Graduate Certificate of Financial Planning
2027 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2027 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Graduate Certificate of Financial Planning |
| Course credit points | 4 |
| Deakin course code | M569 |
| Course version | 2 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Business and Law |
| Course information | For students who commenced from 2024 onwards |
| Campus | This course is only offered Online |
| Duration | 1 year part-time |
| Course map - enrolment planning tool | The course map for students commencing from Trimester 1 2027 will be available soon Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8 |
| Supplementary information | Please note: This course is only available for part-time study. |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Pathways
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Stand out in a changing advice landscape with a postgraduate financial planning qualification that provides the fundamental knowledge and skills required to transition into the financial advice profession. Develop essential understanding and core skills in investment, insurance, superannuation and ethics, learning from industry experienced academics at a highly regarded business school.
You’ll practise applying regulations and frameworks to client scenarios in ways that develop your judgement, communication and problem-solving skills. This course also provides a pathway into the FAS approved Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning. You’ll graduate with the foundational capability to support financial advice and continue into further postgraduate study.
Indicative student workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Career opportunities
Career opportunities
Whether you are currently working in the financial services industry or a career changer looking to move into a financial planning role, this course prepares you to enter a variety of entry-level or support roles within the financial services sector. You will graduate with foundational skills that provide a pathway into further study or industry roles such as:
- client services officer / administrator
- paraplanner
- business development support officer
- claims administrator
- compliance support officer
- insurance adviser (personal risk)
- superannuation support consultant
This qualification also offers a stepping stone into the Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning, where you can build on your expertise and pursue more advanced roles. The Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning is accredited as a FAS-approved degree therefore providing you with a pathway to progress your career as a professional financial planner.
Participation requirements
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Mandatory student checks
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
Pathways
This course can be a pathway to:
Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning (M669)
Course learning outcomes
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Demonstrate the application of core financial planning concepts and theories in authentic contexts; and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of regulatory, ethical and legal obligations for financial advisers |
| Apply appropriate communication skills within the context of providing advice on financial matters |
| Effectively and critically navigate, evaluate and create information using a range of digital technologies |
| Analyse critically, evaluate and express sound judgement, ideas and reflection in relation to a range of core financial planning issues |
| Summarise and explain the financial planning issue to be solved and apply the financial tools necessary to reach a solution |
| Develop skills necessary for independent study and learning in the field of financial planning |
| Develop skills necessary for independent study and learning in the field of financial planning |
| Engage ethically, professionally and productively in work and a professional context, in a manner reflective of an understanding of ethical principles, a systematic knowledge of professional codes of conduct |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
Course rules
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Financial Planning you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 3 credit points of core units
- 1 credit point of course elective units.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin |
Core units
| MAA745 | Financial Planning and Economic Fundamentals |
| MAA719 | Superannuation and Retirement Planning |
| MAA769 | Ethics for Financial Services |
Course electives
Plus a 1 credit point elective unit from:
| MAA728 | Financial Behaviour and Decision Making |
| MAA700 | Estate Planning and Risk Management Strategies |
| MLC703 | Principles of Income Tax Law |
| MLC707 | Business Law |
Work experience
This course does not require students to complete compulsory work integrated learning units.
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.