LIBF Diploma in Financial Studies -IBCP

Applications Open: Now

Applications Close: 27 February 2026

Entry Requirements: - 5 GCSE's 4 or above including English and Maths

How to Apply

Internal students - Please apply via Applicaa using this link - https://skinnerskentacademy.applicaa.com/year12

External students - Please apply via KentChoices using this link - https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login. Please note - after sending your application, you'll receive a welcome email from Applicaa asking for further information.

As an Applied General qualification, the Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS) explores, in depth, the key concepts of financial capability and how they are applied to achieve longer-term financial sustainability. It develops and extends the knowledge and skills required for young people to make informed financial decisions through understanding the risks and challenges involved in personal finance and the importance of effective planning.

The qualification will encourage students to:

• analyse financial data and information, financial services products and make judgements about suitability for people in different circumstances
• understand the concept of financial sustainability and ethics
• analyse, synthesise, evaluate and reflect
• demonstrate numeracy skills including the ability to manipulate financial and other numerical data
• use appropriate data and information to make arguments
• structure and communicate ideas logically and coherently; and learn independently

The financially-related content of this qualification serves as a strong grounding for undergraduate study within finance and business-related disciplines, with many students going on to study accounting, business, finance and banking.

This qualification develops knowledge and understanding of the financial services sector and enhances skills that are valued within that sector and others, but does not qualify students for direct entry to a particular occupational role.

General Entry Requirement for The Skinners’ Kent Academy Sixth Form

Minimum of GCSE grade 4 (G4) in English and Mathematics plus 3 other GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C)

The financially-related content of this qualification provides a foundation for continued study within finance and business-related disciplines, with many students going on to study subjects such as accounting, business, finance and banking at higher education institutions or through further vocational training. The transferable skills developed are also valuable for further study in unrelated disciplines and the financial capability content and skills support students in making informed decisions about the value of personal, employment and study options and budgeting whilst studying.