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Home〉Programmes〉Higher Diploma in Insurance Management
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Higher Diploma in Insurance Management (MDI)

Power your ambition with our Level 8 advanced qualification.

Key Semester Dates Download Information Guide

Overview

The Institute's advanced, professional qualification aims to enhance technical knowledge and develop key management skills, such as critical thinking, report writing, research and problem-solving.

Who’s the Higher Diploma in Insurance Management (MDI) for?

  • Insurance professionals holding a level 7 or 8 major award looking to deepen their technical knowledge
  • Irish insurance professionals looking to enhance their career prospects with an advanced qualification directly related to their industry

Exemptions

If you've completed insurance exams or qualifications in the past, you may be entitled to exemptions from some MDI modules.

Entry-level and technical requirements

As a level 8 programme, entry requirements are slightly stricter than some of our other programmes.

  • You must have completed your Certificate in Insurance Practice (CIP) and have worked in the industry for at least three years post-qualification.
  • If you are a CIP holder with less than three years of experience, you must hold a major level 7 or 8 award to apply.
  • If you have not completed your CIP over three years ago or have another level 7/8 degree, you can pursue the RPEL (Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning). Download application form.

All of our programmes are delivered in English, requiring students to have a high level of English language proficiency.

Key Details

Designation

  • MDI
  • Awarded by: The Insurance Institute

Qualifications

  • Higher Diploma in Insurance Management (Level 8 Major Award)
  • Awarded by: Atlantic Technological University, Sligo
  • European Credit Transfer System (ECTS): 60

Modules

  • 5 in total (2 Compulsory + 1 Diploma + 2 Advanced Diploma)

Delivery

  • Online

Duration

  • Compulsory & Product Diploma Modules: 18 weeks with semesters starting in February and August
  • Advanced Diploma Modules:  21 weeks with semesters starting in February and August

Assessment

  • Continuous assessment comprised of written assignments, MCQ exams and problem-based exam questions
  • Exam Dates
€585  Per module + membership fee
Applications Closed

Career Pathway

The Insurance Institute has programmes to suit each stage of your career, designed to help develop the skills and confidence you need both now and into the future.

 

Qualification Career Pathway
  1.  
    Step 1

    Certificate in Insurance Product Advice (APA)

    An entry-level qualification that helps you learn more about insurance and provides the foundation for a successful career in the industry.

  2.  
    Step 2

    Certificate in Insurance Practice (CIP)

    If you already hold an APA, the CIP designation will equip you to advance your career by broadening your product and industry knowledge.

  3.  
    Step 3

    Higher Diploma in Insurance Management

    Grow in confidence with our advanced, professional qualification that helps you achieve more, by enhancing your technical insurance knowledge and developing key management skills, such as critical thinking, report writing, researching and problem-solving

biscuit quotation
Gaining the MDI designation was of real practical benefit to me both in my current role, and in building my network. The assignments allow for researching cutting-edge issues in the insurance market, and in doing so, speaking to specialists in their field and building relationships with them. ‒ Deirdre O’Neill Senior VP / Marsh
The Higher Diploma broadened my grasp of the insurance industry. It boosted my confidence too. I wasn't sure I could handle the assignments or study for exams after so long, but I did it. Now, I feel capable of taking on new challenges! ‒ Emma Dooley Claims Specialist / Zurich
The Higher Diploma gave me a better understanding of how the insurance world operates. I now have a more in-depth knowledge of how each function contributes/complements each other to achieve the company’s goals. ‒ Barry Kelly Claims Specialist / Zurich
The big difference based on my experience of the Higher Diploma is enhanced confidence. If you take the mantra, information = knowledge = power, the Higher Diploma experience empowers the student/professional because it gives one an increased understanding of how the insurance industry functions with all its moving parts. ‒ Ronan McGowan Commercial Account Executive / O’Leary Insurances

Modules

To be awarded the Higher Diploma in Insurance Management, you must complete five programme modules (two Core, one Diploma Level, and two Advanced Diploma Level Process Modules).

Core Modules

You need to complete the TWO core modules.

Module Code: MDI-01

Insurance and Business Law

  • The Irish legal system
  • Legal personality
  • Law of torts
  • Law of contract
  • Agency
  • Making the contract
  • Disclosure
  • Warranties & others, co-insurance & assignment
  • Making the claim
  • Measuring the loss – the principle of indemnity
  • Subrogation & contribution
Module Code: MDI-02

Insurance Business Environment

  • Structure of the insurance industry
  • Management of insurance businesses: roles & responsibilities
  • Management of insurance businesses: planning & control
  • Main aspects of corporate governance
  • Functions within insurance organisations
  • Accounting principles & practices
  • Accounting standards & insurance company accounts
  • Claims reserving
  • Financial ratios
  • Financial strength of insurance companies

Diploma Level Product Modules

You need to complete ONE of the diploma level product modules.

Module Code: MDI-04

Motor Insurance

  • Motor risk & motor insurance legislation
  • Evaluation & underwriting of commercial motor insurance
  • The scope of motor insurance cover 
  • Private motor, motorcycle & commercial motor
  • The practice of motor insurance coverage, including documentation
  • Risk perception, evaluation & underwriting of private motor insurance
  • Minimising risk, fraud & uninsured driving
  • Claims procedures in motor insurance

This module can be claimed as a Micro-credential. Learn more

Module Code: MDI-05

Liability Insurance

  • Introduction to liability
  • Torts
  • Underwriting & risk management principles in liability
  • Employers’ liability
  • Public liability
  • Product liability
  • Professional indemnity
  • Directors’ & officers’ liability
  • Specialist liability risks

This module can be claimed as a Micro-credential. Learn more

Module Code: MDI-06

Commercial Property & Business Interruption Insurance

  • Fire & associated contingencies
  • Fire hazard & protection
  • Other hazards & their control
  • Property damage specified contingencies policies
  • Miscellaneous property & pecuniary policies
  • Practices of property insurance
  • Business interruption
  • Property & business interruption underwriting
  • Property & business interruption claims

This module can be claimed as a Micro-credential. Learn more

Advanced Diploma Level Process Modules

You need to complete TWO of the advanced diploma level process modules.

Module Code: MDI-07

Advanced Claim Management

  • Claims environment
  • Role of the Claims Manager & regulation
  • Claims service management
  • Management of claims handling procedures
  • Further aspects of claims procedures
  • Claims technical management
  • Cost of claims management
Module Code: MDI-08

Advanced Underwriting Management

  • Regulation & legislation affecting the underwriting function
  • Start-up scenario
  • Strategy
  • Underwriting policy & practice
  • Planning process in underwriting
  • Claims reserving
  • Principles & practices of pricing
  • Managing exposures
  • Monitoring & operational controls
Module Code: MDI-09

Advanced Risk Management

  • Overview of risk management process & practice
  • The role of risk management in the insurance sector
  • Risk management framework
  • Regulatory perspectives on risk management
  • Management of strategic risks
  • Management of insurance risk
  • Management of financial risk
  • Operational risk
  • Capital management

Delivery

The Higher Diploma in Insurance Management is structured to support peer-to-peer learning. Advanced content, teaching methods, and varied assessment approaches provide a unique student learning experience.

Programme delivery

Blended Learning

Combination of lectures, live-streamed tutorials and online self-directed learning.

Continuous Assessment

A combination of written assignments, MCQ exams and problem-based exam questions.

Online study supports

Micro-learning activities, video supports, sample assignments & Virtual Library.

Textbook

Accessible print and digital formats to help better visualise the material.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

The CPD requirements for accepting your MDI designation remain at 15 hours, consistent with the CIP. Each graduate must continue to adhere to the MCC 2017 requirements for their CIP designation.

Each successfully completed module equates to 8 hours of CPD, providing an added benefit when completing your Higher Diploma in Insurance Management.

Learn more about CPD

Download the Higher Diploma in Insurance Management Information Guide

This helpful guide will provide you with all the information you need about getting started with the Higher Diploma programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Higher Diploma modules are assessed differently than our entry-level qualifications. The assessment methods reflect the programme's level, your industry experience, and the best ways to learn and apply knowledge in your role.

    These methods include:

    • Continuous assessment of your progress throughout the programme
    • Written assignments designed to evaluate your detailed understanding of the topics
    • MCQ exams to test your broad understanding of the material
    • Problem-based exam questions to develop your critical thinking skills and better prepare you for the workplace

  • All fees related to the Higher Diploma in Insurance Management (MDI) can be found here.

  • The Higher Diploma in Insurance Management is recognised as a Level 8 Major Award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

  • Qualification
    A qualification is an academic award conferred by an educational body e.g. the Certificate in Insurance Practice is awarded by ATU Sligo. Holders of an academic qualification have successfully completed a particular course of study, but this does not automatically mean that they are competent to practice a trade or profession – that's where the designation comes in.

    Designation
    The term "designation" refers to the letters used after one's name upon successful completion of a qualification, indicating a compliant and knowledgeable professional - it is your licence to trade. Designations can be removed if certain conditions, like maintaining membership and meeting CPD requirements, are not met. The Central Bank of Ireland's Minimum Competency Code 2017 outlines the regulatory CPD requirements for maintaining compliance and designations awarded by The Insurance Institute.

    • Tutorials: Live, online sessions with industry experts
    • Webinars: Overviews of each textbook chapter in bite-sized formats
    • Assessment resources: Guidance on structuring and correctly referencing external content in your assessments
    • Micro-learning activities: Quick and convenient access to content to assist your learning (including infographics, mind maps, and short animated videos)
    • Video supports: Focused on specific areas of the textbook, bringing content to life and encouraging collaboration
    • Virtual library: A collection of external resources with a relevant insurance focus
    • Sample assignments and exam questions

  • If you completed any of our exams in the past 10 years, or if you have earned other insurance or business qualifications, you could be entitled to exemptions from some of our modules.

    For full details on how to apply for an exemption, as well as our terms and conditions, please contact us or call 01 645 6670 to discuss the process.

  • Once you have successfully completed your five modules, you will be awarded the Higher Diploma (Business) in Insurance Management qualification. You will also receive the MDI professional designation, and once accepted, you can use the letters “MDI” after your name.

    You can expect to:

    • Describe the overarching principles, concepts, legislative frameworks, and administrative procedures that impact the role of a senior insurance professional
    • Evaluate the challenges faced by key participants and institutions in the insurance industry
    • Analyse real-world case studies in the context of regulatory, legal, and business terms relating to the insurance sector
    • Collect and critically evaluate data relating to insurance issues and problems
    • Reflect on and analyse ethical and professional issues, specifically in relation to supporting and advising consumers.

     

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