Program Overview

Financial Services Professional Degree Apprenticeship

Overview

A flexible programme designed for those who are either new to the Financial Services sector and starting their career journey, or those with varying levels of existing experience looking to upskill and progress their careers. Gain a range of qualifications whilst gaining valuable real-world work experience. In addition to the studying for a Bachelor's degree, apprentices will study towards their apprenticeship and industry recognised professional qualifications.

Final Award

• Level 4 Investment Operations Specialist Apprenticeship Certificate
• CertHE in Applied Finance
• Level 6 Financial Services Professional Apprenticeship Certificate
• BSc (Hons) Applied Finance OR BSc (Hons) Applied Finance and Banking (Degree award will be dependent on the apprenticeship pathway)

Duration and Entry Points

• Duration: 4 years (all pathways)
• Entry point(s): September for Level 4 and January for Level 6
• Application deadline: Dependent on employer

Campus and Contact

• Campus: Streatham Campus, Exeter
• Contact: Web enquire

Accreditations

• Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) Investment Operations Certificate during Level 4 Investment Operations Specialist Standard
• CFA Institute (CFA) CFA Level I during Level 6 Financial Services Professional Degree Apprenticeship Standard
• Chartered Banker Institute Associate Chartered Banker Diploma
• Financial Conduct Authority Capital Markets Programme (via CISI)

Entry Requirements

• Qualifications:
  • A level: BBB
  • IB: 30/555
  • BTEC: DDM
  • T-level: Merit
  • Contextual offers: BCC
• Required Subject: JPM Closed Cohort - One STEM A-Level (or equivalent) subject required, Business Studies also accepted
• GCSE: Minimum grade of 6 in Maths and 4 in English
• Alternative routes candidates can apply
• Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) and Accreditation of Certified Learning (APCL) available for existing employees with relevant work experience

How to Apply

• Apply directly to one of our partner employers’ vacancies
• View current vacancies on the University of Exeter Degree Apprenticeship website
• Each company will have their own recruitment process, the stages and timelines may vary

Funding

• Full programme cost: £27,000
• Funded through an Employers’ Apprenticeship Levy
• Employers who pay the Apprenticeship Levy will pay for the apprenticeship fees directly through that contribution
• Employers who do not pay the Levy will be able to claim 95 per cent of the cost of the apprenticeship from the Government

Course Content

• Integrative in its design and delivery, this apprenticeship is designed for individuals who are new to the Financial Services sector and starting their career journey, or those with varying levels of existing experience in the field who are progressing their career within an organisation
• Modules:
  • Year 1:
    • Ethical and Professional Standards
    • Economics
  • Year 2:
    • Quantitative Methods
    • Corporate Finance
    • Financial Reporting and Analysis
    • Equity and Fixed Income
    • Derivatives and Alternative Investments
  • Year 3:
    • CFA Refresher and Consolidation Course

Learning

• A minimum of 6 hours per week will be given over to study
• Blended learning model comprising of:
  • 8 Masterclasses per module with a minimum 1 being in-person and the rest delivered virtually
  • Weekly distance learning comprising online classes and workshops, interactive exercises and recorded lectures
  • Work-based learning, assessing projects undertaken in the workplace

Assessment

• Ongoing assessment relevant to the apprentice's professional work tasks, measuring the higher-level thinking skills demonstrated in a variety of problem-based assignments
• Personal development activities, assignments and reflections will all offer material for the final apprenticeship End Point Assessment professional portfolio
• Apprentices will complete both an Exeter University exam and an assignment for each module, with their performance directly impacting their University award classification

Careers

• Combining professional experience and qualifications along with a highly-respected degree from a top Russell Group University will help apprentices stand out from the crowd as they progress through their career
• Apprentices will focus on establishing themselves as a Financial Services Professional providing an important foundation upon which to further develop their career

Employer Information

• Through this unique programme apprentices will gain the skills to become highly competent professionals ready to excel in the finance industry
• The apprenticeship will cover a base of core knowledge required of all individuals entering or progressing to this level in the sector, and a set of specialist options that then provide the occupationally specific training, depending on the requirements of the employer.