Financial Services Professional Degree Apprenticeship: Retail and Commercial Banking
Source: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/degree-apprenticeships/programmes/retail-commercial-banking/ Parent: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/degree-apprenticeships/
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Financial Services Professional Degree Apprenticeship: Retail and Commercial Banking
Why study Financial Services Professional Degree Apprenticeship: Retail and Commercial Banking at Exeter?
- A flexible programme designed to prepare the next generation of banking professionals for a fast-evolving financial services environment.
- Combining academic rigour with practical relevance, this course equips students with the technical knowledge, interpersonal capabilities, and ethical grounding required to thrive in modern retail and commercial banking roles.
- Achieve a range of qualifications whilst gaining valuable real-world work experience within the financial services sector.
- Students 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.
- Gain a BSc (Hons) in Applied Retail and Commercial Banking, a Chartered Banker Institute Associate Chartered Banker Diploma, and a level 6 degree apprenticeship.
Quick facts
- 36 months + EPA
- Online learning
- Typical A-Level offer: BBB
- Triple-accredited Business School
- Entry point in September 2026
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Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72
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Course content
The programme offers a broad curriculum designed to support apprentices in both commercial and retail banking roles.
This apprenticeship will enable you to become a highly competent professional with core knowledge of:
- The structure and key functions of modern retail and commercial banks.
- How to build and manage strong, ethical relationships with personal and business banking clients.
- The operation of financial systems, instruments, and regulatory frameworks.
- How to interpret financial statements and use analytical tools to assess performance and make lending or investment decisions.
- ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, climate risk, and the role of banks in supporting sustainable development.
- How banks identify, assess, and mitigate key risks, including credit, market, operational, and reputational risk.
- The impact of technology on banking services, including AI, open banking, blockchain, and customer experience innovation.
- Credit appraisal, loan structuring, and ongoing relationship management for SMEs and business clients.
Using principles of problem-based and inquiry-led learning, you will be supported to demonstrate core skills such as client/customer relationships, delivering services, strategy and planning, problem-solving and decision-making, communication and marketing, teamwork and collaboration, and continuous improvement, which are then applied to work issues.
The modules below 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
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BEF1025DA | Relationship Management | 30 |
| BEF1026DA | Financial Markets and Institutions | 30 |
| BEF1027DA | Foundation of Banking | 30 |
| BEF1042DA | Essential Professional Skills | 30 |
Year 2
Please note that the module information displayed here is from a previous year and is subject to change.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BEF2027DA | Analysing Financial Information | 30 |
| BEF2028DA | Sustainable Banking | 30 |
| BEF2029DA | Bank Risk Management | 30 |
| BEF2030DA | AI, Fintech and Digital Banking | 30 |
Final year
Please note that the module information displayed here is from a previous year and is subject to change.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BEF3020DA | Work-Based Project: Creating Impact | 60 |
| BEF3021DA | Ethics and Professionalism | 30 |
| BEF3022DA | Bank Lending | 30 |
Accreditations
Chartered Banker Institute Associate Chartered Banker Diploma
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 enables employers to recruit, train and retain high-calibre talent in partnership with the University.
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Top 5 for Accounting and Finance graduate prospects
The Complete University Guide 2026
Triple accredited Business School
AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS
81% University apprentice achievement rate: 27% higher than the national average
HERA 2023/24 Qualification Achievement Rates (QAR)
Supporting 3,000+ apprentices and 450 employers across 19 apprenticeship programmes
The University of Exeter is the largest provider of Degree Apprenticeships in the Russell Group.
Entry requirements
| Qualifications | Typical Offer | Required Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | BBB | N/A |
| IB | 30/555 | N/A |
| BTEC | DDM | N/A |
| T-Level | Merit | N/A |
| GCSE | Grade 4/C | All applicants must have GCSE grade 4 or C in Maths and English (or equivalent qualifications). |
| Contextual offers | BCC | Find out more about contextual offers |
| Equivalences | View other grade equivalences |
Applicants must have 3 A-levels (or equivalent) at grade B or above. Please be aware employers may have higher grade requirements for their apprenticeship programmes.
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 (GCSE) 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, Level 2 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)
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 Level 6 Financial Services Professional.
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How to apply
- Vacancies are advertised by employers and are often 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 your application is successful, you will be offered a position as an apprentice with the company.
- We will confirm your apprenticeship place on the programme at the University of Exeter, and send you further information about how to enrol as a student.
Funding
Full programme cost: £18,000
This apprenticeship is entirely funded through an Employers’ Apprenticeship Levy. Your employer fully covers the cost of the apprenticeship and 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 16-18
- OR an apprentice aged 19-24 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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Learning
Online learning
A minimum of six hours per week will be dedicated to study. The programme is designed to offer flexibility, accommodating both the demands of apprentices and their workloads. Aside from an initial on-campus induction, all learning will be delivered entirely online.
Our online learning model includes:
- Weekly distance learning, featuring eight online masterclasses per module, complemented by workshops, interactive activities, and recorded lectures.
- Work-based learning, which involves the assessment of projects completed within the workplace.
Comprehensive information on module titles and subject areas is available in the Course Content section above.
Assessment
Assessment is continuous throughout the programme. You will complete summative assignments at the end of each module and develop a portfolio of work.
Personal development activities, written assignments, and reflective pieces will all contribute to the final End Point Assessment through the professional portfolio.
In addition, apprentices are required to complete four mandatory professional examinations to achieve CBI accreditation.
Careers
Combining professional experience and qualifications along with a highly-respected degree from a top Russell Group University will help you stand out from the crowd as you progress through your career.
Throughout the apprenticeship you will focus on establishing yourself as a Financial Services Professional, providing an important foundation upon which to further develop your 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 you have applied for, you might be working for an SME or a multinational corporation. Either way, your employer will be fully committed to and supportive of your studies.
Find out more about our Financial Services degree apprenticeship
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