News Archive

CFA Program Partnership launched with Durham Business School

(18 April 2008)

MSc students who aspire to hold the highest qualifications for a career in finance can now combine their academic studies with preparation for a professional credential in an educational partnership announced with Durham Business School.

As a CFA Program Partner, Durham Business School includes in all of its MSc Economics and Finance programmes more than 70 per cent of the study required for all three levels of the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA Program.®). The CFA Program sets a globally recognised standard for developing the skills and standards, competence and integrity of financial analysts, portfolio managers, investment advisers, and other investment professionals worldwide. It is widely considered the investment profession’s most rigorous credentialing programme. Administered in English, the CFA curriculum and examinations are identical worldwide. Less than one in five candidates who begin the rigorous programme successfully completes it and go on to earn the coveted CFA charter. Durham Business School’s MSc students will be studying for their academic qualification and their professional designation at the same time. “Competition for the best jobs in finance has never been tougher,” said Dennis McLeavey, CFA, Head, Education (EMEA). “Today more than 175, 000 candidates have enrolled worldwide to study for the CFA examinations. We know increasing numbers of recruiters are looking for candidates who have earned the CFA charter. This agreement sets Durham graduates well on the way to earning a globally recognised professional designation.” As well as providing training for the CFA Program, the initiative offers students at Durham Business School access to CFA Institute textbooks, journals, webcasts, and other educational resources. Students also benefit, from professional development events held in conjunction with the CFA Society of the UK, the UK membership body for CFA Institute candidates and charterholders. Emilios Galariotis, Director of MSc Programmes at Durham Business School, said: “We are delighted to become a CFA Program Partner. The CFA charter has long been the gold standard among professional finance qualifications. Our Masters programmes combine the highest academic standards with rigorous practical application. The Durham Business School’s partnership with CFA Institute is testament to this exceptional combination. Our students have a unique opportunity to study for outstanding academic and professional qualifications.”