Financial Studies CeFs/DipFS - Level 3

Applications Open - 20 November 2025 at 8am

Applications Close - 6 February 2026 at 15:00 (Except Beauty L2 which closes on the 22nd May).

General Entry Requirements:

Our level 3 Sixth Form entry requirements are five GCSEs at Grades 9-4 including Maths and English minimum Grade 4. However, please read the course information, which, provides specific details of course content and entry requirements.

For level 2 courses please read the course information.

Subjects: -

Level 3 - Enter your choices in order of preference for Level 3 courses. Students need to select the equivalent of 3 courses (Triple counts as 3), with 2 reserve options if selecting Level 3 courses. Year 12 are expected to study the equivalent of three subjects. Once we close to applicants on the 6 February the options selected will be reviewed and if required we will be in contact.

Level 2 - just add the course required, eg beauty, finance or fitness. However, please look up all entry requirements for individual subjects as some subjects require specific subjects and grades.

Timetable Blocks- Please read carefully: Level 3 Courses Please select 3 subjects and 2 reserve subjects by placing them in a ranked order/ or a Pathway. Once applications close we will review all subjects requested and may be in contact at this time to discuss your chosen subjects further.

Additional optional qualifications such as Arts Award (Gold),Core Maths, Further Maths and the EPQ are not applied for at the Kent Choice stage further information will be provided in the 6th Form induction if you would like to undertake this course in addition to your core qualifications.

How to Apply - Via Kent Choices or through link on our website https://www.hernebayhigh.org/sixth-form/how-to-apply

Further Information: We reserve the right to withdraw courses if insufficient numbers are attracted.

Any queries, please contact 6form@hernebayhigh.org

This course is subject to OFQUAL course validation and Awarding Body centre approval.

This 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. Furthermore, the course provides a solid basis for creating financial inclusion, by exploring social-economic trends and their relationship with an individual’s circumstances and attitudes.

Within DipFS the student explores the political, economic, social, technological, ethical and legal impacts of personal finance in the short, medium and longer terms. Through this, a greater understanding of the impact that global events can have upon consumers and the wider financial services industry is developed. DipFS therefore enhances the ability to make informed financial decisions through effective planning to manage the risks and challenges involved in personal finance

Delivery and Assessment - The Diploma in Financial Studies is made up of four units;

Unit 1: Financial Capability for the Immediate and Short-term: This unit highlights the importance of financial capability in meeting immediate and short-term financial needs. It introduces learners to the financial services industry by focusing on the interaction between money, personal finance and the financial services market place. Learners will understand their key responsibilities in terms of earning, income tax, National Insurance and other personal financial considerations depending on the stage of their life cycle whilst also gaining an appreciation of why money is important through focusing on what money is; attitudes to it; and how it can affect life choices.

Unit 2: Financial Capability for the Medium and long term: This unit highlights the importance of planning for medium- and long-term financial needs, with particular reference to the importance of the need to budget for future aspirations and life events. It introduces learners to the features of risks and reward in managing personal finances. Learners will consider the changing priorities attached to needs, wants and aspirations as individuals progress through the personal life cycle and the role of financial services in assisting lifelong financial planning and will gain an understanding of the personal approaches that individuals take towards risk and rewards and the impact of foreseen and unforeseen influences on financial budgeting.

Unit 3 Sustainability of an Individual’s Finances: This unit highlights the importance of financial sustainability for the individual, to enable the development of skills to make sure that an individual’s financial capability is sustained over a period of time, taking into consideration the personal and external factors that lead to change. They will also understand the importance of and be able to monitor budgets and adapt financial plans to meet changing circumstances in order to maintain financial sustainability and avoid-long term debt.

Unit 4: Sustainability of the Financial Services System: This unit explores the financial services system and looks at how financial services providers work and compete with one another, their priorities and responses to external influences in maintaining financial sustainability. Learners will gain an understanding of the importance of financial sustainability for financial services providers and systems.

2 Year Course - Normally 5 GCSE grades in the range of 9-4, including Maths and English (Minimum Grade 4)

The DipFS provides a route to employment or higher education in the many diverse areas of business. These could include specialist areas such as Accounting, Finance, and business management. It is advantageous to have studied Finance before you undertake this course but it is not essential.