Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Insurance Practice (Life) (Apprenticeship)

Course Summary

The three-year, work-based training programme combines academic with on-the-job learning, allowing you to acquire technical and soft skills. As an apprentice, you will be recruited into an insurance organisation, where you will learn the professional and practical aspects of the job while studying towards your degree. Studies are done online through ATU Sligo with the support of industry partners.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for CAO courses at ATU Sligo are available for download below:

• Download Entry requirements for just Level 8 programmes
• Download Entry requirements for all programmes

Entry and Admission to the Programme 

Recruitment to programme

Academic: Academic assessment of the programme's suitability will align with ATU requirements.

Employer: The employer/industry will recruit the apprentices as they are employed by their sponsoring company.#

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for entry to a Higher Education Apprenticeship for school-leavers are as follows:

Entry requirements for applicants to ATU Honours Degree (Level 8) programmes

Applicants must achieve a pass in the Leaving Certificate and meet minimum entry criteria as follows:
• 6 Leaving Certificate subjects.
• A minimum of two subjects at grade H5 or better.
• Remaining subjects at O6/H7 or better.
• Subjects must include either English or Irish.
• Mathematics is a required subject for this programme. 

The apprentice must be employed under an approved contract of apprenticeship for the duration of their training.

Mature applicants are assessed on the basis of educational qualifications and an entrance interview.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the programme have many exciting opportunities available to them, including:

• Financial Adviser: Providing personal financial advice to clients.
• Investment Adviser: Guiding clients on investments and portfolio management.
• Mortgage Adviser: Helping clients with mortgage applications and advice.
• Pension Consultant: Advising on pension plans and retirement savings.
• Wealth Manager: Managing assets for high-net-worth individuals.
• Compliance Officer: Ensuring financial practices meet regulatory standards.
• Bank or Credit Union Official: Working within the Retail branch of a financial institution.
• Credit Underwriter: Evaluating creditworthiness for loan approvals.
• Client Relationship Manager: Building and maintaining client relationships.
• Financial Services Administrator: Working in the area of Pensions / Compliance / Clients Services / Training & Development
• Complaint Handling Officer: Manage and Resolve client complaints.

Further Study

Graduates of the programme can apply to progress within the field or in other fields. For example, within the field:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning- a gateway qualification to CFP certification
• Postgraduate Certificate in Financial Planning
• Postgraduate Certificate in Financial Management and Sustainability
• Master of Business in Financial Planning and Sustainability

For those who wish to explore other opportunities they wish to explore within ATU, for example

• PG Certificate/Masters in Professional Leadership
• PG Certificate/Diploma/Masters in Digital Business
• PG Certificate/Diploma/Master in Strategic People Management
• Master of Business  in Business Management
• Master of Business Innovation & Leadership & many others

Graduates may also apply for consideration to pursue studies in research at the Master's and Doctorate Levels.

Did you know?

This award is an honours degree award which specialises in life insurance. 

Programme Fees

This is an Earn and Learn Model

Course Format

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Semester 5

Semester 6

Semester 7

Semester 8