Why should you study for the Foundation Degree?
Course content
The Foundation Degree in Financial Markets and Management comprises two study stages.
| Stage 1 | You will need to complete the Professional Diploma in Financial Services Management (Professional DFSM®, Applied DFSM® - Corporate, Applied DFSM® - Retail or Applied DFSM® - Risk and Insurance). |
| Stage 2 | Foundation Degree consists of three compulsory modules and one option module. |
The ifs School of Finance recommends that you study them in the order below:
Compulsory modules
Option modules
*Work Based Learning must be taken after at least one compulsory module has been attempted.
** Formerly International Financial Services. (Please note that the module content remains unchanged).
*** Quantitative Methods for Finance and Investment must be taken if you wish to take Corporate Finance 1 and 2 at Level H - Stage 3.
View syllabus by clicking on the links above. NOTE: Not all syllabus information is available at the present time - please check this page for updates.
Qualification level
The full Foundation Degree is assessed at UK undergraduate degree level I (Intermediate). By completing Stage 1 you gain an interim diploma, which is assessed at first year UK undergraduate degree level.
Study time
We recommend that you spend approximately 300 hours studying each 30 credit module.
Study support
When you register you will gain access to ifs KnowledgeBank our e-library resource and my ifsILE. ifs KnowledgeBank is an online resource that gives you the opportunity to access a wealth of study material, which includes text books, financial glossaries and articles from leading journals. ifs KnowledgeBank is an important tool in enabling you to expand your knowledge and read around particular subject areas. my ifsILE has been developed to help support you in your studies. It can be accessed through the ifs website and will allow you to explore many key features, these include:
Assessment
The modules within the Foundation Degree will be assessed by a two-hour written examination, and a summative assignment. The work-based learning module will be assessed on the variety of work-based learning activities that you complete, and a journal that you compile throughout the module.
How do I study?
You can choose from three study methods:
Cost
Foundation Degree – per module
| Distance learning | £665.00 |
| Flexible learning (incl 3 workshops) | £795.00 |
| Approved provider | £795.00 |
| Work Based Learning | £500.00 |
| Membership | £90.00 |
Those joining after 1 July each year are only required to pay half of the membership fee for that year.
How to register - Stage 1
By post/fax - download and complete the application form (PDF format). To view this file you need to have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. This is free and available from the Adobe website. When you have completed the form either send it to the address given on the form or fax it to +44 (0) 1227 784331.
How to register - Stage 2
If you wish to apply for Advanced Standing to gain entry to Stage 2 you must hold either a Stage 1 Diploma or a UK hons degree or equivalent qualification, or be able to demonstrate substantial professional experience. Please see this page for further details on how to apply for Advanced Standing.
Before enrolling onto this programme there are some online documents you must read, these are viewable in the essential info area.
By post/fax - download and complete the application form (PDF format). To view this file you need to have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. This is free and available from the Adobe website. When you have completed the form either send it to the address given on the form or fax it to +44 (0) 1227 784331.
NB Students wishing to study via Birmingham City University (BCU) should also complete a BCU registration form, and send it to BCU directly.
More information
Please read the Foundation Degree Terms and Conditions.
