BA (Hons) Financial Services

The monetary rewards potentially on offer makes a career in the financial services sector a very appealing prospect to those who feel they have the interest in, and aptitude for, this ever growing area of business. Financial services is the area of business most closely associated with money, value and property. Every organisation or individual utilises financial services and benefits from them and the individuals who advise and manage those activities are in line for top financial rewards.

The BA (Hons) in Financial Services is a course designed for the potential financial managers of tomorrow. It focuses upon the most dynamic aspects of financial services. Students learn about the core mechanisms and operations of financial markets and develop proficiency in the analytical techniques required for a wide variety of careers in financial services.

Ireland has seen an increase in financial services roles as employment rates have increased throughout the economic recovery, and factors such as the uncertainty around Brexit have contributed to a spike in available roles in the financial sector. Our programme is responding to skill shortages and global trends whilst seeking to optimise existing strengths so that the opportunities for graduate employment are enhanced to meet the future industry requirements. The demand for high-level financial skills, particularly in the area of risk and compliance, is expected to be driven by the continued restructuring and reform of the banking sector.

Students on this course will gain a broad knowledge of the financial services sector with subjects reflecting the activities of major participants in the industry and providing insight into products, financial markets, management practices and performance. As the course progresses, students learn to apply the various methods and techniques they have studied. They also learn to develop pragmatic solutions to real problems and how to effectively communicate information, ideas, complex problems and solutions to a range of specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Seven mandatory subjects provide foundation knowledge in core business areas and disciplines. Student knowledge in the key business disciplines is further developed and they are introduced to specialist financial areas such as fund accoutning and the regulatory practices of financial institutions. At the final year, business knowledge is developed to the strategic level and specialist financial knowledge is further augmented in areas such as treasury and risk management and investor relations and wealth management.