- Program summary
- Program overview
- Admission requirements
- Program requirements
- Program structure
- Scholarships
- Enquiries
Program summary
Award abbreviation: MFinPlan
Degree type: postgraduate coursework program
Mode of study: online
Duration: 1 year minimum, 6 years maximum full-time; 2 years minimum, 6 years maximum part-time
Fee type 2009: international online fee-paying places, online postgraduate coursework places
Note: eligible students in this masters course will be able to access Youth Allowance, Austudy and the Pensioner Education Supplement from January 1 2008.
Total courses: 12
Commencement: online coursework programs run on a session basis, three times a year, commencing in February, June and October (Session 1, 2 and 3). (Three intakes per year.)
USC program code: BU711
CRICOS code: this program is delivered online only. International students please note the online mode is not available for study in Australia on a student visa.
Program overview
The Master of Financial Planning is designed for existing and intending professionals requiring a broad range of skills in financial planning. Graduates will acquire a comprehensive knowledge of financial legislation, regulations and problem-solving abilities in all facets of financial planning in order to meet client expectations.
In this program, consisting of 12 courses, you are required to complete six compulsory financial planning courses in addition to a further six courses that may be chosen from a specified list according to your area of interest.
The Master of Financial Planning is built from the four-course Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning and the eight-course Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning.
Professional membership
The University of the Sunshine Coast's courses are on the ASIC register of compliant training for financial advisors and the Financial Planning Association of Australia Ltd has approved the Master of Financial Planning 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.
Program requirements
Students are required to successfully complete 12 courses as specified in the Master of Financial Planning structure. Refer to the Academic Rules for further information.
Program structure
The Master of Financial Planning program comprises 6 required courses plus any 6 elective courses.
Required courses
Session 1, early March – mid June
FIN710 Superannuation and Retirement Planning
FIN720 Financial and Investment Planning
Session 2, late June – mid October
BUS704 Corporate Finance
FIN721 Risk Management and Insurance Planning
Session 3, late October – mid February
FIN712 Taxation Planning and Estate Planning
FIN711 Financial Plan Development, Consulting and Negotiation *
* FIN711 is a capstone course. FIN720 and either FIN710 or FIN712 must be completed before attempting this course.
Elective courses
Session 1, early March – mid June
ACC701 Accounting for Managers
BUS703 Managing Research
BUS705 Innovation and Entrepreneurship ^
BUS706 International Business Law and Ethics
INF701 Information Systems for Managers
MKG701 Marketing Management
FIN714 Financial Planning Project **
Session 2, late June – mid October
MGT702 Managing People
MGT703 Strategic Management ^
MGT704 Global Business Management
FIN714 Financial Planning Project **
Session 3, late October – mid February
ACC701 Accounting for Managers
BUS702 Economics for Managers
MGT701 Managing Organisations
MKG701 Marketing Management
FIN714 Financial Planning Project **
** FIN714 prerequisite of BUS703 Research Methods for Managers with at least a credit grade.
^ BUS705 Innovation and Entrepreneurship and MGT703 Strategic Management are integrative courses which draw on a wide range of theories and practices covered in other courses in the program. Where possible, BUS705 and MGT703 should be undertaken towards the end of the MFinPlan program.
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.
Enquiries
Faculty of Business
Tel: +61 7 5430 1221
Fax: +61 7 5430 1231
Email: businessfaculty@usc.edu.au