Professional Diploma

Compliance (LCI)

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  • Duration
  • 1-2 Trimesters
  • Programme
  • 2 Modules
  • Study
  • Online
  • Fees
  • €680 per module
  • Level
  • NFQ 7, 10 ECTS
  • At a glance

    This programme is for those who work or aspire to work in a professional capacity within a compliance function in financial services. The Professional Diploma in Compliance is a level 7 qualification considered to be the benchmark qualification for compliance professionals.

    Awarding Body

    University College Dublin

    Who is this programme for?

    It is designed to enhance skills, judgement and ability to deal with practical issues in the management and practice of compliance in the financial services industry.

    Compliance Institute IOB trans

    The Professional Diploma in Compliance is awarded to students after successfully passing PDC 3 and PDC 4. For information on the Professional Certificate in Compliance, please see here.

    See programme modules for more information.

    The Compliance Institute, has now opened the fifth Niall Gallagher Professional Diploma in Compliance Scholarship competition. See more here.

    We are delighted to introduce the revised and updated Professional Certificate and Diploma in Compliance. These programmes have been developed with substantial input from industry  and in conjunction with Compliance  Institute, the industry body for compliance professionals.

    Professional Certificate

    Those who successfully complete PDC 1 - Compliance and the Regulatory Structure and PDC 2 - Conduct of Business Rules are awarded the Professional Certificate in Compliance. The professional certificate, a level 7 qualification in its own right, introduces you to the theory of regulation and to its application to the financial services industry. The professional certificate is popular with students who require an introduction to the area of compliance as well as those who already work in the area and are looking to achieve the recognised industry and accredited qualification.

    Professional Diploma

    If you complete a further two modules, PDC 3 - Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Compliance and PDC 4 - Compliance Management, you are awarded the Professional Diploma in Compliance. The professional diploma, also a level 7 qualification, is the benchmark qualification for compliance professionals in all sectors of the financial services industry.

    Continuous Professional Development

    If you hold an IOB designation or a designation managed by IOB, CPD hours may be awarded on successful completion of this programme.

    Professional designation

    Individuals who pass the Professional Diploma in Compliance will be invited to apply for the Compliance Institute's Licentiate designation and use the designatory letters LCI. The LCI is the leading professional designation and benchmark qualification for Compliance professionals in all sectors of the financial services industry in the Republic of Ireland. Continued use of this designation is subject to meeting the Compliance Institute's Continuing Professional Development requirements.

    Recipients of the Compliance Institute's LCI designation are also recognised internationally as ICCP (Internationaly Certified Compliance Professional).

    Minimum Competency Code

    The Professional Diploma in Compliance and LCI designation satisfies the Central Bank of Ireland's Minimum Competency Code for those who 'adjudicate on any complaint communicated to a regulated firm by a consumer which relates to advice about a retail financial product provided to that consumer or the arranging of a retail financial product for that consumer'.

    IFS Skillnet logo

    This programme has IFS Skillnet funding available for certain companies. You should check if your company has IFS Skillnet approval.

    • 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

    Prof Diploma in Compliance IFS Skillnet form

    View the IFS Skillnet Checklist

    Note: Students without IFS Skillnet funding should apply using the Apply now button above.


    Further reading

    Top questions about the PDC


    EBTN Triple E award

    IOB was the first education body in Europe to achieve the new triple “E” designation in financial services education, the quality standard for qualifications in European banking and financial services sector, awarded by EBTN, the European Banking and Financial Services Training Association.  IOB was awarded the Triple E accreditation for the Professional Diploma in Compliance. The attaching designation of the Professional Diploma in Compliance is called Licentiate of the Compliance Institute (LCI).

    How you will benefit

    On successful completion of the Professional Certificate and Diploma in Compliance you will be able to;

    • Understand the role of compliance within a financial services organisation. 

    • Explain the theory and describe the practice of regulation from both an Irish and International perspective

    • Describe the impact of relevant regulation and the role of the various regulatory bodies on the operation of the compliance function

    • Describe the legal environment that applies to the Financial Services industry

    • Assess the systems of controls, assurance and governance in an organisation

    • Critically evaluate the importance of ethics and their role in the compliance function

    • Understand the impact of regulatory rules relating to how consumers of financial services are protected

    • Assess the authorisation, supervision and prudential requirements for different financial entities

    • Analyse the relationship between compliance and the control systems in an organisation

    • Describe where the compliance function fits within a financial services organisation

    • Explain the impact of conduct of business rules on financial services providers

    • Devise a regulatory relations policy in relation to inspections, themed visits and routine relations

    • Identify and pursue appropriate learning opportunities (academic and non-academic) which enhance their professional career ambitions and individual capabilities

    • Successfully demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to meet the regulatory requirements for the relevant designation, as outlined in the Central Bank of Ireland’s Minimum Competency Code (MCC).

    Fees

    • PDC 3 Legal & Regulatory Aspects of Compliance - €680

    • PDC 4 Compliance Management - €680

    Assessment

    Two hour exam for each module at the end of the trimester. The exams consist of written case-study and essay style questions.

    IOB programmes are largely delivered and assessed online. Students should ensure they have appropriate equipment (laptop), and that appropriate software (including MSOffice: Office and Word) is available to them to participate in the programme and related assessments (continuous assessments and exams).

    Award

    • Professional Diploma in Compliance from UCD.

    • This is a special purpose award and a level 7 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications.

    • Invite to the LCI designation.

    Progression

    The Professional Education Framework is a flexible education pathway that provides learning and development opportunities wherever you are in your career. You can access the framework at any step to take specialist qualifications depending on your career and learning need. Please click here to view the 2024/25 portfolio of programmes.

    Next intake

    • Summer Trimester (Assessment in September 2025)

    Trimester start date

    • 28 May 2025

    Closing date

    • 4 July 2025

    This programme enrols three times a year. To see other enrolment dates in the 2024-2025 Academic Year, please click on Key Dates.

    Contact

    • For more information please contact the Programme Manager, Mikeala White at education@iob.ie

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