Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management (L9, 60 ECTS)

Semester 1 

Strategic Management and Leadership 

Interpretation of Financial Statements 

Financial Performance Management 

Semester 2 

Financial Strategy and Risk Management 

Research Methods 

Applied Case Studies Capstone Project 

Module 1: Strategic Management and Leadership 

Module Aim 

Strategic Management concerns the positioning of an organisation in order to gain a competitive advantage. The module will focus on strategy as a link between the organisation and its internal capabilities, as well as meeting the complexities of the external environment. The module will demonstrate to the learner how to make and implement key strategic decisions.The successful implementation of effective strategies requires leadership. The module will explore the critical role of leadership in strategy formulation and implementation, organisational development and organisational growth. It will analyse how leaders behave and develop, how different leaders deploy different leadership styles and their effectiveness in differing contexts. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Apply an applied knowledge of the key issues related to the strategic management of organisations in a dynamic changing environment. 
2. Critically analyse the relationship between strategic management, competitive advantage, and profitability. 
3. Critically evaluate the analytical techniques associated with strategy formation at business and corporate levels. 
4. Formulate strategies appropriate to an organisation’s context and capabilities. 
5. Synthesise and integrate business decisions with key developments of the changing environment relating to technology, globalisation, and ESG (Environmental, Social Governance). 
6. 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. The student will develop an awareness of issues in financial reporting and corporate finance, as well as developing a strong foundation for further study. The module will provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to evaluate business situations from a financial viewpoint, and to enable them to play a key role in financial decisionmaking and control at an executive level within an organisation. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Critically evaluate the financial factors impacting business performance. 
2. Interpret published financial statements as part of the evaluation of performance and financial position of a business. 
3. Evaluate the impact of cost structures on financial performance. 
4. Apply and critically review discounted cash flow techniques in the context of investment appraisal 
5. Critically appraise the various sources of finance applicable to businesses. 
6. 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. The module will explore financial performance management techniques, working capital management, investment appraisal decision making, financing options and integrating financial management into the strategy of an organisation. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Discuss the role and purpose of the financial management function and contemporary issues impacting financial management. 
2. Examine and apply working capital management techniques, risk management techniques and the principles of business valuations and business acquisitions. 
3. Critically assess the role of corporate planning and budgetary control in preparing performance measurement statements. 
4. Critically evaluate alternative sources of business finance and perform effective investment appraisal. 
5. Critically analyse financial factors and determine the non-financial / qualitative factors when reporting to management. 
6. 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.The module will explore the management of financial risk and the application of risk management techniques in international trade 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Critique a firm’s overall corporate finance strategy as part of its organisational strategy 
2. Critcally compare and contrast risk-management techniques to manage multinational financial risk including interest rate and foreign currency exposure 
3. Critique the various financial risks facing an organisation and applying futures and options to manage firm risk 
4. Apply capital adequacy to mitigate operational risk and identify and manage firm interest rate risk 
5. Critically evaluate the overarching role of corporate governance and its impact on every corporate finance decision. 
6. 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. The material covered in this module will form the basis for the research dissertation element of the programme while also developing a framework of research and analysis for participants to approach research in their work environment by equipping learners to critically explore the development and completion of applied research methodologies using structured, responsible tools and actions while imbuing learners with work-ready skills for industrial practice. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Critically appraise a knowledge and critical understanding of research methodologies and techniques, as appropriate to the preparation of a dissertation at Level 9. 
2. Critically compare alternative research techniques and evaluate their uses and limitations. 
3. Synthesise a detailed project plan, incorporating the requirements of scope, schedule (time), budget (cost), quality and risk. 
4. Critically analyse the performance of a project in relation to how the outcomes fulfiled the outlined objectives and requirements. 
5. 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. 
6. 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. Students will be required to make a proposal and it will form the basis of an applied project that will demonstrate the ability to engage as a skilled practitioner in their discipline. The aim of the module is to encourage learners to develop integrative learning, independent thought and critical reflection skills as they bring together a range of concepts, theories, frameworks and practices. They will also be expected to practice competences developed within other modules. 

Learning Outcomes 

1. Critically engage with the research literature and synthesise a suitable and relevant proposal 
2. Consolidate and extend specialised knowledge relevant to the programme of study and understand the challenges and specific requirements of working on industry focused projects. 
3. 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. 
4. Contextually relate theory to practice through solving work-based problems and contributing meaningfully to the employer / work based learning organisation. 
5. 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. 
6. Critically apply the core attributes of a practitioner through the delivery a project in their discipline.

This programme will be delivered primarily online.

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.

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

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.

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.

€5,000