Financial Studies - Level 3 Certificate

Please refer to EN's Entry Requirements Guide for specific advice on our Admissions Policy. This guide is supplied at interview to prospective students and is also available to Schools & Careers Advisers.

Fancy a career in money? Perhaps you like the idea of working in Banking or Accountancy. Or do you dream of making a killing on the stock market? Then this course could be for you. But if you simply want to know how to make better decisions with your money. To understand what APR means and how to check the tax taken from your wages, then this is definitely the course for you!

The first year of this course enables you to make informed decisions regarding your finances. It will also help you to become a responsible borrower, sensible saver and to have an appreciation of the need for financial planning throughout your life.

In the second year, the Diploma explores the financial services marketplace from the point of view of the provider and considers the methods that providers use in order to satisfy customer needs, wants and aspirations whilst operating competitively and profitably.

Whether you choose to progress to a career in the finance industry or not, the skills developed on this course will stand you in good stead for life.

Former students have found work in a variety of jobs from financial advisers, mortgage brokers to trainee accountants. There is also the possibility to win scholarships to attend the LIBF University in the heart of the City of London.

The Certificate in Financial Studies comprises the following two units:

- Financial capability for the immediate and short term

- Financial capability for the medium and long term

The Diploma in Financial Studies adds the following two units to complete the full diploma:

- Sustainability of an individual’s finances

- Sustainability of the financial services system

Each unit is assessed by means of a formal examination:

- Part A is an online multiple choice which carries 35 marks and Part B is a written paper which carries 65 marks.

- The certificate is awarded grades A* to E upon successful completion of units 1 and 2.

- The Diploma is awarded grades A* to E upon successful completion of the Certificate and units 3 and 4.

- Scholarships to the LIBF University in the City of London are available to students attaining A and A* grades.

Exam - 100%

At least a Grade 4 in GCSE English Language and a Grade 3 in GCSE Maths.

Successful completion of the first year is rewarded by the granting of the ‘Certificate in Financial Studies’ students are then eligible to progress to year 2 which leads to the award of the ‘Diploma in Financial Studies’. Both carry UCAS points equivalent to an AS/A2 and can lead to further study or on the job training.

Should students be interested in studying in London at the LIBF’s own University then scholarships are available for suitable candidates. Other Universities also offer courses in Banking, Finance and Investment management which can lead to well-paid careers in the financial services sector. Alternatively, many careers follow the apprenticeship route with specialised training taking place alongside your paid employment.