University College Dublin
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I know, let’s sign upI have an account, let me sign in firstThe Professional Diploma in Applied Alternative Investments provides an opportunity for professionals working in the funds industry to develop their expertise in the growing alternative assets market.
Increasingly, alternative assets which includes hedge funds, commodities, private equity, structured products and real asset investments such as infrastructure investments, are becoming mainstream investments which are predicted to grow significantly.
University College Dublin
Who is it for
The international investment fund industry faces the challenge of upskilling to meet this wave of new investment structures. Given the breadth of alternative assets the programme will appeal to professionals working in the funds industry who want to develop expertise in alternative investments.
It is critical for long term success that those who work in the industry understand how the move to alternatives demands a broader understanding of the investment landscape and the choice of asset type available to investors.
This programme qualifies for IFS Skillnet funding
Funding it subject to availability
The overall aim of the programme is to develop your technical knowledge and skills in alternative investments. It will:
Advance your knowledge and understanding of valuation issues relevant to alternative investments and alternative investment funds
Progress your understanding of long-term trends in the demand for alternative investments
Deepen your knowledge and expertise in the range of alternative investment strategies
Introduce the relevance and importance of alternative investments to various types of investors
Develop your knowledge of legal and regulatory issues affecting alternative investment funds
Analyse regulatory legislation relevant to the establishment, supervision + termination of an investment fund
Examine the investment selection process for building an alternative investment portfolio
Evaluate the impact of different economic/general macro conditions on potential alternative investments
Assess the key drivers of asset movements of their impact on fund valuation
Examine the key economic variables feeding into market behaviour and in turn driving fund performance
Critically evaluate the low term risks associated with different alternative asset classes & the impact on investment decision making at fund level.
If you hold an IOB designation or a designation managed by IOB, CPD hours may be awarded on successful completion of this programme.
This programme has IFS Skillnet funding available for certain companies. You should check if your company has IFS Skillnet approval.
Please note funding available for modules running up until end of 2023 only, a new application will be required for modules running in 2024 if funding is available.
The availability of funding for modules in future trimesters will be confirmed in advance of their commencement.
Tax relief may be available to candidates who are paying fees in a personal capacity. Further information is available from www.revenue.ie.
Funding it subject to availability
Download the Applied Alternative Investments IFS Skillnet form
View the IFS Skillnet Checklist
Note: Students without IFS Skillnet funding should apply using the Apply now button above.
€4,785
IFS Skillnet member - €3,350*
Fees will be reviewed annually.
*Funding it subject to availability
Delivery is online
Assessment is a combination of continuous assessment and written exams.
Professional Diploma in Applied Altenative Investments from UCD.
This is a level 9 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications and carries 30 ECTS.
Autumn Trimester
29 September 2023
For more information please contact [email protected]
(NFQ level 9, 10 ECTS)
The module introduces the principles underpinning asset valuation and risk analysis to provide a foundation for exploring fund valuation drivers relevant to alternative investment funds. It presents a range of alternative investments available to investors and explains their drivers of market performance. It also explores the key economic variables impacting returns in conjunction with performance evaluation methodologies relevant to alternative investment funds. The module concludes with an analysis of the empirical evidence identifying trends for alternative investments and the structural drivers of the predicted increase in long-term demand.
(NFQ level 9, 10 ECTS)
This module builds upon investment valuation and risk to develop a deeper understanding of available alternative investments including private equity, hedge funds and managed funds, commodities, real assets and structured products. Next, it considers key issues in relation to asset allocation and portfolio management and develops an understanding of alternative fund management and issues of illiquidity risk which has important implications for endowment and foundation portfolios and pension fund portfolio management. This module concludes with an analysis of risk management, manager selection and due diligence.
(NFQ level 9, 10 ECTS)
This module introduces the rationale and structure of regulatory regimes for investment funds domiciled and operation in Ireland, examining the basis for regulation and the institutions responsible for regulation at domestic and EU levels. It develops students’ ability to critically analyse a piece of regulatory legislation and identify the legal and regulatory obligations imposed by the regulation. It will also examine the preparation of a memorandum in relation to a new piece of regulation, highlighting the obligations it imposes and the competencies necessary to discharge those obligations and the tools available to the regulator to enforce such regulation.
Examination schedule 2023/2024
Autumn Trimester
29 September 2023
This programme is included in the Pathway to the MSc in Financial Services
Students seeking admission to the MSc Pathway or its constituent programmes must possess:
An Honours degree (min. 2.2 L8 NFQ)
or
Admission many also be considered for experienced professionals who do not meet the admission requirements as set out above, where they can demonstrate knowledge through their work i.e. they have more than 5 years’ experience in a management role (to be considered on a case by case basis).
You must be a current member of IOB, or become a member, to undertake this programme.
IOB was founded in 1898 by a small group of financial services professionals. Today we are Ireland's largest professional membership community.
Join IOB today