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Faculty of Social Sciences

Foundation Degree in Financial Services

For employees

Be part of something special

Are you looking for a new challenge or more responsibility? Maybe you've been working in the financial services industry for a while and have your eye on promotion? Or perhaps you want to update your skills after a career break?

Join 2 million people who have studied with the OU

A Foundation Degree is a nationally recognised higher education qualification designed in conjunction with employers. It combines academic study with workplace learning to equip you with the relevant knowledge and skills to improve performance and productivity.

Learn more about Foundation Degrees on the Directgov website

The Open University is open to all. No previous educational qualifications are required to study, so anyone can sign up to our Foundation Degree.

You can study in your own time, so the Foundation Degree can be completed without interfering with work commitments or imposing any attendance requirements. As with all OU study, you get personalised help from your tutor, as well as from student services staff and the OU's Library. You can contact other students through the OU's online conferences, tutorials and informal study groups and the OU's Student Union.

When you study with us, you'll get our support at all times. Our goal is to enhance your learning experience and help you achieve your goals.

Why study the Foundation Degree in Financial Services?

Successful completion of the degree will give you a nationally recognised qualification that's an excellent foundation for the future.

Foundation degrees are built on practical work-based or work-related learning, which develops professional skills in an appropriately academic way. They offer a great opportunity for continuing professional development.

The OU's Foundation Degree in Financial Services will provide you with an understanding of the knowledge and skills you'll need to progress your career in the financial services industry.

Choosing the Open University's Foundation Degree in Financial Services makes perfect sense. On teaching quality, academic support, assessment and feedback, the OU finishes top in Britain.* And you can continue to earn a living while you qualify.

* The Sunday Times University Guide 2012

Studying part time while managing work and personal commitments shows employers you have drive and determination. They'll also value the communication, decision-making, organisational and problem-solving skills you'll hone during your studies.

The modules within the degree incorporate essential skills that will make a real difference in your job and your workplace from the outset.

Get credit for previous study

The OU Foundation Degree programme recognises that many students will start having already achieved prior vocational qualifications.

If you have successfully completed some study within the financial services industry, such as in banking, financial advice or insurance, we may be able to give you credit for it. This means you may need to study fewer OU modules to achieve the required points for the Foundation Degree.

Check credits for your previous study

In addition, we offer fast-track routes if you have qualifications at Level 3 of the National Qualifications Framework (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or Level 6 of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.

There are special arrangements to recognise credit from courses taken with the Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIOBS).

How the Foundation Degree works

Our Foundation Degree has been has been designed to reflect the Foundation Degree Framework for the financial services sector, published by the Financial Skills Partnership (FSP, formerly the Financial Services Skills Council). The FSP confirms that it meets the framework and their 10 points of good practice.

The Foundation Degree normally takes three to four years to complete part time (the equivalent of two years of full-time study). However, you can complete it in as little as two years.

The structure of the Foundation Degree has been designed so that you can, if you wish, continue your studies and progress directly to an honours degree at the OU.

The Foundation Degree is made up of modules, each focusing on a different area of study. With each module, you can earn a set number of credit points, ranging from 10 to 60 points. As an example, a 30-point module will normally take about eight hours of study a week.

To qualify for a Foundation Degree, you need 240 points: 120 points at Level 1 and 120 points at Level 2. Levels 1 and 2 are equivalent to studying in the first and second years at a conventional university.

Some of the modules are compulsory, but you also have the flexibility to select optional modules that fit best with your particular work and interests. So you choose the study pathway that suits you.

Our programme is designed to be flexible, so if you want to vary the amount of time you spend on study from year to year - or even take a complete break for a while - you can. The big advantage is that you set your own pace. And bear in mind that your employer might let you have study leave if you ask.

Study pathways

You can build your Foundation Degree in a number of ways, so that you choose the study pathway that suits you. If you are unsure which options to go for, our advisers can help.

Explore the pathways

To qualify for the Foundation Degree you need 240 points: 120 at Level 1 and 120 at Level 2.

Ten reasons to study

  1. Better career prospects. Your employer will recognise your ambition and value the new skills and practical experience you bring to the workplace.
  2. You'll be at the cutting edge of financial services. Our programme is developed by experts at the top of their profession and with their finger on the industry's pulse.
  3. Module choices to suit your needs. Module choices let you follow your key interests and meet your job's changing demands.
  4. We're with you all the way. OU tutors provide the support and encouragement you need for success.
  5. Earn while you learn. Enjoy financial independence while you qualify.
  6. It's flexible. You're free to fit your studies in around your lifestyle, and there is no attendance requirement.
  7. Qualify at your own pace. You can be flexible about how long you take to complete the Foundation Degree. Take an accelerated or slower study route according to your needs, circumstances and how much time you can commit. Students in England registering from 1 September 2012 will need to study for at least 30 credits a year in order to qualify for a student loan.
  8. It's affordable. OU fees are highly competitive compared with conventional universities. There is a choice of ways to pay and substantial financial help available if your income is modest. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply for financial support to help you with module fees and study costs.
  9. You can top up your qualification to an honours degree. Through extra study, you can top up your Foundation Degree to a BSc (Honours) or BA (Honours).
  10. You'll enjoy a great sense of achievement and have fun along the way.

Your questions answered

We answer common questions about the Foundation Degree in Financial Services.