Professional Certificate in Banking (PCertB ) (Full- and Part-Time Programmes of Study) The London Institute of Banking & Finance is a registered charity, incorporated by Royal Charter.
Programme Specification 1. GENERAL INFORMATION UCAS Code N/A Award Programme Title Expected Duration Professional Certificate Professional Certificate in Banking (PCertB ) 1 year 2 years Mode of study Full-time Part-time Credit Count Teaching Institution Awarding Institution Relevant QAA benchmark(s) 120 Level 4 Credits The London Institute of Banking & Finance The London Institute of Banking & Finance Accounting (A); Finance (F); Business and Management (BM) Date of original production: November 2011 Date of current version: September 2016 2. AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME The programme aims and intended learning outcomes (ILO) are referenced to the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) subject benchmark statement(s) for Finance (F) and General Business and Management (GBM). The level of achievement expected of students is equivalent to that of the first year of undergraduate degree studies at a UK university set by the QAA s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ), level 4. Students, regardless of their module choices, will have the opportunity to acquire and develop knowledge and skills in the following generic areas. 01. Gain a thorough grounding in the workings of the sector both from an organisational point of view and in respect of financial markets. 02. Appreciate the essential concepts of risk that underpin financial decision-making at every level 03. Provide assurance to industry employers that the knowledge developed is based on comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles on which the industry is built 04. Gain the ability to develop general financial services knowledge 05. Provide current, applied learning opportunities for UK and international students who are either new to the financial services and banking sectors or are seeking continuing professional development opportunities Page 2 of 11
3. PROGRAMME OVERVIEW The Professional Certificate in Banking (PCertB ) is specifically designed for those starting out in a management career in financial services, particularly in retail and commercial banking. It provides essential core knowledge of the industry, the external environment in which it operates and the interaction between the two. Fully awarded and examined by The London Institute of Banking & Finance, the PCertB is a widely recognised and valued qualification in its own right, but also forms the first stage of The London Institute of Banking & Finance s part-time BSc (Hons) degree programme in Banking Practice and Management. The PCertB provides progression to the Professional Diploma in Banking Practice and Management. Upon successful completion of the PCertB, students will receive Associate status from the Institute of Financial Services (AIFS). 4. INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE PROGRAMME A. Knowledge & Understanding Upon completion of the programme, students should have knowledge of A1. A2. A3. Develop relevant specialist knowledge [including an awareness of the range of financial services institutions, their functions and how they interrelate] and the ability to evaluate and apply this [together with practical and intellectual skills] to specific areas of banking and wider financial services activity (BM 3.7 and 3.9; F3.2) Develop an awareness and understanding of the ways in which regulation and legislation impact on and are relevant to organisations within the banking and financial services sector (BM 3.5; F3.2) Develop an understanding of the measures commonly employed by organisations to monitor performance in their core business sectors (A3.2; BM 3.6; F3.2) A4. Provide an awareness of the need for, and the value of, effective customer service (BM 3.7) A5. Enable students to set and prioritise objectives and prepare, implement and monitor plans for the achievement of organisational objectives in the light of available and required resources (BM 3.6 and BM 3.7) Learning & Teaching Processes (to allow students to achieve intended learning outcomes) A variety of teaching and learning strategies is utilised which depend on the nature of the subject matter and learning objectives. These include lecturer input and (online) discussion, group work, presentations, essays, case-studies, guest speakers and industry visits (where applicable). Distance learning / flexible learning students receive lecturer support within a virtual classroom environment and are encouraged to form study groups with their peers. In addition, all students are also expected to undertake independent reading to consolidate and supplement their learning. Assessment (of intended learning outcomes) A range of assessments is used within the programme to assess knowledge and understanding including: 30 Credit modules: One objective test or one short answer question paper, and two summative coursework assignments:.a1-a5 15 Credit modules: One short-answer question paper. Examination: A1- A5 Formative assessment occurs throughout the course of study: A1-A5 Page 3 of 11
B. Intellectual Skills On completion of the programme, students should be able to: B1. Demonstrate sound knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, apply basic concepts and principles relevant to the area of study, and interpret and evaluate these within that context (A4.1; BM 3.9; F4.1) B2. Analyse problems, using appropriate quantitative/qualitative skills, and evaluate a range of approaches and solutions, making recommendations as appropriate (A4.1; BM 3.9; F3.2 & 4.1) B3. Learn through reflection on practice and experience, including identifying future development needs (BM 3.9; F4.1) All learning outcomes are referenced to the QAA qualification descriptors (as set out in the FHEQ) for a higher education qualification at level 4 and the subject benchmark statements for i) General Business and Management and ii) Finance degrees. NB. All modules within this programme contribute to the fulfilment of the above programme learning outcomes. Learning & Teaching Processes (to allow students to achieve intended learning outcomes) Students intellectual skills will be developed by scheduled and self-directed study activities in the study plan. Distance learning / flexible learning students are encouraged to engage in practitioner debate with their lecturer and peers via the online forums and workshop (flexible learning) discussions. Assessment (of intended learning outcomes) Intellectual skills are assessed throughout the programme by a variety of methods including: Examination: B1-B2 Summative assessment: Essays, reports and case studies: B1-B2 Formative assessment occurs throughout the course of study: B1-B3 C. Practical Skills On completion of the programme, students should be able to: C1. Plan, work and study independently and use relevant resources appropriately (BM 3.9; F4.1) C2. Locate, record, organise and manipulate data/information, extract key points from complex material and use Digital Tools where appropriate (BM 3.7 and BM 3.9; F4.1) C3. Communicate the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, with appropriate justifications and evidence/examples, in a format relevant to the audience and purpose, e.g. business reports (BM 3.9; F4.1) Learning & Teaching Processes (to allow students to achieve intended learning outcomes) Practical skills are developed by scheduled and selfdirected study activities in the study plan. Distance learning / flexible learning students are encouraged to engage in practitioner debate with their Lecturer and peers via the online forums and workshop (flexible learning) discussions. Assessment (of intended learning outcomes) Assessments require students to integrate theory and practice: Examination: C1-C3 Summative assessment: Essays, reports and case studies: C1-C3 Formative assessment occurs throughout the course of study: C1-C3 Page 4 of 11
D. Transferable Skills and Personal Qualities On completion of the programme, students should be able to: D1. Raise awareness of moral, ethical and environmental issues as these relate to banking and financial services (BM 3.5; F3.2) D2. Develop the skills of reflection and strategic decision-making required for a managerial career, thus improving the quality of management as a profession (A4.1; BM 3.6 and 3.8; F3.2 & 4.1) Learning & Teaching Processes (to allow students to achieve intended learning outcomes) Transferable skills are developed throughout the programme and are incorporated within all modules. They are achieved through appropriate assessments and assignment deadlines. Teaching and learning processes are evaluated in terms of the quality of student s output and students effectiveness in providing and communicating the information that is required. Assessment (of intended learning outcomes) Examination: D1-D2 Summative assessment: Essays, reports and case studies: D1-D2 Formative assessment occurs throughout the course of study: D1-D2 5. SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT STRATEGY A range of assessment tools will be used including examinations, written assessments, reports and projects, case studies and business proposals. All modules are assessed on the basis of a summative assignment(s) and / or examination. Each module specification provides full details of the assessment strategy employed. During their modules students receive feedback on their progress on completion of the formative assignments. Students receive feedback forms on completion of the summative assignment(s) (for 30-credit modules) and after the module exam(s), which include feedback and the mark for the assignment(s) / exam(s). Page 5 of 11
6. THE STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME The structure of the programme is set out below. This programme is currently offered in part-time mode only. Students on the part-time programme (distance and / or flexible learning) will study on a session basis. Sessions are 24 weeks long and run twice each year in November and May. Flexible learning provides distance learning students with the opportunity to take three one-day workshops during their session of study. Students can complete each Stage/Level over two years or sooner if they follow a more intensive study schedule. Stage 1 / Level 4 Programme structure and credits Credits Note: All modules are at FHEQ Level 4. Core Financial Markets and Risk 30 Option Fundamentals of Leadership and Management 30 Marketing in Financial Services 30 Assessing Financial Performance 30 Business Lending 30 Corporate Relationship Management 30 Retail Lending 30 Economics 15 Introduction to Banking Law 15 Introduction to Quantitative Methods 15 Full details of a module s content are contained in the relevant module specification published by The London Institute of Banking & Finance. These specifications also summarise the contribution each module makes to the achievement of the programme s intended learning outcomes. Financial Markets and Risk must be taken within the first 60 credits studied Holders of the Diploma in Business and Commercial Banking and Conduct (DipBB&C ) are excluded from taking the Business Lending module. 7. CURRICULUM PROGRESSION: INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES The PCertB is a Level 4 award within the UK FHEQ. Students are required to achieve 120 Level 4 credits to achieve this award. The programme consists of one core 30 credit module with students obtaining the remaining 90 credits from the 30 credit and 15 credit option modules available. Each module is positioned at Level 4 in the FHEQ. The core module is intended to provide students with a key analytical framework, which can be utilised as a basis for sound management decision making across the broad range of subject disciplines relevant to the banking and financial services industry. It must be studied within the first 60 credits. Page 6 of 11
8. STUDENT INDUCTION, SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT (in order to deliver the learning outcomes) The support provided to students will follow The London Institute of Banking & Finance s Code of Practice for Quality Assurance, Chapter 6: Student Support and Guidance, which sets out the teaching and learning responsibilities of the various stakeholders. A summary of the main provision available is set out below: Student induction Students enrolled on the programme will be provided with an initial induction / induction materials, including a Programme or Student Handbook, background and structure to the programme and individual modules and supporting learning environment. Integral to the student induction is a student study plan. The student induction materials will be available on-line through the mylibf virtual learning environment. Tuition support Part-Time Study Sessions for programmes running on a part-time (distance and / or flexible learning) basis run twice each year starting in November and May. Sessions are 24-weeks long. Flexible learning provides distance learning students with the opportunity to take a series of workshops during their session of study. Students can complete each Level / Stage of the programme over two years or sooner if they follow a more intensive study schedule. Guidance is provided by the Student Services and Admissions Team. Distance Learning Distance learning allows students to study independently within a clear framework, but at a pace that suits their personal circumstances and study needs. Over the course of study (24 weeks), students will be provided with access to the online course area within mylibf where they can access a comprehensive set of learning materials, their study guide and course forums to interact with the course Lecturer and fellow students. Students will be assigned a lecturer to support them throughout their studies. Distance learners will have regular contact with their lecturer. Making use of available technologies, students will have the opportunity to participate in online face-toface seminars with their Lecturer and fellow students. In addition to the regular contact with the module lecturer, other sessions will be arranged to support students to develop academic writing and study skills including research skills. Students will have access to online demonstrations of the e-library KnowledgeBank and how to search for resources relevant for their course of study. Flexible Learning Flexible learning allows distance learners to opt for three face-to-face workshops of approximately six hours each, evenly spread at appointed dates in each session (24 weeks) for 30 credit modules or two face-to-face workshops for 15 credit modules. Dispersed campuses Dispersed campus students will have regular face-to-face sessions over each course of study. The timing will depend upon local timetabling arrangements (e.g. via evening classes). Academic / vocational experience We ensure a blend of academic and vocational experience within our lecturing team. Many of our lecturers have themselves worked in the financial services industry and this enables them to help students understand how the theory relates to practice. Page 7 of 11
Learning Materials A core text and a list of recommended reading will be provided for each module together with additional webbased learning resources. However, in recognition of the rapidly changing environment that encapsulates the financial services sector it is noted that resources are subject to update and review at the discretion of the module team. Students are advised to refer to the module study guide for the most up-to-date reading resources. Students will be provided with access to the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) containing the learning materials and access to KnowledgeBank, which includes links to appropriate module readings. In addition, students will have (telephone and email) access to their module lecturer, Student Services and KnowledgeBank staff. 9. CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION Students must be able to satisfy the general admissions criteria of The London Institute of Banking & Finance. Entry requirements for the Professional Certificate in Banking (PCertB ) are: A tariff of 260 UCAS points or equivalent, to include at least one subject qualification at A2 level or the International Baccalaureate (28 points) OR a UK degree or equivalent OR Successful completion of a programme accredited by The London Institute of Banking & Finance for provision of credits at FHEQ Level 4 Offers vary depending on the relevance of subjects studied at AS/A2 level, or equivalent. All students 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 6.0 or above with no element below 5.5. Mature applicants To be considered for mature entry to any Undergraduate programme students will be required to meet the following criteria: Be aged 21 or over Unable to meet the standard entry criteria for the PCertB Mature students are required to hold GCSE Mathematics at minimum grade C (or equivalent) and English Language at minimum grade C (or equivalent) or an IELTS score of 6.0 or above with no element below 5.5 (or equivalent). Mature applicants are required to submit a current CV supported by a 500 to 600 word statement indicating why they have chosen to undertake the programme and how it will support their career plans. If applicants do not meet the minimum entry criteria for GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics they should briefly describe their mathematical ability as part of their statement. If invited to progress an interview may be held. Students may be required to successfully complete the Financial Markets and Risk module as Continued Professional Development, prior to being accepted into the PCertB programme. Page 8 of 11
Holders of The London Institute of Banking & Finance awards Holders of the following qualifications can gain entry to the PCertB and claim 30-credits towards their PCertB completion: Diploma in Mortgage Advice and Practice (DipMAP ) Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA ) Diploma in Retail Banking Conduct of Business (DipRBCB ) Diploma in Business and Commercial Banking and Conduct (DipBB&C )* Certificate for Documentary Credit Specialists (CDCS ) OR Certificate for Specialists in Demand Guarantees (CSDG ) * Holders of the DipBB&C award are excluded from taking the module Business Lending. Holders of both the CDCS and CSDG awards are only eligible to claim a maximum of 30 credits. If an award is presented for entry to the PCertB it must have been completed in the last seven years. See Chapter 3 of The London Institute of Banking & Finance s Code of Practice for Quality Assurance covering Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for more information. Please note that holders of The London Institute of Banking & Finance awards are still required to meet the basic matriculation standard of GCSE Mathematics and English Language at minimum grade C (or equivalent) and students may be requested to submit evidence of these qualifications. All overseas applicants are required to hold GCSE Mathematics and English Language at minimum grade C (or equivalent) or an IELTS score of 6.0 with no element below 5.5. (or equivalent) regardless of which entry route they take. Please refer to The London Institute of Banking & Finance website for information about the admissions process. 10. ASSESSMENT Assessment strategies have followed The London Institute of Banking & Finance s Code of Practice for Quality Assurance, Chapter 7: Assessment. To support and maximise student engagement reflecting the academic / practitioner blend of the programme, assessments are designed to be as authentic as possible to the kind of tasks students may be expected to undertake when joining a financial services or similar organisation in the future. A range of assessment tools will be used including examinations, written assessments, reports and projects, case studies and business proposals. The regulations for generic assessment strategies are defined within The London Institute of Banking & Finance s General and Academic Regulations for Students. 11. CREDIT AND AWARD Requirements for successful completion, classification rules; procedures for the finalisation of results at module and programme level: The Professional Certificate in Banking is made up of 120 credits. 1 credit approximates to 10 student effort hours, and the total course thus requires an average of 1,200 hours effort. The course consists of 120 credits at Level 4. On successful completion of the full programme, students will be awarded a Professional Certificate in Banking. The Professional Certificate in Banking is awarded in accordance with The London Institute of Banking & Finance s General and Academic Regulations for Students. Students should note that Level 4 awards are not graded. Students should be aware of the regulations governing the award of credit and the arrangements for compensation, condonement and the capping of marks. Students should also be aware of the regulations relating to the resitting of assessment components and / or the retaking of modules. This information is contained within sections 7, 8 and 9 of The London Institute of Banking & Finance s General and Academic Regulations for Students. Students may also be able to take individual modules of the course as a part of executive education programmes. The time limit for each level of study on undergraduate programmes, for registrations after 1 September 2011 will be: two years for full-time study three years for part-time study Page 9 of 11
12. PROGRESSION AND ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS Progression and Assessment regulations are as set out in The London Institute of Banking & Finance s General and Academic Regulations for Students. Students should also familiarise themselves with The London Institute of Banking & Finance s Code of Practice for Quality Assurance and the Student Charter. Details of procedures and deadlines for submission of assessed assignments, penalties applied for late submission and the procedure for requesting an extension to an assignment submission deadline are all published in the Programme / Student Handbook. Students who successfully complete the PCertB may be eligible to progress to the Professional Diploma in Banking Practice and Management. 13. COURSE DISTINCTIVENESS PCertB covers the essential understanding that students need for a successful career and crucially reflect what employers look for from employees/potential recruits and a number of major banks include The London Institute of Banking & Finance qualifications within their employee development programmes. 14. GRADUATE DESTINATIONS Students who complete this course would normally go on to careers in retail financial services or corporate banking and would be particularly well placed to enter executive and management trainee schemes. Typical future roles can include leadership positions in the central functions of large institutions or areas such as branch or regional management, corporate lending and credit, relationship management and product development. The programme is also an excellent foundation for further higher education study to Honours level. Page 10 of 11
Year1 Level 4 15. PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE IN BANKING (PCertB ) MAPPING: PROGRAMME AND MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES Module Title and Code Knowledge & Understanding Intellectual Skills Practical Skills Transferable Skills & Personal Qualities Yr Code Module title C/O * A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 D1 D2 FMRI Financial Markets and Risk C DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA D 4BLN Business Lending O DA DA DA DA DA DA D DA DA DA DA DA 4REL Retail Lending O DA DA DA DA DA DA D DA DA DA DA DA 4CRM Corporate Relationship Management O DA DA DA DA DA DA DA D DA DA DA D DA 4AFP Assessing Financial Performance O DA DA DA DA DA D DA DA DA DA DA 4FLM Fundamentals of Leadership and Management O DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA DA 4MFS Marketing in Financial Services O DA DA DA DA DA D DA DA DA D DA 4ECN Economics O DA DA DA DA D DA DA DA D DA 4IBL Introduction to Banking Law O DA DA DA DA D DA DA DA D DA 4QUA Introduction to Quantitative Methods O DA DA DA DA D DA DA DA DA *Please note that not all option modules are available on the full-time programme. Legend for cells D = skills are taught or developed by students within this module C = core module O = option module A = skills are assessed within this module CP = compulsory module Page 11 of 11