Level 3 Certificate in Financial Studies (CeFS)

Course Content

Key content areas 
• Importance of financial capability in the immediate, short, medium and long term.
• Financial services and products, including sources of help and advice. 
• Borrowing, budgeting, financial planning and cash flow forecasting. 
• The impact of external influences at different stages in the personal life cycle. 
• Risk and reward in managing personal finance.
Key skills developed The qualification will encourage students to: 
• analyse financial information, financial services products and services and begin to make judgements about suitability for people in different circumstances;
• develop an understanding of financial concepts and terminology to enhance financial literacy; 
• analyse, synthesise, evaluate and reflect; Page 2 of 3
• demonstrate numeracy skills, including the ability to manipulate financial and other numerical data to reflect the conceptual activity of financial maths; 
• select appropriate data and information to make arguments; 
• structure and communicate ideas logically and coherently; and 
• increase their ability to work and learn independently.

Course Outcomes

Purpose of the qualification As an Applied General qualification, the Certificate in Financial Studies (CeFS) is primarily designed for students aged 16–19 and provides a comprehensive introduction to personal finance. Its purpose is to prepare students for further study through the development of the core skills of critical analysis and evaluation, synthesis, verbal communication (through classroom discussion) and written communication.

CeFS 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. Within this, it provides a solid basis for creating financial inclusion, by exploring social-economic trends and their relationship with an individual’s circumstances and attitudes.

Entry Requirements

•There are no prior learning requirements for this qualification although students would be expected to have acquired skills and knowledge in English and Mathematics to enable study at Level 3.

Progression

Progression and preparation for further study1 
For students who wish to develop a wider understanding of the socio-economic impacts of personal finance, the skills and knowledge developed in CeFS can be extended by taking two further units to complete the Diploma in Financial Studies (QN 60085514). 

CeFS therefore provides both a valuable qualification in its own right and an early exit point for students who wish to gain a foundation for study in financial services without developing or extending this knowledge further to include areas such as financial sustainability and the long-term impact of debt. As a free-standing qualification, CeFS provides a platform for progression through further or higher education and has letters of support from universities, examples of which can be found on our website.

The financially related content of this qualification provides a foundation for continued study within the finance sector and a wide range of other business-related disciplines; many students go on to study subjects such as accounting, business, finance and banking at university or through further vocational training. The transferable skills developed are also valuable for further study in unrelated disciplines. The financial capability content and skills support students in making informed financial decisions about employment and further study options. This qualification carries the maximum UCAS points available, as described on our website.