Bachelor of Financial Planning

A Bachelor of Financial Planning at CQUniversity will help you build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in all aspects of financial planning. One of the advantages of studying at CQUniversity is that we offer flexible learning, giving you the choice to study full- or part-time, on- or off-campus.

Whatever mode of learning you choose, you will be equipped with general business skills as well as learning about the essential aspects of successful financial planning, including taxation and commercial law, supperannuation, investment management, risk management and estate planning.

Another benefit of studying at CQUniversity is that in your final year you will be given practical, hands-on experience in financial plan construction. This is designed to develop your analytical and strategic skills and to ensure you are work-ready when you graduate.

We have strong ongoing links with respected industry bodies, and this sees that our program is up to date and relevant to contemporary financial planning practices.

What am I studying?

Business underpins every sector of our economy and is fundamental to all industries. We rely on business for our jobs and prosperity.  In today’s competitive employment market, tertiary education skills in business are in high demand. 

There are no limitations to where a business degree can take you. Graduates choose from a broad spectrum of occupations including administration officer/manager, economics advisor, quality manager, accountant, human resources manager, marketing manager, logistics manager, hospitality manger, property professional, purchasing and materials manager – just to name a few. A business career offers diverse employment opportunities and the ability to advance from an entry-level position to supervisor, manager, consultant or senior executive within business, government or non-profit organisations in the industry of your choice.

Business graduates gain superior communication skills and have in-depth knowledge of their area of interest. They have transferable skills that allow them to work successfully in a number of professions within a variety of organisations. 

A business degree can take you all over the world, both throughout your study and when seeking employment. Tertiary-qualified business graduates may be able to gain professional accreditation in a number of fields that allow them to work abroad. CQUniversity also provides you with the opportunity to study part of your degree abroad or participate in an overseas experience while studying your degree. This gives you valuable international experience which is highly sought after by employers.

If you want to learn how business works, to think, strategise and manage – a business degree may help get you there.

Why Study Bachelor of Financial Planning at CQUni

With the growing complexity in financial markets, changes in superannuation laws and the growing need of the individual to maintain their chosen lifestyle, the need for expert knowledge in planning individuals' financial wealth has increased.  Currently there are just over 18 000 financial advisers in Australia, working for 749 advisory groups operating over 8000 practices.

CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Financial Planning equips you with general business skills, as well as the essential aspects of successful financial planning, including taxation and commercial law, superannuation, investment management, risk management and estate planning.

 As a student in the Bachelor of Financial Planning program, you will undertake foundation business courses in your first term, and then focus on the financial planning process. The final year of the program contains a set of integrated courses, designed to develop analytical and strategic skills. 

CQUniversity’s financial planning program provides you with not only with the theoretical knowledge of the finance industry within Australia, but also the practical skills and tools to construct a thorough financial plan. You will study the role of a financial planner and the process of financial planning, and develop an understanding of the Australian legal and regulatory framework in which financial planners operate, as well as the ability to apply theories of investment, portfolio management and risk management. You will also gain a clear understanding of the Australian taxation system, and the ability to identify and analyse the effects of taxation on particular financial products and strategies. You will also learn to appreciate the operation of superannuation, and identify and analyse taxation implications on the retirement needs of individuals, and also understand estate planning and how the Australian social security system is impacted by different income streams. Finally, you will learn how to integrate all of these components into the construction of a comprehensive financial plan.

Career Opportunities

On completing a Bachelor of Financial Planning, you will be able to pursue a number of career options in the business and finance industries, including roles as a:

• Client service officer
• Financial planner
• Practice principal (known as an ‘Australian Financial Services Licence holder’)
• Paraplanner (technical support to a financial planner).

Program Structure

You are required to complete a total of 24 courses (subjects) which include 20 core courses and four electives chosen from specified undergraduate programs from the Faculty of Arts, Business, Informatics and Education, provided prerequisites have been met.

Professional Recognition

Upon graduation from the Bachelor of Financial Planning you will meet the Australian Securities and Investment Commission’s minimum training standards for financial product advisors under RG146. For more information, or for enquiries concerning eligibility please refer to the ASIC website – www.asic.gov.au/asic/asic.nsf

For enquiries concerning eligibility or membership of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) please refer to the FPA official website – www.fpa.asn.au