IOB is a centre of excellence in the provision of specialist education and lifelong learning to the financial services sector with programmes for members at every stage of their career.

IOB is an integral part of UCD’s strategy. You can read UCD’s strategy plan 2015 – 2020 and view a short presentation here.

Academic rigour and quality assurance

Institutional Quality Review

As a recognised college of UCD, the management of IOB’s education programmes is subject to the process and quality assurance requirements set out in UCD’s academic regulations. The governance and management of our education programmes is consistent with the processes and quality assurance requirements set out in UCD academic regulations. In 2018, the University undertook a periodic institutional review. The Institutional Quality Review Report for UCD Recognised College, IOB can be read here.

Joint UCD-IOB of Banking Board

To assist in the maintenance of the highest academic standards, the academic activities of IOB are overseen by a joint UCD-IOB Board, which is comprised of representatives from UCD and IOB. The Board has responsibility for all academic matters relating to programmes (quality, teaching and learning, student welfare and progression) offered by IOB. The Board meets at least twice per semester with various sub-committees of the Board meeting more frequently. The University and IOB also appoint three representatives each to a Strategic Management Committee. Some of IOB's short programmes, executive education programmes and seminars are not part of this framework.

What is the IOB's relationship with UCD?

IOB has had a long-valued relationship with UCD, dating back to 1990 when we jointly developed the Bachelor of Financial Services (BFS) degree. In 2006, we entered into a long-term strategic alliance with UCD to enhance and develop education and research in banking and financial services. As part of this alliance, IOB became the first recognised school of UCD. In 2011 IOB became a recognised college of UCD.


Is UCD an International University?

UCD is Ireland’s largest university. It is a leading international university and is currently ranked within the top 1% of institutions worldwide. For the third year in a row, UCD is ranked number one in Ireland and 78th in the world in the 2020 QS Graduate Employability Rankings.more >

When was UCD established?

One hundred and sixty years ago UCD was founded as an independent university, and the great nineteenth century educationalist, John Henry Newman, was appointed as the first rector to establish and shape its future. Today, UCD is one of Europe's leading research-intensive universities; an environment where undergraduate education, masters and PhD training, research, innovation and community engagement form a dynamic spectrum of activity.more >