Financial Studies Level 3 Diploma (Single)

***** UPDATE FOR SEPTEMBER 2026 ENTRY *****

Thank you for your interest in our sixth form. We are no longer accepting applications. If you would like to be considered for a course in September, please take the following steps:

Current Sittingbourne School Students please speak to a member of the Sixth Form Team when you come to pick up your GCSE results on Thursday 20th August.

Students from other schools please bring us a paper copy of your results sheet on Friday 21st August 2026 between 10am and 12pm. Unfortunately we cannot accept a photograph of your results. Please come to the main school reception at Swanstree Avenue, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 4NL.

Applications Open: Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: Friday 17th July 2026

Entry Requirements: Our general entry requirements are:-

• A Levels – advanced courses, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 5+ qualifications, including English and mathematics. Some subjects may have additional entry requirements.

• BTEC Level 3 – advanced courses, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 4+ qualifications, including English and mathematics. Some subjects may have additional entry requirements.

• T Level - technical course, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 5+ qualifications, including English and mathematics.

• BTEC Level 2 – One year programme, which could lead on to further studies, with an average entry requirement at least five grade 2 or above, including English and mathematics.

How to Apply: Please apply via Kent Choices

If applying to T Level Engineering, please include a second choice set of subjects within the same application.

Please note that this course is subject to exam board approval to run in 2026.

Course aims

Students who study finance will look at the immediate, short term and long term elements of the financial world. Students will first understand key criteria such as saving, borrowing, budgeting and financial providers before they critically analyse and evaluate how, as a society, we can become more sustainable and secure with our money. Students should leave at the end of Year 13 with a well rounded knowledge of how to manage their own money and how to choose an appropriate financial product to meet their needs. Past students have commented on how they were in a much better position to look after themselves financially, whether budgeting whilst at university, saving up to move out of home, or just knowing how best to save money, due to what they had learnt on this course.

Course content

The course provides an in depth exploration of the important concepts of financial education and how to apply them in achieving longer term financial stability. It prepares students for further study by developing their core skills of independent thinking, critical analysis and evaluation, verbal communication (through classroom discussion) and written communication. The purpose of money, budgeting, saving, borrowing, sustainability, ethics and globalisation are some of the key topics included in the subject. Short term and long term financial sustainability for individuals and businesses are the key units included.

Assessment

The course is 100% examination based. All units have a multiple choice test, worth 35%, and a case study written examination, worth 65% of the unit. There are four exam periods during each year of the course(this includes resits). Students are supplied with examination dates at the start of the course.

Additional course entry requirements

In addition to the general requirements for entry onto the course, students will require a grade 4 in English.

Progression and career opportunities

This qualification can further develop a greater understanding of financial planning, to support entry to university on finance and banking courses, apprenticeships in accountancy and a wide range of other disciplines. It also supports progression to a wide range of occupations within finance, ensuring that learners understand the sector and have a range of transferable skills and knowledge.