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Faculty of Social Sciences

Foundation Degree in Financial Services

For employers

A great development opportunity for your employees and your business.

National Skills Academy for Financial Services

The Open University Foundation Degree in Financial Services is an innovative way for your employees to acquire new knowledge and skills relevant to their work and your business. Our world-renowned method of flexible, part-time study through supported open learning means they don't need to take time out from the workplace.

The OU Foundation Degree in Financial Services is the preferred Foundation Degree of the National Skills Academy for Financial Services and fully meets the Foundation Degree Framework for the financial services sector.

Students study a core of compulsory modules. By supplementing these with a choice of optional modules, they can tailor the degree to their own interests and the needs of your business. View the study pathways with the range of modules and see how these can support your workforce and your business.

Advantages for employers

There is plenty to gain from investing in your staff's continuing professional development. It sends a clear message about your commitment to your workforce and your business. But by choosing our Foundation Degree in Financial Services, you stand to gain even more:

  • Recognised qualification. A nationally recognised, ready-made and structured training solution that balances academic study with the development of experience drawn from the workplace.
  • More effective staff. Better qualified employees will be able to support other staff more effectively, sharing new knowledge and skills, and bringing a fresh approach to their work.
  • Enhanced performance. Improved employee performance will benefit your business as a whole by making a positive contribution to everyday practices.
  • Builds on existing vocational qualifications. The Foundation Degree programme has been designed to recognise that many employees will bring some prior vocational qualifications with them, which can be accredited or developed into the programme.
  • No business disruption. There is no requirement to give your employees time off work to complete their studies, so there's minimum disruption to day-to-day business.
  • Portable study. OU modules and awards are available right across the UK and beyond. This means that employees and students who change location can maintain and continue their studies without interruption and regardless of physical location.
  • Enhanced business standing. Professional qualifications bring prestige to your business and inspire confidence with your customers.
  • Employee retention. Sponsorship is not a requirement but encourages employee retention.

Over 50,000 employers have so far sponsored their staff on Open University qualifications and modules.

Your questions answered

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