The ifs School of Finance is pleased to announce some important changes to the Level 4 Professional Certificate in Banking. Students and Associate Lecturers should familiarise themselves with this information. Read about the changes to the Level 4 Professional Certificate in Banking (PCertB®).
The Professional Certificate in Banking (PCertB®) is an industry benchmark qualification for those starting out in, or aspiring to, a management career in financial services, particularly in retail and commercial banking.
Fully awarded and examined by the ifs School of Finance, the PCertB® is a widely recognised and valued qualification in its own right, but also forms the first stage of the ifs degree programme, culminating in achievement of the BSc (Hons) in Banking Practice and Management.
The PCertB® will enable you to:
- gain a thorough grounding in the workings of the sector both from an organisational point of view and in respect of financial markets through the core module 'Financial Markets and Risk'
- appreciate the essential concepts of risk that underpin financial decision-making at every level
- provide assurance to industry employers that the knowledge developed is based on comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles on which the industry is built
- gain the ability to further develop general financial services knowledge
- focus on a particular area of interest that is specific to your existing role
Level
The Professional Certificate in Banking is assessed at Level 4 in the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (first year undergraduate degree level).
Duration
Each 30-credit module requires approximately 300 hours of study time over a six-month period, and each 15-credit module requires approximately 150 hours of study time over a four-month period. By studying a module at a time, you can expect to complete your studies within two years.
Next course start date
Please see individual module page for the next course start date.
Cost
During your studies you are required to be a member of the ifs. The membership fee for 2012 is £102.00 (£51 after 1 July). The cost of each module depends on the study method you select:
30-credit modules
Distance learning - £735.00
Flexible learning (incl. 3 workshops) - £895.00
15 credit modules
Web supported learning - £485.00
Flexible learning (incl. 2 workshops) - £585
Introduction to Work-Based learning - £535.00
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for the PCertB® are:
- Tariff of 300 UCAS points or equivalent, to include at least one subject qualification at A2 level or the International Baccalaureate OR
- UK degree or equivalent OR
- Successful completion of a programme accredited by the ifs for provision of credits at FHEQ Level 4
All students should normally hold GCSE Mathematics and English Language at minimum grade C (or equivalent) or an IELTS score of 6.0 with no element below 5.5. Students unable to meet these criteria should contact Student Services. Students who do not meet the entry criteria will be required to undertake and pass the ifs Entry Assessment for which a fee will be payable.
Please refer to the ifs School of Finance website for information about the admissions process. To enquire if your previous qualifications are suitable please check with the Admissions, Academic Management and Student Services Office on +44 (0)1227 829499 or email us.
Holders of the following qualifications can claim 30-credits towards their PCertB® completion:
- Diploma in Mortgage Advice and Practice (DipMAP®)
- Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA®)
- Diploma in Retail Banking Conduct of Business (DipRBCB®)
Register
New students to the ifs School of Finance should firstly complete the programme application form. Once approved onto the programme you will be sent an email confirmation and module registration form.
Module registration form - existing students only
Please complete the module registration form and return to Student Services, Professional Higher Education.
If you have any queries please contact Admissions, Academic Management and Student Services Office on +44 (0) 1227 829499 or email us.
Non-standard applicants
If you are interested in undertaking Professional Higher Education study at the ifs School of Finance but you do not meet our standard entry tariff of 300 UCAS points or equivalent, then you may be interested in our in-house entry test. The test comprises of a written statement, online test charged at £50.00 and interview where appropriate.
For further information please contact the Admissions, Academic Management and Student Services Office on +44 (0) 1227 829 499 or email us.
Studying
The course of study lasts 24 weeks for each module and the overall study time for 30-credit modules is 300 hours (approximately 12 hours per week) and for 15-credit modules is 150 hours (approximately 6 hours per week), including assessment preparation time. You will be guided through your studies by the learning materials and supported by your Associate Lecturer.
Learning resources
ifs learning materials are developed specifically around each module syllabus and learning outcomes.
You will receive printed materials and access to online resources. The 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 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 support your needs. Details on the methods available are given on each module page.
Assessment
All 30 credit modules (except Practice of Financial Advice) are assessed via a combination of multiple-choice or short answer examination, a coursework assignment and an End-of-course Assignment. Practice of Financial Advise is assessed by a coursework assignment and examination.
All 15-credit modules are assessed via a multiple-choice or short answer examination.