This module introduces the student to pensions. The module evaluates the needs of consumers for investment-linked pension policies, including retirement annuity contracts, PRSAs, employer pension schemes (including small self-administered pension schemes (SSAPS), buy-out bonds, AVCs, annuities, ARFs and AMRFs. On completion of this module, learners will have a general introduction to pensions.

1. Identify the regulatory bodies involved in the regulation of pension arrangements and their roles, and interpret the obligations they place on pension arrangements.

2. Appraise the pensions and other benefits provided by the States Social Insurance system and the States Social Assistance system.

3. Evaluate investment linked pension policies, including retirement annuity contracts, PRSAs, employer pension schemes (including small self-administered pension schemes (SSAPS), buy out bonds, AVCs, annuities, ARFs and AMRFs.

4. Assess the pension needs of consumers.

5. Evaluate personal taxation liabilities, including the taxation treatment of pension contributions and pension benefits; and

6. Calculate sums accumulated or discounted at compound interest and the impact of inflation over time on a consumers financial needs and resources.

This module introduces the student to pensions. The module evaluates the needs of consumers for investment linked pension policies, including retirement annuity contracts, PRSAs, employer pension schemes (including small self-administered pension schemes (SSAPS), buy out bonds, AVCs, annuities, ARFs and AMRFs. On completion of this module, learners will have a general introduction to pensions.

1. Identify the regulatory bodies involved in the regulation of pension arrangements and their roles, and interpret the obligations they place on pension arrangements;

2. Appraise the pensions and other benefits provided by the States Social Insurance system and the States Social Assistance system;

3. Evaluate investment linked pension policies, including retirement annuity contracts, PRSAs, employer pension schemes (including small self-administered pension schemes (SSAPS), buy out bonds, AVCs, annuities, ARFs and AMRFs;

4. Assess the pension needs of consumers;

5. Evaluate personal taxation liabilities, including the taxation treatment of pension contributions and pension benefits; and

6. Calculate sums accumulated or discounted at compound interest and the impact of inflation over time on a consumers financial needs and resources.

7. Act effectively under guidance in a peer relationship with qualified practitioners; learn to act in variable unfamiliar learning contexts managing tasks independently, professionally and ethically.

This module aims to develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts, theories and practices of modern management. The module will also focus on managing oneself as an apprentice in a dynamic work environment.

1. Examine the roles and Skills of competent managers and the challenges that face modern managers

2. Outline the role of management theory and its impact on modern management practices.

3. Describe and demonstrate knowledge of the key management processes – planning, organising, leading, and controlling.

4. Describe the forces in the business environment and how organisations can respond to these forces in a dynamicglobal environment.

5. Develop Self Management Skills and sucessful communication strategies for people management.

This module introduces students to the principles of marketing and sales. It gives students an appreciation of the omni-channel marketing mix used to drive inbound sales. The module exposes students to contemporary software used to automate the marketing and sales process, while also addressing legal, ethical and compliance issues in marketing. Students will learn marketing and sales techniques used as part of an inbound customer strategy.

1. Appraise the principles of marketing.

2. Evaluate channels in the omni channel marketing mix.

3. Analyse the role of sales within marketing.

4. Examine emerging technologies in marketing and sales.

5. Appraise legal, ethical and compliance considerations for marketing and sales

This module introduces the student to investment. The module appraises the needs of consumers for savings and investment products, including life assurance investment policies, collective investment funds, tracker bonds, Exchange Traded Funds, derivatives and unquoted transferable shares. On completion of this module, learners will have a general introduction to investment.

1. Identify the functions of and key participants in the financial services market, and appraise themain financial services provided to consumers.

2. Appraise the main features of, and the main factors affecting, the economy.

3. Evaluate savings and investment products, including life assurance investment policies, collectiveinvestment funds, tracker bonds, Exchange Traded Funds, derivatives and unquoted transferableshares.

4. Appraise the main investment asset classes, including shares, bonds and deposits.

5. Assess the savings and investment product needs of consumers.

6. Evaluate personal taxation liabilities, including the taxation treatment of savings and investmentproducts; and

7. Calculate sums accumulated or discounted at compound interest and the impact of inflation overtime on a consumers financial needs and resources.

This module aims to apply the theory gained from the study of the QFA Investment curriculum. The module appraises the needs of consumers for savings and investment products, including life assurance investment policies, collective investment funds, tracker bonds, Exchange Traded Funds, derivatives, and unquoted transferable shares. On completion of this module, the learner will demonstrate a practical understanding of investment sales and management.

1. Identify the functions of and key participants in the financial services market, and appraise themain financial services provided to consumers.

2. Appraise the main features of, and the main factors affecting the economy.

3. Evaluate savings and investment products, including life assurance investment policies, collectiveinvestment funds, tracker bonds, Exchange Traded Funds, derivatives and unquoted transferableshares.

4. Appraise the main investment asset classes, including shares, bonds and deposits.

5. Assess the savings and investment product needs of consumers.

6. Calculate and present thepersonal taxation liabilities, including the taxation treatment of savings and investmentproducts for a customer; and

7. Calculate sums accumulated or discounted at compound interest and the impact of inflation overtime on a consumers financial needs and resources.

8. Act effectively under guidance in a peer relationship with qualified practitioners; learn to act in variable unfamiliar learning contexts managing tasks independently, professionally and ethically.

In this module the learner will explore the impact of information technology on the insurance industry. The students will examine recent and current technology trends that have shaped and are shaping business in general and the insurance industry in particular. They will examine how technology is facilitating change throughout the insurance industry and will explore what the industry of the future might look like.

1. Examine the evolving impact technology has had on society, organisations, individuals and business models to date.

2. Assess the strategic importance of emerging technologies to the insurance industry

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the technical infrastructure utilised by businesses in the insurance industry and of how technologies contribute to the competitiveness of these firms

4. Examine future trends in the Insurance Industry and analyse how many of these trends are informed by and facilitated by technology

5. Identify and discuss ethical, regulatory and sustainability issues that may arise as a result of technological developments and how technology may be used to address some issues facing the insurance industry

This module aims to facilitate the development of effective negotiation skills in the context of competitive business environments. Students will cultivate persuasive communication techniques through an understanding of effective negotiation strategies based on collaborative and creative working practices. The student will learn the importance of ethics in negotiation and how to resolve conflicts effectively whilst also fostering inclusive and dynamic communications within business environments that strengthen relationships. Students will learn the importance of self awareness in skilled negotiation communication so that communication interactions become opportunities to build relationships, foster consumer confidence, drive teamwork and increase productivity and company sales.

1. Analyse effective Negotiation Strategies.

2. Apply the concepts of Influence and Persuasion.

3. Demonstrate Active Listening and Active Speaking techniques.

4. Evaluate Online Negotiationin comparison to Face-to-Face Negotiation

5. Assess how to identify, generate and develop Mentors and Networks that supportstudents in their professionalrole.

6. Reflect on Positive and Negative Conflict structures within an organisation

This module introduces the student to financial planning. The module assesses the suitability of financial products in meeting the needs of consumers, including formulating comparisons of products, and evaluating ongoing client financial planning needs, including in relation to retirement planning and to relationship breakdowns. On completion of this module, students will have a general introduction to financial planning.

1. Assess the needs of consumers for protection policies, including life assurance cover, serious illness cover and business insurances, and for savings and investment policies and tracker bonds issued by life assurance companies.

2. Evaluate the needs of consumers for investment linked pension policies, including retirement annuity contracts, PRSAs, employer pension schemes (including small self-administered pension schemes (SSAPS), buy out bonds, AVCs, annuities, ARFs and AMRFs

3. Appraise the needs of consumers for savings and investment products, including life assurance investment policies, collective investment funds, tracker bonds, Exchange Traded Funds, derivatives and unquoted transferable shares.

4. Evaluate the needs of consumers for mortgage credit agreements, housing loans, home reversion agreements, consumer credit agreements, and associated insurances.

5. Evaluate the main regulatory requirements relating to the marketing of financial services products and to the sales / advisory process pertaining to such products; and

6. Assess the suitability of financial products in meeting the needs of consumers, including formulating comparisons of products, and evaluate ongoing client financial planning needs, including in relation to retirement planning and to relationship breakdowns.

This module introduces the student to the field of financial planning and the planning process, including ethical considerations and related issues.

This module is designed to give students the opportunity to integrate the academic knowledge gained into a practical work-based setting through the completion of case studies and on the job task(s) relevant to their workplace setting and engage in critical reflection regarding the impact of this knowledge on organisational and personal performance.

This module enables students to address issues relevant to financial planning within the work environment. The module covers key topics such as; knowing the consumer, assessing suitability, taxation, retirement benefit options, relationship breakdown, comparing products, investment restrictions, making a recommendation and client reviews.

The module also helps develop many of the personal and professional attributes outlined in the occupational profile for the industry (link to updated profile).

1. Assess the needs of consumers for protection policies, including life assurance cover, serious illness cover and business insurances, and for savings and investment policies and tracker bonds issued by life assurance companies.

2. Evaluate the needs of consumers for investment linked pension policies, including retirement annuity contracts, PRSAs, employer pension schemes (including small self-administered pension schemes (SSAPS), buy out bonds, AVCs, annuities, ARFs and AMRFs.

3. Appraise the needs of consumers for savings and investment products, including life assurance investment policies, collective investment funds, tracker bonds, Exchange Traded Funds, derivatives and unquoted transferable shares.

4. Evaluate the needs of consumers for mortgage credit agreements, housing loans, home reversion agreements, consumer credit agreements, and associated insurances.

5. Evaluate the main regulatory requirements relating to the marketing of financial services products and to the sales / advisory process pertaining to such products; and

6. Assess the suitability of financial products in meeting the needs of consumers, including formulating comparisons of products, and evaluate ongoing client financial planning needs, including in relation to retirement planning and to relationship breakdowns.

7. Act effectively under guidance in a peer relationship with qualified practitioners; learn to act in variable unfamiliar learning contexts managing tasks independently, professionally and ethically.

The Capstone Preparation module is designed to provide the appropriate research skills, knowledge and practical guidance necessary to complete the Capstone Dissertation. The Capstone Preparation module is designed to provide the appropriate research skills, knowledge and practical guidance necessary to complete a Capstone research proposal and ethical application that will guide their Capstone Dissertation.

1. Generate research questions reflecting a topic of interest related to the insurance industry or business.

2. Critically review the literature and create a literature review framework.

3. Demonstrate knowledge of the various research methodologies and research designs to carry out a dissertation project.

4. Comprehend the role of ethics within the research process.

5. Construct a research proposal with a related ethics application form.

Innovation, Creativity and Critical Thinking

Innovation and Creativity in Business' is appropriate for all students interested in innovation as a necessary component of businesses today. The course blends primary reading materials with additional reading and case-based learning. The readings from a number of different sources (including academic research articles, popular and business presses and case studies) provide conceptual frameworks that may help with case analysis. Learners will critically examine innovation and creativity theoretically, with a particular focus on applying it in practice and in a business context.

1. Explain the creative process and the application of creative and innovative strategies to a variety of contexts.
2. Explore a creative team-based approach to innovation and creativity demonstrating sufficient understanding of opportunity/problem recognition, capability development and absorptive capacity
3. Recognise and comprehend the sources of creativity and innovation present in an organisation.
4. Analyse how creativity and innovation thrives in organisations and assess innovation and creativitys contribution to the growth of the organisation
5. Understand the process of developing a business plan and encourage entrepreneurial thinking.
6. Understand the concepts used in critical thinking and develop clearer thinking.

The module will introduce a range of tools and techniques that can help business professionals uncover important information and make informed decisions based on data. It will introduce basic concepts and approaches of Quantitative Methods and will enable students to solve problems and make decisions using various statistical tools. It will empower students to leverage descriptive statistics and understand basic data visualisation techniques.

1. Demonstrate an awareness of prominentsurvey designs andsampling strategies

2. Use a wide range of spreadsheet functions used in a business environment
3. Effectively use hypothesis tests for decision making.
4. Carry out statistical analyses for both cross-sectional and longitudinaldata types.

5. Perform calculations for measures of correlation and regression.
6. Engage with various analytical online tools and platforms to understand key business metrics.

The goal of the capstone project is to put the research proposal into practice by carrying out independent research, (albeit guided with a supervisor) to produce an applied research report that makes a tangible contribution to solving a problem and/or expanding the knowledge base in the specific discipline.The capstone project will be in an insurance related topic, and / or related to the students workplace.

1. Apply theoretical and methodological understanding and skills to explore researchable ideas and specific research questions or hypotheses.

2. Conduct a focused review of the relevant literature.
3. Develop a realistic research design process and undertake research using appropriate research methods.

4. Articulate concisely findings and conclusions in a written document which is informed by academic writing standards and justify conclusions by reference to evidence gathered and presented.
5. Demonstrate time, information and project management skills.

This module will give the Insurance Practitioner a general introduction to insurance law within the Irish and European legal systems.This module builds on the legal content in the insurance modules in year 1 and year 2 and equips the learner with knowledge and skills which are essential in the commercial environment and the insurance industry. Studies will include the Law of Agency, principles of insurance, and the formation of the insurance contract. The module will also focus on legal development in the supervision and regulation of the insurance industry. It is intended that this module will create an awareness of where legal expertise may need to be sought.

1. Describe the system of administration of justice in Ireland, the court system, and the sources of Irish law.

2. Apply the fundamental principles of contract law and tort law to facilitate informed decisions in the commercial environment;

3. Examine and detail the laws of agency, duty of agents, and an agent’s rights and authority.

4. Critically engage with developments in Insurance Law, the role of the Central Bank, and in the insurance industry’s regulation and supervision.

5. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the fundamental principles of insurance law, and their role in the construction of an insurance contract

The aim of this module is to enable students to interpret the financial results of a small business, distinguish between profitability and liquidity and appreciate the need for financial planning; and to develop an understanding of the financial management methods used in appraising capital investment options and assessing appropriate sources of finance.

1. Interpret the financial statements of a limited company using ratio analysis and report on financial performance.

2. Discuss the crucial importance of cash to a business and prepare basic calculationsto assist in the management of working capital.

3. Apply the main techniques used in the appraisal of capital expenditure decisions and interpret the results.
4. Identify the principle sources of finance available to a business and appraise the suitability of the different sources in the context of a company/ organisations financial requirements.

5. Discuss the different layout of financial statements,terminology and KPIs used in Insurance related industry.

6. Consider sustainability issues in all financial management decisions e.g. Capital investment, sources of finance, KPIs to be measured, shareholder expectations, sustainable finance.

The purpose of the module is to allow students to consider their conclusions and recommendations from the capstone project in the context of implementation in their workplace or industry, in consultation with relevant personnel. The module is an integral part of the capstone project will provide students with an opportunity for applied learning, which is directly relevant to their workplace or industry.

1. Present the findings and recommendations of the capstone project in the workplace or industry forum.

2. Conduct an interview with a relevant workplace manager or industry representative.

3. Prepare a plan, using an agreed template, to identify resources required for implementation, and any impediments.

4. Design a poster to illustrate the research and outputs from the capstone project.