Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management (L9, 60 ECTS)

Course Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management has been designed to offer participants the opportunity to gain a detailed knowledge of the underpinning theory and effective practice of Financial Management which will be of particular benefit in a range of management and leadership roles as well as in specialized Financial Management roles.

This programme will be delivered through an innovative blended learning approach involving facilitated workshops and online virtual learning classes. It utilises highly participatory learning and teaching approaches with a significant degree of collaborative group work in the classroom setting.

The flexibility and agility of this programme, will allow students to specialise in a pathway most suited to their skills, career aspirations, and employer needs while undertaking core modules that will give them a broader insight into Financial Management.

Entry Requirements

• Candidates must hold a recognised level 8 honours degree in a non-financial discipline.
• Applicants who do not meet this criteria with significant post-qualification experience will be considered in line with the University’s RPL Policy.
• English Language: Applicants who do not have English as their first language must ensure they satisfy English Language requirements. For entry to undergraduate courses, a minimum score of 5.5 in an IELTS exam is required. For postgraduate courses, a minimum of 6.0 is required.

Course Content

Modules

• Module 1: Strategic Management and Leadership
  • Module Aim: Strategic Management concerns the positioning of an organisation in order to gain a competitive advantage.
  • Learning Outcomes:
    • Apply an applied knowledge of the key issues related to the strategic management of organisations in a dynamic changing environment.
    • Critically analyse the relationship between strategic management, competitive advantage, and profitability.
    • Critically evaluate the analytical techniques associated with strategy formation at business and corporate levels.
    • Formulate strategies appropriate to an organisation’s context and capabilities.
    • Synthesise and integrate business decisions with key developments of the changing environment relating to technology, globalisation, and ESG (Environmental, Social Governance).
    • Appraise the role of leadership in the effective formulation and implementation of successful strategies.
• Module 2: Interpretation of Financial Statements
  • Module Aim: The module aims to develop the ability to understand, analyse and use financial information as part of strategic planning and implementation process within an organisation.
  • Learning Outcomes:
    • Critically evaluate the financial factors impacting business performance.
    • Interpret published financial statements as part of the evaluation of performance and financial position of a business.
    • Evaluate the impact of cost structures on financial performance.
    • Apply and critically review discounted cash flow techniques in the context of investment appraisal.
    • Critically appraise the various sources of finance applicable to businesses.
    • Utilise research, analytic and report writing skills in the completion of an individual project.
• Module 3: Financial Performance Management
  • Module Aim: The module will introduce the concepts, theories and techniques associated with managing the financial performance of an organisation.
  • Learning Outcomes:
    • Discuss the role and purpose of the financial management function and contemporary issues impacting financial management.
    • Examine and apply working capital management techniques, risk management techniques and the principles of business valuations and business acquisitions.
    • Critically assess the role of corporate planning and budgetary control in preparing performance measurement statements.
    • Critically evaluate alternative sources of business finance and perform effective investment appraisal.
    • Critically analyse financial factors and determine the non-financial / qualitative factors when reporting to management.
    • Develop reports on planning, control and performance evaluation for corporate decision making.
• Module 4: Financial Strategy and Risk Management
  • Module Aim: The module aims to provide students with a comprehensive appreciation of the theoretical framework and analytical techniques of financial strategy, and of the application of financial theory to strategic financial decision-making.
  • Learning Outcomes:
    • Critique a firm’s overall corporate finance strategy as part of its organisational strategy.
    • Critically compare and contrast risk-management techniques to manage multinational financial risk including interest rate and foreign currency exposure.
    • Critique the various financial risks facing an organisation and applying futures and options to manage firm risk.
    • Apply capital adequacy to mitigate operational risk and identify and manage firm interest rate risk.
    • Critically evaluate the overarching role of corporate governance and its impact on every corporate finance decision.
    • Develop an audit planning process, including development of audit strategies and detailed audit plans.
• Module 5: Research Methods
  • Module Aim: This module aims to introduce participants to the key concepts involved in research.
  • Learning Outcomes:
    • Critically appraise a knowledge and critical understanding of research methodologies and techniques, as appropriate to the preparation of a dissertation at Level 9.
    • Critically compare alternative research techniques and evaluate their uses and limitations.
    • Synthesise a detailed project plan, incorporating the requirements of scope, schedule (time), budget (cost), quality and risk.
    • Critically analyse the performance of a project in relation to how the outcomes fulfilled the outlined objectives and requirements.
    • Apply the key concepts and perform the tasks involved in completing a research project and articulate how these interrelate in a complementary way to form a coherent research proposal.
    • Develop a research proposal that will meet the criteria established for the project element of this programme.
• Module 6: Applied Case Studies Capstone Project
  • Module Aim: This module affords students the opportunity to implement the core skills learnt in the taught modules.
  • Learning Outcomes:
    • Critically engage with the research literature and synthesise a suitable and relevant proposal.
    • Consolidate and extend specialised knowledge relevant to the programme of study and understand the challenges and specific requirements of working on industry-focused projects.
    • Develop and display the competence to conduct research and manage projects in a methodologically sound and ethical manner while giving due consideration to the social and legal context of the tasks.
    • Contextually relate theory to practice through solving work-based problems and contributing meaningfully to the employer / work-based learning organisation.
    • Demonstrate independence, self-reliance, moral and ethical judgement in the context of professional decision making and leadership and communicate effectively using both verbal and written skills.
    • Critically apply the core attributes of a practitioner through the delivery of a project in their discipline.

Delivery

This programme will be delivered primarily online.

Why Choose This Course

This programme is designed to offer participants the opportunity to gain a detailed knowledge of the underpinning theory and effective practice of Financial Management which will be of particular benefit in a range of management and leadership roles as well as in specialized Financial Management roles.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this programme choose often specialise in industries such as Banking, Insurance, Investments, Real-estate, Healthcare and Law. Others choose Financial Management careers in non-profit organisations or Government agencies.

Objectives

The aim of the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management is to provide an educational experience that enables participants to achieve an integrated understanding of the operation and strategy of Financial Management, and to develop appropriate intellectual and personal skills.

Specifically, the programme is designed to offer participants the opportunity to gain a detailed knowledge of the underpinning theory and effective practice of Financial Management which will be of particular benefit in a range of management and leadership roles as well as in specialized Financial Management roles.

After successfully completing the programme, participants will have demonstrated the competencies necessary to:

• Adopt analytical, systematic approaches toward problem-solving and decision-making, while simultaneously displaying an appropriate awareness and understanding of the sensitivities involved in the context of organisational dynamics.
• Demonstrate personal qualities of empathy, leadership, teamworking.
• Manage their own learning and development, and evaluate their own experience through a reflective approach towards the impact of the programme on their lives.
• Be catalysts of change within their employing organisations, as a result of the adoption of creative and innovative approaches to opportunities and threats.

Timetable Info

Two evenings per week plus selected Saturdays.

Lectures will be delivered live online, and recordings of lectures will be available to view in the student’s own time.

Fees

€5,000

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Degree Overview:

The Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practice of Financial Management. The program aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in various management and leadership roles, as well as specialized Financial Management positions.

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Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Provide an integrated understanding of the operation and strategy of Financial Management.
• Develop intellectual and personal skills relevant to the field.
• Offer participants a detailed knowledge of the underpinning theory and effective practice of Financial Management.
• Foster personal qualities such as empathy, leadership, and teamwork.
• Encourage participants to manage their own learning and development through a reflective approach.
• Equip participants to become catalysts of change within their organizations by adopting creative and innovative approaches.

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Outline:

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Content:

The program covers a wide range of topics related to Financial Management, including:

• Strategic Management and Leadership
• Interpretation of Financial Statements
• Financial Performance Management
• Financial Strategy and Risk Management
• Research Methods
• Applied Case Studies Capstone Project

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Structure:

The program is delivered over two semesters, with modules spread across each semester.

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Course Schedule:

• Induction: Takes place online via Zoom on Saturday, 7th September 2024, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
• Delivery: Three evenings per week online, plus occasional Saturdays online.
• Lectures: Delivered live online, with recordings available for students to view at their convenience.

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Modules:

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Semester 1:

• Strategic Management and Leadership: This module explores the strategic context of financial management, including leadership styles, organizational structures, and strategic decision-making.
• Interpretation of Financial Statements: This module focuses on the analysis and interpretation of financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
• Financial Performance Management: This module examines the tools and techniques used to measure and improve financial performance, including budgeting, variance analysis, and performance reporting.

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Semester 2:

• Financial Strategy and Risk Management: This module explores the development and implementation of financial strategies, including risk assessment, risk mitigation, and capital budgeting.
• Research Methods: This module introduces students to research methodologies and techniques relevant to financial management, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Applied Case Studies Capstone Project: This module provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world case studies, culminating in a capstone project that demonstrates their understanding of financial management principles.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Presentations: Oral presentations that allow students to demonstrate their communication skills and their ability to present complex financial information effectively.
• Case Studies: In-depth analyses of real-world business cases that require students to apply their knowledge and skills to solve complex financial problems.
These criteria typically include:
• Application: Applying knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems and scenarios.
• Communication: Communicating financial information effectively in both written and oral formats.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The program utilizes a blended learning approach, combining online learning with facilitated workshops. This approach allows students to learn at their own pace and in a flexible manner.

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Faculty:

The program is taught by experienced and qualified faculty members who are experts in their respective fields.

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Unique Approaches:

The program incorporates a significant degree of collaborative group work in the classroom setting, fostering teamwork and communication skills.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for a variety of career paths in the financial services industry, including:

• Financial Analyst: Analyzing financial data, preparing reports, and providing recommendations to management.
• Investment Banker: Advising companies on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and other financial transactions.
• Accountant: Preparing financial statements, managing accounting records, and ensuring compliance with accounting regulations.
• Financial Manager: Overseeing the financial operations of an organization, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Risk Manager: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks.

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Opportunities:

Graduates of the program have access to a wide range of career opportunities in various industries, including:

• Banking: Commercial banking, investment banking, and private banking.
• Insurance: Property and casualty insurance, life insurance, and health insurance.
• Investments: Asset management, hedge funds, and private equity.
• Real Estate: Real estate development, property management, and real estate investment.
• Healthcare: Hospital finance, healthcare insurance, and pharmaceutical finance.
• Law: Corporate law, financial law, and tax law.
• Non-profit Organizations: Financial management, fundraising, and grant writing.
• Government Agencies: Financial regulation, economic analysis, and public finance.

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Outcomes:

Graduates of the program are equipped with the skills and knowledge to:

• Secure competitive positions in the financial services industry.
• Advance their careers in financial management roles.
• Contribute to the success of their organizations by making sound financial decisions.

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Other:

The program is HCI funded for the 2024 academic year only. Applicants must complete the program within this academic year. It is not possible to defer a place to the following academic year as funding and program availability are not guaranteed.

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This is a HCI Funded Programme. This programme will be fully funded for eligible unemployed applicants. Eligible employed applicants and eligible recent graduates (Summer 2021 and 2022) will be 90% funded. They will have to pay 10% directly to TUS Midlands. The 10% payable is €850.

Technological University of the Shannon (TUS)

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Overview:

Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) is a multi-campus university in Ireland, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. It is known for its focus on applied learning and innovation, fostering strong industry ties and providing excellent employment opportunities for its graduates.

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Services Offered:

TUS provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Admissions & Support:

Admissions guidance, international student support, open days, student finance information, induction programs, and student support services.

Campus Life:

Accommodation options, career and employability services, chaplaincy and pastoral care, disability supports, learning support, student counselling, student health services, sports facilities, student union, clubs and societies.

Faculty Areas:

Business, Hospitality & Humanities, Engineering, Built Environment & Informatics, Sciences, Health & Technology, and Limerick School of Art & Design.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

TUS prioritizes a student-first approach, offering small class sizes and personalized attention. Students can expect a vibrant campus life with a range of clubs, societies, and sports activities. The university also provides comprehensive support services to ensure a positive and enriching student experience.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Applied Learning & Innovation:

TUS emphasizes practical skills and real-world application, preparing students for successful careers.

Strong Industry Ties:

The university has strong connections with industry partners, providing students with valuable internship and employment opportunities.

Excellent Employment Opportunities:

TUS graduates are highly sought after by employers, with a strong track record of successful career outcomes.

Vibrant Campus Life:

Students can enjoy a diverse and engaging campus experience with a range of clubs, societies, and sports activities.

Comprehensive Support Services:

TUS provides a wide range of support services to ensure students' academic and personal success.

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Academic Programs:

TUS offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate:

Programs in various disciplines, including business, engineering, science, technology, art, and design.

Postgraduate:

Master's and PhD programs in specialized fields.

Apprenticeships:

Programs in various trades and technical fields.

Flexible & Professional Learning:

Programs designed for working professionals.

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Other:

TUS is a QS 5 Star Rated University, recognized for its high-quality education and research. The university is also actively involved in research and development, with a focus on areas of national and global importance.