About BA (hons) Financial Services in Dublin Business School

The monetary rewards potentially on offer makes a career in the financial services sector a very appealing prospect to those who feel they have the interest in, and aptitude for, this ever growing area of business. Financial services is the area of business most closely associated with money, value and property. Every organisation or individual utilises financial services and benefits from them and the individuals who advise and manage those activities are in line for top financial rewards.

The BA (Hons) in Financial Services is a course designed for the potential financial managers of tomorrow. It focuses upon the most dynamic aspects of financial services. Students learn about the core mechanisms and operations of financial markets and develop proficiency in the analytical techniques required for a wide variety of careers in financial services.

Ireland has seen an increase in financial services roles as employment rates have increased throughout the economic recovery, and factors such as the uncertainty around Brexit have contributed to a spike in available roles in the financial sector. Our programme is responding to skill shortages and global trends whilst seeking to optimise existing strengths so that the opportunities for graduate employment are enhanced to meet the future industry requirements. The demand for high-level financial skills, particularly in the area of risk and compliance, is expected to be driven by the continued restructuring and reform of the banking sector.

Career Opportunities

A career in the financial services sector can lead to a variety of employment opportunities at home and globally in the areas of finance, governance and risk management. Graduates from this programme in DBS mainly work in areas such as fund management, commercial banking and finance, insurance / re-insurance, professional accountancy firms and the regulatory environment. This programme provides students with a specialised education in financial services within an overall business environment. The Financial Services Sector is one of Ireland's success stories and it has recovered well from the recent economic turmoil. It is one of the largest employers of graduates. This programme also provides a basis for students wishing to pursue further academic and professional qualifications.

Leaving Certificate

Under the new Common Points Scale for Leaving Certificate 2019, applicants must obtain a minimum of 2H5’s and 4 O6/H7, including a language. Some degree programmes will also require a minimum of O6/H7 in Maths. Please see individual course entry requirements for further details. 

Using the old pre 2017 grading scheme, applicants must have obtained a minimum of grade C3 in two higher-level subjects and grade D3 in four ordinary level subjects, including a language. The Maths requirement for some degree programmes is a minimum of a D3 grade.  Individual course details will outline specific entry requirements. Please ensure to check the exact details for the course of your choice.

A-Levels/GCSE

Applicants must obtain a minimum of four GCSE passes at grade C to include Maths and English plus two A-level passes at grade C or higher.

BTEC

Students applying for any QQI (formerly HETAC) honours/ordinary degree or higher certificate must have obtained a minimum of a BTEC National Diploma in a cognate area.

FETAC Applicants

Minimum entry requirements for graduates of FETAC Level 5 awards is a full FETAC award which includes a Distinction grade in at least three modules. A full FETAC award normally consists of eight modules. A record of achievement does not meet minimum entry standards. Further details can be obtained from the Admissions Office. 

Mature Applicants

If you are over 23 years of age on the 1st of January on the year of admission and do not meet the minimum entry requirements, you may apply as a Mature Student. Mature students should apply directly to the Admissions Office at Dublin Business School. Mature students are assessed on the basis of age, work experience, general education standard, motivation and commitment to the programme for which they are applying. Please forward documentation such as any relevant transcripts, a CV or any other related documentation to the Admissions Office. Proof of age such as a copy of driver’s licence or passport must also be submitted.

English Language Requirement

For EU or Non EU applicants whose first language is not English an additional requirement is to have achieved a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent to qualify for admission to the Honours Degrees (level 8 programmes).

Dublin Business School Highlights