Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University has signed a Partner University Agreement, with the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), the leading professional body for securities, investment, wealth and financial planning professionals.

As part of this agreement, students studying Newcastle Business School’s BA Honours Finance & Investment Management programme will be given an opportunity to sit two CISI professional examinations, Level 3 Introduction to Securities & Investment and Level 3 Risk in Financial Services.

Completing the Level 3 Introduction to Securities & Investments offers a comprehensive introduction to the financial services industry and is the foundation exam for many higher level CISI qualifications. The Risk in Financial Services qualification is a comprehensive global introduction to the major risk areas in financial services and can be taken as a stand-alone qualification or combined with other units to complete the Investment Operations Certificate (IOC).

Students on the programme will receive student membership of the CISI. This means students will be able to attend continuing professional development events which offer both networking opportunities and skills and competence updates.

 Professor Kevin Kerrigan, Executive Dean of Business & Law at the University and Nick Swales Chartered FCSI, CISI Board Director signed the agreement in the City Campus East One Building on the 18^th May 2016. Also in attendance were Dr Satish Sharma, Programme Director for BA (Hons) Finance and Investment Management, John Wales Programme Leader for BA (Hons) Finance and Investment Management and Dr Jackie Harvey Professor of Financial Management, Director of Business Research in the Faculty.

 The partnership between a professional body and a higher education institution is an excellent opportunity for students to bridge the gap between academia and employment.

 Professor Kevin Kerrigan said: “Newcastle Business School has a strong reputation for enhancing our students’ employability through our professionally relevant, research engaged programmes.  We are delighted to be partnering with CISI to further enhance those opportunities”.

Simon Culhane, Chartered FCSI and CISI CEO said: “We are delighted to be working with Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University, which clearly recognises that a professional qualification from a leading professional body, the CISI, can ensure students gain a competitive edge in the jobs market when combined with a highly relevant Bachelors’ degree.”

Those looking for further information on this project should contact [email protected].