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 RG146 requirements. The course is also an approved postgraduate qualification meeting the educational requirements for the CPA Australia specialisation in Financial Planning.
Advanced standing 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 standing allowed is 20 credit points comprising 25% of total study.
Applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline
A Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in financial services, accounting or finance.
Applications from Australian citizens and holders of permanent resident visas must be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
International applicants must apply directly to the University of Western Sydney via UWS International.
Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof can be found on the Universities Admissions Centre website (UAC).
Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and UWS.
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 (PG)
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 (PG)
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 (PG)
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 (PG)
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 (PG)
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 (PG)
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 (PG)
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 (PG)
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.
