Course Overview

The Higher Diploma in Financial Analysis is a graduate conversion course.

Graduates equipped with skills drawn from the dual disciplines of accounting and economics will play increasingly key and impactful roles in financial, banking and business sectors in the future. The goal of the Higher Diploma in Financial Analysis is to introduce students to and equip students with the applied analytical skills they need to secure future employment in the financial, banking and business sectors.This course will introduce students to the fundamental principles and analytical methods of accounting and economics in addition to modules from other business related disciplines.

Upon graduating, course participants will be equipped with a foundation of knowledge and skills that will prepare them for further studies and future carers in this field. The long-term employment prospects for graduates from this course are excellent. In terms of further study opportunities, graduates will be equipped to progress to MSc level programmes, such as the MSc Corporate Finance and the MSc International Finance at University of Galway. In terms of career opportunities, graduates may take up a range of positions in the financial, banking and business sectors.

Students of this programme secure exemptions from some of the examinations of the ACCA accountancy body. The ACCA grants exemptions from exams in three subjects [Financial Management; Business & Technology; Management Accounting] to all DFA graduates. Students have the opportunity to receive a fourth exemption in Financial Accounting, provided that they choose module AY209 in Semester 2.

ACCA Accredited

Requirements and Assessment

Semester One exams: December.
Semester Two exams: April/May.

A range of assessment methods are applied throughout the programme. These include essays, projects, reports, presentations and case studies.