Financial Services

Study mode:Online Languages: English
Local:$ 11.4 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 11.4 k / Year(s)  
StudyQA ranking:2391 Duration:36 months

Description

This course is designed to provide 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 skills required to operate in an increasingly competitive environment.

Students will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of areas 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, selling and sales techniques, and relevant private and corporate law.

The course will: a) provide a thorough grounding in the theory of finance and financial planning; b) show the application of theory of finance and financial planning; and c) require students to apply their knowledge to real world problems and projects.

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

The course has also been approved by the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) as an 'approved degree' and allows entry to the CFP® Certification Program.

Career Opportunities

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

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline You are advised to apply as early as possible Tuition fee
  • EUR 11420 Year (National)
  • EUR 11420 Year (International)
Start date February,June,October 2015 Credits 144
Duration full-time 36 months Languages Take an IELTS test
  • English
Delivery mode Online Educational variant Part-time, Full-time Intensity Flexible Attendance No Attendance Teacher support Continuous support with feedback on request

Course Content

Course Aims

This course is intended to provide 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 skills required to operate in an increasingly competitive environment.

Students will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of areas 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, selling and sales techniques, and relevant private and corporate law.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • summarise major concepts of the financial planning arena, especially the role of a financial planner and the process of financial planning;
  • be familiar with and apply investment, portfolio and financial and insurance risk management theories and strategies in the Australian and international contexts;
  • have a clear understanding of the Australian regulatory, legal, taxation, superannuation, estate planning, social security and wealth management framework in which financial planners operate;
  • understand and identify taxation implications for individuals from the financial planners perspective;
  • prepare oral and written reports and financial plans as required in the financial services area;
  • demonstrate the ability to conduct client interviews and incorporate the gained information and financial planning components to structure a financial plan;
  • evaluate and discuss contemporary social and ethical issues related to the financial planning sector; and
  • demonstrate skills that will provide the foundation for lifelong learning and career development in the financial services sector: Solve problems, evaluate data, and communicate information to both clients and the wider public.
  • Graduate Attributes

    Knowledge of a Discipline

    The Bachelor of Financial Services 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, a specific regulatory requirement of this course is that it has an 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 on-line discussions and class participation, particularly in answering tutorial questions.

    English Language Requirements

    IELTS band : 6

    To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

    take an IELTS test. More About IELTS

    Requirements

    A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Rule Undergraduate Policy).

    Assumed knowledge is any two units of English.

    Recommended studies: Mathematics for some units in the economics, finance and quantitative statistics areas. Also Accounting, Economics and Business.

    International students must meet the University's English language requirements.

    Work Experience

    No work experience is required.

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