School of Banking and Financial Management

Professional Advanced Diploma in Stockbroking Investment

 

The course is aimed at those who wish to develop further knowledge and understanding of planning, implementing and monitoring the management of stock broking investments. Some of the course material will also help those preparing for the Irish Stock Exchange Registered Representative examinations. The course analyses the key factors of successful stock broking investment. It is designed so that participants do not require specialist mathematical competencies. It will include lectures on stock broking investment as well as its practical application. However, the main focus of the Advanced Diploma is on the practicalities of stock broking rather than on theory. Participants have the opportunity to utilize their skills in a simulated environment, investing in the market with ‘monopoly money' and analyzing the results. The course will give students the chance to learn about portfolio management and experiment with the market in a classroom environment.

Entry Requirements

•  Completed Bachelor Degree (BCS) in Accounting/Stockbroking or equivalent education or

•  Relevant work experience

•  Reasonable command of spoken and written English

Programme Structure
The programme is taught over one academic year consisting of two twelve week teaching semesters including lectures and tutorials.

Programme Content

The Diploma comprises nine compulsory modules:

SI 1. The Investment Setting
Chapter 1	This section of the course introduces participants to the concept of efficient capital markets. We analyze the theory and discuss the implications this theory has for asset allocation.
SI 2. Equity Valuation Methods
Chapter 2	The alternative valuation methods of fundamental and technical analysis will be examined, along with the methods used by Warren Buffet, to see how the "Oracle of Omaha" amassed his fortune. A practical look at equity trading - in this section we analyze dealing procedures and methods available to companies when considering issuing new shares
SI 3. Dividend Policy
Chapter 3	The different dividend policies of leading Blue Chip companies will be examined and the importance and implications of these policies evaluated. How do companies pay dividends? What information can be gathered by looking at dividends? What is the difference between annual, interim, special and stock dividends? What do dividends show about a company's current earnings and future prospects?
SI 4. Mergers and Acquisitions
Chapter 4	This section looks at the significant recent upsurge in merger and acquisition activity and asks why has this has happened? When is a company legally obliged to publicly announce their intention to acquire? What should an investor be looking for when a company announces a merger or an acquisition and what valuation methods are used to determine the price being offered?
SI 5. Investment Vehicles for the Private Investor
Chapter 5	This section will focus on the alternative investment vehicles available for the private investor analyzing specifically a number of collective investment schemes including hedge funds, managed funds, property funds and capital guaranteed funds.
SI 6. Investment Advice and Portfolio Construction
Chapter 6	This section will examine and analyze developing a systematic approach to investment decision making, looking at all the main asset classes and relating them to investors objectives and requirements.
SI 7. Risk Management Techniques
Chapter 7	This section of the course will focus on trading and hedging strategies in the derivatives markets looking at futures, forwards and options and discussing the potential opportunities available in the market to use these instruments.
SI 8. Commodities
Chapter 8	Why invest in commodities? Specifically, why invest in gold? Arguments in favor and against gold as an investment will be examined. Evaluation methods for gold stocks will also be evaluated.
SI 9. Assessment
Chapter 9	To be awarded the Advanced Diploma in Stockbroking Investment, a student will be required to complete a case study and will be required to prepare a detailed portfolio proposal

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Programme Learning Outcomes

The course will give students the chance to learn about portfolio management and experiment with the market in a classroom environment.