Graduate Certificate in Financial Services

Why study the Graduate Certificate in Financial Services at UNE?

The course is designed to provide a comprehensive study and analysis of the knowledge and skills applicable to a career in the financial services industry, in particular, the focus is on financial planning. Thus the course will give students the skills to understand and apply wealth creation principles to assist clients in achieving individual or family financial objectives through the financial planning process. The course is intended to equip students with the expertise, awareness and knowledge required to operate in an increasingly competitive environment.

Students will have the opportunity to study a strategic selection of themes such as managing wealth, estate planning, risk management, the stock market, investment and portfolio management, modern portfolio theory, financial analysis, taxation, superannuation, mutual funds, applied economics, social benefits, insurance and relevant law topics.

This course has been approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and is listed on the ASIC Training Register.

(Please note, students who require full RG146 compliance will also need to complete the unit 'GSB612 Developing the Financial Plan' as a Non-Award unit, in order to show evidence of skills assessment.)

Career Opportunities

Financial Planner, and careers associated with Wealth Management, Estate Planning, Taxation, Superannuation, Mutual Funds, Risk Management and Insurance, Capital markets, Investment, Risk and return, Diversification, Portfolio Management.

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

Up to 2 years Part-time

FEES

Full Fee
International

2015 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale

Trimester 1, Off Campus
Trimester 2, Off Campus
Trimester 3, Off Campus

Official Abbreviation GradCertFinServ
Course Type Postgraduate
Commencing
Location Admission Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Off Campus
Armidale Trimester 2 Off Campus
Armidale Trimester 3 Off Campus
Course Duration
  • Up to 2 years Part-time
Fees Full Fee / International
Total Credit Points 24
Intensive Schools

Optional weekend schools are available for some units.

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall:

(a) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification in a non-relevant discipline and at least two years management experience*; or

(b) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification in a relevant discipline** and at least two years work experience*; or

(c) have at least five years of work experience including at least three years in management*.

All applicants must submit two referee reports from employers or senior colleagues, plus a resume.

Degree holders must submit a personal statement (approx. 500 words) outlining:

(i) their most significant experiences or professional achievements to date;

(ii) their long-term objectives and expectations of this degree in fulfilling these objectives; and

(iii) where they see themselves five years from now.

Non-degree holders must submit a 1000 word essay requesting admission detailing:

(i) their most significant experiences or professional achievements to date;

(ii) their long-term objectives and expectations of this degree in fulfilling these objectives;

(iii) where they see themselves five years from now;

(iv) why they have the capacity to be admitted without a prior degree to this program and the skills that they hold that will enable them to meet the learning outcomes of the course; and

(v) any other information they consider relevant to their admission.

*Management can refer to resources and/or people in the area of Financial Planning and approved areas of work experience include Financial Planning.

**Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to:

Finance and Accounting

Practical, Clinical or Work Experience

Work related components will be included in the course, particularly as it relates to simulated client interviews and writing reports based on the interviews; analysing simulated clients' financial needs, preparing risk profiles and writing Financial Plans.

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Advanced standing is available for other postgraduate study that has a reasonable correspondence with units prescribed for this degree.

The maximum advanced standing that can be granted for units that have been successfully completed towards a postgraduate qualification at this or another university or institution is up to 50% of a program.

Academic Colours

Spectrum Orange (BCC 57)

Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE

These course rules & plans are ONLY to be used if you commenced, transferred or changed versions in the Graduate Certificate in Financial Services in 2015.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall:
(a) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification in a non-relevant discipline and at least two years management experience*; or
(b) hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification in a relevant discipline** and at least two years work experience*; or
(c) have at least five years of work experience including at least three years in management*.

All applicants must submit two referee reports from employers or senior colleagues, plus a resume.

Degree holders must submit a personal statement (approx. 500 words) outlining:
(i) their most significant experiences or professional achievements to date;
(ii)their long-term objectives and expectations of this degree in fulfilling these objectives; and
(iii) where they see themselves five years from now.

Non-degree holders must submit a 1000 word essay requesting admission detailing:
(i) their most significant experiences or professional achievements to date;
(ii)their long-term objectives and expectations of this degree in fulfilling these objectives;
(iii) where they see themselves five years from now;
(iv) why they have the capacity to be admitted without a prior degree to this program and the skills that they hold that will enable them to meet the learning outcomes of the course; and
(v) any other information they consider relevant to their admission.

*Management can refer to resources and/or people in the area of Financial Planning, and approved areas of work experience include Financial Planning.

**Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to:
Finance and Accounting

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.
Advanced standing is available for other postgraduate study that has a reasonable correspondence with units prescribed for this degree. The maximum advanced standing that can be granted for units that have been successfully completed towards a postgraduate qualification at this or another university or institution is up to 50 percent of a program.

Period of Candidature

The period of candidature shall be up to two years as a part-time candidate.

Course Requirements

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 24 credit points with at least 18 credit points at 400-level and not more than 6 credit points at 500-level.

Program of Study

Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:

Course Structure Credit Points
Core Units 24 cps
Total 24 cps

To view the complete Program of Study click here

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Graduate Certificate in Financial Services.

Appeals

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Student Appeals.

Improper Conduct

Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct Rules.

Course Aims

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive study and analysis of the knowledge and skills applicable to a career in the financial services industry, in particular, the focus is on financial planning. The course will give students the skills to understand and apply wealth creation principles to assist clients in achieving individual or family financial objectives through the financial planning process. The course is intended to equip students with the expertise, awareness and knowledge required to operate in an increasingly competitive environment.

Students will have the opportunity to systematically study a strategic selection of themes such as managing wealth, estate planning, risk management, the stock market, investment and portfolio management, modern portfolio theory, financial analysis, taxation, superannuation, mutual funds, social benefits, insurance and relevant law topics.

Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
  1. demonstrate specialised understanding of key concepts of the contemporary financial planning arena, especially the role of a financial planner and the process of financial planning;
  2. demonstrate knowledge of investment, portfolio and financial and insurance risk management theories and strategies in the Australian and international contexts;
  3. communicate an understanding of the Australian regulatory, legal, taxation, superannuation, estate planning, social security and wealth management framework in which financial planners operate;
  4. demonstrate understanding of taxation implications for individuals from the financial planners perspective;
  5. prepare oral and written reports and financial plans as required in the financial services area;
  6. conduct client interviews and incorporate the gained information and financial planning components to structure a financial plan; and
  7. display familiarity with contemporary issues related to the financial planning sector.
Graduate Attributes
Knowledge of a Discipline

Students will develop an increased knowledge of the discipline through the learning and teaching activities associated within each unit and interaction with the unit coordinators, lecturers and tutors, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, online activities and discussion board. Students will also develop this from the assessment tasks set, especially from those outlined above: completing simulated client interviews; writing reports based on the interviews; analysing a simulated client's financial needs, preparing a risk profile and writing a Financial Plan. Knowledge will be assessed in examinations in most units, and in the various assessment methods as outlined above.

Communication Skills

Communication skills may include written and oral assignments, essays, discussion board participation, simulated client interviews and practical reports. In some units, they will also present oral reports and presentations on topics or projects and students will be given some advice on how to prepare these and they will be assessed.

Global Perspectives

Many characteristics of finance provide students with a global perspective of financial and economic considerations. Such aspects as international finance, foreign exchange, international markets, in conjunction with aspects of international economics will be covered. However, please note that a specific regulatory requirement of this course is that it has a very thorough Australian focus.

Information Literacy

Practised through use of internet, assignment preparation, the use of the Learning Management System, etc. Students will use web-based tools, search for financial information online and seek market and firm data online. Students are also taught how to use spreadsheets and industry applications. Students are assessed on their skills in obtaining appropriate information for the written assignments. Instructions and assistance will be provided with regard to referencing and citation using the appropriate system.

Life-Long Learning

Lifelong learning academic skills are taught and practised through assignment and examination preparation. Furthermore, students learn life skills in the area of finance and finance planning such as how to interpret communications, reports and media assertions with regard to the finance discipline. It will allow students to continue learning about the finance discipline from their own observations, reading and other media. Students will develop a range of life-long learning skills such as how to seek out new information and critically analysing such information. This course will stimulate students' intellectual curiosity and creativity.

Problem Solving

Assessments are typically focused on problem solving skills. A large part of the course is devoted to instructing students on obtaining of relevant skills in approaching problems, determining what information is necessary, seeking the required information, analysing it and employing it properly. There is also often a focus on mathematical finance problem solving in finance units. Problem solving skills will be assessed in the written assignments and discussions.

Social Responsibility

Examples of good and bad social responsibility practices are provided in the course content. In particular, issues of corporate social responsibility and ethics are taught, practised and assessed.

Team Work

Students engage in teamwork, eg in online discussions and class participation, particularly in answering tutorial questions.

How to Apply

Domestic Students

All domestic students apply directly to Graduate School of Business

For more information, click here

International Students

All International students should apply directly to Graduate School of Business. This course is only available off-campus (distance education).

For more information, click here

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