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Please note this qualification has been replaced by the Professional Certificate in Banking, and is no longer open to registration.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 Professional Diploma in Financial Services Management (Professional DFSM®) provides the essential foundation knowledge and skills you need to be an effective manager in the financial services sector.
Fully awarded and examined by the ifs School of Finance, the diploma has been adopted by some of the world’s leading financial organisations
Studying the Professional DFSM® will develop your fundamental understanding of financial services management. You will examine a comprehensive range of relevant topics, including:
- the principles of organisational structure and management
- an introduction to the financial services environment
- the importance of understanding customers and their differing needs
- the monitoring of financial and non-financial objectives
Level
The Diploma is assessed at first year UK undergraduate degree Level 4
Duration
Each module requires approximately 300 hours of study time over a 6-month period. Taking one module at a time, you can expect to complete your studies for the Professional DFSM® 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 membership fee is currently £98 (£49.00 after 1 July).
Next study session start date
1 September 2011 (registration closes on 19 August 2011). View the Diploma timetable for all forthcoming study sessions
Modules
To achieve the Professional DFSM® you need to complete the following 4 modules. It is recommended that you study these in the order given below.
Select the module for further details about the syllabus and learning support options.
- Organisations and Individuals
- Financial Markets and Risk
- Customers and their Needs
- Measuring Performance
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 Professional DFSM® is assessed and awarded by the ifs School of Finance. Details of the assessment structure are provided for each module.
Register
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.
Further details
Assessment Timetable (including registration deadlines and assessment dates)
2011 Examination Timetable
Examination venues
Essential information (regulations and policies)
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