UCAS adds qualification for aspiring college student financiers

UCAS has added a new career-focused qualification for those seeking work in the financial services industry on their Tariff list.

The Certificate for Introduction to Securities & Investment has previously only been offered by independent schools in the UK and Channel Islands. However, from September 2010, it will also be available for state schools and colleges to help students demonstrate initiative and gain competitive advantage.

Ruth Martin, managing director of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), which is delivering the qualification, says: “In this increasingly competitive environment, schools and colleges are keen to equip their students with the best and most relevant qualifications available.

“We are extremely pleased to have achieved this Tariff recognition from UCAS for our Certificate for Introduction to Securities & Investment, which will go towards enhancing the applications to university from those students who successfully complete this examination.

“They will have obtained an advantage at the outset by choosing a professional qualification and it is an excellent opportunity for students who want to enter the financial services market to get ahead of the game.”

Virginia Isaac, acting chief executive of UCAS, adds: “The CISI’s inclusion on the UCAS Tariff is recognition of the sector’s commitment to ensuring that higher education is accessible to a wide range of individuals. We look forward to working closely with them in the future.”

Jason Rainbow