KS5
Certificate in Financial Studies
Exam Board: LIBF
Level: 3
Course Overview
The course consists of two units, Unit 1 is Financial Capability for the Immediate and Short Term, Unit 2 is Financial Capability for the Medium and Long Term. The course develops the knowledge and skills required for young people to make informed financial decisions by introducing them to the risks and challenges involved in personal finance and the tools for effective planning. Pupils become aware of the need for creating financial inclusion, they explore social-economic trends and their relationship with an individual's circumstances and attitudes.
Assessment: 100% examination. A multiple choice and written paper for each unit.
Course content
Term 1: (Unit 1 Topics)
- The Purpose of Money
- The Personal Lifestyle
- Payment Methods
- Everyday Banking
- Savings Products
- Borrowing Products
- Providers
- Consumer Protection
- Budgets and Forecasts
Term 2: (Unit 1 Topics)
- Dealing with unexpected events
- Dealing with debt
- Earnings
- Written Exam Practice
- Case Study Analysis
- Revision
Term 3: (Unit 2 Topics)
- Part A and Part B Examination
- Needs, Wants and Aspirations
- Savings and Investment Products
- Borrowing Products
- Dealing with Long-Term Risks
- Financial Planning
- Financial Planning and Informed Choices
Term 4: (Unit 2 Topics)
- Financial Planning and Informed Choices
- Dealing with Unforseen Events
- Ethics and Sustainability
- Sources of Information and advice
- Making an informed choice
- Revision
Term 5: (Unit 1 Topics)
- Resit Revision
- Part A resit Exam
- Case Study Analysis
- Part B resit Exam
Term 5: (Unit 2 Topics)
Term 6: (Unit 2 Topics)
- Resit Revision
- Resit Case Study Analysis
- Resit Exam Part A
- Resit Exam Part B
Diploma in Financial Studies
Exam Board: LIBF
Level: 3
Course Overview
DipFS builds on the skills and knowledge acquired through successful completion of the Certificate in Financial Studies and extends this to include areas such as financial sustainability within the wider financial services system, and the long-term impact of debt. Within DipFS course pupils explore the political, economic, social, technological, ethical and legal impacts of personal finance in the short, medium and longer terms. They consider the impact that global events can have upon consumers and how the wider financial services industry is developed.
Assessment: 100% examination. A multiple choice and written paper for each unit.
Course content
Term 1: (Unit 3 Topics)
- Personal and Financial Sustainability
- The impact of external factors
- How the state can help
- Monitoring and adapting personal finance plans
- Good Debt, Bad Debt
- The impact of global events and ethics
- The impact of recent changes
Term 2: (Unit 3 Topics)
- Revision
- Past Paper Written Exam Practice
- Case Study Analysis
Term 3: (Unit 4 Topics)
- Part A and Part B Examination
- The Financial System
- Competition in the Financial Services Sector
- Sustainability in the Financial Services Sector
- External Influences on financial service providers and their products
- Marketing Materials and their effectiveness
- Attracting, retaining and satisfying customers
Term 4: (Unit 4 Topics)
- The impact of the media on sustainability of the financial services industry
- Completion of Topic 5 and 8
- The impact of changes and uncertainty on financial products
- Market Segment and product development
- Case Study Analysis
- Case Studies
- Revision
- Part A and Part B Exam
Term 5: (Unit 3 Topics)
- Revision
- Resit Case Study Analysis
- Resit Exam A and B
Term 6: (Unit 4 Topics)
- Revision
- Resit Case Study Analysis
- Resit Exam A and B
Useful Links
LIBF Website