(only available to employees of HSBC)
Why should you study for the Applied DFSM® - Retail?
Course content
To achieve the Applied DFSM® – Retail, you must gain 120 credits by completing either five or six modules, depending on which of the two possible study routes you choose:
The modules available are:
Compulsory modules (30 credits each):
Option modules (30 credits each):
Option modules (15 credits each):
View syllabus by clicking on the links above.
Entry requirements
You must be a current employee of HSBC.
Students are required to have a minimum of GCSE grade C or equivalent in English Language and Mathematics. You must also have a level of proficiency, as exemplified for example by GCSE standard, in ICT. If you are unsure whether you meet these requirements, please check with an HE Guidance Officer on +44 (0) 1227 828232 or email abops@ifslearning.ac.uk.
This guidance document contains examples of equivalences.
You will need to have Internet and email access throughout your course of study, and to access the online student induction and syllabus.
Qualification level
The full Diploma is assessed at first year UK undergraduate degree level.
Study time
30 credit modules – you should aim to complete your chosen module in 20–24 weeks.
15 credit modules – you should aim to complete your study within 12 weeks, thus allowing a further four weeks to take your objective test.
By studying the recommended one module at a time, you should complete the Applied DFSM® – Retail in two years.
Study support
On registration for 30 credit modules, you will be sent:
On registration for 15 credit modules, you will be sent:
You will be given access to the following for all modules:
Assessment
The Applied DFSM® - Retail is assessed and awarded by the ifs School of Finance.
Each 30 credit module comprises two assessment components:
In order to pass the module you must pass both assessment components.
Each 15 credit module is assessed by a two-hour objective test delivered electronically.
Please refer to www.vue.com/ifs for further details about electronic testing.
If there does not appear to be a test centre in your area, please contact ifs Customer and Student Enquiries on +44 (0) 1227 818609.
How do I study?
For 30 credit modules you must follow an approved course of study provided by ifs distance learning, flexible learning or via an approved provider. Please see Study support and exam information for Diplomas for more information.
For 15 credit modules you will receive a set of learning materials. Study is home based with support from a web tutor:
Web-supported learning
For the specialist modules you will have access (through my ifsILE) to a web tutor who will be able to support you through your course of study and answer any technical queries. The web tutor is an expert in their subject field. You should ensure that you access the student forum regularly to read messages posted by the web tutor, and you can use the forum to post your own questions for the web tutor to answer.
Web-supported learning plus two workshops
This option is the same as web-supported learning, but includes two workshops. The workshops cover crucial concepts contained in the syllabus and give you the opportunity to meet up with other students during your course of study. The workshops are delivered by ifs-approved tutors who will be able to answer any questions you may have.
How to register
If you are an HSBC employee and would like further information on how to register for an Applied Diploma, please request an HSBC-specific brochure from the ifs Corporate and Academic Relationship team on +44 (0) 1227 818641 or email cart@ifslearning.ac.uk. Alternatively, you can download a copy of the brochure and obtain further information from the HSBC Intranet.
Before enrolling onto this programme there are some online documents you must read, these are viewable in the essential info area.
More information
Please call the ifs Corporate and Academic Relationship team on +44 (0) 1227 818641 or email cart@ifslearning.ac.uk
