Overview
Please note this qualification has been replaced by the Professional Certificate in Banking, and is no longer open to registration. The programme remains in place for existing students. Please see the transitional arrangements for further details.
The Applied Diploma in Retailing Financial Services (Applied DFSM® – Retail) is designed for managers and aspiring managers working in retail areas of the financial services industry.
Fully awarded and examined by the ifs School of Finance, the diploma has been adopted by some of the world’s leading financial organisations
The Applied DFSM® – Retail examines the key principles of retailing financial services. The core and option modules will provide you with a fundamental understanding of financial services management. The option modules also allow you to focus your studies on the area of retailing financial services that interests you most, or is most relevant to your chosen career path.
Level
The Diploma is assessed at first year UK undergraduate degree Level 4
Duration
Each 30-credit module requires approximately 300 hours of study time over a 6-month period. 15-credit option modules require approximately 150 hours study time. Taking 1 module at a time, you can expect to complete your studies for the Applied DFSM® - Retail within 2 years.
Cost
The cost of each module depends on the study method you select. Details of prices are given on each module page.
During your studies you are required to be a member of the ifs. The annual membership fee is currently £98 (£49.00 after 1 July).
Next study session start date
30 and 15 credit modules begin on 1 September 2011 (registration deadline 19 August 2011)
Modules
To achieve the Applied DFSM® - Retail, you need 120 credits and can choose from 2 routes:
Route 1
- 2 compulsory modules
- 3 option modules (one 30-credit module and two 15 credit modules)
Route 2
- 2 compulsory modules
- 4 option modules (all 15 credits)
Compulsory modules
- Customers and their Needs
- Measuring Performance
Option modules (30 credits)
- Organisations and Individuals
- Financial Markets and Risk
Option modules (15 credits)
- Relationship and Wealth Management
- Principles of Lending and Credit
- Consumer Credit Risk Management
- Retail Management in Financial Services
- Principles of Lending (resit only)
Studying
ifs learning materials are developed specifically around each module syllabus and learning outcomes.
You will receive both printed materials and access to online resources, giving you greater flexibility to choose when and where you study. Course materials are written by industry experts and updated regularly to ensure that they reflect the fast-changing nature of the financial services industry.
You will also have access to:
- student induction materials that provide guidance on study skills and tips on preparing for assessment
- our e-library, ifs KnowledgeBank, which contains a wide range of current research and management data to help you with your studies
Further details on the learning resources provisions are given on each module page.
Learning support
There are a number of study methods available, allowing you to select the approach that is best suited to your needs. Details of the methods available are given on each module page.
Assessment
The Applied DFSM® - Retail is assessed and awarded by the ifs School of Finance. Details of the assessment structure are provided for each module.
Register
Please note that this qualification has been replaced by the Professional Certificate in Banking and is no longer open to registration. The programme remains in place for existing students. Please see the transitional arrangements for further details.
Further details
Assessment Timetable (including registration deadlines and assessment dates)
Examination Timetable 2011
Examination venues
Professional and Applied Diploma Terms and Conditions
If you have any queries please contact Admissions, Academic Management and Student Services Office on +44 (0) 1227 829499 or email: enquiries@ifslearning.ac.uk