Applied Finance Degree Apprenticeship

You must apply to join the programme at Level 4.
The Applied Finance degree apprenticeship is designed as a Level 4 to Level 6 progression route, so we do not currently accept direct applications to start at Level 6.

To apply for the Applied Finance degree apprenticeship, you will need to meet Queen Mary's academic entry requirements as well as the requirements of the employer offering the apprenticeship.

A levels

You will normally need AAA from three A levels, including Mathematics or Pure Mathematics.

We do not accept General Studies, Critical Thinking or Use of Mathematics as part of the A-level offer.

BTEC and other qualifications

Applicants with BTEC qualifications are considered on a case-by-case basis. All BTEC subjects are considered, but you must also have A-level Mathematics at grade A.

Other qualifications may also be considered individually. If you are unsure whether your qualifications meet our requirements, please contact us before applying.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

We welcome applications from students taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). An EPQ may be taken into account when we make an offer.

For further information, see Queen Mary's EPQ admissions policy.

Contextual admissions

We consider every application individually and take into account your educational experiences and personal context when making admissions decisions.

For further information, see Queen Mary's contextual admissions guidance.

Modules

Programme components include the relevant professional qualifications, acquisition of knowledge specific to the organisation, acquisition of skills and behaviours required for the job, on-programme assessments, and a final assessment.

Level 4: In the first two years of study, apprentices are prepared to take the CISI/IMC Exam (the choice belongs to the employer).

Level 6: In the final two years of study, apprentices are prepared to take the CFA Level 1 Exam.

Year 1 modules:

• Principles of Economics for Financial Professionals
• Financial Markets and Institutions
• Quantitative methods for Finance 1
• Professional Qualification: CISI
• Asset Pricing
• Work based module: Systems and Processes

Year 2 modules:

• Quantitative Methods for Finance 2
• Accounting for Investment Operations Specialists
• Macroeconomics for Financial Professionals
• Corporate Finance
• Work based module: Professional Development

Year 3 modules:

• International Finance
• Advanced Financial Markets and Institutions
• Professional Qualification: CFA level 1
• Work based module: Systems and Processes
• Big Data for Financial Professionals

Year 4 modules:

• Advanced Asset Pricing
• Work based module: Professional Development
• Valuation
• Fintech

Each apprenticeship standard has a professional qualification that acts as a pre-requisite for reaching the EPA. For the level 4, there is a choice between the CISI Investment Operation Certificate (IOC), which is a level 3 qualification, and the CFA IMC. For level 6, we offer training for the CFA 1 as the professional qualification.

How will I split my time between university and work?

As an Applied Finance apprentice, you’ll combine your studies at Queen Mary with your professional role, giving you the opportunity to experience university life while building valuable workplace experience.

We use a block-teaching model, which means you’ll spend dedicated blocks of time studying on our Mile End campus, followed by periods working with your employer.

When you’re on campus, you’ll attend lectures, seminars and other learning activities alongside your fellow apprentices. You’ll have the opportunity to build a strong network with your peers, make use of Queen Mary’s facilities and experience life on our London campus.

When you’re with your employer, you’ll apply what you’ve learned in the workplace, develop your professional skills and gain hands-on experience in the financial services sector.

This approach means you can benefit from the best of both worlds: the academic and social experience of university alongside the professional experience of working in the financial services industry.

*Please note the programme is subject to change.

The programme is designed to prepare you for a range of careers across financial services.

Depending on your role and specialist area, you could develop a career in:

• investment operations
• investment management
• asset management
• banking
• financial markets
• risk and compliance
• financial technology and operations.

You'll graduate with a university degree, professional experience and the specialist knowledge and skills developed through your apprenticeship.

Degree apprenticeships are employment-based, so you apply directly through a sponsoring employer, rather than applying to Queen Mary through UCAS.

Our current employer partners include Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, CVC, Park Square Capital and CIBC.

Apprenticeship vacancies are advertised by employers, so check their careers pages regularly for opportunities.