Finance

This qualification is designed to support professional development and practice in a wide range of roles in finance, whether you are developing in your career or aspiring to enter the sector, such as investment banking, portfolio management, corporate finance, treasury, law and consultancy. It provides a thorough grounding in the financing of companies and other organisations, instruments and structures of financial markets, financial decision-making, mergers and acquisitions, and financial reporting. You'll learn to undertake company and project valuations, and to estimate the cost of capital; and you'll be introduced to Islamic finance, ethics as well as corporate financial strategy and governance.

Key features of the course
• Provides an up-to-date perspective on both theory and practice in national and international contexts.
• Learn and apply the most important tools for financial analysis and decision support in corporations, financial institutions and other organisations.
• Develop expertise in key areas of finance such as company valuation, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and Islamic finance.
• Develops your digital literacy skills and critical thinking.

This certificate is the first stage of a study programme that progresses to a postgraduate diploma and finally a masters degree.

How long it takes
Most students study this qualification in one year by studying 60 credits in the year. This is the minimum time to complete. The maximum time to complete is four years.

Modules
To gain this qualification, you need 60 credits from the following:
Compulsory modules
• Financial markets and the financing of organisations (B815) 30 Credits
• Financial strategy and governance (B816) 30 Credits

Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued modules B858, B859.

You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 20 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.

For module details please see "Course Web Page".

You must hold a bachelors degree awarded by a recognised UK university, or equivalent. Please contact us if you hold a qualification that you believe is an equivalent level to a UK degree to ensure that it meets the requirements for admission.

Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum score of 6.5 under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see their website for details.

You should possess a good working knowledge of maths and be confident with spreadsheets. It would be advisable to self-assess your level of maths before registering for this qualification.

1 - 2 years

See Course Web Page link for next start date.

Career relevance
Financial decision making is fundamental to all organisations. This qualification aims to equip learners with an understanding of how the finances of an organisation work and apply their knowledge in a variety of ways. It will enhance their employability by equipping them with skills and knowledge that span from the ability to analyse and interpret financial statements, through to the comprehension of company valuation, mergers and acquisition and knowledge of models of corporate governance, and Islamic finance.