practice
Investments	Pension Scheme Law & Governance
Pensions Management	Regulation & Financial Planning
Retirement Benefits	Retirement Fund

Start Date

Wednesday 12th September 2012

Programme Location

IFSC Campus

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