Diploma

Aims of the programme

At this stage the studies lead to professional qualifications in banking under the Institute of Bankers in Malawi.  After completing this stage, candidates are expected to have a very good understanding in specific areas of study and are able to apply the knowledge gain in real life situations.

Areas of study

Seventeen subjects are offered at diploma in banking level and these are grouped into five main areas of specialisation.

These areas of specialisation are;

  1. Credit Management
  2. Marketing
  3. Treasury & International Banking
  4. Estate & Trust
  5. Financial Planning

The subjects of study are further divided into the following categories;

  1. Generic core
  2. Specialist core
  3. Electives.

Generic and specialist subjects are compulsory in line with areas of specialisation. Student members are however allowed to choose two subjects from a list of elective subjects. Student members expected to study and pass eight subjects in order to qualify for Institute of Bankers Diploma in Banking.

The following subjects are offered at diploma level.

GENERIC CORE SUBJECTS

Course Code –  Course Title

  1. IOBM–D225 – Law Relating to Banking                 
  2. IOBM–D220 – Economic Environment                   
  3. IOBM–D214 – Financial Concepts A (For those specialising in Credit Management)
  4. IOBM–D215 – Financial Concepts B (For those specialising in all other professional areas)

The above subjects are compulsory and must be studied and passed by every candidate to qualify for the Diploma in Banking regardless of the areas of specialisation.

SPECIALIST CORE SUBJECTS

The specialist core subjects are taken by candidates in line with the areas of specialisation they want to pursue.  There are five areas of specialisation and
their specific requirements are outline below.

1. Credit Management

Candidates specialising in Credit Management are required to study three specialist subjects related to this field in addition to the three generic core subjects to be pursued at this level outlined above.  Candidates are also expected to study two elective subjects in order to make a total of eight subjects required to qualify for an award in Diploma in Banking.  The specialist subjects in credit management are as follows:

  Course Code – Course Title

  1. IOBM–D212 – Credit Risk Assessment 1                          
  2. IOBM–D219 – Financial Planning Practice            
  3. IOBM–D222 – Taxation 1         
2. Marketing

Candidates specialising in Marketing are required to study three specialist subjects related to this field in addition to the three generic core subjects to be pursued at this level outlined above.  Candidates are also expected to study two elective subjects in order to make a total of eight subjects required to qualify for an award in Diploma in Banking. The specialist subject in marketing are as follows:

Course Code – Course Title

  1. IOBM–D213  – Principles of Marketing                               
  2. IOBM–D210  – International Trade Finance            
  3. IOBM–D209  – Treasury Management 1  
3. Treasury and International banking

Candidates specialising in Treasury and International Banking are required to study three specialist subjects related to this field in addition to the three generic core subjects to be pursued at this level outlined above.  Candidates are also expected to study two elective subjects in order to make a total of eight subjects required to qualify for an award in Diploma in Banking.  The specialist subjects in Treasury and International Banking are as follows:

   Course Code  – Course Title

  1. IOBM–D209   – Treasury Management 1                             
  2. IOBM–D210  – International Trade Finance            
  3. IOBM–D219  – Financial Planning Practice   
4. Estates and Trust Management

Candidates specialising in Estates and Trusts Management are required to study three specialist subjects related to this field in addition to the three generic core subjects to be pursued at this level outlined above.  Candidates are also expected to study two elective subjects in order to make a total of eight subjects required to qualify for an award in Diploma in Banking.  The specialist subjects in Estates and Trusts Management are as follows:

Course Code  – Course Title

  1. IOBM–D226  – Law of Trusts, Settlement and Administration of Estates
  2. IOBM–D218  – Trustee Accounts                 
  3. IOBM–D217  – Principles of Investment    
5. Financial Planning

Candidates specialising in Financial Planning are required to study three specialist subjects related to this field in addition to the three generic core subjects to be pursued at this level outlined above.  Candidates are also expected to study two elective subjects in order to make a total of eight subjects required to qualify for an award in Diploma in Banking.  The specialist subjects in Financial Planning are as follows:

Course Code  – Course Title

  1. IOBM–D219  – Financial Planning Practice            
  2. IOBM–D217  – Principles of Investment                              
  3. IOBM–D209  – Treasury Management 1     
ELECTIVES SUBJECTS

In order to make up for eight subjects required for the award of Diploma in Banking, candidates specialising in any professional area are required to take two elective subjects from the list below.

Course Code  – Course Title

  1. IOBM–D224  – Customer Relationship Management        
  2. IOBM–D21  – Financial Markets 1                                     
  3. IOBM–D223  – Consumer Behaviour
  4. IOBM–D221  – Introduction to Business Statistics
Entry requirements for certificate stage

An Institute of Bankers certificate in banking is  a prerequisite for entry into the Diploma stage.  However, those with relevant first degrees obtained from recognized universities or institutions will be exempted from certificate stage and will automatically be admitted at diploma stage.

Duration of Study

The study period is very flexible in order to accommodate interests of various individuals and the Institute conducts examinations in the month of May and November annually.  Candidates are allowed to study and sit for a maximum of four subjects during each exam period at the diploma stage.