Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning

This qualification can serve as a bridging program for existing financial advisers who already hold an approved or relevant qualification and are only required to study a selection of remaining courses to meet education requirements.  

We’ve embedded three FASEA-approved bridging courses into this program which you can study based on your prior learning and FASEA-approved professional designations.

These bridging courses include:

• Ethics and Professionalism
• Financial Advice Regulatory and Legal Obligations, and
• Behavioural Finance Client and Consumer Behavior.
• Depending on your individual circumstances, you may need to undertake one, or all, of these courses (each course is equivalent to a 4.5 unit postgraduate course).

Completing your courses this way will be formally recognised by FASEA.

For new entrants seeking a career change
This qualification can also be used as a direct entry pathway into our FASEA-approved Master of Finance (Financial Planning) if you do not hold a prior qualification but have industry experience in a related financial services role.

Following completion of the six-month graduate certificate, you will be eligible for Advanced Standing into our master’s program, shortening the duration of your program to 1.5 years. You will need to go on to study our master’s degree to meet FASEA education requirements. 

What is a financial adviser?
Financial advisers assist clients to build and manage their personal wealth, tax, financial risk and spending over their lifetimes. They consider a number of factors such as current wealth, income and lifestyle aspirations, and develop plans so their clients can reach short and long-term financial goals.

With a strong practical focus and access to state-of-the-art technology, you will learn how to prepare detailed financial plans and documentation which meet legal and regulatory requirements.

Our Graduate Certificate consists of four advanced financial planning courses which can be completed in six months full-time (or part-time equivalent). The courses you’re required to complete will depend on the level of education you currently hold.

Depending on your individual requirements, you’ll study either one FASEA-approved bridging course (Ethics and Professionalism), or all three of the bridging courses outlined below, plus an additional elective (if this is required). Electives include topics such as investment management, regulatory and legal obligations, estate planning, risk management and insurance, superannuation, and tax.

Ethics and Professionalism: This course develops your understanding of the complexities and importance of ethical principles and corporate governance in a demanding global business environment. You’ll cover topics such as ethical factors influencing the performance of financial services, ethical decision-making models, as well as FASEA and the professional code of ethics.
Financial Advice Regulatory and Legal Obligations: This course equips you with the knowledge and practical skills required to comply with Australia’s financial services legal and regulatory regimes. You’ll analyse the law governing financial products and advice, financial licensing and the professional standards that apply to financial intermediaries.
Behavioural Finance Client and Consumer Behaviour*: Understanding client behaviours and communication styles is critical for future financial advisers to build and maintain long-term relationships. You’ll learn to apply behavioural and psychological insights to better understand client needs and provide tailored advice for people with all levels of financial literacy.