Isle of Man - Jersey - Scotland
Working in the financial services industry is more than just knowing the available products. Prospective employees are expected to have the necessary personal skills to engage effectively with their colleagues, appreciate the need for effective communication skills, have the ability to interact with customers, and have the necessary IT skills to operate successfully within the working environment.When discussing with industry what it is they are looking for in entry level recruits, the most sought after attributes are people with the right attitude to work, people who present themselves well, people with the ability and disposition to treat customers with respect, a basic understanding of financial services terminology and products and an appreciation of the position of the financial services industry in delivering appropriate products for the consumer. The Diploma is designed to provide these skills. It will also open pathways to further, higher level study and qualifications such as the ifs Certificate in Financial Studies and ifs Diploma in Financial Studies that will provide further understanding in the area of financial capability or the level 3 technical qualifications that are specific to the those in employement in the financial services sector as well as further qualifications in generic work and life skills as appropriate to learners interests and career aspirations. There are no specified entry requirements for the Level 2 diploma, however the level of achievement required to obtain the award is equivalent to that of GCSE level qualifications. Applicants should be satisfied of their ability to study, in English, at this level.
All ifs School of Finance units are externally assessed by the Awarding body. EDI units within the qualification are either externally assessed (L/500/4670 and R/500/4671) or include externally assessed tests together with either an assignment (K/501/4378) or a practical assignment(s) ( 500/1112/1 or 500/1110/8).
Students are required to complete ALL of the Compulsory units in group A. In addition students are required to choose ONE further elective unit from the list of of 5 EDI ICT skills and knowledge options plus TWO units from the list of 6 ifs elective units - FPLL, MOC,MPF, PBDM, SAI, TAB.
To receive the Diploma students will be required to achieve a pass in all elements. The programme progression route is designed to be flexible, with minimal fixed requirements in the order in which units can be taken. These requirements are that students must take unit T/501/4694 first and unit L/1027373 last.