Diploma in Credit Union Studies
This Diploma programme was developed by the Centre for Co-operative Studies in association with the Centre for Adult Continuing Education and the Irish League of Credit Unions, and is offered by the Department of Food Business and Development, UCC. The aim of this course is to provide professional training to a range of credit union personnel including staff and volunteers. The course is run on a distance learning format which ensures that it is accessible to credit union personnel throughout the island of Ireland. The Diploma is also offered in England, Scotland and Wales. The learning materials are supported by a tutorial system in regional centres and a week-long residential summer school in UCC.
The Diploma programme is designed to develop a critical awareness of the distinctive nature of credit union organisations and their role in promoting socio-economic development at community level. Furthermore, it aims to enhance the knowledge and abilities of credit union personnel so that at organisational and individual levels they can more efficiently organise and manage credit unions.
Course Structure
The course is comprised of 12 modules as follows:
Part A (30 credits)
Students must take 25 credits from:
FE1701 History and Development of the Credit Union Movement (5 credits)
FE1702 The Principles and Practices of Credit Union Management (5 credits)
FE1703 Operations Management in Credit Unions (5 credits)
FE1704 Decision-making and Organisational Issues in Credit Union Development (5 credits)
FE1709 Credit Union Placement (5 credits)
FE1721 Communications: Issues and Skills (5 credits)
and take:
FE1705 Summer School (5 credits)
Part B (30 credits)
FE1706 Research Project (5 credits)
FE1707 Research Methods (5 credits)
FE1708 Mutual Business Case Analysis (5 credits)
AC1701 Financial Services and Practices (5 credits)
IS1701 Information Management (5 credits)
LW1701 Business Finance Law and Credit Unions (5 credits)
These modules make up a total of 60 credits, the equivalent of the first year of the BSc in Mutual and Credit Union Business. The Diploma, however, is normally taken over 2 years, with Part A being taken in the first year of study and Part B being taken in the second year of study.
Entry Requirements
Normally, applicants will be required to:
have satisfied the minimum entry requirements of the Faculty of Commerce and be over 21 years at the time of enrolment,
OR
be at least 23 years at the time of enrolment
AND
have at least two years’ experience in credit union operations/management, either as an employee or volunteer,
OR
comparable experience in similar co-operative organisations.
Assessment and Evaluation
Evaluation of learning takes the form of a combination of continuous assessment and examinations, using projects and assignments, appropriate to the needs of each of the modules studied.
Tax Relief
The course has been included in the list of part-time courses eligible for tax relief under Section 15, Finance Act 1996 (Republic of Ireland) as amended by Section 7, Finance Act 1997. Students should make their own enquiries from the relevant Income Tax Office.
Academic Director
Prof. Michael Ward
Centre for Co-operative Studies and Dept Food Business and Development
Programme Administrtator (Further information)
Ms. Martina Beckett
Centre for Co-operative Studies
Tel +353 (0) 21 4902788
Email: m.beckett@ucc.ie