Program summary
Program overview
Admission requirements
Program structure
Program requirements
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: domestic fee-paying places, international fee-paying places
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.)
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, with a maximum of six courses of advanced standing granted in the Master of Financial Planning. For example, students can receive advanced standing for completed postgraduate studies and approved financial planning courses.
Program structure
The Master of Financial Planning program comprises 6 required courses plus any 6 elective courses.
Required courses
Session 1, 2007 late February – early June
FIN710 Superannuation and Retirement Planning
FIN720 Financial and Investment Planning
Session 2, 2007 late June – early October
BUS704 Corporate Finance
FIN712 Taxation Planning and Estate Planning
FIN721 Risk Management and Insurance Planning
Session 3, 2007 late October – early February
BUS704 Corporate Finance
FIN711 Financial Plan Development, Consulting and Negotiation *
* FIN711 is a capstone course where a financial plan is completed as part of the assessment. FIN710 , FIN712 , FIN720 and FIN721 must be completed before attempting this course.
Elective courses
Session 1, 2007 late February – early June
ACC701 Accounting for Managers
BUS703 Research Methods for Managers
BUS705 Innovation and Entrepreneurship ***
BUS706 International Business Law and Ethics
MGT703 Strategic Management
MKG701 Marketing Management
FIN714 Financial Planning Project **
Session 2, 2007 late June – early October
BUS702 Economics for Managers
BUS705 Innovation and Entrepreneurship ***
BUS706 International Business Law and Ethics
INF701 Information Systems for Managers
MGT701 Managing Organisations
FIN714 Financial Planning Project **
Session 3, 2007 late October – early February
BUS705 Innovation and Entrepreneurship ***
MGT701 Managing Organisations #
MGT702 Managing People
MGT703 Strategic Management
MGT704 Global Business Management
MKG701 Marketing Management #
FIN714 Financial Planning Project **
** FIN714 prerequisite of BUS703 Research Methods for Managers with at least a credit grade.
*** Innovation and Entrepreneurship – you must complete prerequisite of 8 courses before attempting Innovation and Entrepreneurship and it should be studied in the last session of enrolment.
# Subject to change.
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.
Enquiries
Coordinator Graduate Studies
Faculty of Business
Tel: +61 7 5459 4444
Fax: +61 7 5430 1231
Email: mfpenquiries@usc.edu.au