Applicants must:
(a) have gained

(i) a second class honours degree or better from a university of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or

(ii) an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification;

and

(b) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).

In exceptional circumstances, as an alternative to (a) (i) or (a) (ii) and/or (b), where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.

English Language Requirements
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements

• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country

Eligibility
To participate in a Degree Apprenticeship programme, you must:
• be a school leaver aged 16 or over;
• be newly employed (less than 6 months before the start of the course) or be about to take up employment on a permanent contract with a minimum of 21 hours per week;
• have achieved the minimum academic entry qualifications for the course;
• pass any entry tests specified by the relevant sector;
• have a right to live and work in the UK.

Additionally:
• You can participate if you already have a degree, provided that it the course you are applying for is at a higher level than or unrelated to your previous qualification.
• You can still apply for a Degree Apprenticeship if you have been at your organisation for more than 6 months, provided you are entering a new job role that requires new competences/knowledge.
• You cannot participate if you are self-employed.

To participate in a Degree Apprenticeship programme, your employer:
• must have a permanent base in Northern Ireland;
• must ensure that apprentices are enrolled on UK/HMRC payroll for the duration of the programme, and that all apprentices are paid a wage commensurate with the role and not less than the UK minimum wage;
• must not be a public sector employer.

Your Application
You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.

Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

Start Date: September 2026.

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Careers and Opportunities
The course has been designed to provide you with an academically challenging and intellectually stimulating study of the subjects and disciplines associated with career opportunities across a broad range of areas, such as financial services, consultancy, and business analysis.

You will graduate with an in-depth knowledge of the core finance principles with a practical understanding of how theory informs professional practice, in preparation for a career in FinTech Management.

Whether you want to work in commercial banking doing credit analysis or compliance, be part of a consulting team or acting as the bridge between financial services and technology, there are a diverse range of options in this exciting and dynamic industry.

If you complete this course as a Degree Apprenticeship, vian employer, it will enable you to apply your knowledge and skills in a real life organisational setting providing you with invaluable work experience.? It will enhance your employability and career prospects by building your confidence in a business environment, providing you with tangible experience and allowing you to network and showcase your skills to potential employers.?

[Note: The University does not source apprenticeship opportunities for students.]