Overview
The ifs School of Finance is pleased to announce some important changes to the Level 5 Professional Diploma in Banking Practice and Management PDipBPM®. Students and Academic Tutors should familiarise themselves with this information. Read about the changes to the Level 5 Professional Diploma in Banking Practice and Management (PDipBPM®).
The Professional Diploma in Banking Practice and Management (formerly the Diploma in Higher Education in Financial Markets and Management) is a professional qualification for people working or aspiring to work in the financial services industry. The PDipBPM® is awarded by the ifs School of Finance.
The PDipBPM® comprises 2 study stages. At FHEQ Level 4 you will need to complete the Professional Certificate in Banking® or an ifs Applied Diploma. Students who hold a relevant degree can enter directly at FHEQ Level 5.
The PDipBPM® covers an array of topics that includes:
- the relationship between an organisation and its individual stakeholders
- the different roles within the financial services industry
- the needs of customers; and
- how to measure performance effectively
In addition, further modules will examine the principles of organisational management and the commercial environment in the financial services industry, plus other modules that allow you to select a subject that is specific to your needs. You can choose to study the Work-Based Learning module to use the skills you have developed or, if you are unable to do this, you can choose another option module.
Level
The Professional Diploma is assessed at Level 5 in the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
Duration
Each module requires approximately 300 hours of study time over a 6-month period. Studying a module at a time, you can expect to complete your studies within two years.
Next start date
1 November 2013
Programme application deadline 1 September 2013 (new students)
Module registration deadline 1 October 2013 (existing students)
Fees
All students are required to become student members of the ifs School of Finance and maintain their membership throughout their studies. For current fees please view the member fees.
The cost of each module depends on the study method you select:
Distance learning - £785.00
Flexible learning (including 3 workshops) - £950.00
Work Based Learning - £570.00
Please note that this programme is not currently designated for Student Loan Company (SLC) funding. Students should contact the Student Services and Admissions Office on +44 (0) 1227 829499 or email us for the payment methods available.
Entry criteria
Entry requirements for the PDipBPM® are:
- 120 credits at FHEQ Level 4 through completion of an ifs Professional Certificate award or equivalent, OR
- UK honours degree or equivalent. If awarded more than seven years before the application to join the programme, evidence that the learning and skills have been maintained to support study must be provided. Students entering via this route are required to hold:
- GCSE Mathematics at minimum grade C (or equivalent) and
- GCSE English Language at minimum grade C (or equivalent) or an IELTS score of 6.5 with no element below 6.0.
You may also register for the PDipBPM® if you can demonstrate through prior certificated and / or experiential learning that you have achieved the learning outcomes for the Professional Certificate in Banking. Please complete the Accredited Prior Learning claim form. Students applying for entry through this route must hold English and Mathematics qualifications as above.
For further information please the Student Services and Admissions Office on +44 (0)1227 829499 or email enquiries@ifslearning.ac.uk.
Register
Next course start date
1 November 2013
New students
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.
Programme application deadline 1 September 2013.
Existing students only
Please complete the module registration form and return to the Student Services and Admissions Office.
Module registration deadline 1 October 2013.
Please call +44 (0)1227 829 499 or email enquiries@ifslearning.ac.uk if you have any other queries.
Modules
To achieve the PDipBPM® you will need to complete one core and one compulsory module and 2 option modules. You are required to study the core and compulsory modules before starting to study your chosen option modules.
Select the module for further details about the syllabus and learning support options.
Compulsory modules (30-credits)
Core modules (30-credits)
Option modules (30-credits)
* Quantitative Methods for Finance and Investment must be taken if you wish to take Corporate Finance at Level 6.
** Work Based Learning must be taken after at least 1 compulsory module has been attempted.
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 support needs. Details of the methods available are given on each module page.
Assessment
The PDipBPM is awarded by the ifs School of Finance. Details of the assessment structure are provided for each module.