Financial Services Professional Degree Apprenticeship

Source: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/degree-apprenticeships/programmes/financial-services/ Parent: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/degree-apprenticeships/

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Degree Apprenticeships

Financial Services Professional Degree Apprenticeship

Why study Financial Services Professional Degree Apprenticeship at Exeter?

• 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.
• Face-to-face learning will take place in the apprentice's place of work, or for some cohorts at a central venue, with occasional visits to the University's Streatham Campus. All apprentices are registered students of the University of Exeter with full access to all University resources and services.
• Apprentices will benefit from a range of teaching methods such as in-depth masterclasses, innovative online learning and coaching from our world-class academics and mentors, with experience drawn from the financial services sector.
• In addition to their studies and mentoring apprentices will gain valuable experience as an employee of a leading financial services company.
• Gain a BSc (Hons) in Applied Finance or Applied Finance and Banking, a level 6 degree apprenticeship, a CertHE in Applied Finance, and a level 4 certificate.

Quick facts

• 4-year full-time
• Based on Streatham Campus
• Typical A-Level offer: BBB
• Triple-accredited Business School
• Entry points in Sept (Level 4) and Jan (Level 6)

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Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

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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.

Throughout the programme apprentices will develop core knowledge of the structure of the Financial Services industry; the relevant legal and regulatory framework and ethics; proficiency in relevant IT skills and software/systems and the approach to deliver fair client outcomes across the business setting including best practice.

Each stage of study is structured to incorporate masterclasses, online learning, academic coaching and workplace mentoring. Assessment is ongoing and is relevant to the work tasks of apprentices, measuring the higher-level thinking skills demonstrated in a variety of problem-based assignments.

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Year 1

Please note that the module information displayed here is from a previous year and is subject to change.

Compulsory modules

Year 2

Please note that the module information displayed here is from a previous year and is subject to change.

Compulsory modules

Year 3

Please note that the module information displayed here is from a previous year and is subject to change.

Compulsory modules

Accreditations

CISI

Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) Investment Operations Certificate during Level 4 Investment Operations Specialist Standard.

CFA Institute

CFA Institute (CFA) CFA Level I during Level 6 Financial Services Professional Degree Apprenticeship Standard.

CBI

Chartered Banker Institute Associate Chartered Banker Diploma

FCA

Financial Conduct Authority Capital Markets Programme (via CISI)

Successful completion of the programme will result in the award of Level 6 Financial Services Professional Apprenticeship and BSc (Hons) Applied Finance.

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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.

Delivered through a flexible blended learning model, the programme enable employers to recruit, train and retain high-calibre talent in partnership with the University.

Top 5 for Accounting and Finance graduate prospects

The Complete University Guide 2026

Triple accredited Business School

AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS

Gain up to five qualifications through one programme along with valuable real-world experience

Online/Hybrid Learning

Entry requirements

Applicants will have 3 A-levels (or equivalent) at grade B or above - please be aware employers may have higher grade requirements for their apprenticeship programmes.

There is a requirement from Skills England that apprentices hold a level 2 qualification in English and Mathematics if aged under 19 at the start of their apprenticeship, or at the request of their employer. GCSE grade of 6 in Maths and 4 in English is required for this programme.

Please note: we do not use UCAS points for entry to the programme. Where a candidate has already gained a good undergraduate degree this may be offered to meet entry requirements. Other relevant or prior experience may also be considered as an alternative so we would encourage applicants with non-standard qualifications to contact us to discuss their eligibility.

Additional entry requirements

As an apprenticeship funding requirement, all apprentices aged 16-18 studying for a level 3 apprenticeship or higher are required to evidence achievement at level 2 in Mathematics and English before their gateway to endpoint assessment.

If the apprentice is aged 19+ when they begin their apprenticeship training, and they do not already hold a suitable equivalent qualification, English and / or maths is an optional part of the programme under the funding rules. However, L2 English remains a standard entry requirement for University of Exeter programmes.

Find out more about how we support Functional Skills.

Applicants must also have a valid and eligible residency status to gain entry onto the apprenticeship – please see the Department for Education website for further information.

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) and Accreditation of Certified Learning (APCL)

APEL for Level 4

Existing employees can apply if they have a minimum of  2 years of relevant work experience in the financial industry. You must also be in a role that supports the gathering of evidence required for the Investment Operations Specialist Level 4 standard. Each candidate as part of the application, must complete an extended personal statement. They must outline why they are suitable to join the programme based on their interests, work experience and future career goals.

APEL for Level 6

Existing employees can apply if they have a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in the financial industry. You must also be in a role that supports the gathering of evidence required for the Financial Services Professional Level 6 standard. Candidates will be required to complete an Experiential Reflection form ( 1200-2000 words) to demonstrate why they should join straight to Level 6. This will be assessed by the Programme Director.

Candidates can join straight to Level 6 if they have completed a Level 4 Finance apprenticeship alongside the following qualifications:

• CISI Investment Operations Certificate

• CISI Certificate in Investment Management

• CISI Investment Advice Diploma

• CFA Institute/CFA UK – Investment Management Certificate

How to apply

To gain a place candidates must apply directly to one of our partner employers’ vacancies.

Candidates can apply to this programme in addition to making applications to any institution through UCAS. When vacancies are open they will be advertised by our employer partners and on University of Exeter Degree Apprenticeship website. Please be aware that employers start their recruitment at different times of the year so please be sure to check regularly.

View current vacancies

• Vacancies are advertised by employers and promoted through our current vacancies page when they become available.
• Please be aware that each company will have their own recruitment process, the stages and timelines may vary.
• If applicants are successful they will be offered a position as an apprentice with the company.
• An apprenticeship place on the programme will be confirmed by University of Exeter, and we will send further information about how to enrol as a student.
• If candidates have not been successful this time, do not worry! Keep an eye out for other opportunities on our vacancies page.

Funding

Full programme cost: £27,000

This includes £9,000 to complete level 4 and £18,000 to complete Level 6.

This apprenticeship is entirely funded through an Employers’ Apprenticeship Levy. Your employer fully covers the cost of the apprenticeship, apprentices do not pay for any of the eligible training costs. As an apprentice you will be an employee of your organisation, gaining a University of Exeter award alongside working and earning a salary.

Employers who pay the Apprenticeship Levy will pay for the apprenticeship fees directly through that contribution. See further information about the Apprenticeship Levy funding.

Employers who do not pay the Levy will be able to claim 95 per cent of the cost of the apprenticeship from the Government. Up to 100 per cent Government contribution may be available if the employer has fewer than 50 employees and:

• Recruits an apprentice aged 16-21
• OR an apprentice aged 22-24 who has previously been in care or who has a local authority education, health and care plan

Employers must pay their apprentices a salary at least consistent with national legislation.

Funding eligibility criteria

To be eligible for funding the apprentice must meet the criteria listed in the Department for Education guidance.

The apprentice must have a valid and eligible residency status to gain entry onto the apprenticeship.

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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. Throughout the apprenticeship students will focus on establishing themselves as a Financial Services Professional providing an important foundation upon which to further develop their career.

Drawing upon academic guidance, professional development coaching and workplace mentoring, apprentices benefit from a wealth of inspiration and advice to guide and support their professional development planning.

Depending upon the vacancy the candidate has applied for, they might be working for an SME or a multinational corporation. Either way, their employer will be fully committed to and supportive of their studies.

Find out more about our Financial Services degree apprenticeship

Employers

We can help you invest in upskilling your people and attract new talent via progression routes.

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Aspiring apprentices

Discover why a Degree Apprenticeship is right for you.

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Events

Find out more about our programmes and partnering with the University of Exeter.

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Module details

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