Certificate for Introduction to Securities & Investment (Cert.ISI)

The courseCertificate for Introduction to Securities and Investment (Cert.ISI)

Examining body: The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, (CISI).

Pupils registered for this qualification are granted free Student membership of the CISI

Student Members of the CISI are able to use the CISI’s Careers Information Centre

Pupils registered for this qualification are given access to the CISI’s on-line study tool, e-Intro

Enrolment on the course entitles each student to a comprehensive CISI work-book

The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) is the largest and most widely respected professional body for those who work in the securities and investment industry in the UK and in a growing number of major financial centres round the world.

Formed in 1992 by London Stock Exchange practitioners, the Chartered Institute now has more than 40,000 members in 89 countries. In the past year, it set almost 40,000 examinations in 49 countries, covering a range of vocational qualifications.

As one of the Chartered Institute’s public benefit charitable objectives, it actively promotes the advancement of knowledge in the field of securities and investment in schools, colleges and universities. Partnering with education centres allows the CISI to offer a strong foundation of knowledge for those considering a career in financial services.

Professionalism Integrity ExcellenceThe Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment is a registered charity.

CISI Corporate members

Cert.ISI – what is it worth?Accreditation:

Fully recognised by Ofqual – Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) reference number: 500/6267/0

UCAS tariff points: Pass with Distinction – 60 points (equivalent to AS-Level A grade)Pass with Merit – 40 points (equivalent to AS-Level C grade)Pass – 20 points (equivalent to AS-Level E grade)

Meets Level 3 of Additional Specialist Learning (ASL) requirement for the BAF Diploma

Fulfils Unit 1 of the Investment Administration Qualification (IAQ) used by employers throughout the financial services sector

Basic structure of the courseUnit 1: Introduction to Securities and Investment – “The Knowledge”A basic introduction to the financial services sector with a focus on investments. Learners will be tested on their knowledge and understanding of the following elements:

Economic environment Financial assets and markets Equities Bonds

Unit 2: Extended project – “applying The Knowledge” Students collect, analyse, manage and evaluate information while researching a topic from the Unit 1 syllabus. The CISI will provide a list of project titles, from which candidates will choose one

Derivatives Investment funds Financial services and regulation Taxation, investment wrappers, and trusts Other retail financial products

Unit 1 – Introduction

Learning hours:80 hours of guided learning in the class-room

Four lessons a week initially Three lessons a week later

Assessment:One-hour, 50 question multiple choice exam

Pass mark is 70% Computer based

Time-table:Exam takes place in first week after Summer Half-Term

i.e. 6th – 10th June 2011

Unit 2 – Extended ProjectLearning hours:120 hours in total

40 hours of learning research skills in the class-room 40 hours of supervised research and writing in the class-room 40 hours of unsupervised research and writing outside the class-room

Assessment:Externally-marked 3,000 – 4,000 word report

Plus a 500 word evaluation

Time-table:Report must be submitted in two stages

Internal submission deadline is final week of Spring Term i.e. 4th – 6th April 2011

Final submission for external marking is week before Summer Half-Term

i.e. 23rd – 25th May 2011

Unit 2 – Extended ProjectProject titles:The CISI has provided four Extended Project titles from which students must pick ONE as the subject of their research

Students are advised to use the wording provided by the CISI but they can seek approval to amend the title slightly if they have a particular line of enquiry they wish to pursue

1. What role have the financial services played in the global economic crisis?

2. Is there sufficient provision in the UK for consumers to complain and request compensation?

3. “I don’t need a pension because my house will fund my retirement”. Discuss4. Is working in the financial services sector a worthwhile career?

Unit 2 – Extended Project

Research:Most of the Extended Project subjects will require students to undertake primary research

Primary research means gaining information first hand – not from books or the Internet

It is anticipated the students will need to spend the equivalent of 4-5 days undertaking primary research

Visiting and interviewing in person firms and institutions in the City, Canary Wharf and West End Phone calls and e-mails

Unit 2 – Research activitiesThe remainder of the visits will be arranged and undertaken independently by the students They may comprise a number of half-day schedules or full-day schedules, depending on availability of various City personnel to meet them. These visits will take place in second half of the Winter Term (Weeks 9-15) and first half of the Spring Term (Weeks 16-22).

Students researching the same project title may want to join forces when trying to secure appointments and visiting City institutions However the project report must be written independently

There is a strict anti-plagiarism policy: do not copy each other’s work and do not copy material from the Internet, books or journals without attributing it to the proper source