Professional Certificate

Retirement Planning

Apply now to commence studies in January 2026
Apply now
Express an interest
  • Duration
  • 1 trimester
  • Programme
  • 1 module
  • Study
  • Online
  • Fees
  • €1,100
  • Level
  • NFQ 9, 10 ECTS
  • This programme qualifies for 50% funding through HCI Pillar 3.

    Find out more below.

    At a glance

    The Professional Certificate in Retirement Planning is a single module (10 ECTS) Level 9 programme, designed to deepen your knowledge of the theory and practice of retirement planning along with enhancing your skills needed to provide retirement planning advice.

    Awarding Body

    University College Dublin

    Who is it for?

    • The Professional Certificate in Retirement Planning is designed to complement IOB current programme offerings in Asset, Investment and Wealth Management advice. It also provides graduates with a pathway to further study – the Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning.

    This programme qualifies for HCI Pillar 3 Learner Fee Subsidy

    50% funding may be available for eligible applicants. To find out more please click here.

    HCI Pillar 3 Learner Fee Subsidy


    This programme is on your Gateway to the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation

    Download brochure


    How you will benefit

    • The Professional Certificate in Retirement Planning is a single module (10 ECTS) Level 9 NFQ programme designed to meet the needs of individuals within the financial services sector who are responsible for the provision of retirement planning advice. The programme will ensure that participants deepen their knowledge of the theory and practice of retirement planning along with enhancing and developing the key skills required in the provision of retirement planning advice.

    • Attention will be given to the increased complexity and variety of pension products available in Ireland and the regulatory requirements to be adhered to. Reference will also be made to the EU’s reform of occupational pension legislation (IORP II) which emphasises governance and communication standards for occupational pension schemes.

    Duration & delivery

    • Delivery is online.

    Fees

    • €1,100 for the programme.

    Assessment

    • The module is assessed through a combination of continuous assessment and end of trimester written exams.

    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 Certificate in Retirement Planning from UCD.

    • This is a special purpose award and a level 9 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications.

    Next intake

    • Spring 2025-2026 academic year - (Assessment in May 2026)

    Please note that the programme content and fees are subject to change in the 2025/2026 academic year. Any changes will be outlined in the 2025/2026 prospectus and at iob.ie in August - the start of the new academic year.

    This programme enrols once a year.


    Contact

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

    Your lifelong learning partner

    Join the IOB Community

    Begin your journey with IOB today and unlock exclusive member content, events and insights!

    Join IOB