Certificate in Financial Studies (AS/A level equivalent)

Specific Entry Criteria

Grade C in GCSE English Language. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or above is also preferable.

About the Subject

Financial services impact on all of our lives for the whole of our life. From a transferring savings from a piggy bank to a children’s savings account, insuring your first car, investing in a pension, stocks or shares or using a mortgage to buy a house. The complex nature of the financial services sector can leave even the most financially aware person confused. This is a very practical and investigative course, which is brought to life by the importance of financial services at every stage of our lives. The opportunity to investigate this market and combine it with academic recognition will not only improve your own financial acumen, but will give you important research and analytical skills which will help you at work and in further academic studies.

The qualification will enable students to make informed and confident decisions regarding their finances. It will help students to become responsible borrowers, sensible savers and have an appreciation of the need for financial planning throughout their life.

Many students view this course as good preparation for University, whether studying business, finance or an unrelated subject. It is highly regarded by many Universities and is awarded the same UCAS points as all other AS levels. However, given the unique focus of the course, it has helped many students develop their careers within the financial series sector.

Course Content

Year 1

The first year of the course is made up of three units, each looking at a different aspect of personal finances.

Unit one covers why money matters (WMM). It starts with an investigation into the development and uses of money, then investigates financial products and how they meet the needs and wants of individuals. The module then moves on to look at the economy and how this impacts on financial needs. The examination, which is an objective test will take place in November.

Unit two covers risk and reward in personal finance (RAR). This will lead you into further investigation into financial products and services in the market and the choices involved. This unit is assessed by an objective test, based around small case studies, which require you to make recommendations. The examination will normally take place in February.

Unit three involves you in making personal financial judgements (MAJ). The skills required here are higher level analytical and evaluative skills, you will be required to assess different products, make judgments on the suitability of products and assess the wider impact of the products. The examination will be based around a detailed case study which you will use in building your answers. The examination will normally take place in early May.

On completion of all three examinations, your marks will be added together and you will be awarded a grade between A to E. To pass this course, you must pass every unit. You cannot proceed to the next level without passing the certificate.

Year 2

When you progress to the second year of the course, you will register on the Diploma in Financial Studies (D FS). The second year of the course will see you investigating the financial, business and economic environment in more depth to gain an understanding of the impacts on financial services. appreciating the complex interrelationships that impact upon personal financial situations and being able to make informed, balanced judgements in response to change. As with all A2 level courses, you will be expected to develop your higher level skills of judgment, analysis and evaluation.

The second year of the course comprises of three units which are: unit one Financing The Future (FTF), unit two Financial Services – the Providers Perspective (TPP) and unit three Enhancing Financial Capability (EFC).

Assessment

The Certificate (first year) is assessed by three external examinations. The first two units are assessed using an objective test (answering case studies and questions with a multiple choice) and the third unit is assessed by a written examination. The second year of the course follows the same pattern.

Year one

Unit 1 (WMM) – an objective test, comprising of 50 standalone multiple-choice questions. Unit 2 (RAR) - an objective test o 35 questions comprise 5 standalone multiple-choice questions and six case studies each with five associated questions.

Unit 3 (MAJ) – the 2 case study based questions each have four parts, each requiring students to demonstrate skills of knowledge, analysis and evaluation.

Year two

Unit one (FTF) – an objective test with 42 questions. There will be seven case studies with six associated questions.

Unit one (FTF) – an objective test with 42 questions. There will be seven case studies with six associated questions. Unit two (TP(EFC)P) is an objective test the 42 questions comprise seven standalone multiple-choice questions and seven case studies each with five associated questions.

Unit three is a written examination based on case study material, students are required to answer one four part question from a choice of two.