Graduate Diploma
You'll learn from expert academics who are current practicing financial advisers themselves - including an award-winning academic who was named Financial Standard's Power50 most influential financial advisers in Australia.* Your studies are enriched in so many ways as you'll gain unique insights from professionals who know the ins and outs of the industry and understand the unique challenges and opportunities that financial advisers face today.
As one of the leading providers of accounting and finance education in Australia, your course content has been developed in conjunction with leading industry experts to ensure that what you learn is practical and relevant. Throughout your studies, you'll have access to cutting-edge research associated with meeting client specific needs in light of complex regulatory requirements.
Our Centre for Applied Finance and Economics provides multi-disciplinary research on the dynamics of domestic and global economies and financial systems, bringing together economists, accountants and finance specialists from a range of backgrounds.
Extend your network and career by connecting with a senior business professional as part of our Executive Partners Program. This is a unique opportunity for you to engage with a highly successful industry executive to enhance your studies and career. Our Executive Partners are active, semi-retired or recently retired professionals who have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you achieve your career goals.
UniSA Business is the only business school in South Australia accredited by both AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EFMD (EQUIS) - the world's leading accreditation bodies recognising excellence in business education and research at a global level. These dual accreditations demonstrate the high standards we hold across all areas such as teaching, student learning and research, as well as our commitment to continually improving the quality of our programs.
*UniSA Online Financial Planning academic, Geoff Pacecca was awarded the Financial Standard's Power50 most Influential Financial Advisers in Australia, 2018.
This program consists of eight advanced financial planning courses, which you can complete in one year of full-time study (or part-time equivalent). Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) based on FASEA requirements for existing advisers will be considered and can reduce the number of courses you must complete.
Your qualification will complement your industry experience and advance your knowledge in specialist areas such as investment management, estate planning, superannuation, and tax.
You can study compulsory bridging courses that have been outlined in FASEA's education requirements including Ethics and Professionalism, Financial Advice Regulatory and Legal Obligations, and Behavioural Finance Client and Consumer Behaviour. As a graduate, you can be confident you'll leave with the essential educational requirements to practice as a qualified financial planner.
If you're an experienced adviser, your Graduate Diploma is an opportunity to sharpen your technical ability, legal knowledge and industry expertise. Aside from learning new and relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice, you'll also enhance your skills in building and managing client relationships - a critical focus area for future financial planners. Throughout your studies, you'll gain contemporary career planning strategies and techniques to boost your employability and achieve your career goals. You'll also have opportunities to build your networks, connect with the leading industry body, the Financial Planners Association (FPA) as well as other industry professionals.
Note: Single courses are also available for existing financial advisers who only wish to complete one or more bridging courses to meet FASEA requirements.
Under new national regulations, all financial planners currently working in the industry will need to complete a FASEA-approved program by 2026 in order to continue practising. People looking to start their career as a financial planner will need to study a FASEA-approved program from January 2019.
In addition to new education standards, FASEA have also outlined new professional requirements. This includes completing a professional year (for new advisers only), passing a national exam, undertaking Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and completing a code of ethics course.
If you're an existing financial adviser, your qualification opens up many more opportunities in your business and career.
If you're looking to make a career change, there are a range of roles you could pursue in diverse businesses. There are opportunities in financial institutions, investment banks, superannuation and insurance funds, financial advisory firms - or you choose to be self-employed and set up your own practice. Financial planners can also specialise in a number of areas, such as tax planning, risk management or retirement planning.
Careers to consider:
Qualified financial planner or financial adviser: help clients to meet short-term and long-term financial goals; assist with legal and financial documents, financial laws and regulatory requirements; provide advice on personal investments and security planning, estate planning, tax planning, employee benefits planning and insurance planning; and deliver a high-quality customer experience.
Investment adviser or manager: develop financial plans and investment strategies for individuals and organisations; monitor investment performance and review investment plans based on needs and changes in the market; buy and sell stocks and bonds for clients; and provide advice on tax implications, securities, insurance cover, pension plans and real estate.
Insurance broker: research and review available finance and insurance products to meet client requirements; arrange insurance, home loan mortgages and other types of finance for clients through banks, lenders, financiers and insurance companies; help clients understand insurance policy conditions, risks, premium rates and benefits; prepare reports for underwriters and liaise with other insurance professionals.
Estate planner: provide clients with legal, financial and accounting advice to ensure long term financial protection of their estate during life and post-mortem; help ensure any assets are dispersed according to the wishes of the deceased in an effective way; and develop estate plans which may include preparing wills, life insurance, family trusts and manage tax implications for beneficiaries.
Superannuation consultant: provide compliant financial advice in areas such as personal and business superannuation, retirement income stream products, pensions rollovers and annuities; interpret new legislation changes and consider the impact of those changes on the portfolio of funds, help clients understand merits of Self Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSF), and develop retirement plan strategies.
Wealth manager: deliver holistic wealth management strategies and plans to help clients grow and sustain long-term financial goals; provide services across a range of areas including financial planning, investment management, and financial advice on pensions, trusts, inheritances, estate planning, retirement planning, and tax bands; and possess knowledge of software solutions and key platforms in the industry.
Client relationship manager: proactively engage clients by providing high value, holistic and strategic financial advice; identify opportunities to build new client relationships and strengthen existing ones; research the latest products and regulations; and focus on delivering a high-quality customer experience.