- Gain a professional qualification in a high-growth industry
- Opportunities for cadetships with financial services firms
- Graduates meet ASIC requirements for financial advisers
Program summary
Program title: Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning)
Award abbreviation: BCom(FinPlan)
QTAC code: 012101 **
OP / Rank for 2013 entry: OP-16 / Rank-66
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Recommended prior study: English; Maths A, B or C
Fee type 2013: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: BU357
CRICOS code: 076979A. Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
** Students may choose to complete the core and foundation courses at either the USC Noosa Centre or on campus. The remainder of the degree is completed on campus. The option to study at Noosa is not available to international students on a Student Visa.
Financial planning is the process of identifying personal and financial goals and devising effective ways to reach them.
In this program you major in financial planning and gain general business knowledge via foundation courses in economics, management, marketing, research methods, accounting, and business law and ethics. Specialised courses cover the financial planning process, investment management, finance, superannuation, taxation, insurance, risk management, and estate planning. The program is a pathway to recognised Financial Planner designation. A second major is available from the Bachelor of Business.
Career opportunities
Financial planner, fund manager, investment adviser, compliance officer, insurance broker, stockbroker, investment banker, business manager.
Professional recognition
Graduates may become members of the Financial Planning Association of Australia Ltd; and if coupled with the accounting major, CPA Australia, Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, Institute of Public Accountants.
Accreditation
This program is fully accredited with the Financial Planning Association of Australia Ltd.
Enquiries
- Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
- Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business for program advice
Program Leader
Dr John Teale
Tel: +61 7 5430 1255
Email: jteale@usc.edu.au
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 2 core courses.
- Complete 6 required introductory (100 level) courses.
- Complete 9 required advanced (200/300 level) courses.
- Complete 7 elective courses, 5 must be advanced (200/300 level) courses.
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level courses, including core courses.
- Complete no more than 6 courses from the School of Communication, School of Social Sciences or Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.
- (Optional) Use electives to complete a minor to supplement the required major.
- Register any selected Majors or Minors with Student Administration.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
Program Structure
Core courses (2)
1 required course:
COR109 Communication and Thought
PLUS select 1 core course from:
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
Introductory courses (6)
6 required courses:
ACC106 Accounting Principles
ACC108 Informatics for Financial Professionals
BUS101 Applied Research Methods
BUS102 Introduction to Economics
BUS103 Business Law and Ethics
BUS104 Management and Organisational Behaviour
Advanced courses (9)
9 required courses:
ACC211
ACC311
BUS320
FIN210
FIN220
FIN221
FIN310
FIN320
FIN321
Elective courses (7)
Select 7 elective courses, 5 must be advanced (200/300 level) courses.
Up to 6 electives may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Study Plan
Core courses (2)
required course:
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| COR109 Communication and Thought |
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship | |||
| COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability |
Introductory courses (6)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACC106 Accounting Principles | |||
| BUS102 Introduction to Economics | |||
| BUS103 Business Law and Ethics | |||
| BUS104 Management and Organisational Behaviour | |||
| ACC108 Informatics for Financial Professionals | |||
| BUS101 Applied Research Methods |
Advanced courses (9)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACC211 Business Finance | |||
| FIN210 Introduction to Financial Planning | |||
| FIN220 Retirement and Superannuation | |||
| ACC311 Taxation Law and Practice | |||
| FIN310 Personal Investment Management | |||
| BUS320 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility | |||
| FIN221 Insurance and Risk Management | |||
| FIN320 Tax and Estate Planning | |||
| FIN321 Financial Plan Construction |
Elective courses (7)
Select 7 elective courses , 5 must be advanced (200/300 level) courses.
Up to 6 electives may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
TOTAL UNITS 288