Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning

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. Career opportunities can be found with medium to large sized ‘dealer groups' that often operate like a franchise, institutional-owned financial adviser firms with employed advisers, and as an independent financial planner who may have their own licence or work with a licensee.

The Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning is a short program that can be completed in one term (five months) of full-time study. This program provides the building blocks for a career in financial planning. The courses taken are integrated to provide you with a strong set of analytical and strategic skills. 

When undertaking this program, you must complete one core course in financial planning fundamentals and you will choose two of four additional financial planning courses in areas such as taxation and estate planning, retirement planning, investment planning and risk management and insurance planning. These electives allow you to design your study to suit your interest and desired career outcomes.

The Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning is a pathway to the Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning. Both programs have been designed with industry input, ensuring that they meet the needs of employers. Offered both on-campus and by distance education, both part time and full-time we allow you to gain the skills and knowledge to work in the field and the flexibility to balance work, study and family commitments.

Why Study at CQUniversity

CQUniversity’s postgraduate business programs are designed to expand and build on your existing expertise and skills, in turn equipping you with everything you need to advance your career or shift it in a new direction.

We understand that both your professional and personal life is already busy, so we offer a flexible learning environment where you can combine your study with your career and lifestyle.  We do this by providing you with a choice of on-campus or distance education study options in either full-time or part-time modes, so you can tailor your study to suit your individual needs.

Our core business programs offer you a choice of specialisation – namely in human resource management, international business, engineering and marketing management, all of which are accredited with relevant industry bodies.   Whatever program you choose, you can be rest assured that it will be up-to-date and relevant to the latest industry practices, and will be delivered by some of the finest and most experienced lecturers and academics in the field.

At CQUniversity our aim is to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.  So whether you are looking to boost and widen your career prospects or to satisfy a desire for further learning, CQUniversity can deliver everything you need for a successful career.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning include:

• A recognised undergraduate degree; or 
• Demonstration of substantial relevant practical experience (5 years) in the field of financial planning.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities can be found with medium to large sized ‘dealer groups' that often operate like a franchise, institutional-owned financial adviser firms with employed advisers, and as an independent financial planner who may have their own licence or work with a licensee. 

On completing the Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning  you will be qualified for a variety of careers such as a Financial Planner, Financial Advisor, Paraplanner, Fund Manager, Financial Dealer, Broker and Trader.

Program Structure

You are required to complete 3 courses (24 credit points) including:

• one core course
• two financial planning specialist courses from those provided.

Course Information

For example courses you could study as part of the Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning program please click here.

As CQUniversity is committed to providing quality, up-to-date and relevant education, please note courses are refreshed regularly and may not be an exact indication of course availability for your study. Please call 13CQUni 13 27 86 if you have specific questions regarding course information regarding your specific application.

Professional Recognition

Students should consult the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) regarding accreditation and membership enquiries.

Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) - RG146 compliance - specific specialist areas

Please note, if you require full RG146 compliance you will also need to complete the unit FINC20015 as a non-award unit in order to show evidence of skills assessment.