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Find out more
Gain a head start in the growing FinTech sector with our industry connections, robust curriculum and mentorship opportunities
Receive more than one-year exemption from universities in UK and Australia, and accreditations from IBF, ICAEW, CMFAS, SCI and FPAS, as well as achieve the AFPCM certification
Learn to use industry standard financial apps and trading platforms, and acquire knowledge of emerging technologies to navigate the digital future
Course Overview
The global financial industry is undergoing radical changes, with technology and innovation bringing change at lightning speed. Gain deep insights into this new wave of banking with our Diploma in Banking & Finance (BF).
The course provides you with a broad-based knowledge of accounting and business with specialized training in banking and finance. You will learn how banks operate and acquire knowledge of banking and finance technologies such as Robotic Process Automation, Chatbot and Data Analytics.
Strong Industry Partnerships
As the Sector Co-ordinator of Singapore’s Accountancy & Financial Services cluster, we have established very strong links with industry partners to provide you with more robust learning experiences as well as industry networking and mentorship opportunities. This will give you a head start in your future career in this industry. Embark on an exciting learning journey with prestigious local and foreign banks, as well as fintech startups. Our partner companies include DBS, UOB, OCBC, Credit Suisse, Monetary Authority of Singapore, Singapore Exchange Limited, PolicyPal and The FinLab.
Recognised & Accredited
As a BF graduate, you will enjoy accreditation and module exemptions from local and foreign universities as well as professional bodies such as IBF, CMFAS, ICAEW, and SCI.
Curious about why I chose BF? Watch this!
What You'll Learn
Year 1
Economics
(3 Credit Units)
This module provides students with an understanding of the core principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics with an application of these concepts in real-world business scenarios. Topics include Demand and Supply, Price Elasticity, Market Structure, Gross Domestic Product, Unemployment, Inflation, Fiscal and Monetary policy.
Global Business
(3 Credit Units)
This module provides students with fundamental knowledge of how the external business environment, consisting of country and industry level factors, affects the overall strategy, organisational structure and various internal functions of international businesses. Students will also discuss how contemporary world affairs, such as the impact of globalisation, terrorism, pandemics, emergence of economic powers in Asia and digitalisation present both opportunities and challenges to international businesses.
Makings of a Business
(4 Credit Units)
Students will gain hands-on and real-world experience as they actively learn to integrate and apply knowledge and skills acquired in various modules to manage different types of businesses through game simulation. They will gain understanding of the inter-dependence of the different business functions, and to make data-driven decisions to address day-to-day operations of a business. They will also develop critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills as they analyse performance data and evaluate decisions to improve overall company performance.
Programming for Business
(3 Credit Units)
This module provides students with fundamental programming concepts and best coding practices through the extensive use of in-class demonstrations and hands-on practices. Students will learn how technology functions by building digital solutions such as business applications and tasks automation by applying their programming skills. Students will learn how to problem solve through computational thinking.
Statistical Applications for Business
(4 Credit Units)
This module introduces students to basic statistical concepts, tools and models. Students will learn how to organise and analyse data, as well as interpret results for decision-making in the business world. Students will apply and reinforce their learnings through data presentation and performing descriptive analysis on data generated from the Business Simulated Game.
Health & Wellness^
(1 Credit Unit) Innovation Made Possible^
(3 Credit Units) English Language Express*
(Credit Units - NA)
English Language Express aims to give you a better grounding in the English Language and to strengthen the written and oral communications skills that you will need in your academic and professional careers. You will be engaged in writing, reading, listening and speaking activities that will develop your ability to speak and write grammatically, coherently and clearly. You will also hone your reading and listening comprehension skills.
* This module is only offered to students who are weaker in the English Language.^ Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) modules account for 10 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. IS aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace. For more details on Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) electives
Click Here > Business Communication 1
(3 Credit Units)
This module teaches students to effectively refine their written and spoken communication skills, discussion techniques, and people skills. Students will learn techniques to think on their feet to deliver an effective business pitch confidently. They will learn to persuasively communicate opportunities and ideas by creatively tailoring their business message for their target audience using storytelling techniques. Students will also develop their information literacy skills to craft clear business messages using APA style referencing.
Business Law
(3 Credit Units)
This module provides students with an understanding of the basic knowledge of the law and its application in a business environment. Topics include the Singapore Legal System, Law of Contract, Law of Tort, Law of Agency/E-Commerce/Artificial Intelligence Law (E-Comm/AI Law), Law of Business Organisations, Introduction to Company Law and Intellectual Property Law. Students will also develop clarity of thought that requires a critical discerning eye and logical reasoning when applying legal principles to practical business decisions.
Kickstart a Business
(4 Credit Units)
The module is designed for students to integrate and apply learning from the different modules to address real-world challenges provided by industry partners. Using the Lean methodology, students will build a Lean Canvas Model to develop and showcase a minimum viable product to address challenges and evaluate opportunities. They will learn about resource optimisation and value creation for businesses.
Finance & Accounting for Business
(3 Credit Units)
The module imparts basic accounting and finance knowledge to students, in areas such as accounting equations, accounting principles, financial statements, ratio analysis, cash budgeting, short-term financing strategies, time value of money and capital investment analysis. Students will demonstrate their understanding by using financial software to interpret financial accounting information for decision-making in business environments when working on integrated project scenarios.
User-Centred Design for Business
(3 Credit Units)
The module covers digital media design competencies with user-centered design principles. Students will learn to use design software and apply the design competencies on digital platforms such as web, mobile and desktop. Students will also learn to address digital design issues related to the user experience, presentation of the information, the imagery and the visualisation during their designing process.
Career & Professional Preparation
(2 Credit Units)
This module supports students in their journey of self-discovery, character-building, NP values-inculcation, development of education and career goals via experiential activities and guided reflections with CPP coaches. To prepare them for their career and the future, students will also deepen their knowledge of the respective diploma curriculum and industries through learning journeys, mentorship and opportunities for interactions with alumni and industry practitioners. The module will incorporate a more comprehensive feedback and reflective approach from self, peers, tutors and the industry mentor to support students’ holistic growth and development.
Year 2
Business Communication 2
(4 Credit Units)
This module builds on the foundation of Business Communication 1 and creates opportunities for students to strengthen their oral and written communication. Students will be required to enhance their presentation skills through impromptu speeches. Students will also learn how to prepare a business proposal. Job hunting and employment skills will be introduced to prepare students for a positive start to their careers. Students will be taught to write application letters and resumes. Additionally, students will learn job interview techniques through role-plays and simulations.
Corporate Finance
(4 Credit Units)
Students will learn about the workings of a firm such as its capital structure mix and capital budgeting. Building upon financial management fundamentals, students will explore the use of appropriate approaches and valuation tools such as the discounted cash flow technique to value business projects and investments. Students will also acquire knowledge on corporate governance, the various sources and costs of capital for the firm, equity financing through IPO offering and types of corporate actions that a firm undertakes.
Digital Banking
(5 Credit Units)
This module provides an overview of the current trends and emerging technologies that drive digital banks. It covers the concepts and characteristics of open banking, including the use of open APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). Students will learn how third-party developers use APIs to build applications and services offered by financial institutions to provide greater financial transparency options for account holders. Students will also learn some of the emerging technologies like Chatbot, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Blockchain - Distributed Finance. Case studies and problem scenarios in the banking and finance sector will be used for teaching.
Financial Markets & Services
(4 Credit Units)
This module examines the structure, functions, and operations of a modern financial system. Students will learn about the key roles played by the financial markets and institutions and the major types of financial instruments used to facilitate the flow of funds. Emphasis is also given to current events and trends in the financial sector.
Financial Planning
(4 Credit Units)
This module provides students a coherent understanding of personal financial planning with the aim to help students to achieve financial freedom. The financial landscape is constantly evolving with a huge impact on personal finance. This module aims to equip students with the understanding and knowledge of the concepts and technicalities of financial planning, especially in areas of Insurance Planning, Income Tax Planning, Investment Planning, Retirement Planning and Estate Planning to enable students to make sound personal financial decisions, plan their personal finances and to prepare them for a career in providing financial advisory services.
Banking Analytics
(4 Credit Units)
This module introduces students to a set of visualisation and machine learning tools that are used for business decision-making and strategy development in the banking and finance sector. Students will learn descriptive and predictive analytics tools and model-building techniques in the banking context via hands-on practices. Students will also learn how to extract insights and apply storytelling techniques to present their data stories effectively to a target audience.
Commercial Banking
(4 Credit Units)
This module equips students with the foundation of commercial banking. Students will acquire working knowledge of the various functions such as commercial lending, trade finance, international remittances and foreign exchange management using hedging tools. Commercial lending practices, credit evaluation techniques essential for credit risk assessment, trade finance mechanisms and regulatory framework set out in commercial banking will be covered in this module.
Financial Inclusion and the Community
(2 Credit Units)
This module provides students with hands-on application of financial planning knowledge and skills to help individuals/ businesses in a targeted community to identify and access financial products and services that will meet their financial needs and goals. Using service learning as a pedagogy, students will develop social-cultural, civic, and ethical responsibility to engage the targeted community by using appropriate financial planning tools and identifying the right financial products.
Investments
(4 Credit Units)
This module focuses on the principles of investments, the key characteristics of investment instruments such as equity, fixed income securities, and derivatives, and the application of valuation techniques to value these instruments. Students will also be equipped with the knowledge to use industry-based application and trading platform to make sound investment decisions.
Settlements & Operations Management
(4 Credit Units)
This module aims to introduce the foundation of banking operations where students will be equipped with back office operations such as trade processing flow in the securities market from trade execution to trade settlement, various payment systems, trade confirmations in the fixed income and equity markets and an understanding of strategic issues in operations such as straight-through processing, business continuity plans, outsourcing and blockchain technology. It also provides an overview of the importance of compliance, risk management and control in the back office operations.
World Issues: A Singapore Perspective^
(2 Credit Units)
^ Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) modules account for 10 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in communication, innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. IS aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace. For more details on Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) electives
Click Here > Year 3
Business Persuasion & Influence
(3 Credit Units)
This module teaches students persuasive communication and social influence. Students will master boardroom presentation skills and learn to apply personal branding and networking skills. They will be assessed on their pitch to industry partners as part of the capstone project, through role-plays simulating networking situations and telling a ‘visual story’ of their learning.
Digital Marketing for Financial Services
(4 Credit Units)
This module provides a comprehensive guide to the concepts, techniques and best practices in digital marketing of financial services. It enables students to gain an overview of digital marketing and equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to digitally market financial services. Marketing concepts and applications will be infused through case studies, interactive discussions, individual research reports, group projects and industry collaboration. Students will also be taught how to create and develop a digital marketing plan for financial services.
Risk & Compliance
(4 Credit Units)
This module provides students with an overview of integrated risk management and financial crime management in the financial institutions. Students will acquire knowledge on both financial risk management such as market risk and credit risk, and operational risk management where known case studies and real-life applications are introduced. The module will also cover business continuity management, regulatory instruments compliance, cross-border financial crimes mitigation, technology risk management and other emerging issues that are critical to the development of a safe and sound financial institution.
Wealth Management
(4 Credit Units)
This module provides students with a broad overview of the Wealth Management industry. Students will gain knowledge of the conventional components of a High Net Worth Individual’s investment portfolio including equities, bonds, real estate and other alternative investment such as hedge funds, private equity and structured products. They will learn about portfolio management, performance evaluation and be exposed to the client expectations of a relationship manager and the core concepts of succession planning.
Project ID: Connecting The Dots^
(4 Credit Units)
^ Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) modules account for 10 credit units of the diploma curriculum. They include modules in communication, innovation and world issues, as well as an interdisciplinary project. By bringing students from diverse diplomas together, the interdisciplinary project fosters collaboration to explore and propose solutions for real-world problems. IS aims to develop students to be agile and self-directed learners, ready for the future workplace. For more details on Interdisciplinary Studies (IS) electives
Click Here > 6-Month Internship
(20 Credit Units)
Students will acquire work experience through supervised work immersion and on-the-job training of six months with financial institutions, government-related agencies, multinationals and other corporations. Students learn beyond the classroom boundaries with professional practitioners as their mentors. They will be provided with relevant training and equipped with knowledge and skills to enable them to perform effectively in their workplace attachments.
Career Options & Further Studies
As a BF graduate, you can find good career opportunities in fields such as fintech, corporate finance, financial planning, investment and wealth management, trade finance, treasury, risk management, settlements and operations management, as well as credit and marketing. These include roles such as banking sales executive, credit analyst and risk analyst.
The BF diploma is recognised by professional bodies like the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the Institute of Banking & Banking (IBF). It is also recognised by all local universities and many overseas universities in Australia and the United Kingdom that grant at least one year’s exemption. For industry-linked certification, you will be exempted from one module of the Capital Markets & Financial Advisory Services (CMFAS) examinations.
In partnership with the Financial Planning Association of Singapore (FPAS), all BF students will achieve the Associate Financial Planner (AFPCM) certification upon graduation. With this certificate, BF graduates can take an accelerated route to attaining the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation.
Hear From Our Students and Alumni
Oh Jia Jun
Diploma in Banking & Financial Services*, Class of 2021
Jia Jun topped his cohort, and was a recipient of the Lien Ying Chow Gold Medal, as well as the Ngee Ann Polytechnic Outstanding Achievement Award.
*Now renamed the Diploma in Banking & Finance
BFS has given me the opportunity to learn the various facets of business and finance throughout my three years in NP, and to apply this knowledge during my internship at the Monetary Authority of Singapore. I also embarked on an Overseas Immersion Programme trip to Shanghai to learn about China’s advanced banking and finance ecosystem, and how we can apply innovative solutions to drive growth in Singapore’s financial industry.
Glenn Ong
Diploma in Banking & Financial Services*, Class of 2011
Glenn is the general manager of sgCarMart Quotz, an online car auction house that helps consumers sell their cars at the highest price possible to used car dealers via bidding. Together with his team, Glenn helped to revamp the business model to enhance the customer experience, and achieved a 40% year-on-year revenue growth.
*Now renamed the Diploma in Banking & Finance
I was given a lot of autonomy to develop skill sets in BA through special interest groups. I also spent several weeks in Shanghai and California during study trips. These experiences exposed me to different cultures and broadened my interest in various topics. It showed me that the world is fascinating and there are many paths that one can take to achieve success.
Andralynn Tan
Diploma in Banking & Finance, Year 3
Andralynn is the vice-president of the Singapore FinTech Youth Chapter.
I discovered my interest in fintech during my first year at NP, and am grateful for the opportunities to deepen my knowledge in this area. For example, I had the opportunity to work with Prudential to implement an engagement quiz for Gen-Z users, and even participated in the PolyFinTech100 API Hackathon to develop a fintech prototype to address real-world problems.
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Entry Requirements
FOR STUDENTS WITH O-LEVEL EXAMINATION RESULTS
AGGREGATE TYPE ELR2B2-B
Candidates must have the following GCE 'O' Level examination (or equivalent) results.
Mathematics (Elementary/Additional)
1 - 6
Any three other subjects
1 - 6
You must also have sat for one subject listed in the 2nd group of relevant subjects for the ELR2B2-B Aggregate Type
ELR2B2-B Aggregate Type List >
FOR STUDENTS WITH OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
Find out more on entry requirements and admissions exercise periods for qualifications such as N(A)-Level, A-Level, ITE, IP, IB and more.
Click Here >
Application Information
Range of Net ELR2B2 for 2022 JAE
5 to 11
ADMISSIONS EXERCISE
Hear From A Student
Thean Zhi Wei
Diploma In Banking & Finance, Class of 2019
The
PolyFinTech100 API Hackathon was a very meaningful learning opportunity. I learnt how computers can recognise an image and how a simple chatbot can be created using publicly available trained AI agents. Having to go through brainstorming, prototyping, and finally pitching my ideas to a wide audience were challenging yet invaluable experiences for me.
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