Programme Overview

This programme will provide you with the knowledge, skills and techniques to gain employment in the dynamic world of international banking and finance. From Wall Street to Dublin’s IFSC this programme will equip you with the skills to deal with international financial issues.

The financial services sector offers a wide variety of career opportunities spanning a range of areas from banking and capital markets to investment management and insurance. The BA (Honours) in Financial Services is designed to provide specialist knowledge and skills for learners pursuing a career in a range of functions across the financial sector. Financial services graduates will understand how financial decisions are made and be competent in a range of risk management skills and other key skills necessary for financial management.

National College of Ireland is located at the heart of the International Financial Services Centre in Dublin and is uniquely placed to understand the growth of the industry.

As a graduate of this course you will:

• Understand the theories and concepts used in international finance.
• Gain valuable experience in the
• various arenas within financial services such as banking,funds, insurance, trading, risk management.
• Develop the skills necessary to work in a variety of fields within the sector.
• Benefit from National College of Ireland unique position and collaborations with the many international financial institutions who are our near neighbours.

Course Structure and Award

This course is a three year honours degree. The course is run over 6 semesters with continuous assessment held throughout the course and examinations at the end of each semester. The course has a common first year with most BA (Honours) Degrees in the School of Business. On completion you will receive a HETAC BA (Honours) Degree in Financial Services at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Further Study Options

Upon successful completion of the BA (Honours) Degree in Financial Services, graduates who have acquired the appropriate entry requirements can progress to postgraduate programmes at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications such as the MBA or MA in Finance at National College of Ireland.

Career Prospects

The BA (Honours) in Financial Services is a single discipline degree which will allow you to pursue a career in financial services and in the finance function of other Irish and multinational businesses. Previous graduates have worked in areas such as banking, insurance, fund management, corporate finance, risk management, capital markets and corporate treasury. National College of Ireland has a strong employment record in this area with graduates proceeding to leading firms such as PWC, Deloitte and Bank of Ireland.

Entry Requirements

Minimum entry requirements are a grade C3 or above in two Higher level subjects, together with a D3 (Higher or Ordinary level) in four subjects. A minimum of grade D3 (Higher or Ordinary level) must be obtained in English and Mathematics. Mature applicants, applicants with a disability or those applying through the DARE or HEAR access schemes should consult our DARE and HEAR webpage.

Course Fees

This course qualifies under the Free Fees Initiative, Higher Education Grants Scheme and the VEC Scholarship Scheme.

Who is the Course for?

The course is for school leavers, mature students and graduates of FETAC level 5/6 programmes.

Programme Modules

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