What will I learn in a graduate certificate in financial planning?

Are you considering a graduate certificate in financial planning and aren’t sure what you will learn in it? Let us remove any confusion and give you the answers that you need! A graduate certificate in financial planning usually provides you with the foundation you need to move into a career as a financial planner, covering principles of financial and investment planning and taxation laws. Let us walk you through the content in more detail and tell you everything you need to know about this postgraduate course.

What you study in a graduate certificate in financial planning

A graduate certificate in financial planning is typically split into four units, each of which takes around seven weeks to complete. Typically, you will spend eight months studying part-time to gain your qualification, with flexibility to pause your studies if needed. The course provides you with a good foundation for working as a financial planner and an understanding of taxation laws in Australia. While the unit titles and content might differ slightly depending on where you complete your course, you can expect overlapping content, with units including:

Principles of financial and investment planning

Here you will learn about higher-order responsibilities and the legislative framework that is used in financial planning advice. You will also learn about the functions and principles of investing in financial markets, where you will need to know about compliance and the role of the financial advisor. The unit teaches you about assessing risks, managing multi-asset portfolios, and creating plans for clients.

Case studies will be used to help consume this information, and podcast interviews with practitioners and discussions will be available.

Risk management and estate planning

Here you will learn about risk management and the methodologies used to protect and distribute wealth. You will learn about estate planning and effective personal insurances, analysing policies and risk management products for their effectiveness. You will look at the role of estate planning, the laws and compliance that must be followed, and how we can use strategic tax planning to avoid hefty inheritance tax bills for clients.

Case studies are used to help determine risk for clients and create strategies that help to manage their risk while growing their personal assets and wealth.

Superannuation and retirement wealth planning

In this unit, you will look at superannuation and retirement planning trends, comparing them with non-superannuation options, and learn how to present retirement planning to clients. You will learn about the importance of retirement wealth planning and how you can help a client create the ideal strategy to prepare for their retirement.

Taxation Law of Australia

Here, you will learn about Australian Tax Laws and the consequences of not following the tax law. You will learn about tax implications and how they relate to individuals, businesses, and trusts, and how you can create the right tax planning solutions for them. Case studies will be used to help you design tax plans and learn about the legislation in place.

What do I need to apply for a graduate certificate in financial planning?

The entry requirements for a graduate certificate in financial planning can vary depending on the course provider, but typically, you will need an Australian bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a similar discipline. If you do not have this, you can apply for the course if you have at least five years of approved work experience in a relevant field. Your course provider can provide you with more information on what counts as relevant experience and can answer any questions you have about the application process.

What can I do with a graduate certificate in financial planning?

After completing the course, you have several career options. Students who have completed the course find themselves in the following roles:

• Business development manager
• Client service officer
• Financial planner
• Financial adviser
• Insurance adviser
• Risk adviser
• Superannuation consultant

You can also choose to remain in education and complete your Master of Financial Planning. This advanced postgraduate qualification provides you with a greater insight into the role of a financial planner and can provide you with access to higher-paid roles and promotions.

Start your graduate certificate in financial planning today

A graduate certificate in financial planning will provide you with the foundational knowledge to offer financial advice and help clients plan for their future. When looking for a financial planning course, we recommend Victoria University, which offers online financial planning courses that encourage you to think critically and engage with the course materials. Start your graduate certificate in financial planning today.