Summary
The Master of Business in Financial Planning and Sustainability is designed for those working in, or planning a career in financial planning and wealth management.
Students who wish to undertake the masters programme will have successfully completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Business in Financial Planning or the Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning (IOB/UCD) and can apply to undertake four additional modules to complete the Master's award.
The Master's pathway programme's philosophy is to facilitate and build on previous learning and, in doing so, support the student to consider and understand that financial planning, financial management, sustainability of the business, society, and strategy are interconnected, where the success of one supports the success of the other.
This additional learning provides students with a macro perspective that is of value to those who are in roles of leading, change and strategy, or aspire to those roles in the financial planning and services sector.
Benefit to you
This course will provide students with specialist knowledge and the ability to:
- Employ the constituent disciplines underpinning financial planning, including investments, pensions, taxation and estate planning.
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Apply high level analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills required to produce comprehensive financial planning solutions.
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Evaluate economic, financial and other relevant data to create integrated financial plans.
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Integrate a deep understanding of professional values and ethical issues in financial planning execution.
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Understand the macro environment for future organisational success and sustainability,
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Engage with ideas of strategic planning for future organisational success.
Delivery and Assessment
This part-time programme is delivered through a blended learning approach, offering the flexibility of e-learning combined with the opportunity for personal interaction with lecturers and fellow students.
This is a 90 ECTS credit programme consisting of 10 modules. To qualify for the Masters pathway, students must successfully complete the Postgraduate Diploma in in Business Financial Planning or the Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning (IOB/UCD) 60ECTS and the Postgraduate Certificate in Financial Management and Sustainability 30 ECTS.
Assessment is conducted on a continuous basis through practical assessments, such as feasibility studies for new client services and marketing plans. You’ll have opportunities to apply real-world strategies, ensuring that what you learn is immediately useful in your career.
Award
Those that successfully complete this programme will be awarded the Master of Business in Financial Planning and Sustainability by Atlantic Technological (ATU) Sligo. This is a Level 9 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications.
Please note: Students who are registering for the Masters programme cannot apply for the Postgraduate Certificate in Financial Management and Sustainability award as the Masters award supersedes this.
CPD
8 Hours Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is awarded on successful completion of this course.
Find out more
For more information about this course please contact our education team level9@lia.ie or 01 456 3890
Alternatively, you can register your interest here to receive more information.
How to Register
To register click the link below to complete an application form. Please ensure you meet the entry requirements before enrolling. Your application form will be reviewed to ensure you are eligible to complete this course. Payment will not be required until after you have been accepted to the course.
Students who wish to undertake the masters programme will have successfully completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Business in Financial Planning or the Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning (IOB/UCD) and can apply to undertake four additional modules to complete the Master's award.
This module focuses on key aspects of financial health for profit and nonprofit organizations, including financial statement analysis, finance-accounting synergy, and ethical practices. It equips learners with skills in financial performance assessment, working capital management, and strategic decision-making through management accounting. The course also highlights sustainable finance and strategy selection to enhance organisational success.
This module explores the impact of digital ecosystems on organisations, highlighting the importance of creativity and innovation. It examines consumer behavior and the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in a customer-focused business model. The course also analyses the value chain, teaching how to create and capture value in today's market. Ideal for those seeking to understand and leverage digital transformation and strategic management within their organisations.
This module explores sustainability's critical role in modern economics, business, and finance. It covers sustainable governance, strategic and risk management with long-term values, and evaluates ESG reporting frameworks and regulatory changes. Participants learn to analyse sector-specific ESG metrics and their impact on management decisions, highlighting the importance of sustainable values, leadership, and practices for business and societal success.
This module focuses on strategic theories and frameworks, enhancing a company's position through interdisciplinary knowledge. It stresses applying these theories in real scenarios, ethics, and sustainability in business. The course also develops individual and team skills for strategy and planning, perfect for those aiming to improve in strategic leadership.
Key Dates
There is one intake bi-annually for this programme – September and January. Early registration is strongly advised.
Term |
Module Name |
Price |
ECT |
Registration Deadline |
Lectures commencing |
|
Sept - Dec
|
Financial Management
|
€665
|
5
|
22nd August 2025
|
Sept 2025
|
|
Sept - Dec
|
Sustainable Finance
|
€1,335
|
10
|
22nd August 2025
|
Sept 2025
|
|
Jan - May
|
Client Management
|
€1,335
|
10
|
16th January 2026
|
19th January 2026
|
|
Jan - May
|
Strategy and Practice
|
€665
|
5
|
16th January 2026
|
19th January 2026
|
We’re committed to providing you with the resources and tools you need to succeed. Your core learning materials include lecture slides, short pieces, suggested readings, and the required reading from the course manual, all designed to support your learning journey.
Applicants must have successfully completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning or the Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning (IOB/UCD).
Applicants who have completed the Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning from University College Dublin / Institute of Bankers may be admitted to the programme with exemption from a maximum of 60 credits from the modules aligned to the postgraduate diploma. This exception from normal maximum exemption limits of 50% was approved by Academic Council for this specific programme, subject to a review of the currency of the learning. Students who gain admission via this process will receive an unclassified award, or as allowed under the ATU RPL Policy.