Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning

What is this course about?

CSU's Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning develops the skills necessary for students to pursue careers as financial planning professionals.

Why study this course?

The Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning provides students with the opportunities to obtain the educational and competency skills necessary to operate as leading financial planning professionals for the 21st Century. As this industry expands rapidly, the knowledge and skill levels required to be successful financial planners is expected to expand significantly.

Students completing the course can elect to continue their studies by enrolling in the Master of Applied Finance.

Professional recognition

Completion of appropriate subjects in the Graduate Certificate provides the necessary skill set to be eligible for RG146 compliance in accordance with the requirements of the  Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

Flexibility

Our flexible learning environment allows students to study this course on-line  from anywhere in the world.  Subjects are taught using a range of blended learning techniques designed to facilitate communication and collaboration among students and academics. Online techniques include electronics reading and  relevant study materials, online meetings  and subject forums.  

Full time and part time study options are available to fit in with work and lifestyle commitments.  Students can choose to study just one subject a session, or with approval, fast-track completion by studying up to four subjects a session.

Career opportunities

CSU's Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning provides graduates with many exciting career opportunities in the financial services sector. Financial planners provide advice on investments, insurance retirement and life planning.

Employment opportunities include:

• banks
• credit unions
• mutual banks
• insurance companies
• financial planning firms

Course structure

The Graduate Certificate of Financial Planning consists of four subjects, including one core subject and three restricted electives.

More information about the course structure

Graduation requirements

To graduate students must satisfactorily complete 32 points (four subjects).

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.