This programme is designed to provide participants with the knowledge required to enable them to apply for a wide range of positions within the Financial Services sector.

Course Structure

The Certificate in Financial Services - Part 1
1. Accounting
2. Investment - Products & Characteristics
3. Pensions
4. Risk & Insurance

   (The ICM Certificate in Financial Services is awarded to all students who successfully complete all Part 1 subjects)

   The Diploma in Financial Services - Part 2
   
5. Economics for Business
6. Financial Management
7. Investment - Process & Analysis
8. Quantitative Methods for Managers

   (The ICM Diploma in Financial Services is awarded on successful completion of all Part 1 & 2 subjects)

Programme Objectives

a) to provide students with the appropriate body of commercial, economic and financial knowledge which they will require for employment in the Financial Services sector
b) to prepare students for a variety of functions within organisations providing Financial Services
c) to provide students with a qualification which will enable them to progress to higher level and degree studies in related areas

Recommended Course Duration
It is recommended that these courses are delivered over a suitable period of time to give learners the best opportunity for success. A standard delivery structure would involve six units per academic year, although 5-8 units per year are acceptable depending on the weekly timetable used.

Examination Grades

Status of Qualification
The Certificate in Financial Services: Professional Vocational Certificate. (Preparation for the World of Work). Students obtaining A & B grades will have reached a GCE ‘A’-level equivalent standard.

The Diploma in Financial Services: Professional Vocational Diploma. A Higher Technician/post A-level qualification. Students obtaining A & B grades will have reached an academic level equivalent to the first year of a business studies degree.

Examinations
Externally set and marked by the Institute. Examinations are held in March, June, September and December each year. Candidates must be registered and paid-up Student Members of the Institute at the time they undertake the examinations.

Examination Closing Dates
Candidates entering for examinations must ensure that their completed examination entry forms and fees reach the Institute at least eight weeks before the date of the examinations. Examination timetables indicate the closing date for receipt of entries for each sitting.

Examination Results
These are normally distributed twelve weeks after each examination date.

Subject Exemptions
Students holding relevant recognised qualifications from other professional bodies may apply for exemptions on a subject-for-subject basis.

Entry Requirements
The minimum age for registration for this programme is 18. Applicants should note that the following entrance qualifications are recommended for those wishing to undertake this programme:

1. The ICM Business Studies Group Certificate
2. One GCE/A-level
3. Five GCSEs at grades A, B or C (including Maths and English)
4. A suitable BTEC National Award or GNVQ Advanced
5. Any qualifications equivalent to one of the above.

Applicants over the age of 21 who do not hold one of the required entrance qualifications may also register for the programme providing they have been in full-time employment for a minimum of two years and can supply a letter of reference from their employer.

Certification
On successful completion of Part 1 students are awarded the ICM Certificate in Financial Services. On completion of Parts 1 & 2 students are awarded the ICM Diploma in Financial Services.

Continuing Education
The Diploma in Financial Services may be offered as an entrance qualification for relevant degree level studies (subject to examination grades obtained). A number of the subjects may also be accepted for subject exemption purposes by other examining bodies.

Study Methods
Your Teaching Centre has been provided with a detailed syllabus and reading list for each subject area. Each subject syllabus clearly defines the areas that you will be required to cover for each subject and your examination questions will be based on the areas and topics detailed for each subject. It is important to ensure that you obtain a copy of each subject syllabus from your Teaching Centre.

Each subject syllabus is linked to one main textbook and the examiners base their questions on the contents of the nominated text.

The subject syllabuses also give details of ‘Alternative Texts’ and texts recommended for further reading. Where possible you should read one or more of the ‘Alternative Texts’ in order to broaden your knowledge of the subject area.