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HIGHER DIPLOMA IN ARTS (FINANCE)
- Qualification
- Higher Diploma In Arts
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MH26D
- Award Type and NFQ level
- HIGHER DIPLOMA (8)
- Study Mode
- Full time
- Closing Date
- 14 August 2026
Overview
Finance is a stimulating and challenging discipline that offers a wide range of exciting and dynamic careers across the financial industry. The finance sector has grown in terms of complexity as it meets the needs of increasingly international, technologically complex and data-driven markets. By studying finance, you will acquire a wide range of skills that can be applied to problems faced by agents ranging from entrepreneurs who need to fund their ideas to investors seeking the best opportunities to grow their wealth, from private investment banks who engineer innovative financial products to regulators tasked with protecting the industry and from individuals searching for a mortgage to multinational firms seeking to finance their operations. The study of finance opens the door to a myriad of diverse career opportunities.
This is a one-year full-time programme. If you have the desire and ambition to forge a successful career in the world of finance, then this is the perfect programme for you. The course provides an accelerated route to the equivalent of an honours degree in finance. Students will cover the basic concepts, empirical methods and applications in investment, derivatives, international finance and econometrics as well as choosing field courses of interest from a range of optional modules such as corporate finance, fixed income markets and sustainable finance.
Additional Resources
Please check out the Postgraduate Open Day Page for details on our upcoming open days and postgraduate information and resources shared at previous open days which includes information on fees, funding, scholarships and student life.
Course Commences
September entry
What our Graduates Say
"I decided to re-skill myself in the world of finance having enjoyed a successful 22-year career as an IT professional. My ultimate goal at the time was to complete the MSc in Financial Risk Management in Maynooth, however the advice I received was that the Higher Diploma would form an important stepping stone towards this ultimate objective. This turned out to be excellent advice which led me to successfully complete the MSc I wanted."
Research Economist Financial Stability Section of Central Bank
MICHAEL WOSSER, HDip Finance, MSc Financial Risk Analysis and PhD Finance
"An emphasis is placed on presenting your thesis to your class and lecturers. Workshops aimed at building presentation skills are embedded into the course. I found this exercise both challenging and rewarding and the ability to competently present my thesis to my lecturers increased my confidence. This Master's and the professionalism of Maynooth University have resulted in me securing a financial role in a prominent¿ international bank and will continue to serve me as my career progresses. "
Custody Administrator. Société Générale
BRYAN CULLEN, Higher Diploma in Finance, MA Finance.
Course structure
Duration: 1 year full-time
Course Duration: 1 year
The course consists of two semesters of taught modules over the nine months of the academic year. A comprehensive range of modules in finance, including corporate finance, fixed income markets, derivatives, financial modelling and a broad range of optional modules. Students take seven compulsory modules and five optional modules during the academic year which will be centrally timetabled by the Timetabling Office. To assimilate students from diverse academic backgrounds, the Programme Director will advise each student on which optional modules to choose to provide them with a solid foundation in finance. For details on module overviews, learning outcomes, teaching and learning methods and assessment please visit course finder.
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Careers
After this 1-year intensive programme, graduates will be well-equipped with the skills to begin a career in the financial sector. This is a high-growth, constantly evolving sector with diverse career opportunities at home and abroad.
Graduates who wish to continue their studies may pursue one of our MSc programmes subject to meeting the entry requirements.
Graduates of this programme are currently enjoying successful careers in investment and retail banking, portfolio fund management, professional accountancy, corporate recovery, regulatory agencies, NGOs, government service, stockbroking and bond trading in the private sector.
Others have taken up research positions at the Central Bank of Ireland, some continue to PhD programmes to pursue an academic career. The diverse careers of our graduates reflect the adaptability and flexibility of our graduates.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor honours degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) in any discipline. Students without any knowledge of economics or finance are strongly advised to have a good background in statistics and quantitative methods and to be prepared to undertake substantial independent study to equip themselves with the expected level of economics and finance.
Applicants who do not hold a primary degree but have at least 5 years of relevant experience may apply via Maynooth University's RPL process for Non-Standard Entrants. Please click here for further information.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. Please be advised criteria may differ for EU and Non-EU applicants.
Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850
How to apply
To apply for your chosen postgraduate study at Maynooth University, applications must be made via the MUApply portal. Please click here to start your application.
When making your application, please ensure you upload the below documentation to your application prior to submission to avoid delays in application assessment:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated/conferred
- A copy of your passport
- Up to date CV
- Personal Statement (minimum 500 words on why you would like to study your chosen programme)
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. Please be advised criteria may differ for EU and Non-EU applicants.