Courses Stage 1 - Professional DFSM® and Applied DFSM® / Stage 2 - Foundation Degree in Financial Markets and Management / Diploma in Higher Education
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What are the entry requirements?
The Foundation Degree in Financial Markets and Management comprises two Stages.
To enter Stage 1 you need to be able to prove, upon request, that you meet a minimum of GCSE grade C or equivalent in English Language and Mathematics. If contacted, you will need to forward certified copies of your qualification certificates, or independent evidence such as a reference from your employer stating that you meet the entry requirements.
To enter Stage 2 you either need to have completed Stage 1 or complete an Advanced Standing Application form to show that you have achieved the required Learning Outcomes through other qualifications and / or experiential prior learning.
Why do I need to meet these entry requirements?
It is essentially about having basic standards to ensure that students embarking upon the programme have a reasonable chance of success since they have the correct toolkit of skills and knowledge that the programme requires.
How do I provide evidence of my proficiency?
On the registration form that you will complete to register as a new student, you will be asked to confirm that you can provide evidence if asked. Upon registration for our HE programme, the ifs School of Finance Awards and Curriculum team may request evidence from you. Evidence can be requested at any time during your studies; not only the first time you register for a module.
If you do not meet the entry requirements you will not be able to continue with the programme and your registration will be cancelled.
How do you decide who you choose to request evidence from?
Our Awards and Curriculum team undertakes random checking to ensure no discrimination could occur.
What will happen if I cannot prove I meet the English entry requirement?
If you do not have a relevant qualification, and are unable to obtain independent evidence such as a reference from your employer, you will need to take a test to prove your proficiency. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most commonly accepted test of English language for students whose first language is not English.
What will happen if I cannot prove I meet Maths proficiency?
If you do not have a relevant qualification, and are unable to obtain independent evidence such as a letter from your employer, you will not be able to register for the programme because you will not meet the basic requirements of the programme.
Do my entry qualifications need to have been completed within a certain period (ie will a qualification gained ten years ago be acceptable)?
While it is important to ensure your skills are kept up-to-date, the ifs School of Finance will not normally put a limit on the age of your qualification.
What is IELTS?
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It is a test that measures your ability to communicate in English across all four language skills - listening, reading, writing and speaking - for people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication. Full details can be found on the IELTS website: http://www.ielts.org/default.aspx.
How much will IELTS cost and where can I take the test?
The cost of sitting IELTS differs from centre to centre. You will need to contact your nearest test centre for clarification. There are over three hundred centres worldwide and you can find details of your nearest centre on the IELTS homepage: http://www.ielts.org/default.aspx.
What do I do to register to take IELTS?
You must register with a centre prior to your test date. Applications must be made on an IELTS application form , which you can post or hand in to a test centre, along with the test fee, and two passport sized photographs. You will also need to include your passport number, or in some circumstances a national identity card number, on the application form - please check with your test centre. Once you have applied, the test centre will confirm your IELTS test date and time.
What does IELTS test on?
The first three modules - Listening, Reading and Writing - must be completed in one day. There is no break between the modules. The Speaking module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other modules. The Academic Reading and Writing Modules assess whether a candidate is ready to study or train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses is based on the results of these Modules.
What IELTS score do I need to achieve?
When will I receive my results?
Results are usually released within two weeks of the test. If you requested that the ifs School of Finance is sent a copy of your results, they will be sent to us at the same time.
