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Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning
PostgraduateTAS-MFP-GDI2024
Course information for 2024 intake
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
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 8
- 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.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $23,840
The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
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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.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
| Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
| Finance Managers | Over $120K | Up 24.7% |
| Financial Brokers | Over $120K | Up 47.5% |
| Financial Dealers | Over $120K | Up 4.8% |
| Financial Investment Advisers and Managers | Over $120K | Up 25.4% |
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