The Investment Fund Industry

Micro-credentials are short courses that are usually offered on a flexible basis. They are accredited and assessed by SETU or MTU. Our courses range from 1 to 5 credits. As a guide, a standard undergraduate module is 5 credits. In general, you can expect between 5 to 10 hours of class time for a 1 credit module and 24 to 36 hours for a 5 credit module, spread over several weeks. Micro-credentials can be offered at any level on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), ours are at level 6 (Higher Certificate Level), level 7 (Ordinary Degree Level) or level 8 (Honours Degree Level). The courses are delivered on a flexible basis, to fit into the demands of a busy working life. Most of our programmes are delivered on a fully online basis with the learning taking place on a synchronous basis (i.e. live online classes) or asynchronous basis (i.e. pre-recorded material that you can view in your own time).

The aim of this course is to introduce learners to the general structure of the funds industry in Ireland, with a particular focus on the outsourcing model currently favoured across the industry, along with the concept of governance and how codes of governance are applied in practice. Learners will be introduced to the responsibilities of the various stakeholders in the investment funds industry and how they interact with one another. Learners will be introduced, at a high level, to some relevant corporate governance and fund governance codes, and their applicability to funds and fund service providers.

This course is at Level 8 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and will attract 5 Credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System - ECTS). 

On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a comprehension of what a fund is, along with a knowledge of the various types of fund structures and fund service provider roles in Ireland.
  2. Consider the most important aspects of fund governance and control as it relates to the Irish fund industry.
  3. Evaluate the responsibilities placed on those in a decision-making role, both from a general corporate governance perspective and in the specific context of the Irish funds industry.

 

Indicative Content

  • What is a fund and what are the different types of funds?
  • Introduction to fund service providers – the role of fund service providers, the outsourcing model etc.
  • Introduction to general corporate governance and fund governance.
  • High level introduction to certain relevant governance codes: Corporate Governance Code for Fund Service Providers etc.
  • Approaches to enforcement of the governance codes (‘comply or explain’ model and enforcement fines for governance breaches & failures).
  • Duties of those charged with decision making (directors, trustees).

 

Candidates will have an award at level 7 in business,  economics, finance, law, IT or an approved equivalent qualification.

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence.

This module will be delivered online over 12 weeks.

Classes take place on a Tuesday evening from 8pm to 10pm. Classes will commence in early September and continue until early December. 

The fees for this course is 50% funded through the Human Capital Initiative  

The cost of the course to the student is €250. 

To check if you are eligible for the funding please follow this link (external site - Higher Education Authority). If you have any doubts, please contact us. 

Applications are to Munster Technological University. 

Apply Here This link will take you to the website of Munster Technological University.