Governance and IT in Financial Services
Donegal Letterkenny Campus, Ireland
Master of Arts in Governance and IT in Financial Services
Letterkenny Institute of Technology (now part of Atlantic Technological University)
Governance, Compliance & IT in Financial Services
Program Overview: Governance and IT in Financial Services
The Master of Arts in Governance and IT in Financial Services at Letterkenny Institute of Technology (now part of Atlantic Technological University) is designed to meet the legal, compliance, governance, and IT needs of financial services companies. Developed in collaboration with key employers within the financial services industry, this program equips graduates with the advanced knowledge and practical skills needed to navigate the complex regulatory landscape of modern finance.
This conversion-style course welcomes graduates from law, business, or IT backgrounds and requires no previous knowledge of financial services. The program focuses on the development of knowledge around the financial services industry, principles of data protection, governance and ethics, and information systems, preparing you for a rewarding career in compliance and regulatory management.
Delivered entirely online over 1.5 years on a part-time basis, this program is ideally suited for working professionals who wish to upskill without interrupting their careers. The Masters programme concludes with a capstone work-based learning project grounded in situated learning and reflection, allowing you to apply your knowledge directly to real-world challenges in your workplace.
Key Program Highlights
- Developed in collaboration with key financial services employers to ensure industry relevance and employability
- Fully online delivery with flexible part-time study, ideal for working professionals
- Covers cutting-edge topics including blockchain technology, IT security, and financial regulation
- Capstone work-based learning project enabling direct application of skills in a professional setting
Curriculum and Modules
The curriculum is structured to build your expertise progressively, starting with foundational knowledge in financial services and information systems before advancing to specialized topics in regulation, IT security, and risk management. Each module combines theoretical frameworks with practical application, ensuring you graduate with immediately transferable skills.
Financial Services Industry
10 ECTSProvides a comprehensive overview of the financial services sector, covering its structure, key players, products, and the regulatory environment in which firms operate.
Governance, Ethics and Regulation
10 ECTSExamines the principles of corporate governance, ethical frameworks, and the regulatory requirements that guide decision-making and accountability in financial institutions.
Principles of Information Systems
10 ECTSIntroduces the core concepts of information systems management, data protection principles, and their application within financial services organizations.
Blockchain Technology and Practice
10 ECTSExplores the fundamentals of blockchain and distributed ledger technology, examining its practical applications, opportunities, and challenges within the financial services industry.
IT Security, Compliance and Privacy
10 ECTSCovers the key principles of IT security management, data privacy legislation including GDPR, and the compliance frameworks that financial services firms must adhere to.
IT Risk Management and Audit
10 ECTSFocuses on identifying, assessing, and mitigating IT-related risks within financial services, along with the audit methodologies used to ensure regulatory compliance and operational resilience.
Additional Core Modules
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Master of Arts in Governance and IT in Financial Services is competitive and designed to attract graduates who are ready to develop specialized expertise in the compliance and governance space. All applications and inquiries should be directed through Uni4Edu, your dedicated point of contact for this program.
Academic Requirements
- Primary QualificationA second class honours grade (2.2) or above in a Level 8 Honours degree
- Preferred GradeA 2.1 grade classification is preferable
- Subject SpecialisationDegree in Law, Business, or IT (or a closely related discipline)
- Recognition of Prior LearningRPL is accepted; candidates with relevant professional experience may be considered
- Professional ExperienceRelevant work experience in financial services or related fields is advantageous but not mandatory
English Language Requirements
- IELTSMinimum overall band score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Contact Uni4Edu for current requirements.
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 72 (or equivalent). Contact Uni4Edu for current requirements.
- PTE AcademicMinimum score of 51 (or equivalent). Contact Uni4Edu for current requirements.
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
A range of funding opportunities may be available to help support your studies. Financial support options vary by eligibility and intake period. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on scholarship applications and funding options available to you.
HCI Pillar 3 Funding
Government-backed Human Capital Initiative funding may be available for eligible students on this program, designed to support skills development in areas of strategic importance to Ireland's economy.
Student Assistance Fund
Varies by individual circumstancesA limited fund available to students experiencing financial difficulties, supporting those from low-income households or those who face unexpected financial challenges during their studies.
SUSI Grant (Student Universal Support Ireland)
Varies based on eligibility criteriaA government grant scheme providing renewable financial support to eligible students in higher education. Eligibility depends on residency, income, and course criteria. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on your eligibility.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of this program are well-positioned to enter or advance within the rapidly growing compliance, governance, and IT risk management sectors of the financial services industry. The program's industry-informed curriculum and practical work-based learning project ensure that you graduate with skills that employers actively seek.
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers Hiring Graduates
Rankings and Recognition
Letterkenny Institute of Technology, now part of Atlantic Technological University (ATU) since April 2022, has a strong reputation for practical, career-focused education. ATU is one of Ireland's newest technological universities, formed from the merger of LYIT, IT Sligo, and GMIT, creating a larger institution with enhanced resources and recognition.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Management | Institutional Strength | Strong regional reputation. Contact Uni4Edu for current data. |
| Computing and IT | Institutional Strength | Recognised among top computing departments in Irish IoTs |
| Law and Governance | Professional Recognition | One of only two Irish IoTs with King's Inns-approved law degrees |
| Financial Services and Compliance | Industry Collaboration | Program co-developed with leading financial services employers |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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