Postgraduate Diploma Finance and Business Analytics

1 Years On Campus Diploma Program

South East Technological University

Program Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Business in Finance and Business Analytics is a specialised Level 9 qualification that equips you with the analytical, data and financial skills professionals need to excel in modern finance roles. This blended programme is ideal for graduates from business, finance, economics or IT backgrounds who want to deepen their expertise in quantitative analysis, financial regulation and business intelligence.

Curriculum structure

Year 1 (12-month blended delivery)

Over one year, you’ll explore key analytical and financial disciplines through a mix of hands-on practicals and theory. In Semester 1, you’ll develop foundations in Data Modelling and Analytics, Statistics for Data Analytics, and Programming for Data Science — learning to work with data, interpret results and use technologies like PL-SQL and Real Stats to handle real datasets.

In Semester 2, you’ll move into more specialised finance and analytics areas including Business Intelligence Fundamentals, Trading the Financial Markets, Financial Regulation and Compliance Management, and Corporate Financial Analysis, equipping you to understand both market behaviour and regulatory environments.

In Semester 3, you’ll apply what you’ve learned through either a Professional Internship or a Financial Data Analysis Project, giving you valuable experience solving real business problems and showcasing your skills to employers.

Focus areas (in a string):

Data modelling, statistics for analytics, programming for data science, business intelligence, trading markets, financial regulation, corporate financial analysis, distributed ledger technologies, financial analytics project/internship.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Develop advanced quantitative and analytical finance skills, interpret and communicate analytical outputs, apply business intelligence tools to real data, understand financial regulation and compliance, and conduct practical analytics projects or internships.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The programme is fully accredited by the Institute of Analytics (IoA) — the professional body for analytics and data science — ensuring your learning aligns with industry expectations for analytics professionals.

Reputation (employability rankings):

SETU is a recognised technological university in Ireland with strong employer engagement, and this diploma builds practical, industry-aligned skills that are increasingly sought in finance, data analytics, and business intelligence careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Postgraduate Diploma in Business in Finance and Business Analytics at South East Technological University is designed to be hands-on from the very start, ensuring you graduate with practical, job-ready skills in both finance and analytics. Throughout the programme, you’ll work with real financial data, industry-standard analytical tools, and applied projects that reflect how finance and analytics professionals operate in practice, supported by SETU’s specialist facilities and strong employer engagement:

This practical learning is delivered through the following experiences:

Industry-standard Finance Lab: You’ll have access to SETU’s AIB-sponsored Finance Lab, where students engage with live market data, trading simulations, and professional platforms used in financial analysis and decision-making.
Applied analytics modules: Subjects such as Data Modelling and Analytics, Statistics for Data Analytics, and Business Intelligence Fundamentals involve hands-on labs where you analyse datasets, build models, and interpret results using real business scenarios.
Programming & data tools: Through Programming for Data Science, you gain practical experience using tools and languages such as PL/SQL and analytics software to manipulate and analyse financial data.
Trading and markets simulation: In Trading the Financial Markets, you apply theory through simulated trading environments that mirror real-world financial markets and investment decision-making.
Internship or applied project: In the final stage, you choose between a Professional Internship or a Financial Data Analysis Project, allowing you to apply your skills directly within an organisation or through a real, industry-focused analytics problem.
Collaborative group work: Many modules include group-based assessments and presentations, helping you build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills valued by employers.
Library and digital resources: You’ll benefit from SETU’s modern libraries and online databases, supporting financial research, analytics projects, and independent study throughout the programme.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Business in Finance and Business Analytics at South East Technological University progress into analytically driven finance and business roles where data-led decision-making is essential. The blend of finance, regulation, and analytics prepares you for careers such as Business/Data Analyst, Financial Analyst, Risk & Compliance Analyst, and Business Intelligence Executive, with skills that are in strong demand across Ireland and internationally:

Career progression opportunities include:

University employability support: SETU’s Careers & Employability Service supports students through CV and LinkedIn development, interview preparation, employer engagement events, graduate recruitment fairs, and guidance for internships and analytics-focused roles.
Industry-aligned skills: Hands-on experience with finance labs, analytics software, programming tools, and market simulations ensures graduates are workplace-ready for roles combining finance and data analytics.
Internship & applied project pathway: The option of a Professional Internship or Financial Data Analysis Project gives direct exposure to real organisations, strengthening employability and professional networks.
Professional recognition: Accreditation by the Institute of Analytics (IoA) enhances the long-term value of the qualification and signals to employers that graduates meet recognised professional analytics standards.
Graduate outcomes: Graduates typically move into roles within financial services, fintech, compliance, consulting, shared services, and data analytics teams, reflecting the programme’s strong practical and market-focused design.

Further Academic Progression:
On completion, students can progress to a Master’s degree in Business, Finance, Financial Analytics, or Data Analytics at SETU or other universities. The diploma also provides a solid foundation for future research-based study or specialised postgraduate qualifications in analytics, risk management, or financial technology.