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Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2023
Start Date
January, April, June, September
Duration
1 year(s) full-time
Time Commitment
10 - 15 hours per week per course
Program Code
XGFP
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
Fees
AUD$ 27,900 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2023
- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
- IELTS speaking [6.0]
- IELTS listening [6.0]
International Admission by Country
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Entry requirements
Applicants are required to have one of the following:
A completed bachelor degree in an accounting, finance, economics or financial planning discipline from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent; or
A completed graduate certificate or higher postgraduate qualification in an accounting, finance, economics or financial planning discipline from a recognised higher education institution; or
A completed diploma or advanced diploma in financial planning and two years relevant professional experience.English language entry requirements
In addition, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.English language testPlease access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)- IELTS total [6.5]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
- IELTS speaking [6.0]
- IELTS listening [6.0]
What you'll learn
This program consists of eight advanced financial planning courses, which you can complete in one year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent). Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) based on FASEA requirements for existing advisers will be considered and can reduce the number of courses you must complete.
Your qualification will complement your industry experience and advance your knowledge in specialist areas such as investment management, estate planning, superannuation, and tax.
You can study compulsory bridging courses that have been outlined in FASEA’s education requirements including Ethics and Professionalism, Financial Advice Regulatory and Legal Obligations, and Behavioural Finance Client and Consumer Behaviour. As a graduate, you can be confident you’ll leave with the essential educational requirements to practice as a qualified financial planner.
If you’re an experienced adviser, your Graduate Diploma is an opportunity to sharpen your technical ability, legal knowledge and industry expertise. Aside from learning new and relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice, you’ll also enhance your skills in building and managing client relationships - a critical focus area for future financial planners. Throughout your studies, you’ll gain contemporary career planning strategies and techniques to boost your employability and achieve your career goals. You’ll also have opportunities to build your networks, connect with the leading industry body, the Financial Planners Association (FPA) as well as other industry professionals.
Note: Single courses are also available for existing financial advisers who only wish to complete one or more bridging courses to meet FASEA requirements.
Study hours
Studying 100% online means you can engage with course materials at your own pace, whenever it suits you – there is no need to be online at a particular time. It’s flexible around your life so you can control your study schedule week by week. As a general rule, we recommend 10 to 15 hours of study a week for each course.
Assessment
All assessments, including exams (if required) are 100% online, meaning you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or find an exam venue.
Some of your assessments may include:
- an industry-relevant project
- an online presentation
- essays and reports
Please note, courses may not be displayed in order of study.
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Rules & notes
Rules
Go here to the see the complete UniSA Online electives list.
1. Assessment requirements for this degree include at least one online exam. The online exam software has system compatibility requirements, specifically that tablets, hybrid devices and mobile devices are not supported. Please refer to the online exam requirements prior to conducting your exam to ensure your computer and software is compatible to undertake the exam.
Notes
1. Students accepted to the program who are not eligible for any Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) (as per FASEA requirements) or credit (as per university policy) will complete these courses.
2. Students who have taken, for another award, a course which is substantially equivalent to a course from the program schedule, or equivalent RPL, may be granted up to 18 units of the program in credit or may substitute a course of equal standing and unit's value, with the approval of the Program Director. Credit will only be granted for courses undertaken at postgraduate level.
3. Existing advisors who meet the FASEA requirements for RPL (see FASEA website for details) will be granted up to 18 units (4 courses) in credit, with the approval of the Program Director.
4. Existing advisors with RPL (as in note 3) will do these courses (which includes at least 3 bridging courses) and other required courses with the approval of the Program Director.
Study Financial Planning on Demand
Geoff Pacecca, Principal Adviser: GAP Financial and UniSA Online financial planning academic gives an insight into what the Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning is about, and how it has been designed to suit busy adults on the go.
Why Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning
You’ll learn from expert academics who are current practicing financial advisers themselves – including an award-winning academic who was named Financial Standard’s Power50 most influential financial advisers in Australia.* Your studies are enriched in so many ways as you’ll gain unique insights from professionals who know the ins and outs of the industry and understand the unique challenges and opportunities that financial advisers face today.
As one of the leading providers of accounting and finance education in Australia, your course content has been developed in conjunction with leading industry experts to ensure that what you learn is practical and relevant. Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to cutting-edge research associated with meeting client specific needs in light of complex regulatory requirements.
Our Centre for Applied Finance and Economics provides multi-disciplinary research on the dynamics of domestic and global economies and financial systems, bringing together economists, accountants and finance specialists from a range of backgrounds.
Extend your network and career by connecting with a senior business professional as part of our Executive Partners Program. This is a unique opportunity for you to engage with a highly successful industry executive to enhance your studies and career. Our Executive Partners are active, semi-retired or recently retired professionals who have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you achieve your career goals.
UniSA Business is the only business school in South Australia accredited by both AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies recognising excellence in business education and research at a global level. These dual accreditations demonstrate the high standards we hold across all areas such as teaching, student learning and research, as well as our commitment to continually improving the quality of our programs.
*UniSA Online Financial Planning academic, Geoff Pacecca was awarded the Financial Standard’s Power50 most Influential Financial Advisers in Australia, 2018.
Your career
Under new national regulations, all financial planners currently working in the industry will need to complete a FASEA-approved program by 2026 in order to continue practising. People looking to start their career as a financial planner will need to study a FASEA-approved program from January 2019.
In addition to new education standards, FASEA have also outlined new professional requirements. This includes completing a professional year (for new advisers only), passing a national exam, undertaking Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and completing a code of ethics course.
If you’re an existing financial adviser, your qualification opens up many more opportunities in your business and career.
If you’re looking to make a career change, there are a range of roles you could pursue in diverse businesses. There are opportunities in financial institutions, investment banks, superannuation and insurance funds, financial advisory firms – or you choose to be self-employed and set up your own practice. Financial planners can also specialise in a number of areas, such as tax planning, risk management or retirement planning.
Careers to consider:
Qualified financial planner or financial adviser: help clients to meet short-term and long-term financial goals; assist with legal and financial documents, financial laws and regulatory requirements; provide advice on personal investments and security planning, estate planning, tax planning, employee benefits planning and insurance planning; and deliver a high-quality customer experience.
Investment adviser or manager: develop financial plans and investment strategies for individuals and organisations; monitor investment performance and review investment plans based on needs and changes in the market; buy and sell stocks and bonds for clients; and provide advice on tax implications, securities, insurance cover, pension plans and real estate.
Insurance broker: research and review available finance and insurance products to meet client requirements; arrange insurance, home loan mortgages and other types of finance for clients through banks, lenders, financiers and insurance companies; help clients understand insurance policy conditions, risks, premium rates and benefits; prepare reports for underwriters and liaise with other insurance professionals.
Estate planner: provide clients with legal, financial and accounting advice to ensure long term financial protection of their estate during life and post-mortem; help ensure any assets are dispersed according to the wishes of the deceased in an effective way; and develop estate plans which may include preparing wills, life insurance, family trusts and manage tax implications for beneficiaries.
Superannuation consultant: provide compliant financial advice in areas such as personal and business superannuation, retirement income stream products, pensions rollovers and annuities; interpret new legislation changes and consider the impact of those changes on the portfolio of funds, help clients understand merits of Self Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSF), and develop retirement plan strategies.
Wealth manager: deliver holistic wealth management strategies and plans to help clients grow and sustain long-term financial goals; provide services across a range of areas including financial planning, investment management, and financial advice on pensions, trusts, inheritances, estate planning, retirement planning, and tax bands; and possess knowledge of software solutions and key platforms in the industry.
Client relationship manager: proactively engage clients by providing high value, holistic and strategic financial advice; identify opportunities to build new client relationships and strengthen existing ones; research the latest products and regulations; and focus on delivering a high-quality customer experience.
Scholarships and grants
We'll support you throughout your online studies. Apply for a range of scholarships and grants when you enrol into a UniSA Online degree. Conditions apply.
Industry facts
Enquire now to study with UniSA Online
Control how and when you study with our 100% online degrees.
Your study experience and support
Study On Demand
Our online career-focused degrees give you full control and ultimate flexibility over your study. It’s Study On Demand, on your schedule, on your terms.
- Designed specifically for your online learning
Designed by a team of academic and online experts, our course materials are delivered in an interactive way using innovative digital technology and state-of-the-art teaching and learning resources. - Study when it suits you
Our online degrees support students who lead busy lifestyles. With four start dates a year in January, March, July and September there is no need to interrupt your life. - Take control of your study schedule
With all content available from day one of your course, you have the power to plan your study schedule in advance. - Finish each course in 10 weeks
Our courses are delivered within 10-week terms to keep you motivated throughout your degree. Study two courses a term or just one. - 100% online study
You won’t need to come onto campus for coursework, assessments or exams. Complete all study for your degree where it suits you. - Get the help you need
Whether you need help with course content or assessments, we offer the academic support and services you need to be successful in your studies. - Adjust your study to your life
There’s no need to interrupt work and family life or spend money on travel and student accommodation. Organise study around your life. - Learn from world-renowned academics
Get a degree that’s designed and taught by leading academics and industry professionals. - 100% online interactive learning environment
Our interactive online learning environment supports all your study needs. Log in anytime, on any device, wherever it suits you. - Access a library of over 700,000 digital resources
Access a library of more than 700,000 digital resources including e-books, videos and journal articles. Our Ask the Library virtual service can help you locate, access, evaluate, use and reference a range of information resources.
Why UniSA Online?
Our graduates get jobs
UniSA is ranked in the top two in Australia for graduate employability.1 Join a university known for its employment outcomes. Your UniSA Online degree is more than just a piece of paper – it will prepare you to start your career or take it to the next level.
Specifically designed for online learning
Our team of academic and online experts have created interactive and media-rich course material using innovative digital technology and state-of-the-art teaching and learning resources. Every degree has been specifically designed for online learning to ensure you graduate with the skills and knowledge for your future career.
Backed by industry
Every UniSA Online degree is overseen by an experienced industry advisory board. We've also consulted with industry experts with a wealth of experience to design course content that reflects the most cutting-edge developments in your field. Our industry connections will enrich your online study experience - you'll be presented with industry problems that real organisations face. You'll also gain the skills and knowledge that industry are telling us they need in graduates.
Expand your professional network from wherever you are
Online study doesn’t mean studying on your own. You’ll connect with a community of other like-minded students – you’ll be able to share, debate and collaborate ideas through virtual classrooms, online chat, video conferencing, and online communication tools.
1 Ranked #2, 2021 QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey – Graduate Employability Skills Indicator. Public universities.
Student support
Studying can be challenging, especially when you’re also juggling work and other life commitments. You’re not studying 9-5, Monday to Friday, which is why we provide personalised, extended hour support services – including on weekends – so you can get help when you need it.
Dedicated Student Adviser support
Our Student Advisers will be an important part of your student journey – they’ll help you enrol, discuss your study goals, communication preferences, and will be your first point of call for all your general study questions. They’ll link you to an extensive range of support services and resources across the University and will help schedule appointments with specialised services if required.
Online academic support seven days a week
You’ll be supported by our highly experienced academic team of Online Course Facilitators and Online Tutors. Our academics will guide you through your learning and ensure you have an outstanding, high-quality education.
They can help you with your course materials and assessments, provide feedback on your work, assist you with referencing as well as answer any other course-specific queries. You’ll be able to contact your academics via email, online discussion forums and live messages in the online learning environment.You can also communicate in real-time and chat face-to-face with your academics online.
24/7 tech support
Our IT Help Desk is available 24/7 to provide assistance with your computer set up, student email, software requirements and other UniSA apps and student applications. You’ll be able to get support no matter what time it is.
24/7 digital environment
Our interactive online environment supports all your study needs. You’ll be able to track your progress through the student dashboard, plan your study schedule, receive reminders on due dates for tasks and assessments, as well as collaborate and network with a community of other like-minded students.
Using innovative technology in online education, your study experience will be highly personalised based on your learning activities throughout your degree. Just like your own personal study coach, you’ll get tailored feedback to enhance your learning outcomes and ensure you’re successful in your studies.
What others are saying
"I have over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, including ten years working in Sydney as a Financial Services Executive. I was honoured to be awarded the Financial Standard’s Power50 most influential financial advisers in Australia for 2018. I am currently a Principal Adviser and founder of GAP Financial.
My role at UniSA Online allows me to bring my industry experience to develop course content that is relevant and practical for current and aspiring financial planners.
Students will learn best-practice processes and client strategies using real-world case studies taken from the industry."
Geoffrey Pacecca
Founder, GAP Financial
My UniSA degree parchment hangs proudly in my office along with my Advanced Diploma of Financial Services and Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) certificates. Clients express satisfaction in knowing that they are dealing with someone who has passed the academic requirements to hold the industry’s highest qualifications and be at the forefront of technical knowledge and skills.
In an ever-changing environment, continual learning represents commitment to being the best I can be for myself, my business and my clients.
Mark Bastiaans
Principal Financial Adviser, Advice SA
IT Requirements
As a general rule of thumb, any desktop or laptop computer purchased in the past three years should be capable of meeting your online learning needs. While mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones will be able to access most of your online course content, there are likely to be elements of most courses where we recommend you use a desktop or laptop computer. Your computer should be able to:
- run a modern browser (Microsoft Edge, Firefox 24, Safari 5, or Chrome 32 or later versions)
- run Java
- run programs to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations
- use a web camera and headset (or ear pods with microphone)
- Some UniSA Online degrees require an online exam. The online exam software – Remote Proctor Now – has specific capability requirements. Please refer to the system requirements prior to conducting your exam to ensure your computer is compatible.
Access free IT software and resources
As a UniSA Online student, you'll:
- Get free access to the full Office 365 ProPlus suite, which includes full versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access and Lync software. Install the full suite on up to five different devices (PC and Mac compatible).
- Get 1Tb of personal storage that syncs with your PC or mobile device through OneDrive - it's like an extra hard drive that allows you to open any of your files from any of your devices, whenever you need them.
- Get free access to LinkedIn Learning - Access more than 5000 video courses on a broad range of topics such as: the Microsoft Office suite, time management and study skills, health and wellbeing, communication and presentation skills, photography, film making and designing your own games or mobile apps.
- Be able to connect with others using Microsoft Teams, Yammer and the Outlook Web App.
There are some degrees that have specialised software requirements. We've made this software available to students to access for free - you'll be able to download and install any of the required programs on your own device anywhere and anytime. See if your degree requires specialised software.
Check your device
Our computer system test will determine if your device has the base system resources and software required to study online. It'll also check the speed of your internet connection.
See if your computer, laptop or device is all set up and ready to go – it takes just a few seconds.
The application process is easy – just follow these simple steps:
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Submit an online enquiry
If you're ready to apply, the first step is to fill out and submit our online enquiry form. Here you'll be asked a series of questions to see if you're eligible. Following your online enquiry, one of our Degree Advisers will contact you at your preferred time to discuss the application process.
Enquire now > -
Speak to a Degree Adviser and start your application
If you're eligible, you'll receive an email outlining the entry requirements and the relevant documentation you need in order to be considered.
In order to verify your academic qualifications, you'll need to upload relevant documents like your official parchment, certificates or transcripts. If you have work experience, you will need to upload your CV as well as any other documents like work references, professional recognition or accreditation or your training certification.
Your email will contain information on the specific documents you need to provide as well as a link to begin your application. You'll be asked to create an account and set your own password.
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Complete your application and send through your documents
In order to proceed with your conditional offer, you’ll need to complete your application and provide required evidence of your previous study or work experience.
Enquire now >
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When should I apply?
UniSA Online degrees start four times a year in January, April, June and September. There are key application dates for each term. If you're looking to apply for credit, there are different closing dates you need to be aware of, so it's always best to double check. Key dates can be found at unisaonline.edu.au/key-dates.
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Do I have to be online at set times?
All of our courses are asynchronous, meaning you choose when to study, whenever it suits you. However, if your degree has online exams, you will need to sit these at a designated date and time. Some courses may also require you to speak to your academics via phone or online communication channels at a mutually agreed time as part of your assessment.
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What academic support is available?
Our academics are available seven days a week, including weeknights. Throughout your degree, you’ll be supported by our highly experienced academic team of Online Course Facilitators and Online Tutors. Our academics will guide you through your learning and ensure you have an outstanding, high-quality education.
They can help you with your course materials and assessments, provide feedback on your work, assist you with referencing, and can answer any other course-specific queries.
You’ll be able to contact your academics via email, online discussion forums and live messages in the online learning environment. You can also communicate in real-time and chat face-to-face with your academics online.
If you need after-hours learning support, Studiosity is a great resource that can help you with your writing, academic language, grammar and referencing. You’ll also be able to chat online with a Studiosity online adviser.
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How is my degree structured?
Full-time students study two courses each term. It makes earning a degree completely achievable, especially if you’re working. Your degree is delivered over four terms each year. Each term runs for ten weeks with two-week breaks in between each term.
You’ll also have the option to go part-time, or switch between the two. If you need to take a break in your study, that’s an option too. We recommend speaking to your Student Adviser who can help you update your study plan and check when your courses are offered.
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What career prospects do I have with my university qualification?
Our degrees are designed in conjunction with industry experts, employers and professional associations, and informed by the latest developments in your field. You will graduate with in demand skills and up-to-date knowledge required by industry.
You will be studying with a university known for its employment outcomes. Your UniSA degree is more than just a piece of paper – it will prepare you to start your career, or take it to the next level. UniSA's online students have graduate employment rates well above the national average.*
UniSA Online qualifications follow the same Government Higher Education Standards Framework as our on-campus degrees. The parchment you receive at the end of your degree will be the same as any other University of South Australia student.
*UniSA External UG full-time employment rate 83% Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018
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What are the main differences between online, on-campus and distance education?
The knowledge you gain from each mode of study is the same – it's how you get there that's different. When you study online, everything from your course material to weekly activities and assessments are fully online. You'll communicate with academic staff and students via live messages, online discussion forums and email.
Studying on campus requires students to physically come on to campus at specific times to attend lectures, tutorials and practicals. On-campus students have face-to-face contact with academics and fellow students and also communicate via email and online discussion boards.
Distance Education involves physical course material packages being sent to students, usually print based but occasionally audio or video. Communication is usually via telephone, mail and email. In today’s digital era, distance education has been superseded by online education.