Microfinance Diploma (MDP) - Strathmore University

The Course
The School of Management and Commerce offers
the Microfinance Diploma Programme (MDP), which
was developed as a result of a tripartite agreement
between Strathmore University, Swisscontact and
the Association of Microfinance Institutions (AMFI).
The MDP aims at providing participants with the
basic skills in microfinance and exposing them
to effective ways of managing microfinance
operations and meets individual and corporate
training needs. The lecturers for the programme
are drawn from staff members in the University
and practitioners from the microfinance
industry.
MDP Objective
The curriculum has been developed to meet
the specific needs of the Kenyan microfinance
industry with input from practitioners and
various industr y stakeholders to ensure
relevance. The objective of the programme is:
• To expose participants to the basic and
technical skills of microfinance operations;
• To help enhance professionalism and build
capacity in the microfinance industry;
• Give employees of the MFI’s the opportunity
to acquire formal qualifications to build a
professional foundation for a career in the
field.
Duration and Structure
• This programme is offered on a part time
basis in Saturday only classes or via distance
learning
• It is offered in 9 modules taught over a
period of 3 semesters, which run over a
minimum period of 1 year.
• Examinations consist of Comprehensive
Assignments and University Examinations.
• Completion and submission of the
comprehensive Assignments is of paramount
importance and determines the student’s
ability to sit for exams.
• To qualify for the Microfinance Diploma,
the student must complete all modules, sit
all exams and submit a complete research
project.
Career
The programme targets employees of
microfinance organisations as well as other
people interested in developing a professional
career in microfinance.
Learning Facilities
E-Learning
Strathmore University is a pioneer in the use
of ICT. Our e-learning system enables students
to view the coursework material that lecturers
have posted, submit their finished assignments,
update their calendars, interact and chat with
fellow students, participate in various fora and
communicate with their lecturer. Students have
access to numerous computer laboratories,
unlimited Internet, a wide range of software
and e-mail. A wireless network enables students
with laptops access to the network from various
locations around the campus.
Library
The library complex and reading room are
spacious, with an atmosphere that is highly
SMC_MDP A5.indd 2 25/02/2011 02:28:38