Services Course
Higher National Certificate/Diploma in Financial Services
Introduction
The insurance and banking sector is very buoyant at the moment and there are many job opportunities for graduates who are suitably qualified. This course is seen an excellent opportunity for adults or school-leavers to gain qualifications in this area. The Certified Insurance Practitioner (CIP) is one of very few qualifications, which are currently recognized by the Financial Regulator as fulfilling the minimum competency requirements as outlined by the Financial Regulator.
Career Opportunities
Graduates can look forward to interesting, rewarding and challenging careers with a wide range of employment options such as:
- Insurance
- Banking
- Finance
- General Administration and Management
- Credit Unions
Graduates with previous degree qualifications may combine this qualification for career enhancement.
Course Structure
Year 1 - Higher National Certificate
Core Elements
- (General) Insurance – an Introduction
- (General) Insurance Market Regulation
- Financial Services – Banking, Insurance, Credit Unions, Building Societies
- Economics
- IT – Spreadsheets, Databases and Word Processing
- Customer Service
- Business Decision Making
- Managing Financial Resources.
Year 2 - Higher National Diploma
Core Elements
- (General) Insurance Processes
- (General) Insurance Principles
- Computerised Accounting
- Financial Accounting
- Taxation
- Business Law
| Course Code |
FS1 (first year), FS2 (second year) |
| Duration |
2 years – full time September to May |
| Number of places |
30 |
| Number of contact hours per week |
25 approx |
| Timetable contact |
5 days |
Support Elements
- Applied IT MS Office 2007 (FETAC)
- Study skills, research and writing skills, report styles
- Lectures on job search, CV preparation, job application, interview techniques and entrepreneurial studies
Teaching and Learning Methods
Teaching methods consist of lectures, tutorials, seminars and independent directed study. A range of assessment techniques are adopted including coursework, final examinations, case studies, class presentations and role-play.
Assessment and Certification
This course is certified by BTEC/EDEXCEL*
- Learners must pass all 10 subjects to be awarded the BTEC Higher National Certificate in Financial Services – Year 1
- Learners must pass all 16 subjects to be awarded the BTEC Higher National Diploma in Financial Services – Year 2
- Learners who complete all insurance examinations will be awarded the CIP qualification and this entitles them to use the designatory title ‘Certified Insurance Practitioner’ (www.insurance-institute.ie).
Progression
Learners may progress to:
- Employment
- Further Studies
- Undertake private study through the Insurance Institute of Ireland.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have achieved five passes at ordinary level (grade D or better), which must include English. Foundation Maths is acceptable.
-
Leaving Certificate Applied
LCA applicants with suitable levels of achievement will be accepted. Applicants should submit details of achievements.
-
Mature Students (including VTOS and BTEA)
Applicants without these entry requirements will be considered on the basis of age, experience and overall demonstrable ability.
All applicants will have an advisory meeting to offer guidance and to ensure course suitability.
Fees
There are no tuition fees for EU students. At course commencement, students are required to pay for books, exams, a College registration fee and where applicable professional body registration fees.