Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning

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

This program is accredited by the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA).

Higher education

Students may apply based on previous Higher Education study:

• Completed an undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from an approved tertiary institution; or
• Completed a Graduate Certificate, or equivalent, from an approved tertiary institution.

Work and Life

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. https://www.utas.edu.au/study/apply/admission-requirements/recognition-of-prior-learning

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 units. 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.

Please note: Based on current availabilities it may not be possible to complete the course within 1 year if commencing in Semester 2.

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.