The Diploma in Financial Studies (Dip FS) follows on from the ifs level 3 Certificate in Financial Studies (CeFS) and applies what students have learnt to the broader financial environment. The financial planning element, introduced in CeFS, is explored further as the student becomes more aware of the (financial) environment within which they live.
Students must successfully complete the Certificate in Financial Studies before they begin the Diploma in Financial Studies.
View overall information about the qualification.
The course is divided into three units:
Students must successfully complete the ifs School of Finance level 3 Certificate in Financial Studies before they begin the Diploma in Financial Studies (Dip FS).
Dip FS is incorporated into the National Qualification Framework as a vocationally-related qualification (VRQs) at level 3. Other level three qualifications include A levels.
Dip FS carries a UCAS tariff of 60 points (for entry from 2008). The qualification has been benchmarked against A2 in Economics and details can be found here.
Our planned guided learning hours for Dip FS are 150 hours.
All units are paper-based examinations.
The assessment of Dip FS Unit 1 is designed to test candidates' knowledge and understanding of the course material. Unit 2 seeks to test candidates' broader knowledge and understanding together with their ability to apply their learning through case study scenarios. Unit 3 builds upon Units 1 and 2 and will test the higher-level cognitive skills of analysis and evaluation.
The ifs provides a comprehensive learning support package for tutors and students including:
The ifs also runs tutor development days across the country, providing advice, guidance and an opportunity to share best practice and expertise.
View sample learning material for Chapter One: Flexible financial planning.
View a specimen paper for Unit One: Financing the Future
Unit One: Financing the Future - Justification and answer sheet
Registration fee is an all-inclusive £150.00 per student (this includes two examination entries per unit, access to online study material and an empty binder).
The ifs level 3 Diploma in Financial Studies is delivered at schools and colleges across the UK.
If you are a tutor wanting to add Dip FS to your school curriculum please call Dale Buck on +44 (0) 1227 828259 or email dbuck@ifslearning.ac.uk.
If you are a tutor wanting to add ICPF to your curriculum, please register your interest here and the financial capability team will contact you.
Or call Dale Buck on +44 (0) 1227 828259 or email dbuck@ifslearning.ac.uk.
If you are a student and would like to study Dip FS, ask your school or college.
Examination Officers who are ready to register a cohort of students for the Diploma in Financial Studies should download and complete the attached spreadsheet and then send it by email to fca@ifslearning.ac.uk.
