In line with best practice, the ifs School of Finance is committed to ensuring that its educational programmes remain up to date and fit for purpose, thereby meeting the current and future learning needs of its customers. It therefore operates a regular schedule of programme reviews.

The BSc/Associateship programme was introduced in 1996 and was amended in 2001 after an initial review, which led to changes such as the introduction of streamed degrees and adjustments to the core and option structure of the programme. In line with its commitment to keep the programme up to date, the ifs School of Finance has recently completed a second review after a further 5-year period of operation of the programme.

This review has been informed by a range of feedback from a variety of sources such as students, employers, tutors, and the University of Manchester, and has also taken into account new developments in learning technologies within the Higher Education arena and of course the financial services industry.

As a consequence of this review, the BSc/Associateship programme has once again been restructured and new students will be able to commence their studies from May 2007. May we take this opportunity to reassure you that completion of both the programme you are studying and the new one are awarded at the same level by the University of Manchester, and will both result in the award of the BSc/Aifs designation.

Given the significant nature of the restructure and therefore the major differences between the current programme and the restructured programme, students will not be able to change from the current programme to the new one. Therefore the ifs School of Finance will, over the next few years, run both programmes concurrently thus avoiding any disadvantage to students partway through the current programme.

The Degree phase out plan (PDF) indicates how the ifs School of Finance intends to continue to support students on the current programme. It highlights when the modules will be available to students to enable them to complete the degree programme. If you require any further information please contact Higher Education Student Services on (44) 01227 829499 or email: enquiries@ifslearning.ac.uk.