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.

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.

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

Pre-approved RPL qualifications eligible for exemptions on the Pathways Programmes for the Academic year 2017/18 - All exemptions are subject to the approval of the UCC ACE Academic Standards Board

Year 1 [Certificate level]

Year 2 [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