Qualifications → Courses Professional Diploma in Financial Services Management (Professional DFSM®)

Professional Diploma in Financial Services Management (Professional DFSM®)

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Why study for the Professional DFSM®?

Course content

To achieve the Professional DFSM® you need to complete the following four modules, which the ifs School of Finance recommends are studied in the order below:

Syllabus

To see the aims, learning outcomes and other detailed information about each module, click the syllabus links above.

Module Taster

If you would like more information about whether a module will help you establish your particular career goals or are unsure about which module to take next, the tasters can help you make an informed decision. You can view a range of sample learning materials and take a mini quiz on the subject area.

Entry requirements

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. Upon registration you may be contacted and asked to provide evidence that you meet these requirements. Please contact HE Student Services if this FAQ does not answer your questions.

This guidance document contains examples of equivalences.

Qualification level

The full Diploma is assessed at first year UK undergraduate degree level.

Study time

Approximately 300 hours per module.

Studying one module at a time, you can expect to complete the Professional DFSM® within two years.

Study support

On registration, students will be sent:

All students will be given access to:

If you have any queries please contact HE Student Services on +44 (0) 1227 829499 or email hestudentservices@ifslearning.ac.uk.

Assessment

The Professional DFSM® is assessed and awarded by the ifs School of Finance.

From 1 June 2008 the revised delivery model for the Professional DFSM® was made available, which enables students to follow structured 24-week courses. The modules contain three assessment components to be completed at set points throughout the course – at 10 weeks, 16 weeks and 24 weeks – providing students with building blocks to achieve their aspirations.

The three assessment components are as follows:

  1. An examination/test of knowledge and understanding after 10 weeks of study, of one hour’s duration. The examination will comprise 40 multiple-choice questions or, in the case of Organizations and Individuals, short written answers. Students will be provided with a ‘drill down’ document showing the topic groups to be examined within the test. The examination will represent 30% of the overall assessment weighting for the full module.
  2. Guided coursework (750 words) representing 20% of the overall weighting and submitted after 16 weeks of study. The assignment will allow students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding on a focused part of the syllabus and also to rehearse their research and writing skills. It will be marked and feedback provided by the tutor.
  3. Final module assignment (2,500 words) providing the opportunity to demonstrate learning from across the syllabus and taking the form of a report based on a business case study. The assignment will be submitted after 24 weeks and will account for 50% of the overall module weighting.

All assessment components must be passed in order to complete the module.

The PDFSM timetable contains further information about course start dates and assessment deadlines under the new structure.

View 2009/2010 examination timetable

View list of examination venues

How do I study?

Distance learning, Approved Provider or distance learning with three workshops. For more information please see Study support and exam information for Diplomas.

Approved Provider courses of study commence in September, November, March and May.

Flexible Learning workshops will run four times a year. Please contact Learning Support on +44 (0) 1227 818637 for further information.

Cost

  Compulsory Modules
Distance Learning £665.00
Flexible Learning (incl 3 workshops) £795.00
Approved Provider £795.00

Membership fee 2009 £90
Those joining after 1 July each year are only required to pay half of the membership fee for that year.

How to register

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 786030.

Before enrolling onto this programme there are some online documents you must read, these are viewable in the essential info area.

More information

Call HE Student Services on +44 (0) 1227 829499 or email hestudentservices@ifslearning.ac.uk.