Expand+Be at least 18 years of age by 1 January of the year of application. Have basic IT skills which include an ability to use email, a word processor (e.g. Microsoft Word) and the internet and be actively working in a credit union in a role that directly...

Hide-Be at least 18 years of age by 1 January of the year of application. Have basic IT skills which include an ability to use email, a word processor (e.g. Microsoft Word) and the internet and be actively working in a credit union in a role that directly relates to operations, e.g. manager, teller, loans officer, credit controller, administrator. Students need to successfully complete Level 6 in order to progress to Level 7. Note: Entry for September 2017 is for Northern Ireland only. Closing Date: 31st July 2017 Diploma: Entry is open to those who have already completed the Certificate in Credit Union Operations. The programme will be offered subject to minimum number of eligible applications. programmes are offered subject to a minimum number of eligible applicants registering for the programme. Following completion of year 1 of this programme, should a sufficient number of eligible students not wish to progress form year 1 to year 2 of this programme as to make the year 2 viable, students will graduate with a certificate at that point. Programme viability is determined by reference to fee income and applicable costs in running the programme.

Expand+Overview
On completion of the course you will be able to:
◾demonstrate that you have achieved competency in the operations and practice of a credit union

◾explain the principles of compliance and risk management in credit unions in I...

Hide-Overview
On completion of the course you will be able to:
◾demonstrate that you have achieved competency in the operations and practice of a credit union

◾explain the principles of compliance and risk management in credit unions in Ireland

◾explain the lending and credit control principles and processes in a credit union

◾explain credit union insurance products and the related legal and regulatory requirements, and be able to give advice to members on credit union insurance and assurance products

◾communicate your professional opinion in both verbal and written form

◾research and report on credit union practice

◾reflect on and enhance your own credit union practice

The Diploma in Credit Union Operations is a Level 7 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications with an option to exit with a Level 6 certificate on successful completion of the first 3 modules. Successful completion of the programme is the equivalent of the first year of an Honours degree programme. As with any Level 7 course within the University a strong emphasis must be placed on academic content in conjunction with the training element that is also present. An important aspect of the programme is your study of the theory. This theory underpins the sector and will inform your practice.

The programme is designed to facilitate your professional involvement in the Credit Union sector and your other commitments. All the academic material is provided to you in text format both in hardcopy and online. Much of your study is in your own time with supports in place such as online discussion fora and e-tutors to answer any queries and to support your learning. Assignments are spaced out over the duration of the programme and are submitted one by one through an on-line system.

The tutorials are delivered throughout the country, subject to local demand. Typically, tutorials for the Diploma in Credit Union Operations are held on weekdays and run from 9:30 am until 4.30 pm. Successful completion of each module may contribute to annual CPD requirements if applicable.

The Diploma in Credit Union Operations is a part-time course comprising 60 credits offered by the Department of Food Business and Development in collaboration with Adult Continuing Education and the Irish League of Credit Unions. The aim of this course is to provide those in an operational capacity in the credit union with the skills necessary to reach a high level of competence in their respective roles.

The course is delivered through a blended delivery module comprising:

◾one classroom-based tutorial with a qualified tutor (at 12 venues around Ireland)

◾independent study using high quality module text

◾e-learning activities and assessment

◾online support and interaction via ‘Blackboard’(UCC’s virtual learning environment)

Module exemptions may be considered based on recognised prior qualification. Exemptions will only be considered if you have formally studied and been assessed in “equivalent subject content” to the subjects from which you are requesting an exemption. Academic transcripts must be provided and must give a complete listing of the subjects and marks received for the course you have studied. Please note that just sending in a copy of your parchment is not sufficient for applying for an exemption, as it provides no information of the units you have studied. For further details please contact the programme co-ordinator

Expand+You will take modules to the value of 60 credits:

Year 1 Modules:

FE1820: Credit Union Ethos, Structure and Core Activities (10 credits)
Topics include: the historical origins and development of the credit union movement, principles of co-oper...

Hide-You will take modules to the value of 60 credits:

Year 1 Modules:

FE1820: Credit Union Ethos, Structure and Core Activities (10 credits)
Topics include: the historical origins and development of the credit union movement, principles of co-operative organisations, credit union operating principles, the credit union ethos, ethical considerations for credit union officers, structure of the credit union movement, key stakeholders in the movement, structure of the credit union, the central role of members, the role of the board of directors, the role of credit union committees and other key positions in the credit union, the reporting structure, credit union core services.

FE1821: The Legal and Regulatory Framework for Credit Unions (10 credits)
Central Bank / Financial Services Authority, Registrar of Credit Unions (ROI), Financial Services Ombudsman / Financial Ombudsman Service, Purpose of Financial Regulation, Key Regulation for credit unions (incl. MCC, F&P, CCD, CPC), Key legislation for credit unions (incl. the Credit Union Act), the prudential rulebook, the responsibilities of officers relating to AML / Terrorist Financing, the responsibilities of officers relating to data protection, compliance structures in credit unions, the role of the compliance function, the role of the internal audit function.

FE1823: Credit Union Operations and Controls (10 credits)
Topics include the process of joining the credit union, nominations, minors, joint accounts, saving options, trustees, loan application process, credit agreements, the purpose of controls in managing risk, the role of the risk management function, operational controls, principles of good service delivery, meeting the needs of members, complaints handling, principles of good management and communication of member information.

Year 2 Modules:

FE2820: Lending and Loan Recovery for Credit Unions (10 credits)
Lending and credit control principles in a credit union, types, functions and features of credit union credit (agreements) services, good advice and credit assessment practice, good loan recovery practice, advising members in arrears, rights and obligations in relation to credit agreements and loan recovery, calculating interest on loan repayments, APR, acquiring and documenting member information before and after loan application transactions.

FE2823: Regulation and Compliance in Credit Union Service Delivery (10 credits)

Legal and regulatory framework in credit unions; the role of statutory advisory and regulatory bodies in the credit union sector; key legal and regulatory statutes which a credit union must comply with; principles of contracts in financial services; the risk of agency in service provision; data protection; compliance in lending and loan recovery; compliance in savings; taxation and savings; AML and terrorist financings; compliance systems in credit unions; the compliance function; compliance policies and procedures, compliance audit.

FE2824: Credit Union Insurance (10 credits)

The concept of insurance, general and legal principles of insurance and assurance, the general insurance market, legislative and regulatory compliance in general insurances, the process of insurance underwriting, structure of insurance policies, providing advice to members on insurance products, principles of best practice in advising members, features of general insurance products, features and regulation associated with PPI, the relationship between risk management and insurance, features of loan protection and life savings insurance.