Final award:
- Level 4 Investment Operations Specialist Apprenticeship Certificate
- CertHE in Applied Finance
- Level 6 Financial Services Professional Apprenticeship Certificate
- BSc (Hons) Applied Finance OR BSc (Hons) Applied Finance and Banking (Degree award will be dependent on the apprenticeship pathway)
We offer industry qualifications from professional bodies (the CISI, the Chartered Banker Institute and the CFA Institute) as part of the programme.
| Duration | 4 years (all pathways) |
|---|---|
| Entry point(s) | September for Level 4 and January for Level 6 |
| Application deadline | Dependent on employer |
| Campus | Streatham Campus, Exeter |
|---|---|
| Contact |
Overview
- A flexible programme designed for those who are either new to the Financial Services sector and starting their career journey, or those with varying levels of existing experience looking to upskill and progress their careers.
- Gain a range of qualifications whilst gaining valuable real-world work experience. In addition to the studying for a Bachelor's degree, apprentices will study towards their apprenticeship and industry recognised professional qualifications.
- Face-to-face learning will take place in the apprentice's place of work, or for some cohorts at a central venue, with occasional visits to the University's Streatham Campus. All apprentices are registered students of the University of Exeter with full access to all University resources and services.
- Apprentices will benefit from a range of teaching methods such as in-depth masterclasses, innovative online learning and coaching from our world-class academics and mentors, with experience drawn from the financial services sector.
- In addition to their studies and mentoring apprentices will gain valuable experience as an employee of a leading financial services company.
1st for Accounting and Finance graduate prospects
The Complete University Guide 2025
Triple accredited Business School
AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS
Gain up to five qualifications through one programme along with valuable real-world experience
Online/Hybrid Learning
1st for Accounting and Finance graduate prospects
The Complete University Guide 2025
Triple accredited Business School
AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS
Gain up to five qualifications through one programme along with valuable real-world experience
Online/Hybrid Learning
Accreditations
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CISI
Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) Investment Operations Certificate during Level 4 Investment Operations Specialist Standard.
CFA Institute
CFA Institute (CFA) CFA Level I during Level 6 Financial Services Professional Degree Apprenticeship Standard.
CBI
Chartered Banker Institute Associate Chartered Banker Diploma
FCA
Financial Conduct Authority Capital Markets Programme (via CISI)
Successful completion of the programme will result in the award of Level 6 Financial Services Professional Apprenticeship and BSc (Hons) Applied Finance.
Entry requirements
- Applicants will have 3 A-levels (or equivalent) at grade B or above - please be aware employers may have higher grade requirements for their apprenticeship programmes
- Applicants must also hold a minimum GCSE grade of 6 in Maths and 4 in English.
Alternative routes candidates can apply.
Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) and Accreditation of Certified Learning (APCL):
Existing employees can apply if they have a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in the financial industry. You must also be in a role that supports the gathering of evidence required for the Investment Operations Specialist Level 4 standard. Each candidate as part of the application, must complete an extended personal statement. They must outline why they are suitable to join the programme based on their interests, work experience and future career goals.
Existing employees can apply if they have a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in the financial industry. You must also be in a role that supports the gathering of evidence required for the Financial Services Professional Level 6 standard. Candidates will be required to complete an Experiential Reflection form ( 1200-2000 words) to demonstrate why they should join straight to Level 6. This will be assessed by the Programme Director.
Candidates can join straight to Level 6 if they have completed a Level 4 Finance apprenticeship alongside the following qualifications:
• CISI Investment Operations Certificate
• CISI Certificate in Investment Management
• CISI Investment Advice Diploma
• CFA Institute/CFA UK – Investment Management Certificate
Please note, we do not use UCAS points for entry to the programme. Where a candidate has already gained a good undergraduate degree this may be offered to meet entry requirements. Other relevant or prior experience may also be considered as an alternative so we would encourage applicants with non-standard qualifications to contact us to discuss their eligibility.
Applicants must have a valid and eligible residency status to gain entry onto the apprenticeship – please see the ESFA guidance for further information.
How to apply
To gain a place candidates must apply directly to one of our partner employers’ vacancies.
Candidates can apply to this programme in addition to making applications to any institution through UCAS. When vacancies are open they will be advertised by our employer partners and on University of Exeter Degree Apprenticeship website. Please be aware that employers start their recruitment at different times of the year so please be sure to check regularly.
- Vacancies are advertised by employers and promoted through our current vacancies page when they become available.
- Please be aware that each company will have their own recruitment process, the stages and timelines may vary.
- If applicants are successful they will be offered a position as an apprentice with the company.
- An apprenticeship place on the programme will be confirmed by University of Exeter, and we will send further information about how to enrol as a student.
- If candidates have not been successful this time, do not worry! Keep an eye out for other opportunities on our vacancies page.
Funding
Full programme cost: £27,000
This includes £9,000 to complete level 4 and £18,000 to complete Level 6.
This apprenticeship is entirely funded through an Employers’ Apprenticeship Levy. Your employer fully covers the cost of the apprenticeship, apprentices do not pay for any of the eligible training costs. As an apprentice you will be an employee of your organisation, gaining a University of Exeter award alongside working and earning a salary.
Employers who pay the Apprenticeship Levy will pay for the apprenticeship fees directly through that contribution. See further information on the Apprenticeship Levy funding.
Employers who do not pay the Levy will be able to claim 95 per cent of the cost of the apprenticeship from the Government. Up to 100 per cent Government contribution may be available if the employer has fewer than 50 employees and:
- Recruits an apprentice aged 16-18
- OR an apprentice aged 19-24 who has previously been in care or who has a local authority education, health and care plan
Employers must pay their apprentices a salary at least consistent with national legislation.
Funding eligibility criteria
- To be eligible for funding you must meet the criteria listed in the ESFA guidance. Full guidance is available here.
- The apprentice must have a valid and eligible residency status to gain entry onto the apprenticeship – please see the ESFA guidance for further information.
Course content
Integrative in its design and delivery, this apprenticeship is designed for individuals who are new to the Financial Services sector and starting their career journey, or those with varying levels of existing experience in the field who are progressing their career within an organisation.
Throughout the programme apprentices will develop core knowledge of the structure of the Financial Services industry; the relevant legal and regulatory framework and ethics; proficiency in relevant IT skills and software/systems and the approach to deliver fair client outcomes across the business setting including best practice.
Each stage of study is structured to incorporate masterclasses, online learning, academic coaching and workplace mentoring. Assessment is ongoing and is relevant to the work tasks of apprentices, measuring the higher-level thinking skills demonstrated in a variety of problem-based assignments.
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Learning
A minimum of 6 hours per week will be given over to study. Our model is designed to be flexible around the needs of apprentices and workloads as it includes in-person masterclasses and online webinars.
Our blended learning model comprises of:
- 8 Masterclasses per module with a minimum 1 being in-person and the rest delivered virtually via our blended model.
- Weekly distance learning comprising online classes and workshops, interactive exercises and recorded lectures.
- Work-based learning, assessing projects undertaken in the workplace.
Assessment
Assessment is ongoing and is relevant to the apprentice's professional work tasks, measuring the higher-level thinking skills demonstrated in a variety of problem-based assignments.
The personal development activities, assignments and reflections that apprentices produce will all offer material for the final apprenticeship End Point Assessment professional portfolio.
Apprentices will complete both an Exeter University exam and an assignment for each module, with their performance directly impacting their University award classification. These assessments are strategically aligned with the curriculum of leading professional exams, including CISI and CFA, maximising apprentices' chances of success in these industry-recognised qualifications. By integrating these university modules with professional exam content, we provide apprentices with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in both assessments.
Apprenticeship Standard
Alongside studying for a Bachelor's degree, apprentices will also work towards their apprenticeship and the mandated professional qualifications. They will gain the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours of the apprenticeship standards below. Apprentices will follow the level 4 Investment Operations Specialist first, then once this is complete, they will progress onto the level 6 Financial Services Professional for the remainder of their apprenticeship. Employers and prospective apprentices can access the assessment plans through the links below.
Careers
Combining professional experience and qualifications along with a highly-respected degree from a top Russell Group University will help apprentices stand out from the crowd as they progress through their career. Throughout the apprenticeship students will focus on establishing themselves as a Financial Services Professional providing an important foundation upon which to further develop their career.
Drawing upon academic guidance, professional development coaching and workplace mentoring, apprentices benefit from a wealth of inspiration and advice to guide and support their professional development planning.
Depending upon the vacancy the candidate has applied for, they might be working for an SME or a multinational corporation. Either way, their employer will be fully committed to and supportive of their studies.
Employer information
Through this unique programme apprentices will gain the skills to become highly competent professionals ready to excel in the finance industry. The apprenticeship will cover a base of core knowledge required of all individuals entering or progressing to this level in the sector, and a set of specialist options that then provide the occupationally specific training, depending on the requirements of the employer.
Delivered through a flexible blended learning model, the programme enable employers to recruit, train and retain high-calibre talent in partnership with the University.
