CII works with university to broaden Scottish talent pool

The university’s undergraduate and post graduate risk programmes are already accredited against the CII’s Learning Qualifications framework.

In addition to this prior learning recognition, Glasgow Caledonian University (Glasgow) undergraduate and postgraduate students will now have the opportunity to gain a CII qualification at a reduced academic rate.

Glasgow Caledonian University (Glasgow) students can extend their studies by taking additional CII units at the academic rate, which is around a third of the amount charged to employed insurance and personal finance professionals.

By paying to study for a CII qualification students will also become members of the CII for the duration of their studies at the university.

Membership of the CII gives them access to local institute networking events, mentoring schemes and career support.

Glasgow Caledonian University (Glasgow) is the latest of several universities to team up with the CII to provide their students with a pathway into a career in the insurance and personal finance profession.

University of East Anglia, Coventry University, Blackburn College, Manchester Metropolitan and the University of Gloucestershire already offer their students access to CII qualifications at an academic rate.

Dr Patrick Ring, Reader in Financial Services in the Department of Accounting and Risk at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), said: “As a council member of the Insurance and Actuarial Society of Glasgow, I recognise this is a great opportunity for our students to gain a qualification from the CII, alongside their GCU degree, that will help them access a rewarding career helping improve consumer’s financial resilience and wellbeing, which aligns with GCU’s ‘Common Good’ mission.

“The CII’s qualifications, coupled with their academic work at GCU, will help students stand out to prospective insurance and financial services employers in Scotland and help build the next generation of insurers and financial advisers.”

Sian Fisher, CEO of the Chartered Insurance Institute, said: “Our Scottish corporate customers want fresh talent, which is why we work with local universities to help students in the region gain the skills, knowledge and behaviours they require to access a career in the insurance profession.

“We are delighted to work with one of our longstanding partners in the region, Glasgow Caledonian University (Glasgow), to innovate and develop their offering to attract more fresh talent to the profession.

“The CII is committed to ensuring we understand the needs and priorities of insurance and personal finance professionals today and in the years to come. We are undertaking a consultation exercise to produce a professional map, which will be used to further our partnerships with modern, employability-focused universities. These partnerships are key to ensuring we can be a partner in professional development at every stage of an individual’s career.”