The Diploma in Credit Union Governance is a Level 7 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications with an option to exit with a certificate on successful completion of the first 3 modules. Successful completion of the diploma and certificate 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 the voluntary nature of your 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. The tutorials are delivered throughout the country, subject to local demand. Typically tutorials are held on Saturdays from 9:30 am until 4.30 pm though this is also subject to demand. There is an option to exit with a certificate on successful completion of the first three modules (30 credits). Successful completion of each module may contribute to annual CPD requirements if applicable.

This is a part-time course. You will take 30 credits in order to achieve your certificate and 30 additional credits to achieve your diploma:

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.
• FE1822: Principles of Credit Union Governance and Finance (10 credits)
  Topics include governance, the governance structure of credit unions, the role of the supervisory / board oversight committee, the role of the risk management function; planning: how the board sets the direction of the credit union; policies and reporting: how the board controls the credit union, considerations in governance of voluntary organisations, group-think, threat rigidity, agency theory, succession planning, individual responsibilities, flow of funds in credit unions, key financial statements, using financial information to aid decision-making.

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.
• FE2821: Compliance and Risk Management in Credit Unions (10 credits)
  Legal and regulatory requirements of credit unions; the role of the Central Bank / FSA in supervising risk and compliance; PRISM / ARROW regulatory risk assessment; the credit union compliance systems; risk categories in financial services; risk management methods; developing and monitoring effective internal controls; using financial information to monitor risk and compliance performance; risk and compliance reporting (internally and externally); how the board of directors oversees the risk and compliance functions; role of internal and external audit; human reaction to risk, risk policies; risk audit.
• FE2822: Strategic and Financial Management in Credit Unions (10 credits)
  Theories of strategic management; strategic management in conventional organisation, co-operatives and credit unions; strategic management functions in credit unions; the strategic planning process; internal and external environmental analysis; financial forecasting and budgeting; social performance measurement techniques.

The Diploma in Credit Union Governance 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 a governance 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 with each module comprising:

• one classroom-based tutorial with a qualified tutor (at venues around Ireland subject to local demand)
• independent study using high quality student manuals
• 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. 

Pre-approved RPL qualifications eligible for exemptions on the Pathways Programmes for the Academic year 2017/2018 - All exemptions are subject to the approval of the UCC ACE Academic Standards Board

Year 1 exemptions [Certificate level]

Year 2 exemptions [Diploma level]

*Exemptions can only be given to the 2012 revised module - Credit Union Practices of the CUA / CUG 

This course is assessed by continuous assessment such as:

• essay assignments
• online timed multiple choice exam
• work-based assignments
• practical case studies
• scenario-based assignments.

There are no end-of-year examinations.

This course is taught by a team of experienced tutors appointed by UCC.

Mary Walsh
Programme Coordinator
T: +353 (0)21 490 4740
E: mary.walsh@ucc.ie


 

Please contact pathways@ucc.ie for information on this programme