Rationale

Banking and Finance is a high profile global service sector attracting the most qualified personnel.  LCMS recognises the importance of providing a high quality, relevant programme of study as part of its growing management development portfolio. The Diploma in Banking & Finance is strategically positioned to emerge as the preferred professional qualification leading to employment opportunities in the banking and finance industry.  Individuals graduating from this programme will have a competitive edge that is acknowledged by banks and financial institutions. The Postgraduate Diploma in Banking and Finance (PGDBF) focuses on exposing participants to the modern banking environment and its operational processes. Participants will gain a sound knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of financial markets and of the way in which financial intermediaries and institutions operate. Aspects studied include financial asset pricing, why and how corporations issue various types of assets and how banks (and other institutions) choose to use particular financial assets, such as derivatives, in their risk management procedures. A critical factor in the design and delivery of the programme is the integration of those conceptual and analytical skills that will enable students to manage the full range of  practical business situations encountered within the financial sector at operational and strategic levels. Emphasis throughout the course to: will be given:

• Provide rigorous, critical analysis of issues in banking and financial markets
• Provide an understanding of the interaction of finance with international financial services, international business and financial economics in the public and private sectors
• Demonstrate the skills necessary to confront issues within the complex world of international finance and banking
• Prepare and implement solutions directed at the evaluation of corporate, market, investment and risk management situations
• Demonstrate business and cultural skills related to the professional workplace in an international context

PGDBF programmes, as well as providing a conceptual setting, will provide participants with the range of transferable skills to enhance their future mobility between organisations and different business sectors. A fundamental aim of the programme is that participants leave with the ability to practice these skills at a significantly higher level than when they entered the PGDBF. Students will gain the ability to think from first principles, deal with financial issues and contribute to the formulation of finance related strategies. Softer management skills complement the more quantitative aspects traditionally associated with Postgraduate diplomas of a financial  nature.

Programme Objectives

The major objective of the programme is to expose the students to the world of business. Specifically, it will enable them to:

• Understand various management concepts and their applications in the real business world and demonstrate managerial skills in a developmental manner.
• Identify and apply specialist expertise relevant to diverse management sub-disciplines such as Marketing Management, Business and Financial Accounting, Economics, Strategy, HRM, Organisational Behaviour, Management Information Systems, etc.
• Critically analyse management theories and assess the business’ situation, set attainable objectives, generate effective business policies, oversee their successful implementation and monitor performance against target
• Understand how to carry out any business research project in a scientific manner by the applying appropriate methodologies.

Programme Structure

London College of Management Studies (LCMS) offers a structured course package that provides business graduates with the opportunity to think globally and to meet the needs of modern business by developing their analytical skills and personal effectiveness, while gaining a suitably recognised qualification. The Diploma consists of eight taught units and a self-directed research project, which normally takes a total of 12 months. This qualification will allow progression to the MBA or MA in business-related courses. To achieve the award of PGDBF students will be required to successfully complete the following 8 core modules plus a 5,000-6,000 word project:

Unit Code	Unit Title	Contact Hours	Credits
MODULE-1 (SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER)
M1-MOB	Management & Organisational Behaviour	45	15
M1-PBF	Principles of Banking & Finance	45	15
M1-SIA	Strategic Investment Analysis	45	15
M1-FMI	Financial Markets & Institutions	45	15
MODULE-2 (JANUARY-JUNE/MAY-AUGUST)
M2-ME	Macro Economics	45	15
M2-FSC	Financial Strategies & Control	45	15
M2-SM	Strategic Management	45	15
M2-BLR	Banking Law & Regulations	45	15
M2-P	Project	180	20

Assessment

Each course will be assessed by a combination of Assignments (60%) and Formal Examinations (40%). Assignments are intended to provide the students with the opportunity to develop their professional skills and to demonstrate the application of theories learned in the classroom to a real world context. Assessment will take place through a variety of activities that, not only provide evidence of the appropriate application of theory, but significantly enhance the student’s confidence and professional managerial skills such as: appropriately presenting a line of reasoning to a variety of audiences,  giving and receiving objective feedback on  their performance and appreciating the importance of verbal and non verbal communication in an international context. Group assignments which focus on team work and its contribution to developing a more holistic solution will also form part of the assessment process.

Moderation

LCMS adopts a stringent moderation process which guarantees best practice in assessment, assuring the student, potential employers and academic institutions of the highest quality outcomes.  LCMS undertakes all assessment activities and internal moderation, while the Association of Business Practitioner (ABP) undertakes an external moderation exercise. The final results are then presented to the Academic Board for formal approval.

Accerditation

The Association of Business Practitioner (ABP)

Certification

The final certificate is issued to successful students by the Association of Business Practitioners (ABP);  this certificate also displays the name and logo of  the Association of Business Executives (ABE).

Duration of the Programme

Twelve months including project

Programme Commencement

January, May and September

Entry Requirements

• A first degree in a business related subjects from a recognised university or institution.
• HND plus a minimum of 4 years’ managerial experience.
• Students with a first degree that is not in a business domain, must have at least three years’ management experience.
• Students who have no accounting experience may be required to join an introductory accounting class on commencement of the DMS programme.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must also satisfy at least one of following requirements for English proficiency:

• The medium of instruction of applicant’s tertiary studies was in English;
• A score of 625 or better on the TOFEL;
• A score 6.5 or better on the IELTS;
• “A” credit or better in English in the GCE “O” or “A” levels or equivalent; or
• Any other evidence of proficiency in English acceptable to the Institute Registrar.

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