National College of Ireland - QQI College of... · VERSION FOR QQI PROVIDER National College of Ireland PROGRAMME Cert/Dip Personal Financial Planning, Cert Personal Insolvency Practice,

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PROVIDER National College of Ireland PROGRAMME Cert/Dip Personal Financial Planning, Cert Personal Insolvency Practice, Cert in WP Mediation DATE OF ISSUE 7h June 2013 PAGE 1 of 22

National College of Ireland

Diploma in Personal Financial Planning Level 8, Special Purpose Award, 60 ECTS Certificate in Personal Financial Planning, Level 8, Special Purpose Award, 40 ECTS Certificate in Personal Insolvency Practice, Level 8 Special Purpose Award, 10 ECTS

Certificate in Workplace Mediation, Level 9, Special Purpose Award, 10 ECTS

1 PANEL REPORT ...................................................................................................................... 2

2 PROGRAMME TEAM RESPONSE ........................................................................................... 12

3 Programme Schedules ........................................................................................................ 15

3.1 Certificate in Personal Insolvency Practice ................................................................ 16

3.2 Diploma in Personal Financial Planning .................................................................... 17

3.3 Certificate in Personal Financial Planning ................................................................. 19

3.4 Certificate in Workplace Mediation............................................................................ 20

4 Memo on Context of Validation ........................................................................................ 21

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1 PANEL REPORT PANEL OF EXPERTS’ REPORT PART I: PREAMBLE 1.1 DETAILS OF VALIDATION EVENT PROVIDER National College of Ireland DATE OF VISIT 7th May 2012 PROGRAMME(S) EVALUATED

Certificate in Workplace Mediation (Level 9 10 ECTS) Certificate in Personal Insolvency Practice (Level 8 10 ECTS) Certificate in Personal Financial Planning (Level 8 40 ECTS) Diploma in Personal Financial Planning (Level 8 60 ECTS)

PROGRAMME

RECOMMENDED FOR

APPROVAL

Certificate in Workplace Mediation (Level 9 10 ECTS) Certificate in Personal Insolvency Practice (Level 8 10 ECTS) Certificate in Personal Financial Planning (Level 8 40 ECTS) Diploma in Personal Financial Planning (Level 8 60 ECTS)

PANEL OF EXPERTS Ms. Marian Duggan , Head School of Business& Humanities , Limerick IT,

Chair

Mr. John Maher , Dept. Business, Accounting & Economics, Waterford IT Ms. Delma Sweeney, NUI Maynooth, Programme Director, MA in Dispute Resolution Mr. Brian O’Loughlin, Independent Investment Adviser In attendance: Sinéad O’Sullivan, Director of Quality Assurance & Statistical Services, NCI (Rapporteur)

1.2 SUMMARY The Expert Panel, having reviewed the documentation presented by NCI and considered the responses of the programme team during the course of the site visit; recommend approval of the following programmes Certificate in Workplace Mediation with one (1) recommendation Certificate in Personal Insolvency Practice with two (2) conditions Certificate/Diploma in Personal Financial Planning with two (2) conditions and 9 recommendations 1.3 CONTEXT This validation process was undertaken with the agreement of QQI under HETAC’s policy for the devolution of responsibility for validation sub processes which is outlined in Core Validation Policy & Criteria 2010 (p15). The devolution of responsibility for validation sub processes (DRSVP) at National College of Ireland applies to taught programmes up to level 9 of the National Framework of Qualifications that are developed and delivered solely by NCI within the jurisdiction of the Republic of Ireland. Programme disciplines are restricted to Business and Computing and programmes validated using this process are currently agreed with QQI on a case by case basis.

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On agreement with QQI, the validation event proceeded without receipt of a desk review report. The panel members were nominated by NCI using criteria agreed with QQI. The panel was approved by QQI’s Programme Validation Unit. Due to a last minute withdrawal of a panel member, Mr. John Maher of Waterford IT was agreed as a panel member. As Mr. Maher is an existing external examiner at NCI, this agreement was made as an exception due to the timing of the withdrawal and the relatively narrow subject area of the proposed programmes. A representative of the Quality Assurance & Statistical Services (QASS) Office co-ordinated provision of submission documentation and the validation event. It provided administrative support to the panel during the event as rapporteur. This representative was not a member of the panel nor did she take part in the deliberations of the panel. The QASS office acted as liaison between the panel and the programme team members in relation to the issuing of the panel’s report and the programme team’s response to that report. This report is the agreed report of the panel members.

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PART II: REPORT OF PANEL OF EXPERTS 2.1 INTRODUCTION The National College of Ireland (NCI) has two schools – Business and Computing. Both schools provide a range of education programmes which are accredited by HETAC and FETAC. Its core activity centres on human resource management and industrial relations. The college has a diverse learner profile of approximately 3,000 learners. Of these, more than 50% are part-time. The development of the programmes reviewed by this panel arose from the adoption of the NCI Strategic Plan in 2011/12. These proposed programmes expand the College’s portfolio in Financial Services which ranges from Certificate in Financial Regulation, Diploma in Pensions Management & Practice in association with the Irish Institute of Pension Managers, BA (Hons) in Financial Services, BA (Hons) in Economics & Finance and Higher Diploma and MSc in Finance. The proposed Certificate in Workplace Mediation fits strategically with the College’s history in the area of industrial relations & human resource management. These proposed programmes are considered of strategic importance to the NCI and have support at Executive and Governing Body level. The programme submission documents and the programme teams’ self-evaluation of the programmes were made available to the panel. A desk review report had not been received from QQI. The panel commended the programme team on the quality of the documentation provided and the team’s robust engagement with the discussions at the meeting. 2.2 EXAMINATION OF PROGRAMMES The panel met with staff of NCI involved in the design of the programme, to examine the programme submission against the criteria for the validation of programmes as stipulated by the QQIIn this regard, the HETAC’s Core Validation Policy and Criteria, 2010 was used by the Panel. The Certificiate/Diploma in Personal Financial Planning and Certificate in Personal Insolvency Practice were evaluated against the HETAC Business Standards for Level 8 Awards. The Certificate in Workplace Mediation was evaluated against HETAC Business Standards for Level 9 Awards. 2.2.1 DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLICATION OF EXPLICIT INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES The programme submission documents, together with the outcome of discussions with NCI staff, articulated the prerequisite learning of target learners and any other relevant assumptions about programme participants. This panel heard that for entry to the Certificate & Diploma in Personal Financial Planning, it was essential for learners to have worked or be working in the Financial Services sector. The minimum intended programme learning outcomes for each of the programmes are consistent with the HETAC Business awards standards and the relevant National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) award-type descriptor. 2.2.2 PROGRAMME CONTENT AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENT The Panel was satisfied that the programme team was competent to enable learners to achieve the intended programme learning outcomes and to assess their achievements, in accordance with HETAC’s Assessment and Standards 2009. The Panel reviewed the programme content including reading lists and considered it appropriate with some observations as outlined below. The Programme Director outlined how that the Certificate/Diploma in Personal Financial Planning and the Certificate in Personal Insolvency Practice were developed to meet the Minimum Competency Code (MCC) of the Central Bank and the requirements of the Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI) respectively. The Certificate in Personal Insolvency Practice has been approved by the ISI as a programme meeting relevant knowledge criterion for those submitting an application for authorisation as a personal insolvency practitioner as required by recent insolvency legislation.

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The Panel also heard how the College has been working with both the Central Bank of Ireland and the Canadian Institute of Bankers/Canadian Securities Institute to gain both minimum competency code approval and the designation of Personal Financial Planner (PFP) for the Certificate / Diploma Programmes in Personal Financial PLanning. NCI will be the first international organisation allowed to use this designation of Personal Financial Planner (PFP). The Certificate in Workplace Mediation is also recognised by the Mediators Institute of Ireland (MII) for Certified Practitioner Level. The Panel is satisfied that the programmes’ teaching and learning environment (including the physical and social) was sufficient to enable the intended programme learning outcomes to be delivered and that the places at which, or virtual spaces within which, instruction is to be provided were suitable and fit for purpose. The panel notes that the Learning, Teaching & Assessment strategy for the proposed programmes will make significant use of online delivery platforms. The panel heard about the instructional design methodology that is being developed and will be used to deliver the programmes and is satisfied that the College has the capacity to deliver on it. The panel does recommend, however, that the College considers a phased roll out of modules in September 2013 rather than have all modules available at the same time, due to the significant development that is still required in terms of the on-line platforms. During the course of discussions, the Panel expressed views on the following content matters: Certificate in Workplace Mediation The Panel queried if the contact hours were sufficient to ensure that learners would have developed the required skills as mediators. The Programme Director outlined how the contact hours plus the required student effort hours have met the requirements of the Mediators Institute of Ireland to enable graduates to gain recognition at Certified Practitioner Level. Certificate in Personal Insolvency Practice/Diploma in Personal Financial Planning Discussion took place on the need for the Mediation & Negotiation module on these programmes to be reviewed so that the content may be tailored more to the specific circumstance of insolvency and debt restructure. The programme team outlined that graduates of the programme will not be trained mediators, but will have the skills to engage the parties involved in the insolvency process. The panel recommends that much of the background information regarding the history of mediation could be removed in favour of emphasis on an evaluative process, the substantive issues of the dispute and ethics. Emphasis should also be placed on the need for impartiality, option development, facilitation of creative problem solving & working with experts. Certificate in Personal Insolvency Practice& Certificate/Diploma in Personal Financial Planning For all three programmes, the panel is of the view that professional formation and identity should be highlighted. Ethics and issues of conflicts of interest should also be addressed. In general the distinction between the student effort required for 5 and 10 credit modules should be obvious in the module descriptors, either in terms of material covered or depth of knowledge required. The Panel also queried if behavioural economics/finance could be included in those modules where it will enhance the student’s conceptual understanding of financial decision making. The Panel also noted that the NCI has a policy which provides for reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities (including access), in accordance with best practice and Policies, Actions and Procedures for Access, Transfer and Progression for Learners (NQAI) 2003.

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2.2.3 ENABLING THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE INTENDED PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES The Panel was satisfied that authentic learning opportunities existed which would enable the efficient and reliable attainment of the intended programme learning outcomes, subject to the learner making a reasonable effort and complying with the programme’s conditions. The programme’s strategy for enabling learners to move from the minimum access standard to the minimum intended programme learning outcomes is explicit, realistic and viable. The panel was satisfied that the assessment strategies were appropriate to the programme. The panel recommends that programme information is updated to outline how different cohorts of part-time learners may progress through the programmes, how many and the mix of modules that can be taken at the same time and over what period of time. 2.2.4 ACTIONS AND PROCEDURES FOR ACCESS, TRANSFER AND PROGRESSION FOR LEARNERS The Panel was satisfied that the procedures for access, transfer and progression are consistent with national policy. Furthermore, learners are advised appropriately regarding their entitlement to enter a particular profession or progress to another programme based on successful completion of the proposed programme. The programme’s use of ECTS (credit) and provisions for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is consistent with HETAC’s Assessment and Standards 2009 and with relevant national policy including:

i. NQAI’s Principles and Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of a National Approach to Credit in Irish Higher Education and Training 2006

ii. NQAI’s Principles and Operational Guidelines for the Recognition of Prior Learning in Further and Higher Education and Training 2005

. 2.2.5 EDUCATION AND TRAINING NEEDS The Panel was satisfied with the evidence provided that the programme meets the target learners’ education and training needs and that this was informed by the views of appropriate stakeholders such as learners, graduates, lecturers, employers, relevant advisory bodies, social and community representatives. 2.2.6 PROGRAMME VIABILITY The Panel was satisfied that the programme is consistent with the provider’s mission and strategy. Furthermore, it noted that the provider had presented a viable delivery/business-plan for the programme to College’s Governing Body. 2.2.7 LEARNER PROTECTION NCI’s policy is that once a programme has commenced, the programme will be completed for all learners enrolled. NCI is currently in the process of arranging learner protection to allow learners to transfer to other institutions for all of its programmes as it was not previously subject to this legislation as a not-for-profit organisation. Until these arrangements are in place, NCI will place sufficient funds in a blocked account to allow refund of all fees as required by the Qualifications & Quality Assurance Act 2012, 65(4b), for each cohort of this programme submitted for validation until the cohort has completed its study programme and assessment or until such time as an agreement is made with two alternative providers to allow learners to transfer to a similar programme. This policy is subject to the approval of QQI. 2.2.8 ASSESSMENT OF LEARNERS The programme’s learner assessment methods are fully elaborated and the Panel was satisfied that these were consistent with HETAC’s Assessment and Standards 2009. The programme and module assessment strategies (for both formative and summative assessment) are both clear and appropriate and provide for the verification of the attainment of the intended learning outcomes.

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2.2.9 QUALITY ASSURANCE ARRANGEMENTS The panel heard how the submission had been developed, including provision for on-going monitoring of the achievement of the programme’s objectives. The panel noted that the module descriptors submitted should be standardised in terms of layout and reading lists should be in a format using the Harvard Style of Referencing.

The programme team have responsibility for ensuring that the academic processes within the School of Business accord to wider NCI quality procedures which are agreed with HETAC.

2.2.10 ETHICS It is expected that providers will have procedures in place to ensure that any teaching and learning or research activity at any level shall be conducted in a manner that is morally and professionally ethical. The panel was satisfied that this requirement has been met in respect of the proposed programme. 2.2.11 PROGRAMME TITLES AND AWARD TITLES The Panel accepted the programme titles as proposed as being appropriate, clear, accurate and fit for the purpose of informing prospective learners and other stakeholders and in accordance with the Council’s related named award title convention.

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PART III: RECOMMENDATION/COMMENT FOR THE ATTENTION OF THE ACADEMIC COMMITTEE OF QQI 3.1 Recommendations: The panel of experts recommend the validation of the following programmes:

NFQ Level Level 9

Programme Title Certificate in Workplace Mediation

ECTS 10ECTS

Award Type Special Purpose Award

Subject to: QQI’s general conditions of approval

3.2 Conditions None

3.3 Recommendations

R1. The number of contact hours for the programme be increased to ensure that learners will develop the required skills as mediators

NFQ Level Level 8

Programme Title Certificate in Personal Insolvency Practice

ECTS 10 ECTS


Subject to:

QQI’s general conditions of approval 3.4 Conditions

C1. The module descriptor for the module ‘Mediation & Negotiation’ is revised to place emphasis on an evaluative mediation and negotiation process in both the learning outcomes and content, the substantive issues of the dispute and ethics. Emphasis should also be placed on the need for impartiality, option development, facilitation of creative problem solving & working with experts.

C2. Professional Identity, formation, conflict of interest and ethics in the practice of mediation and negotiation is highlighted within the programme

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NFQ Level Level 8

Programme Title Certificate in Personal Financial Planning

ECTS 40 ECTS


Subject to:

QQI’s general conditions of approval 3.5 Conditions

C1. Professional Identity, formation, conflict of interest and ethics is highlighted within the programme

3.6 Recommendations

R1. Clarity is provided as to how the programme will be delivered for part-time cohorts, i.e. the

number of modules to be taken at any one time, mix of modules to be taken and the expected duration of the programme.

R2. The roll-out of modules is phased to take into account the significant development work required to bring the blended learning option to market

R3. Review and include Behavioural Economics/Finance in those modules where it will enhance the students’ conceptual understanding of financial decision making.

R4. . Expectation that professional activity and development will be undertaken or continue to be undertaken by the lecturing team

R5. The course team should include details of professional activity in the course documentation in view of its importance in this fast changing technical environment.

R6. The distinction of effort required for 10 and 5 credit modules should be evident in the module descriptors. Opportunity to identify the 10 credit modules in Retirement Benefits and Savings & Investment as pillar modules of the programme

R7. The Savings and Investments module should explicitly reflect the experience of the financial crisis and the insights it has offered to conventional investment decision making frameworks.

R8. Reading lists should be updated and standardised to Harvard Style of Referencing. Resources such as research centres should be added.

R9. In the regional role out of the programmes, consideration should be given to linking with the IoT sector in terms of delivery. Access to reading lists for learners undertaking the programme in regional centres will need to be addressed.

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NFQ Level Level 8

Programme Title Diploma in Personal Financial Planning

ECTS 60 ECTS


Subject to:

QQI’s general conditions of approval

3.7 Conditions C1. The module descriptor for the module ‘Mediation & Negotiation’ is revised to place emphasis

on an evaluative mediation and negotiation process in both the learning outcomes and content, the substantive issues of the dispute and ethics. Emphasis should also be placed on the need for impartiality, option development, facilitation of creative problem solving & working with experts.

C2. Professional Identity, formation, conflict of interest and ethics in the practice of mediation and negotiation is highlighted within the programme

3.8 Recommendations

R1. Clarity is provided as to how the programme will be delivered for part-time cohorts, i.e. the

number of modules to be taken at any one time, mix of modules to be taken and the expected duration of the programme.

R2. The roll-out of modules is phased to take into account the significant development work required to bring the blended learning option to market

R3. Review and include Behavioural Economics/Finance in those modules where it will enhance the students’ conceptual understanding of financial decision making.

R4. Expectation that professional activity and development will be undertaken or continue to be undertaken by the lecturing team.

R5. The course team should include details of professional activity in the course documentation in view of its importance in this fast changing technical environment..

R6. The distinction of effort required for 10 and 5 credit modules should be evident in the module descriptors. Opportunity to identify the 10 credit modules in Retirement Benefits and Savings & Investments as pillar modules of the programme

R7. The Savings and Investments module should explicitly reflect the experience of the financial crisis and the insights it has offered to conventional investment decision making frameworks.

R8. Reading lists should be updated and standardised to Harvard Style of Referencing. Resources such as research centres should be added.

R9. In the regional role out of the programmes, consideration should be given to linking with. the IoT sector in terms of delivery. Access to reading lists for learners undertaking the programme in regional centres will need to be addressed.

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APPENDIX

LIST OF COLLEGE STAFF MET DURING THE COURSE OF SITE VISIT

Prof. Jimmy Hill, Vice President, Academic & Administration Mr John McGarrigle, Registrar Mr. Colin Whitston, Vice Dean, Undergraduate Programmes, School of Business Mr. Dave Cormack, Quality Assurance & Statistical Services Office, Project Manager Ms. Deirdre Giblin, Head of Professional Education & Training Mr. Phil Shanahan, Programme Director (Financial Planning/Personal Insolvency) Ms. Sheila Martin, Programme Director (Mediation) Ms. Tara Clements, Associate Lecturer, Finance; Savings & Investment; Programme Director Diploma in Pension Policy & Practice Ms.Julia Reynolds, Lecturer, Finance Dr. Leo Casey, Director Centre for Innovation in Learning & Teaching (joined at noon) Ms Ciara Deane, Associate Lecture, Finance & Taxation Mr. Pat O’Sullivan, Associate Lecturer, Savings & Investment Mr. Robert Cooper, Associate Lecturer, Personal Debt Restructure Mr. Michael Shelley, Associate Lecturer, Insurance Reaction of the Panel to the Programme Team Response I have read the amended submission document and I can state that is conforms to all the conditions made by the panel. Therefore I recommend this programme for validation to QQI

Marian Duggan

Marian Duggan Chair

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2 PROGRAMME TEAM RESPONSE Ms. Marian Duggan Head of School of Business & Humanities Limerick Institute of Technology Moylish Park, Limerick 30th May 2013 Dear Marian I refer to the panel report for the Certificate/Diploma in Personal Financial Planning, Certificate in Personal Insolvency Practice & Certificate in Workplace Mediation which were evaluated on Tuesday 7th May. The Programme Team has considered the report and its response to the conditions & recommendations made are laid out in the table below. These changes are reflected in the accompanying revised programme documents. Response to Panel Conditions & Recommendations Certificate in Workplace Mediation Recommendation NCI Response The number of contact hours for the programme be increased to ensure that learners will develop the required skills as mediators

The programme team has noted this recommendation and increased the contact hours from 42 to 50 hours. A revised programme schedule is attached.

Certificate /Diploma in Personal Financial Planning; Certificate in Personal Insolvency Practice Condition NCI Response

1. The module descriptor for the module ‘Mediation & Negotiation’ is revised to place emphasis on an evaluative mediation and negotiation process in both the learning outcomes and content, the substantive issues of the dispute and ethics. Emphasis should also be placed on the need for impartiality, option development, facilitation of creative problem solving & working with experts.

This module descriptor has been revised as per the panel’s recommendations and is outlined in 7.10 in the Diploma in Personal Financial Planning and in 7.2 in the Certificate in Personal Insolvency Practice.

2. Professional Identity, formation, conflict of interest and ethics in the practice of mediation and negotiation is highlighted within the programme

Ethics has been expanded in the Law & Regulation Module see 7.1 in both Certificate and Diploma Programmes. These areas will also be explicitly highlighted in the teaching methodology and a dedicated session will be provided at the programme induction. (See 6.5.3.1 in all documents.)

Recommendation NCI Response

1. Clarity is provided as to how the programme will be delivered for part-time cohorts, i.e. the number of modules to be taken at any one time, mix of modules to be taken and the expected duration of the programme.

This text has been added. Diploma . ‘A part-time learner will typically complete the programme over 2 academic years in duration, (approx. 10 -15 credits per semester) however, learners may choose to take a more modular approach. To date the

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Recommendation NCI Response employers in the sector have supported learners to take one module per term. It is expected that all mandatory modules will be offered in each semester to allow learners flexibly choose their modules. Students will be normally be required to take the Law & Regulation module first.’ Certificate A part-time learner will typically complete the programme over 1 calendar year in duration, (approx. 10 -15 credits per semester) however, learners may choose to take a more modular approach. To date the employers in the sector have supported learners to take one module per term. It is expected that all mandatory modules will be offered in each semester to allow learners flexibly choose their modules. Students will normally be required to take the Law & Regulation module first.’

2. The roll-out of modules is phased to take into account the significant development work required to bring the blended learning option to market

This recommendation is noted, however, at this time the College’s plan to have seven modules available at launch is on target. This will be under constant monitoring as the project unfolds and should steps be required to phase implementation, this decision will be made by the project team.

3. Review and include Behavioural Economics/Finance in those modules where it will enhance the students’ conceptual understanding of financial decision making.

Teaching of the Savings and Investments, and Retirement Benefits modules will be enhanced through the integration of Behavioural economics into a number of content subcomponents through the introduction of material on choice architecture and framing in decision making in areas such as pension scheme and investment portfolio choice. The Supplementary reading list has also been enhanced for both modules with the inclusion of; Thaler, H. & Sunstein, C. (2009) Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness, London: Penguin Books Ltd.

4. Expectation that professional activity and development will be undertaken or continue to be undertaken by the lecturing team

It is NCI policy and practice that lecturing teams undertake continued professional activity and development. This is particularly relevant in the Financial Services area and all lecturing staff will be required to maintain such activities

5. The course team should include details of professional activity in the course

This recommendation is noted and the professional activity for the current

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Recommendation NCI Response documentation in view of its importance in this fast changing technical environment.

lecturing team is included in their respective CV’s. It is intended to include profiles of members of the course team in publicity material in the future which will include details of professional activity

6. The distinction of effort required for 10 and 5 credit modules should be evident in the module descriptors. Opportunity to identify the 10 credit modules in Retirement Benefits and Savings & Investment as pillar modules of the programme

The detailed module content provided to learners will clearly demonstrate the effort required for the 10 ECTS modules.

7. The Savings and Investments module should explicitly reflect the experience of the financial crisis and the insights it has offered to conventional investment decision making frameworks.

Explicit references to the financial crisis will be included as part of the teaching of this module. Specific cases will be developed prior to commencement of the programme which will reflect the impact of the financial crisis on Savings and Investment products.

8. Reading lists should be updated and standardised to Harvard Style of Referencing. Resources such as research centres should be added.

Reading lists have been updated and standardised

9. In the regional role out of the programmes, consideration should be given to linking with the IoT sector in terms of delivery. Access to reading lists for learners undertaking the programme in regional centres will need to be addressed

This recommendation is noted and due consideration will be given. NCI has a long history in providing services to its off-campus learners. A postal service is provided to off-campus learners as well as significant online resources. These are outlined in Section 9.1 of the programme documentation.

Note to Panel: Subsequent to the validation event, we have been advised by the Insolvency Service of Ireland that any learner wishing to apply to become a Personal Insolvency Practitioner may not be admitted through a recognition of prior learning process. Learners must have a minimum of a Level 7 qualification on entry. The access sections (6.4) of the relevant documents have been updated to reflect this. If this response is acceptable to the Panel, I would be grateful if you could sign the declaration on page 10 of the final report of the panel (attached) and return the attached final report by Thursday 6th June so that the programme can be forwarded to QQI for consideration at its 26th June Academic Committee meeting. Yours sincerely John McGarrigle Registrar & Company Secretary

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3 Programme Schedules

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3.1 Certificate in Personal Insolvency Practice

Name of Provider National College of Ireland Programme Title (i.e. named award) Certificate in Personal Insolvency Practice Award Title (HETAC named award) Certificate in Personal Insolvency Practice

Modes of Delivery (FT/PT/ACCS/BLENDED/OC etc.)

PT, OC, BLOCK

Award Class Award NQF Level

Award EQF Level

Stage Stage NQF Level

Stage EQF Level

Stage Credit (ECTS)

Date Effective ISCED Subject Code

Special Purpose

8 6 AWARD 8 6 60 July 2013 343

Ref Module Title Semester Module ECTS Credit Number

Total Student Effort Allocation of Marks

Status (M/E)

NQF Level

Total Hours

Contact Hours

Independent Learning

CA %

Project %

Practical %

Final % Total %

Personal Debt Restructure

M 8 5 125 36 89 40 60 100

Mediation & Negotiation

M 8 5 125 36 89 100 100

Special Regulations: A special regulation for this programme is a pass mark threshold of 50% for all modules and for the overall result. This is in keeping with the professional body standards in the Sector

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3.2 Diploma in Personal Financial Planning

Name of Provider National College of Ireland Programme Title (i.e. named award) Diploma in Personal Financial Planning Award Title (HETAC named award) Diploma in Personal Financial Planning

Stage Exit Award Title Certificate in Personal Financial Planning (40 ECTS) Modes of Delivery (FT/PT/ACCS/BLENDED/OC etc.)

PT, OC, BLOCK


Award EQF Level


Stage EQF Level

Stage Credit (ECTS)


Special Purpose

8 6 AWARD 8 6 60 Sept 2013 343



Status (M/E)

NQF Level

Total Hours

Contact Hours


CA %

Project %

Practical %

Final %

Total %

Law and Regulation M 8 5 125 36 89 30 70 100

Life Assurance M 8 5 125 36 89 40 60 100

Retirement Benefits M 8 10 220 48 171 40 60 100

Loans M 8 5 125 36 89 40 60 100

Savings and Investments

M 8 10 250 48 202 40 60 100

Applied Financial Planning

M 8 5 125 18 107 30 70 100

Personal Taxation E 8 5 125 36 89 40 60 100

Business Taxes – Companies

E 8 5 125 36 89 40 60 100

Personal Debt Restructure

E 8 5 125 36 89 40 60 100

Retirement Funding E 8 5 125 36 89 40 60 100

Mediation & Negotiation

E 8 5 125 36 89 100 100

Personal General and Private Medical

E 8 5 125 36 89 40 60 100

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Name of Provider National College of Ireland Programme Title (i.e. named award) Diploma in Personal Financial Planning Award Title (HETAC named award) Diploma in Personal Financial Planning

Stage Exit Award Title Certificate in Personal Financial Planning (40 ECTS) Modes of Delivery (FT/PT/ACCS/BLENDED/OC etc.)

PT, OC, BLOCK


Award EQF Level


Stage EQF Level

Stage Credit (ECTS)


Special Purpose

8 6 AWARD 8 6 60 Sept 2013 343



Status (M/E)

NQF Level

Total Hours

Contact Hours


CA %

Project %

Practical %

Final %

Total %

Insurances

Project M 8 5 125 18 107 100 100

Special Regulations: Learners must take 3 elective modules Learners who also wish to apply for Personal Insovency Practice designation from the Insolvency Service of Ireland, must take the Debt Restructure AND Negotiation & Mediation electives in order to be eligible. A special regulation for this programme is a pass mark threshold of 50% for all modules and for the overall result. This is in keeping with the professional body standards in the Sector

Award Classification: 1st Class Honours: 70%+; 2nd Class Honours: 60%-69%; Pass 50%-59%

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3.3 Certificate in Personal Financial Planning

Name of Provider National College of Ireland Programme Title (i.e. named award) Certificate in Personal Financial Planning Award Title (HETAC named award) Certificate in Personal Financial Planning

Stage Exit Award Title Modes of Delivery (FT/PT/ACCS/BLENDED/OC etc.)

PT, OC, BLOCK


Award EQF Level


Stage EQF Level

Stage Credit (ECTS)


Special Purpose

8 6 AWARD 8 6 40 Sept 2013 343



Status (M/E)

NQF Level

Total Hours

Contact Hours


CA %

Project % Practical %

Final % Total %

Law and Regulation 1 M 8 5 125 36 89 30 70 100

Life Assurance 1 M 8 5 125 36 89 40 60 100

Retirement Benefits 1 M 8 10 250 48 202 40 60

Loans 1 M 8 5 125 36 89 40 60 100

Savings and Investments

1 M 8 10 250 36 202 40 60 100

Applied Financial Planning

1 M 8 5 125 18 107 30 70 100

Special Regulations: A special regulation for this programme is a pass mark threshold of 50% for all modules and for the overall result. This is in keeping with the professional standards in the sector

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3.4 Certificate in Workplace Mediation

Name of Provider National College of Ireland

Programme Title (i.e. named award) Certificate in Workplace Mediation Award Title (HETAC named award) Certificate in Workplace Mediation Stage Exit Award Title

Modes of Delivery (FT/PT/ACCS/BLENDED/OC etc)

PT, Block


Award EQF Level


Stage EQF Level

Stage Credit (ECTS)


Special Purpose

9 7 Award 9 7 10 Sept 2013 347


Total Student Effort Allocation of Marks Status (M/E)

NQF Level

Total Hours

Contact Hours


CA %

Project % Practical %

Final %

Total %

Mediation & Conflict Management

1 M 9 10 260 50 210 100 100

Special Regulations: Learners must pass all elements of assessment; written assignment & role play.

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4 NCI Memo on Context of Validation

National College of Ireland Validation of :

Diploma in Personal Financial Planning Level 8, Special Purpose Award, 60 ECTS Certificate in Personal Financial Planning, Level 8, Special Purpose Award, 40 ECTS Certificate in Personal Insolvency Practice, Level 8 Special Purpose Award, 10 ECTS Certificate in Workplace Mediation, Level 9, Special Purpose Award, 10 ECTS

These programmes were evaluated using HETAC’s policy for devolution of validation sub-processes as authorised by QQI. The programmes were submitted to QQI in March 2013 . A desk review had not been received from QQI, however permission to proceed with the panel was given. Membership of the Expert Panel was agreed with QQI’s Programme Accreditation Unit. Due to the short turnaround time available and delays in agreeing the panel with QQI, an original intended panel member Ms. Elizabeth McEntee, IT Tralee was subsequently unavailable to sit on the panel. Due to the particular subject area and restrictions due to perceived conflict of interest with personnel from other providers, QQI agreed to allow Mr. John Maher, IT Waterford to sit on the panel. Mr. Maher is currently an external examiner with NCI. NCI understands that this was agreed to as an exceptional circumstance and is grateful to QQI for its flexibility in this regard. The panel considered the programmes’ submission documents, self-evaluation report. No member of the panel indicated a conflict of interested and has signed a declaration to that effect. The final report was agreed by the panel. The programme teams’ response to the Expert Panel’s agreed report has been considered by the panel and the Chair has indicated in the final report that the panel is happy that the conditions of the report have been fulfilled and that the programmes should be recommended to QQI for approval.

___________________________ John McGarrigle Registrar & Company Secretary

VERSION FOR

QQI


7th June 2013

Documents

National College of Ireland - QQI College of... · VERSION FOR QQI PROVIDER National College of Ireland PROGRAMME Cert/Dip Personal Financial Planning, Cert Personal Insolvency Practice,