A spokesman for USW said the university had to drop the course, accredited by the Financial Conduct Authority, due to lower than expected enrolment from students.
“The University had high hopes for this FCA accredited course that was designed in collaboration with a number of financial services employers,” he said.
“Unfortunately, there was little demand for the course and therefore it was decided that the University’s specialist financial expertise should be focused on strengthening other programmes in our financial services portfolio.”
The spokesman added that it currently had fewer than 10 students on the BSc Financial Planning, Investment and Risk course, but said the university is committed to maximising the student experience for those currently enrolled.
Adviser shortage
The news comes as a blow to the financial planning industry which has repeatedly warned that it is failing to attract graduates and trainees.
This is despite a recent survey showing that more than three quarters of financial advice firms in the UK are considering taking on additional staff in the next few years, signalling bouyant employment prospects for the sector.
Last December, the UK government said it will launch a new specialist financial adviser apprenticeship standard, offering employers up to £9,600 ($11,979, €11,270) in financial help toward the training of a competent adviser.
