Skip to main content

Degree Partnerships

Financial Services Professional Degree Apprenticeship

Final award: 

  • Level 4 Investment Operations Specialist Apprenticeship Certificate 
  • CertHE in Applied Finance
  • Level 6 Financial Services Professional Apprenticeship Certificate
  • BSc (Hons) Applied Finance OR BSc (Hons) Banking and Financial Services (Degree award will be dependent on the apprenticeship pathway)  

We offer industry qualifications from professional bodies (the CISI, the Chartered Banker Institute and the CFA Institute) as part of the programme.

Duration 4 years (all pathways)
Entry point(s) September for Level 4 and January for Level 6
Application deadline

Dependent on employer

Campus Streatham Campus, Exeter
Contact

Web enquire

Overview

  • 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. In addition to the studying for a Bachelor's degree, apprentices will study towards their apprenticeship and industry recognised professional qualifications.
  • 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.

View 2024 Entry

Enquire now

Download our employer brochure

Open days and visit us

Contact

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

Trophy icon

Business School of the Year

Times Higher Education Awards 2022

Rosette with tick in icon

Triple accredited Business School

AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS

A stack of three cubes on a white background.

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

Online Learning

Accreditations

CISI black and white logo
CFA institute black

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.

Expand text

Entry requirements

Typically, applicants will have A-levels (or equivalent) or existing relevant Level 3 qualifications, and English, Maths at Level 2. 

There is a requirement from the Education and Skills Funding Agency that apprentices hold a level 2 qualification in English and Mathematics.

If an applicant does not hold GCSE's (C /4 or above) in English and Maths or cannot evidence these or equivalent qualifications, they should be willing to work towards Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications prior to Gateway.  

For more information about how we support Functional Skills, click here.

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.

Applicants must have a valid and eligible residency status to gain entry onto the apprenticeship – please see the ESFA guidance for further information.

How to apply

Financial Services Professional Degree Apprenticeship does not follow the standard UCAS application process. 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

How to apply

  • Vacancies are advertised by employers and promoted through our current vacancies page when they become available.
  • Candidates should apply through their chosen company's website via the links which are available on this page once vacancies become live. Candidates are welcome to apply for more than one vacancy.
  • 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 on 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

Read more

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.

120 credits of compulsory modules - Level 4 Apprenticeship

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
BEF1011DA Risk in Financial Services 30
BEF1012DA Introduction to Securities and Investment 30
BEF1013DA Technology in Investment Management 30
BEF1014DA Professional Practice 30

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
BEF2001DA Operational Risk 15
BEF2002DA Managing Operational Risk in Financial Institutions 15
BEF2003DA FinTech in Investment Management 15
BEF2004DA Global Securities Operations 15
BEF2106DA Advanced Professional Practice 45
BEF2101DA Ethical and Professional Standards 15
BEF2102DA Investment Practice IMC Unit 2 30
BEF2103DA Quantitative Methods 15
BEF2104DA WBL Project 15

Compulsory modules

CodeModule Credits
BEF3001DA Advanced Global Securities Operations I 15
BEF3002DA Advanced Global Securities Operations II 15
BEF3003DA Global Operations Management 15
BEF3004DA Regulation, Compliance and Risk Control 15
BEF3005DA WBL - Managing Own Professional Development 30
BEF3006DA Financial Modelling 15
BEF3007DA Work-Based Project - Creating Impact 45
BEF3101DA Economics 15
BEF3102DA Investment Environment IMC Unit 1 15
BEF3103DA Corporate Finance 15
BEF3104DA Financial Reporting and Analysis 15
BEF3105DA Equity and Fixed Income 15
BEF3106DA Managing Own Professional Development 15
BEF3107DA Derivatives and Alternative Investments 15
BEF3108DA CFA Refresher and Consolidation Course 15
BEF3109DA Work-Based Project - Creating Impact 30

Learning

A minimum of 6 hours per week will be given over to study. Our model is designed to be flexible around the needs of apprentices and workloads as it includes in-person masterclasses and online webinars. 

Our blended learning model comprises of:

  • Two to three masterclasses per module typically delivered in a central location or apprentices' workplace.
  • Weekly distance learning comprising online classes and workshops, interactive exercises and recorded lectures.
  • Work-based learning, assessing projects undertaken in the workplace.

Assessment

Assessment is ongoing and is relevant to the apprentice's professional work tasks, measuring the higher-level thinking skills demonstrated in a variety of problem-based assignments.

The personal development activities, assignments and reflections that apprentices produce will all offer material for the final apprenticeship End Point Assessment professional portfolio.

Our dedicated partnerships team liaise closely with employers throughout the programme; apprentices will have dedicated mentors to assist and guide them throughout the whole course of the apprenticeship

Apprenticeship Standard

Alongside studying for a Bachelor's degree, apprentices will also work towards their apprenticeship and the mandated professional qualifications. They will gain the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours of the apprenticeship standards below. Apprentices will follow the level 4 Investment Operations Specialist first, then once this is complete, they will progress onto the level 6 Financial Services Professional for the remainder of their apprenticeship. Employers and prospective apprentices can access the assessment plans through the links below.

Read more

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.

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.