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Q What are the benefits of completing the Diploma?
A – Competing the Diploma offers students the opportunity to obtain an internationally recognised risk qualification independent of any business sector. Through the development of a progressive and practical set of skills, students become equipped to become the risk managers of tomorrow. Completion of the Diploma is an entry route to obtaining IRM membership.
Q Who is the Diploma suitable for?
A – It is suitable for any of the following:
- Risk Managers
- Professionals from risk-related disciplines
- Risk professionals seeking to become future risk managers
- Employees wishing to demonstrate their professional standing
- Those wishing to enhance their career aspirations and add to existing qualifications
Q Are there any entry requirements?
Students wishing to enrol on the Diploma must possess one of the following:
- IRM International Certificate in Risk Management
- A first degree of at least 2:2 from a UK university, or the equivalent from a non UK university/college
- A recognised equivalent professional qualification and at least 3 years risk management associated experience.
If you are unable to satisfy the above criteria you may still apply providing that you can evidence 3 or more years risk management experience gained at a senior level.
Q How is the course assessed?
A – For levels one and two, assessment is by a 3 hour examination for each module. For level three, assessment is by an 8,000 word practical written assignment, which can be based on a candidate’s job role and environment.
Q What is the reasoning behind the structure of the Diploma modules?
A – Of the five core modules, the first three aim to give an academic and practical grounding in risk expertise, while the next two modules are geared towards how to apply this expertise within an organisation. These are followed by two specialist modules and a practical assignment.
Q How many study hours are required?
A – There are up to 10 units for each module and each one has a recommended study time of approximately 120-150 hours. However, this depends on your previous knowledge of risk management and experience of studying through distance learning.
Q How long does it take to complete the course?
A – The course takes 3 – 5 years to complete, depending on the number of modules enrolled for each year. You are strongly encouraged to enrol and submit payment as soon as possible after enrolment opens each year. This will ensure that you receive swift access to the study material and benefit from the maximum amount of study time available.
Q Is there a taught element / can I attend classes for the course?
A – The course is run on a flexible distance learning basis only. All students have support via access to a discussion board through which they can discuss issues with examiners and other students. Examiners are also contactable via a designated e-mail address. IRM encourages students to create study groups with other students in their geographical area, to exchange experiences and help one another with their studies.
Q What support do students receive whilst studying for the Diploma?
A – IRM supports its students through a comprehensive package including:
Diploma module handbooks
Online learning materials
Online module discussion boards
Access to module examiners
Practice examination questions
Past examination papers
Optional diploma workshops
Local voluntary study groups
Q How do I register for the Diploma?
A – Simply complete the application form which is available for download here and return it to the IRM office by e-mail: studentqueries@theirm.org by post: Institute of Risk Management, 6 Lloyd’s Avenue, London, EC3N 3AX, UK or by fax: + (0)20 7709 0716.
You will need to have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat to download the application form.
Q Can I obtain a Microsoft Word version of the application form?
A - Microsoft Word copies are not available. The institute is moving towards an online application process.
Q How much does it cost to enrol?
A – The fees for enrolling now are detailed here http://www.theirm.org/Qualifications/dipFees.html
Q How do I submit payment for the course?
A – There are four ways in which you acn pay for the course:
- BACS transfer
- Cheque
- Bankers draft
- Credit/Debit cards (MasterCard and Visa only)
All payments submitted by BACS must include the students full name and company as a reference and, if applicable, the invoice number. Payment must be made in sterling and all bank charges must be covered by the payee.
Q Can I pay the course fee by instalments?
A – You are expected to pay the full course fee in one transaction. However, if you are self funding and would like to discuss the possibilities of paying by instalments please contact us. Typically in these circumstances, you are expected to register at the beginning of the enrolment period and pay 1/3 of the fee, followed by two further instalments. The full course fee must be received by the closing date of registration. Important note: access to the learning materials will not be granted until full payment has been received.
Q My company is paying my course fees and has provided me with a purchase order number, can I obtain access to the learning materials?
A – No, full payment must be received before you receive access to the learning materials. If your company is paying, you may prefer to pay the course fee yourself and get reimbursed to avoid any delay in accessing your study materials. It is your responsibility to ensure your employer pays promptly.
Q Does IRM offer any sponsorship schemes?
A - As a not for profit organisation, unfortunately, there are no sponsorship schemes available.
Q Can I enrol onto the course after the closing date?
A – Late applications will not be accepted. Please contact IRM on studentqueries@theirm.org to have your name and email address added to our distribution list so we can remind you of the next enrolment date.
Q How will I know my application form has been processed?
A – Once your application has been processed, you will receive an acknowledgement by email. You will then be sent a welcomewelcome pack in the post. It normally takes 2 weeks to process an application form, and can take longer at particularly busy times.
Q Is it possible to enrol prior to the standard registration period?
A – You may enrol as a student member at any time in order to receive the benefits of IRM membership. , However, you may only enrol on the Diploma course between 1 October and 15 December.
Q How frequently do the Diploma examinations take place?
A – The Diploma examinations take place once a year in June. Forthcoming examination dates can be found here http://www.theirm.org./Qualifications/overviewExams.html
Q Do I have to enrol for all the modules simultaneously?
A – No, we recommend that students enrol for a maximum of 2 / 3 core modules in the first year.
Q Are the same Specialist modules available each year?
A – It is not always possible for IRM to offer the same Specialist modules every year. However, IRM aims to introduce new modules each year, on a phased basis. The current list of specialist modules available is detailed here with their respective syllabus http://www.theirm.org/Qualifications/dipStructure.html
Q Is it possible to enrol for and begin work on the level 3 assignment whilst undertaking level 2?
A – No Levels 1 and 2 must be completed before moving on to level 3.
Q What is the maximum time limit allowed for completing the course?
A –
All students must complete the Diploma within 7 years of enrolling. Examination passes are valid for this duration, as long as you maintain your membership and enrol to take at least one module per year.
Q Is it possible to apply for exemptions from a specific module / modules?
A – Holders of certain professional and university qualifications may be entitled to standard exemptions from some modules of the Diploma. Applicants who hold a qualification that is not listed as a standard exemption may apply for a non-standard exemption. Details of the standard and non standard exemptions available can be found here http://www.theirm.org/Qualifications/dipExemptions.html. Students should note that exemptions can only be applied for on the basis of completed qualifications. Incompletely submitted forms with evidence missing will not be processed until all documentation is received.
Q How do I apply for full exemption from the entire Diploma?
A – Applicants who have completed a qualification that covers the entire Diploma syllabus should follow the non-standard exemptions process outlined above and return the application form with their complete supporting documentation and a copy of their CV.
Q I am interested in a core or specialist module but do not want to enrol onto the entire Diploma course, is it possible to take modules on a stand alone basis?
A – Both levels 1 and 2 modules can be taken on a stand alone basis for the purposes of continuous professional development. However, on completion, if a student decides to enrol onto the full Diploma, they will be required to enrol for the remaining level 1 core modules in sequencial order before completing any outstanding level 2 specialist modules.
Q Are there any other costs to consider apart from the course fee?
A –
Click here for full fee details http://www.theirm.org/Qualifications/dipFees.html
Q What are the benefits of attending the introductory and revision workshops?
A – Attending the workshops provide you with the opportunity to meet the course lead examiner, receive advise on studying for the Diploma, practice examination questions, seek assistance and obtain clarification on challenging areas of the course. In addition, and as important, attendance provides you with a valuable opportunity to network with other students. Learning from your peers practical experiences are invaluable. There is a £50 discount for booking both workshops together. Click here for details http://www.theirm.org/Qualifications/workshops_diploma.htm
Q Can I choose when to sit the examinations?
A – No, you are expected to sit the first available examination session.
Q Where can I take the examinations?
A - You can view our comprejensive list of examination centres here:
http://www.theirm.org./Qualifications/overviewExams.html
Q How do I know whether my first choice of examination centre has been accepted?
A – You will normally be allocated to the examination centre of you choice. This will be confirmed in your welcome letter.
Q Can I take the examinations online?
A – No, you are required to attend an examination centre to sit your examinations.
Q When will the results be issued?
A – Results for the summer examinations are normally published during the first week in September.
Q When will I receive notification of the time and place of my examinations?
A – If you are based in the UK, you will normally receive an admission slip from the Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators (ICSA) approximately two weeks before the examinations. If you are based outside the UK, you will normally receive your admission slip approximately four weeks before the examinations. If you do not receive your admission slip within the relevant time period, you must contact the IRM.
Q Why does the ICSA issue the admission slips?
A – The ICSA manages and administers the examination centres on behalf of IRM. However, all enquiries regarding the examination arrangements must be referred to IRM.
Q There is not an examination centre where I am located, what do I do?
A – If there is no standard examination centre located in your area, you need to apply for a Special Centre. Special Centre applications are only accepted from students located outside the UK.
Q How do I apply for a special centre and what is the deadline?
A - All Special Centre applications must be made on the appropriate form and submitted to the Institute by 28 February with the appropriate fee. A copy of the application form can be downloaded here.
Q Are there any additional costs involved in setting up a special centre?
A -Candidates are required to pay a Special Centre application fee of £50 plus any local supplementary charges made by the Special Centre. It is the candidate's responsibility to liaise with the Special Centre and to pay all fees directly to the centre before sitting the examinations. Failure to pay any of the fees may result in you not being able to sit the examinations.
Q Is there any recommended reading prior to studying for the Diploma?
A – The Risk Management Standard IRM/AIRMIC/ALARM downloadable from our website is a good starting point http://www.theirm.org/publications/PUstandard.html.
Q When and how do I get access to the learning materials?
A - All learning materials are found within the online Diploma Support Area (DSA) which is found within the Members’ area of the IRM website. Details of how to obtain your Member password will be sent to you on enrolment. Please note that you will not be able to access any of the learning materials until all fees have been paid.
Q What do I receive on completion of the course?
A – Students who successfully complete all three levels of the Diploma will receive a certificate of completion and an invitation to apply for full membership of the Institute. Full membership and the use of the designatory letters MIRM is awarded to Diploma holders who have 3 years relevant professional experience.
Certificates of completion alone do not confer any membership rights or eligibility to use the designatory letters.
Q Can I defer my studies?
A - You may defer your examinations for up to one year. If you wish to defer you must complete a deferral application form and send it to us by 28 February. You may only defer an examination paper once and you must still complete the Diploma within the 7 year time limit. You will be required to pay a fee for each module you defer.
Q What happens if I need to withdraw from the Diploma?
A - We recognise that a change of circumstances may mean that a student has to withdraw from their course of study.
A refund of the module fees paid less an administration charge of £100 per module will be made if written notice is received by the Institute before the close of the enrolment period. No refunds are permitted after the enrolment closing date. The application fee and the student annual subscription are non refundable.
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