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Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning
Postgraduate | TAS-MFP-GDI | 2024
Become confident in providing compliant advice
Graduate as a financial planner who feels assured in giving compliant financial advice. Hone your knowledge in planning and para-panning services, different financial products and meeting various clients’ needs.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- No dates available
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 8
- Price from
- $23,840
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning
About this degree
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Apply advanced knowledge and understanding (including critical understanding of theories and principles) of the practice of financial planning.
- Use advanced skills and abilities to apply the 6- step financial planning process in accordance with Financial Planning Standards Board standards and ethical practices.
- Exhibit the competence to manage complex technical or professional activities or projects in the field of financial planning, with responsibility for decision-making.
- Demonstrate commitment to ethical behaviour, and compliance with a Code of Ethics and/or Code of Professional Conduct Commitment to providing financial planning in the best interests of clients while observing all legislated and professional ethical obligations including those prescribed under ASIC’s RG 146.
The aim of the program is to provide a sound understanding of the process of financial planning, together with some of the fundamental skills and knowledge that are required. In line with these objectives, each of the recognised steps in the financial planning process that have been developed by financial planners will be examined in detail, namely: gathering qualitative and quantitative data; identifying goals; identifying financial problems including: setting priorities, deciding on trade offs and considering opportunity costs; preparing or interpreting written recommendations; implementing agreed-upon plans; and, reviewing, revising and maintaining personal financial plans.
The `key areas' that are important for the financial planning process are examined, namely: the regulatory framework; investments; managed funds; superannuation; home ownership; risk management and insurance; taxation; consumer credit; social security; estate planning. The role of institutional culture and organisational systems impacting on ethical practice and the need and opportunity to professionalise financial advice will be examined. Learning and teaching in this program focus on the key areas of financial planning theory, process, strategies and practice.
The program takes a structured, scaffolded approach (over two semesters) to its curriculum, where knowledge, skills and graduate attributes are built over time through an integrated and complementary set of financial planning subjects. The program is based around a dynamic, real world learning approach to student centred education, where students take responsibility for their own learning. Blended learning, as the central teaching and learning philosophy, forms the basis of the learning experience, where the class – whether online or face to face – is a space for in-depth, theory-practice discussion with peers, academic staff and financial planning professionals.
The program is designed to develop students’ knowledge and skills to apply financial planning philosophy and theory to analyse, evaluate and develop solutions and strategies to financial planning problems through authentic, problem-based learning. The Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning is designed for financial planners who provide a range of standard financial planning services and individuals providing specialist para-planning services. It provides a range of skills and knowledge associated with providing compliant financial advice to a range of clients across different types of financial products. Graduates will have the capacity to reflect on experiences, and interpret complex information and practices through research and inquiry. Work functions in the occupational areas where this qualification may be used are subject to regulatory requirements.
Recommended study pattern
For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended:
Completion of 8 core subjects from the schedule below:
- TAS-BFA508 Introduction to Financial Planning
- TAS-BFA509 Risk and Estate Planning
- TAS-BFA514 Commercial Law and Financial Services Regulation
- TAS-BFA515 Ethics and Professionalism
- TAS-BFA607 Investment Planning
- TAS-BFA608 Retirement Planning
- TAS-BFA609 Taxation Strategies
- TAS-BFA610 Financial Planning Skills
Award requirements
Satisfactory completion of 8 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 1-3 years from commencement.
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
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Entry requirements
For entry into the Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning, students must meet the following criteria:
- Completed an undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from an approved tertiary institution; or
- Completed a Graduate Certificate, or equivalent, from an approved tertiary institution
Students may apply based on qualifications, relevant work experience or other special circumstances, as approved by the Executive Dean or delegated authority. Refer all applications to UTAS
The University of Tasmania grants credit and recognition of prior learning that may include formal and/or informal prior learning. More information is available here.
Career opportunities
Graduates will be qualified to become financial planners with the capacity to reflect on experiences and interpret complex information and practices through research and inquiry.
The Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning is designed for financial planners who provide a range of standard financial planning services and individuals providing specialist para-planning services. It provides a range of skills and knowledge associated with providing compliant financial advice to a range of clients across different types of financial products. Work functions in the occupational areas where this qualification may be used are subject to regulatory requirements.
Professional recognition
The Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning is an externally accredited degree.
This course is accredited by FASEA and upon completion of the course, graduates meet the Financial Adviser Standards. The Financial Adviser Standards are administered by the Australian government department: Treasury. For further requirements on the Financial Adviser Standards, please visit the Treasury website. Note that there may be additional requirements for becoming a Financial Adviser beyond the completion of the program.
Career outlook
- Finance Managers:
- Over $120K
- Financial Brokers:
- Over $120K
- Financial Dealers:
- Over $120K
- Financial Investment Advisers and Managers:
- Over $120K
Degree FAQs
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
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