Manchester Metropolitan become the latest higher education provider to partner with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) to help students begin a career in the insurance and personal finance profession.

The professional body in the insurance and financial planning profession offers qualifications catering for all levels of knowledge and experience.

The new partnership with Manchester Metropolitan will give the university’s undergraduate and postgraduate students in finance the opportunity to gain a CII qualification, in addition to their university degree through self-directed study, at a reduced academic rate.

The academic rate is around a third of the amount charged to employed insurance and personal finance professionals who wish to obtain CII qualifications.

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.

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

Joanne Bambrick, senior lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “We are pleased to work with the CII so that our students can complement their academic work with professional studies that will help them stand out to prospective employers. By achieving CII qualifications, our students will improve their chances of accessing a rewarding career in the financial services and insurance profession.

“Manchester is a thriving city with a well-developed financial services sector. At Manchester Metropolitan we are always looking for ways to work with employers within this sector and to develop those relationships by enhancing the employability skills of our students.”

Sian Fisher, CEO of the Chartered Insurance Institute, added: “The CII is partnering with modern, employability focused Universities and Business schools to highlight the variety of career opportunities for graduates in the insurance and personal finance profession.

“We are delighted to work with Manchester Metropolitan University on our joint commitment to attracting new talent to the profession.”