The Certificate in Financial Studies (CeFS) teaches students about the financial services industry and how to apply the appropriate solutions available within the evolving financial services marketplace. The qualification will enable learners to make informed and confident decisions regarding their personal finances. It will help learners to become responsible borrowers and sensible savers, and to have an appreciation of the need for financial planning throughout their life.
In the second year we look at the wider implications of finances on our own sustainability and the sustainability of the financial services industry as a whole.
This course is an A Level equivalent and earns UCAS points in the same way as any A Level course. Upon completion on the CeFS, students can study for a further year to achieve the Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS). The Diploma is also a Level 3 qualification, benchmarked as an A2 equivalent.
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 and above, with at least two at grade 6, including English, and Maths at Grade 5. A keen interest in current affairs is desirable and there is a lot of independent reading to do.
For those wishing to seek employment after A Levels, this course provides an excellent base from which to enter the banking and insurance industries in particular but any business would welcome students with a good understanding of personal finance.
We promote work experience with companies such as PwC – and several students have been successful in securing a placement in the past. Indeed, last year, 2 students were accepted on to a full apprenticeship scheme at a large, local insurance company.
The qualifications are well-respected by industry and many professionals, already employed, study LIBF qualifications as part of their continued professional development.
We invite guest speakers in to the college to discuss financial services, both from industry and the LIBF and we usually visit the Bank of England in London.
There are 4 Mandatory Units:
Year 1
Financial capability for the Immediate & Short term
Financial Capability for the Medium & Long Term
Year 2
Sustainability of an Individual's Finances
Sustainability of the Financial System
Assessment
Students have to pass each of the 4 compulsory units. Each unit has two papers – one multiple choice paper and one pre-release case study paper. Students are able to re-take each paper once, free of charge, and the highest score counts!
Exam Board
London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF)
