Recommended Study Sequence

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Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Financial Planning Association as meeting entry requirements into the CFP Professional Education Program and is listed on the ASIC Register of courses meeting both levels of PS146 requirements. The course is also an approved postgraduate qualification meeting the educational requirements for the CPA Australia specialisation in Financial Planning.

Advanced Standing

Advanced standings may be granted for postgraduate units successfully completed at UWS or other recognised academic institutions, or postgraduate level units successfully completed with a recognised professional body. The maximum advanced standings allowed is 20 credit points comprising 25% of total study.

Admission

Applications to this course must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

International applicants should contact UWS International for details on admission. Contact information for the International Office is available from the UWS website.

Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from an approved institution; or provide appropriate evidence of general and professional qualifications or vocational experience that satisfies the university that the applicant possesses the capacity to pursue Masters level studies (this can include satisfactory completion of units in the UWS Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning).

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 80 credit points which includes five core units and three electives.

Students who successfully complete 2690 Graduate Certificate in Commerce (Financial Planning) are able to apply to progress to this course.

Core Units

Principles of Financial Planning

This introductory unit describes the nature and process of financial planning within the Australian economic and taxation environment. A range of investment products are introduced, along with an elementary exposure to risk management, retirement planning and estate planning. These issues will be extended in later units.

Principles of Investment Planning

This unit introduces basic concepts of risk and return in relation to investment planning. Various investment vehicles are covered including shares, fixed interest investments and real estate.

Planning for Retirement

This unit provides an understanding of the complex arrangements associated with the legal and financial aspects of retirement planning. It emphasises analysis of complex recent superannuation changes.

Insurance & Risk Management

This unit introduces students to the use of insurance to manage risk. It aims to identify, evaluate and manage risk in relation to a financial plan. In addition, a thorough coverage of available insurance products will be undertaken.

Estate Planning and Professional Responsibilities

This unit examines issues related to estate planning including wills and powers of attorney. In addition, the legal and professional responsibilities of financial planners is covered.

Electives

Electives may be chosen from any any postgraduate units offered by UWS or a selection made from the list of alternate units below.

Alternate Units

Taxation Planning and Implications

This unit provides an overview of complex tax areas which affect financial planning. It explores most areas of taxation including identifying income and deductions as well Capital Gains Tax and GST. It concludes with an analysis of tax avoidance issues as they affect financial planners.

Current Issues in Financial Planning

This is a capstone unit which involves the construction of a comprehensive financial plan and a research project. Being a capstone unit it expects knowledge of all technical issues covered in core financial planning units.

Capital Gains Tax

To provide an understanding of the taxation of capital gains. At the completion of this course students should have an understanding of the complexities of the taxation of capital gains in Australia; an in depth understanding of the relevant capital gains provisions in the income tax legislation; and an understanding of the practical applications of the legislation in relation to the taxation of capital gains.

Master of Commerce (Financial Planning)

The course is designed to provide the educational basis to enable students to increase competence as professional financial advisers and enable them to gain an advanced knowledge and understanding of the financial planning industry. With the increasing complexity of taxation laws, the ageing population and the focus on self-reliance in retirement, the financial planning industry is developing as a distinct profession in Australia. Individuals and organisations require the skills of professionally equipped financial planners to assist them in effective investment and risk management and also with complex retirement planning strategies.

Duration

This course is offered externally, one year full-time or two years part-time.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Financial Planning Association as meeting entry requirements into the CFP Professional Education Program and is also listed on the ASIC Register of courses meeting both levels of RG146 requirements. The course is an approved postgraduate qualification meeting the educational requirements for CPA Australia specialisation in Financial Planning.

How to Apply

All domestic applications for entry to UWS postgraduate courses must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Step by step instructions are available on on How to Apply pages.

Admission Requirements

Advanced Standing

Course Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 80 credit points which includesfive core units and three electives.

Other UWS PG Courses

GC Commerce (Financial Planning)

Do you need more information?

Request a course and application information pack or contact us.
Course Enquiry Form
International Course Enquiry Form

You are also invited to come along to our Business Masters Information Evening where you will be able to speak with academic staff members about the courses available, find out about the application process and network with like minded people.