Bachelor of Business – Financial Planning

From January 2022, the Financial Adviser Standards (FAS), which forms part of the Treasury Department of the Australian Government, sets the education and training standards and the Code of Ethics for licensed financial advisers in Australia. Prior to FAS, this was managed by the Financial Advisers Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA).

FAS has approved Swinburne Online’s undergraduate and post graduate courses in Financial Planning. This includes the Bachelor of Business – Financial Planning and the Bachelor of Business – Accounting and Financial Planning. It also includes the Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning.

Graduates of a FAS approved Swinburne course will satisfy the education standards and requirements prescribed by FAS to provide financial advice in Australia.

Graduates are eligible for entry into the Financial Planning Association of Australia’s CFP (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER) certified program. Students who hold a Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning from Swinburne Online will receive recognised prior learning for CFP1 – 4, and will only need to complete the CFP Capstone unit to become a CFP.

With the guidance of OLAs that have real world experience in your field of study, you’ll complete each of your units in Canvas – your online classroom. Canvas is where you’ll access classes, assignments and discussion boards with your peers.

The Student Hub is your online campus, where you’ll access the support and resources to assist you throughout your study journey. From managing your course to technical support and library resources, you’ll find it all in one easy location.

Swinburne Online will be there for you each step of the way. From enrolment through to graduation, we offer extended, flexible support in each of your units. Our OLAs are waiting to assist with anything from technical support to referencing and assignment tips.

Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees). Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply.

Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience and appropriate English language skills, or a suitable Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) result, will be considered. All students need to demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.

Read our Applying and Enrolling FAQs.

The University may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.

Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification. Minimum ATAR requirements may apply.

VCE prerequisites: Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in English (or equivalent) or 30 in English (EAL).

Read our Applying and Enrolling FAQs.

Credit transfer

Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for credit.

Applicants who have completed a Diploma in a related discipline may be eligible for credit of up to 8 units; the equivalent of a third of the course. Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit of up to 16 units.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for RPL.

Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and provides advanced standing to the second.

Credit available may vary depending on the major selected within any given degree but in most instances you may receive up to 8 unit credits.

Our Course Consultants will step you through the process of entry and credit using previous study.

Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students. You may be eligible for Swinburne Scholarships.

Assist individuals and companies to reach their long-term financial goals. Provide expert advice on investing, retirement planning, superannuation and other key financial aspects of people’s lives.

Create tailored advice and education to help individuals reach their financial goals. Use your expert knowledge to help develop plans for investments as well as savings, budget, insurance, and tax strategies.

Work with financial planners to prepare documents and data for clients. You’ll use financial management software, such as Xplan, to keep track and play an important role in the financial planning process.

In this dynamic role, you’ll use data analytics to assess processes, determine requirements and deliver data-driven recommendations and reports to key stakeholders.

Your role is all about the future – new customers, new markets, new products and new processes. You’ll plan and strategise development, helping your company to reach their business goals.

Working within the finance team of a company, you’ll prepare budgets, forecasts and use financial data to guide decision making.

Help clients manage their finances and give expert advice on financial reporting, forecasting and analysis.

Play a crucial role in supporting organisations to make informed financial decisions. You’ll be able to find ways to improve profitability, a key aspect of financial leadership.