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.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
90 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Securities | 30 | |
| Derivatives | 30 | |
| Advanced Professional Practice | 30 | |
BEF2021DA: Securities
This module is intended for Financial Services Professional Degree Apprenticeship students and offers a basic understanding of global market infrastructure, operation and practice. You will study how the financial services industry is structured, different types of markets, asset classes, the administration of securities, basic accounting principles and investment management. You will explore the concepts of equities, bonds, FX, collective investment schemes and structured products. The module will also analyse the difference between primary and secondary markets, clearing and settlement of securities and will introduce you to the basics of accounting (Statements of Financial Position, Cash Flow and Comprehensive Income). You do not require any prior knowledge, skills or experience to complete this module, but it is aimed at students who aspire to work in capital markets. The module prepares you to undertake the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments' 'Securities' exam.
BEF2022DA: Derivatives
The module is an introduction to derivatives markets and instruments. It provides a basic knowledge of the regulations and practices in financial and commodity derivatives, their underlying markets, trading and the principles of investment strategies. The module prepares you to undertake the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments' 'Derivatives' exam.
The module delves into the core principles and defining features of primary derivative markets, encompassing various financial products and instruments like Futures, Forward contracts, Options, and Swaps. It scrutinizes the functions, importance, and operational mechanisms of these diverse derivative offerings, exploring their valuation techniques and the theoretical models that form the foundation for pricing and risk mitigation in derivative instruments. Students will learn to apply the principles of financial derivatives theory to address real-word challenges in risk management, demonstrating their practical proficiency in this domain.
BEF2024DA: Advanced Professional Practice
This module provides you with the opportunity to connect the concepts, approaches and theories which you have learnt throughout the degree apprenticeship and combine this with application in your workplace to enable you to advance your professional practice and facilitate your career development. Drawing upon academic guidance, professional development coaching and workplace mentoring you have a wealth of inspiration and advice to guide and support your own professional practice.
Exploring the advanced requirements of professional practice, you will develop and refine the skills you have built up over the course of the degree and consider your behaviours in relation to working as a Financial Services Professional. Based within professional codes of conduct and organisational policies and processes, you will develop your personal leadership approach to excellence in your role, identifying and building upon personal values, behaviours, skills, strengths and experience.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
90 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| UK Financial Regulation | 30 | |
| Banking and Financial Services | 30 | |
| Professionalism and Ethics | 30 | |
BEF2023DA: UK Financial Regulation
This module introduces a basic knowledge of the regulations and legislation underpinning the financial markets and conduct of investment business. It prepares you to undertake the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments' 'UK Financial Regulation' exam.
This module aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of UK financial regulation by first providing an insightful overview of its fundamental purpose and its intricate connection to both the real economy and the financial economy. We will delve into the complexities of regulatory design and application. Furthermore, we will explore the far-reaching consequences of financial regulation and the reforms in the financial sector, offering a comparative analysis of their impacts on different markets and jurisdictions, students will gain a profound grasp of the UK financial regulation and its application in various areas.
BEF3014DA: Banking and Financial Services
The future of banking will look very different from banking today, as banks, banking and bankers face many challenges: technological, socio-demographic, regulatory, political and reputational. This module introduces you to the commercial lending environment in this digital age, considering the key drivers of change, the challenges faced, particularly through the eyes of a relationship manager, and the impact on banks and customers of technological developments and regulatory changes.
The aim of this module is to develop your knowledge, understanding and skills relating to the commercial lending environment in a digital age, considering the key drivers of change, the challenges faced, and the impact on banks and customers of technological developments and regulatory changes. You will also develop the ability to build trust-based relationships with customers, appraise the creditworthiness of a business, and propose suitable funding solutions to meet customers' needs in a competitive marketplace.
BEF3017DA: Professionalism and Ethics
This module explores ethical and professional issues involved in banking. It starts by asking what ethics is, then investigates what specific ethical considerations operate in banking, and also explores whether banking should be professionalised to ensure those ethical considerations have an impact. The module will go on to look at what kind of regulation is needed in banking, and to explore the principles and values that underpin regulation. The module will then look at broader questions about ethics in business. Finally, you'll investigate what the future holds in terms of ethical issues for banks, in areas such as artificial intelligence and sustainability for example.
The aim of this module is to enhance your understanding of professionalism and ethics in this digital age of banking. In studying this module, you will develop your skills in relation to thinking critically about how ethical behaviour can be encouraged in banking, whether through codes of ethics, regulation, or good leadership. You will also explore how ethical demands might change with future developments, such as digital innovations and growing environmental pressures.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
30 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Work-Based Project - Creating Impact | 30 | |
BEF3109DA: Work-Based Project - Creating Impact
This module is the culmination of the practical training and learning on the degree apprenticeship and allows you to demonstrate key knowledge, skills and behaviours that underpin being a successful Level 6 Financial Services Professional in your chosen specialism, incorporating the work-based and academic skills you will have developed. You will design, carryout and write up a significant work-based project that contains real activity done in your role and demonstrates many of the aspects of the apprenticeship standard. The project will describe what you did, how you did it and the benefits that resulted from it. The project forms one of the mandatory components of the End Point Assessment for your Degree Apprenticeship.
Work-Based Project: The work-based project will be completed in the last few months of the apprenticeship, following Gateway, and will be 5,500 words (+/- 10%). excluding references and supportive evidence. After Gateway, the Apprentice will submit the project to the End-Point Assessment Organisation. It will be a substantive evidence-based project related to the business demonstrating the application of skills, knowledge, and behaviours. It will be related to the specific specialism option that the apprentice has chosen from the Standard.
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Operational Risk | 15 | |
| Global Securities Operations | 15 | |
| Introduction to FinTech | 15 | |
BEF3008DA: Operational Risk
This module is intended for students who would like a background to operational risk management framework in financial institutions. The module introduces four common categories of financial risk - credit, market liquidity and operational - providing a brief contextual overview of the first three and focusing particularly on the latter. Operational risk and some of the more important aspects of its management are described in detail.
This module aims to provide you with an overview on the importance of risk in all industries and all walks of life. You will be able to explain what financial risk means and examine where the category of operational risk fits into the overall picture. Some of the high-profile events that have served to highlight the critical need to understand and manage operational risk effectively will be discussed.
The overall aim is to introduce the basic methods of measurement and some common mitigation techniques for financial risks that are of major concern to financial institutions. Cultural and leadership issues will be introduced to highlight the importance of developing a favourable environment for risk management. The module also emphasises the importance of a firm-wide approach in tackling operational risks that have been identified or those that may occur in the future. You should be able to apply the theoretical concepts learnt in this module to simple and practical situations.
BEF3015DA: Global Securities Operations
This module is intended for Financial Services Professional Degree Apprenticeship students who would like a background to securities investment in financial institutions. This module shows how the understanding of securities operations can be provided to support an organisation's management in investment decision-making and control, leading management to raise the amount of capital that it needs which are appealing to the investor community and offer instruments that are appropriate for the investor's investment objectives and financial circumstances.
This module aims to provide students with a broad understanding of the range of options available to raise funds in a company's business operations.
This module outlines the process through which an investor allocates their pool of investment money across different asset classes. Students should be able to recognise that the fundamental goal from an investor's standpoint is to optimise the level of return generated from its investments at an acceptable level of risk. The characteristics of ordinary shares, fixed-income instruments, warrants and covered warrants, depository receipts, exchange-trade products and other collective investment vehicles will be discussed. Students should also be able to examine the mechanisms through which assets are bought and sold and held in safekeeping, and how legal title to the security is registered and transferred between owners.
BEF3016DA: Introduction to FinTech
This module is for students seeking a comprehensive understanding of FinTech, the fusion of finance and technology. It explores FinTech as a realm of technological innovation in financial services and products. The module covers key areas where FinTech impacts investment management, including the utilization of Big Data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning for evaluating investments, optimizing portfolios, and risk mitigation. These advancements influence both quantitative and fundamental asset managers, enabling hybrid approaches to investment decision-making.
The module is designed to introduce students with the latest advancements in FinTech and how they influence investors, the financial services sector, markets, and the global economy. It delves into ongoing developments, challenges, and discussions, emphasizing the significance of FinTech and related ideas for various stakeholders. By the end of this module, students will have the ability to comprehend and analyse FinTech, Blockchain, value creation, and related topics critically. They will also be able to connect their insights to recent developments in the broader global digital economy and, specifically, the financial services industry.
Accreditations
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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.
Joint 3rd for Accounting and Finance graduate prospects
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.
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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.
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.
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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