Please note: No new enrolments from 2011—program suspended from Jan 2011–Dec 2013.

Program summary

Program title: Master of Financial Planning
Award abbreviation: MFinPlan
Degree type: coursework
Mode of study: online
Duration: 1 year minimum, 6 years maximum full-time; 2 years minimum, 6 years maximum part-time.
Fee type 2011: online postgraduate coursework places, international online fee-paying places
Total courses: 12
Commence: Session 1, Session 4 or Session 8
USC program code: BU711
CRICOS code: Not available to international students on a Student Visa.

Highlights

• Become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
• Gain comprehensive knowledge of financial legislation and regulations
• Apply for a scholarship to help meet your study costs

As a Certified Financial Planner you can bank on a prosperous future.

Financial planners face constant change in the regulation of the industry and reforms in the financial system. The Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning gives you the opportunity to develop your skills to cope with this increasing complexity and ambiguity. When completing the 4-course Graduate Certificate it is possible for you to meet the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) requirements for financial planning competencies, if you study the appropriate sequence of courses.

For full ASIC compliance in all Tier 1 products, you must complete the following:

• FIN720 Corporate Finance
• BUS704 Superannuation and Retirement Planning
• FIN721 Financial Plan Development, Consulting and Negotiation
• FIN710 Taxation Planning and Estate Planning or FIN712 Financial and Investment Planning

The Graduate Diploma is an 8-course program that builds on the Graduate Certificate and articulates into the Master of Financial Planning. It provides you with fundamental skills in financial planning, investment, risk management, and superannuation and taxation planning. In addition, you choose two elective courses according to your interest. On completion of the Graduate Diploma, you are a qualified financial planner and have the skills to advise clients.

The Master of Financial Planning is for existing and intending professionals who need a broad range of financial planning skills. To meet client expectations, you acquire a comprehensive knowledge of financial legislation and regulations, and problem-solving abilities in all facets of financial planning. In this 12-course program, you must complete six compulsory financial planning courses and choose a further six elective courses according to your area of interest.

Professional recognition

The University of the Sunshine Coast’s courses are on the ASIC register of compliant training for fi-nancial advisors; and the Financial Planning Association of Australia Ltd has approved these programs as a pathway to the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.

Admission requirements

Applicants who possess a Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution or other formal qualifications acceptable to the Postgraduate Studies Financial Planning Committee are able to apply. Other applicants may be able to enter the Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning and/or the Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning and articulate into the Masters program.

Membership of a professional association and professional experience of at least five years may be approved by the Dean in association with the Postgraduate Studies Financial Planning Committee as a suitable admission requirement into the Master of Financial Planning.

Applicants whose first language is other than English must demonstrate an appropriate level of English proficiency by providing evidence of one of the required qualifications.

Advanced standing

Course(s) completed elsewhere may count towards a student's qualification with the University of the Sunshine Coast. This is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Scholarships

Candidates wishing to apply for a scholarship must complete a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Scholarships are available at several levels, including a half waiver of full fees, and a quarter waiver of full fees. The level of scholarship awarded will depend on the achievements evidenced by prospective students as part of their admissions process. Further information will be provided on request for prospective students interested in applying for a scholarship.

For more information visit Student scholarships for Business masters programs.

Study Plan

This Study Plan is valid from Study Period 1, 2011.

For students who commenced study in this program prior to Study Period 1, 2011:

• Find the Student Handbook for the semester in which you commenced.
• Select the program in which you are enrolled.
• Scroll down to your relevant Program Structure.

Program requirements and notes

• Student must complete a minimum of 12 courses including all required courses listed below.
• Not available to international students on a Student Visa.

Program structure

Required courses: (6)

Elective courses: (6)
Select 6 courses from:

TOTAL UNITS 144

The University attempts to ensure this information is accurate and up-to-date. However, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary program/course information at any time without notice.

Enquiries

Faculty of Business
Tel: +61 7 5430 1221
Fax: +61 7 5430 1231
Email: businessfaculty@usc.edu.au

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