Financial Services Professional Degree Apprenticeship

Program Overview

The Financial Services Professional Degree Apprenticeship is a flexible program that combines academic study with real-world work experience. Apprentices earn a Bachelor's degree, industry-recognized qualifications, and valuable knowledge and skills in the financial services sector. The program's blended learning model and experienced faculty prepare apprentices for successful careers in the industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Program Description: A flexible program designed for individuals new to the Financial Services sector or those with existing experience seeking to upskill and advance their careers.
• Objectives: Gain a range of qualifications while acquiring valuable real-world work experience.
Apprentices will study for a Bachelor's degree, an apprenticeship, and industry-recognized professional qualifications.
• Learning Environment: Face-to-face learning occurs at the apprentice's workplace or a central venue, with occasional visits to the University's Streatham Campus.
All apprentices are registered students with full access to University resources and services.
• Teaching Approach: Apprentices benefit from various teaching methods, including in-depth masterclasses, innovative online learning, and coaching from world-class academics and mentors with experience in the financial services sector.
• Course Content: The program covers core knowledge of the Financial Services industry structure, relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, ethics, proficiency in IT skills and software/systems, and best practices for delivering fair client outcomes.
• Modules:
• Year 1:
(Specific modules not listed, but examples include: Introduction to Financial Services, Financial Markets, Investment Principles, and Regulatory Framework)
• Year 2:
(Specific modules not listed, but examples include: Financial Analysis, Portfolio Management, Risk Management, and Financial Planning)
• Year 3:
(Specific modules not listed, but examples include: Advanced Financial Services, Corporate Finance, International Finance, and Financial Technology)
• Learning Model: A blended learning model combines:
• Two to three masterclasses per module delivered in a central location or apprentices' workplace.
• Weekly distance learning with online classes, workshops, interactive exercises, and recorded lectures.
• Work-based learning, assessing projects undertaken in the workplace.

Assessment:

• Assessment Approach: Ongoing assessment is relevant to the apprentice's professional work tasks, measuring higher-level thinking skills through various problem-based assignments.
• Assessment Components: Personal development activities, assignments, reflections, and a final apprenticeship End Point Assessment professional portfolio.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Masterclasses, online learning, academic coaching, and workplace mentoring.
• Faculty: World-class academics and mentors with experience in the financial services sector.
• Opportunities: Apprentices gain experience in both SMEs and multinational corporations, with employers committed to supporting their studies.
• Outcomes: Graduates will be highly competent professionals ready to excel in the finance industry.

Other:

• Accreditations: The program includes industry qualifications from professional bodies, such as the CISI, Chartered Banker Institute, and CFA Institute.
• Apprenticeship Standards: Apprentices follow the Level 4 Investment Operations Specialist standard first, then progress to the Level 6 Financial Services Professional standard.
• Program Flexibility: The program is designed to be flexible around the needs of apprentices and their workloads.