Certificate in Law and Governance for Trustees
Course Overview
Build Expertise in Pension Scheme Governance
Gain the knowledge and practical skills to fulfil your trustee or advisor role effectively. This 10-ECTS Level-8 programme provides a clear understanding of pension scheme governance, legal responsibilities, compliance, and risk management.
You’ll explore the key duties of trustees under current legislation, learn how to manage liabilities, and develop strategies for implementing good governance and best-practice risk controls. The course also covers the unique challenges of both active and winding-up pension schemes.
Why Study Law and Governance for Trustees at Griffith College?
The programme provides learners with comprehensive knowledge, skills and competencies necessary to enable and empower trustees and their advisers to carry out their duties. The programme also develops softer skills in the areas of written and oral communication, active listening, relationship management, problem solving and business awareness.
- The programme was developed in consultation with the pensions industry and with the pension regulator.
- The programme is purposely designed to incorporate contemporary regulatory developments such as IORP II, SRD, SFRD, GDPR etc.
- Graduates will be awarded membership of the Irish Institute of Pensions Management (IIPM) and permitted to use the designation QPT subject to application to the IIPM).
- The programme is delivered by experts from both the college and the industry.
- The programme provides superb networking and mentoring opportunities.
Irish Institute of Pensions Management
The IIPM was founded in 1990 with the primary objective to promote professional and educational standards amongst those working in the field of pensions. The institute has delivered high quality and relevant qualifications to employees for close to 30 years. Employers and the pensions regulator recognise the value of IIPM membership qualifications given the importance of pensions to the Irish economy and Irish society.
Intake Dates
- Dublin - Blended - November 2025
Course Details
Certificate in Law and Governance for Trustees (QQI Minor Award)
The programme has three core strands:
- Pensions Law - Trusts, Trustee Duties, Legislation, Documentation, Equal Treatment, Termination
- Governance - What it is, Governance Planning, Risk, European Directive, Financial Governance, Supervision
- Effective Trusteeship - Trustee Meetings, Conduct, Problem Solving, Ethics, Managing Relationships
Timetables
Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times.
The course will take place over two sessions a week for three weeks, followed by a break, then a further two sessions a week for another three weeks. This part-time course will run from 9 am - 12 pm online and one Saturday* 10am - 5pm on campus.
Blended Delivery
Classes will be delivered live online using Zoom and will commence on 10th November 2025.
Year 2025 - 2026
- Nov: 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26
- Jan: 05, 07, 10*, 12, 14
Contact [email protected] for further information.
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
Professional qualifications in cognate (similar) areas and/or professional experience are very welcome and are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants with an academic qualification, an undergraduate degree at level 7 (cognate) or level 8 (non-cognate) are also very welcome to apply.
If English is not your native language, you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard.
How to Apply
Applicants must apply to Griffith College directly using the Apply Online button. Those who are interested in finding out more information can contact us with any queries.
Applicants are required to attach a copy of the following documents:
- Passport or Driver's Licence.
- An undergraduate degree at level 7 (cognate) or level 8 (non-cognate)
Fees
Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times. For confirmation, refer to the intake dates in the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Dublin: Part-Time
Fee: EUR1,775.00
(Inclusive of Tuition Fee €1500.00, Academic Administration Fee €125.00, IIPM Fee €100 and €50.00 QQI Award fee)
An Academic Administration Fee of €125 is payable at the start of the term.
Sponsorship
Is your company paying for your course?
They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and you should send this to the Student Fees Office:
Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
Email: [email protected]
Progression
What further study can I do?
Graduates from this programme may develop their skills further by completing the BA (Hons) in Accounting & Finance at Griffith College.
