International Diploma in Enterprise Risk Management
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please note that due to the Diploma syllabus being updated, we will no longer be taking on new diploma students (i.e. those who have just completed modules 1 & 2 of the international certificates) for the June 2021 session. New Diploma students will need to enrol under the revised Diploma which opens for enrolments in September 2020.
Existing diploma students will be able to enrol for June 2021. However, we have reduced the fees as we will no longer be able to send out study materials via post - we ask students to purchase their own.
For 30 years, IRM's International Diploma in Risk Management has been the global choice of qualification with risk professionals and their employers.
This post-graduate level qualification has been developed by internationally recognised academics and industry practitioners to provide you with the knowledge and skills to manage risk and maximise opportunities in any organisation.
The Diploma aims to develop:
- Your ability to design and implement risk management strategies.
- Proficiency in selecting and applying the tools and techniques required to assess and treat risks.
- A critical understanding of the relationship between risk management, governance, internal control and compliance.
- Your ability to make informed risk management decisions for current and emerging risks, and to critically appraise real life case studies from different sectors and countries.
If you already hold one of the qualifications on this list you may automatically be exempt from some of the modules on the International Diploma. There are also other ways of having your learning and experience recognised via either our non-standard exemption routes or accreditation of prior learning.
Download the Diploma summary brochure
Risk Assessment
Building on learning achieved on our Certificate level qualifications, the sources and types of risk information that help identify, record and communicate risk effectively. It examines the different techniques for identifying risks and explores common methods for analysing risks and uncertainties.
Risk Treatment
Exploring the role of risk treatment within the wider enterprise risk management framework, it examines the different approaches that an organisation can employ to effectively respond to opportunities and treat threats.
Risk, Governance and Culture
Examining issues of corporate governance, risk oversight, internal control and assurance in a global marketplace, it explores the role of the board and key stakeholders in ensuring that risk is integrated with strategy. It explores the critical elements of organisational behaviours including culture, corporate social responsibility and business ethics.
Crises, Resilience and Future Risks
Helping build a framework to assist organisations strengthen their resilience at strategic, tactical and operational levels to face current and future risks, it uses a range of case studies from different business sectors and geographical regions to analyse how crises are managed.
Equivalent to postgraduate level.
Up to 3 years.
An indicative study time for the qualification is between 180 and 200 hours per module. Modules are enrolled for individually and must be taken sequentially. We would recommend taking no more than two modules per exam session due to the amount of study time required for each.
Students enrolling later in an enrolment period will need to consider the amount of time remaining to study for their scheduled exam session before enrolling on to a module.
Self-directed distance learning
Distance learning gives you the flexibility to study at home at your own pace. Our extensive global network of examination centres and our special centre policy means you can study and take your examinations anywhere in the world.
- The Study – online student area
- Student handbook
- Study guides
- Discussion forum
- Module coaches
- Live webinars
- Specimen and past exam papers
- Online resource centre
- Guides and briefings
- Dedicated student support team
In order to enrol on the International Diploma, you must either have completed or fulfilled the criteria for exemptions to one of the IRM International Certificates.
If English is not your first language, we recommend you have an Academic IELTS score of 6.0 (with no element less than 5.5) or equivalent evidence of competence in the English language before beginning your studies.
| Module | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Module 3: Risk Assessment | Paper-based exam (180 mins) |
| Module 4: Risk Treatment | Paper-based exam (180 mins) |
| Module 5: Risk, Governance and Culture | Paper-based exam (180 mins) |
| Module 6: Crises, Resilience and Future Risks | Paper-based exam (180 mins) |
International Diploma in Enterprise Risk Management examinations are now taking place remotely online. This will avoid unnecessary travel to an examination centre and non-essential contact with other people.
November 2020 examination dates
Download the November 2020 examination timetable
June 2021 examination dates
Download the June 2021 examination timetable
Exam centres
IRM have made a decision to make the sitting of Diploma exams easier for our students worldwide. Therefore students will no longer be required to travel to a test centre to sit their diploma exams and will be assessed online instead.
More details on how to sit the exam online will be sent to students nearer to the date of the exam.
Special Educational Needs (SEN) and access arrangements
Wherever possible, examination arrangements will take into account any special requirements you have.
Special Educational Needs (SEN) & Access Arrangements Application Form
Standard exemptions
If you hold a qualification/award on this list then you will be exempt from the first 2 modules of the International Diploma (equivalent to the International Certificate) and may be eligible to apply for exemption to further modules.
Download a standard exemption form here
Non-standard exemptions
If you hold a qualification/award with which we have not already approved, but which you feel covers the syllabus of one or more modules, you might still be able to claim an exemption. You will need to provide evidence that the qualification/award you hold covers a minimum of 80% of the syllabus for the module you are applying for and has been tested to a level equivalent to the International Diploma.
Download a non-standard exemption form here
Accreditation of prior learning (APL)
Our Accreditation of Prior Learning Scheme (APL) recognises that people learn and demonstrate knowledge in ways other than through a process of formal study and examination. It allows you to demonstrate that you have met the theoretical requirements of the International Diploma modules through practical work experience or non-certificated training rather than by examination.
You must have a minimum of five years risk management experience to be eligible to apply and you will need to demonstrate your professional competence through the completion of a detailed portfolio of experience.
Download the application form here
Download the guidance for applicants here
Senior executive route
Alternatively, if you have 8 years or more senior risk management experience you may apply directly to become a Certified Member of IRM (CMIRM) via the Senior Executive Route.
Successful graduates automatically become Graduate Members (GradIRM).
Students who complete this qualification will also be eligible for exemptions from related postgraduate courses from the following universities:
- Portsmouth University
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- Birmingham City University
What is the level of the qualification?
Equivalent to postgraduate level
What happens once the qualification has been completed?
Completion of the diploma will mean that you become a Graduate Member (GradIRM); this is the final step of the journey before being able to become a Certified Member of the IRM (CMIRM)
How long does it take to complete?
There are two enrolment periods each year and students should consider the time commitment for study before enrolling on the course; the diploma can be completed within 18 months, and study time available will depend on when the full course fees have been paid for the enrolment period open at that time. Students enrolling later in the enrolment period will need to consider the amount of time remaining to study for their scheduled exam session before enrolling on to the course.
Can the modules be split across different exam sessions?
The course consists of four modules which are studied independently. These can be arranged flexibly to suit your schedule, providing all modules are completed and passed in the maximum 36 month time limit allowed.
Is there a time limit in which to complete the qualification?
Students undertaking the International Diploma in Enterprise Risk Management qualification must complete the qualification within 3 years (36 months) of enrolling as a student. Three attempts at each exam are permitted within this timeframe. After this point, students will be required to re-enrol and pay a further enrolment fee.
What is the expected amount of study required for the course?
An indicative study time for the qualification is between 180 and 200 hours per module.
When do the exams take place?
There are two examination sessions. These are normally early June and late November. Exact dates can be found on the exam timetable.
November 2019 Examination Dates
June 2020 Examination Dates
The June 2020 examination timetable will be available from 1st September 2019
Can I defer my exams once I have enrolled and paid for my course?
Unfortunately we do not offer deferrals as such on exams within our Examination Policies, Procedures and Regulations. If candidates are not able to sit their scheduled exams for any reason, they can decide not to attend the exam and will be marked as absent. There is a fee for entry to a later exam session - £175.00 GBP per exam, and will be charged upon any future re-sits of the missed exam(s).
Not attending your any of your scheduled exams will use up one of your three attempts at each exam, but you will not be penalised at all in terms of marks or grading for sitting in a later session.
June 2021 session course fees
| Standard rate - per module | £565.00 |
|
Low GDP rate - per module To qualify for the Low GDP Rate, you must meet all of the following:
|
£465.00 |
Qualification course fees are VAT exempt.
Please note: Core textbooks for this qualification are not included in the course fees and need to be purchased separately.
Student subscription
You will need to pay or renew your student subscription in addition to the fee for the modules you wish to study. Your student subscription needs to be paid annually. You will also need to re-enrol each year for subsequent modules.
Payment methods
Full details of payment methods can be found on the enrolment form. Payment can be made using the following methods
- BACS / Bank transfer
- Debit / Credit card
| Exam session | Enrolment window |
|---|---|
| June exams | 1 July - 31 December |
| November exams | 1 February - 31 May |
Please note that the enrolment is not an enquiry form or an expression of interest. By completing the online enrolment application you are enrolling as a student on to the course for the qualification and must pay the course fees; you will be asked to pay your full course fees by debit/credit card (MasterCard or Visa) at the end of this online application.
Alternatively if your organisation is sponsoring you and has already agreed to cover the cost of your course fees and needs an invoice raised you can select this option. Please ensure that you have all of the correct invoicing details before starting this process - information you will need from the person agreeing to sponsor you includes a PO number, invoicing email address, and invoicing postal address. A PO cannot be accepted as an enrolment, and an enrolment form will need to be completed as well as submitting a PO.
If your organisation is sponsoring your course fees, please ensure that this has already been agreed before starting the enrolment process, as once the enrolment form has been submitted, full payment is required.
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