Master of Financial Services
Why study the Master of Financial Services at UNE?
This course is carefully designed to provide a comprehensive study and analysis of the knowledge and skills applicable to a career in the financial services industry, in particular, the focus is on financial planning. Thus the course will give students the skills to understand and apply wealth creation principles to assist clients in achieving individual or family financial objectives through the financial planning process. The course is intended to equip students with the expertise, awareness and knowledge required to operate in an increasingly competitive environment.
Students will have the opportunity to systematically study a multifaceted and comprehensive selection of themes including financial planning, managing wealth, estate planning, risk management, the stock market, investment and portfolio management, modern portfolio theory, financial analysis, taxation, superannuation, mutual funds, applied economics, social benefits, insurance, selling and sales techniques, and relevant private and corporate law.
This course has been approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and is listed on the ASIC Training Register.
The course has also been approved by the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) as an "approved degree". In addition, the FPA grants advanced standing for units CFP2, CFP3 and CFP4 of the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) Certification Program, on successful completion of the Masters degree.
Career Opportunities
Financial Planner, and careers associated with Wealth Management, Estate Planning, Taxation, Superannuation, Mutual Funds, Risk Management and Insurance, Capital markets, Investment, Risk and return, Diversification, Portfolio Management.
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Degree Snapshot
DURATION
Up to 18 Trimesters Part-timeFEES
Full FeeInternational
2013 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale
Trimester 1, Off CampusTrimester 2, Off Campus
Trimester 3, Off Campus
How to Apply
Domestic Students
All domestic students apply directly to Graduate School of Business
For more information, click hereInternational Students
All international students should apply directly to the Graduate School of BusinessFor more information, click here
Contact Us
So we know where to direct your enquiry, please tell us if you are a current or future student:
| Official Abbreviation | MFinServ | ||||||||||||
| Course Type | Postgraduate | ||||||||||||
| Commencing |
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| Course Duration |
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| Fees | Full Fee / International | ||||||||||||
| Total Credit Points | 72 | ||||||||||||
| Benefits | The distance education model run by the Graduate School of Business encourages students to apply learning immediately. |
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| How to apply |
All domestic students apply directly to Graduate School of Business For more information, click here
All international students should apply directly to the Graduate School of Business For more information, click here |
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| Intensive Schools | Optional weekend schools are available for some units undertaken by off campus students. |
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| Entry Requirements | A candidate shall: (a) hold a three-year degree or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the School as sufficient qualification for admission to candidature; or (b) hold the UNE Graduate Certificate in Financial Services or other Graduate Certificate as approved by the Program Director of the Graduate School of Business, with a minimum Credit grade average; or (c) hold the UNE Graduate Diploma in Financial Services or other Graduate Diploma as approved by the Program Director of the Graduate School of Business. This course is not open to graduates of the UNE Bachelor of Financial Services |
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| Additional Requirements | The following documentation must be included with your online application: A copy of your CV or Resume showing at least 3 years work experience Certified or notarised copy of your Identification (eg: passport) Certified or notarised copies of Bachelor or postgraduate academic records A personal Statement covering areas such as: Your most significant experiences or achievements to date; Your long-term objectives and your expectations of this degree in fulfilling these objectives; Where you see yourself five years from now; Any other information you consider relevant to your admission. * Evidence of English Language Proficiency if previous studies were not in English |
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| Practical, Clinical or Work Experience | Work related components will be included in the course, particularly as they relate to simulated client interviews and writing reports based on the interviews; analysing simulated clients' financial needs, preparing risk profiles and writing Financial Plans. |
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| Advanced Standing | The maximum advanced standing that can be granted for units that have been successfully completed towards a postgraduate qualification at this or another university or institution is 50% of a program. Students who hold the UNE GradCertFinServ will be granted advanced standing for 24 credit points. Students who hold the UNE GradDipFinServ will be granted advanced standing for 48 credit points. |
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| Academic Colours |
Spectrum Orange (BCC 57) |
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| Further Information | 
You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE |
Admission to Candidature
A candidate shall:
(a) hold a three-year degree or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the School as sufficient qualification for admission to candidature; or
(b) hold the UNE Graduate Certificate in Financial Services or other Graduate Certificate as approved by the Program Director of the Graduate School of Business with a minimum Credit grade average; or
(c) hold the UNE Graduate Diploma in Financial Services or other Graduate Diploma as approved by the Program Director of the Graduate School of Business.
This course is not open to graduates of the UNE Bachelor of Financial Services.
Advanced Standing
Students who hold the UNE GradCertFinServ will be granted advanced standing for 24 credit points.
Students who hold the UNE GradDipFinServ will be granted advanced standing for 48 credit points.
Period of Candidature
The period of candidature shall be up to eighteen trimesters as a part-time candidate.
Course Requirements
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 72 credit points.
Program of Study
Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:
For candidates admitted under Rule (a)
| Course Structure | Credit Points |
|---|---|
| Core Units | 72 cps |
| Total | 72 cps |
To view the complete Program of Study click here
For candidates admitted under Rule (b)
| Course Structure | Credit Points |
|---|---|
| Block Advanced Standing | 24 cps |
| Core Units | 48 cps |
| Total | 72 cps |
To view the complete Program of Study click here
For candidates admitted under Rule (c)
| Course Structure | Credit Points |
|---|---|
| Block Advanced Standing | 48 cps |
| Core Units | 24 cps |
| Total | 72 cps |
To view the complete Program of Study click here
Award of Degree
Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Master of Financial Services.
Articulated Award
Subject to meeting Advanced Standing rules, candidates may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Financial Services on completion of GSB608, GSB609, GSB610 and GSB611 and continue with the Master of Financial Services subject to completing within their period of candidature.
Subject to meeting Advanced Standing rules, candidates may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Diploma in Financial Services on completion of GSB608, GSB609, GSB610, GSB611, GSB612, GSB711, GSB750 and one Listed Unit from the Graduate Diploma rules and continue with the Master of Financial Services subject to completing within their period of candidature.
Exit Pathways
Candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Financial Services on completion of GSB608, GSB609, GSB610 and GSB611.
Candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Diploma in Financial Services on completion of GSB608, GSB609, GSB610, GSB611, GSB612, GSB711, GSB750 and one Listed Unit from the Graduate Diploma rules.
Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies and exit with the Master of Financial Services must apply for re-admission and will be subject to current course requirements of the Master of Financial Services.
Improper Conduct
Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct Rules.
| Course Aims |
This course is intended to provide the knowledge and skills applicable to a career in the financial services industry; in particular, the focus is on financial planning. Thus the course will give students the skills to understand and apply wealth creation principles to assist clients in achieving individual or family financial objectives through the financial planning process. The course is intended to equip students with the skills required to operate in an increasingly competitive environment. Students will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of areas such as managing wealth, estate planning, risk management, the stock market, investment and portfolio management, modern portfolio theory, financial analysis, taxation, superannuation, mutual funds, applied economics, social benefits, insurance, selling and sales techniques, and relevant private and corporate law.
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| Learning Outcomes | Learning outcome information is currently unavailable for this course. |
| Graduate Attributes |
Knowledge of a Discipline
Masters students will develop an increased knowledge of the discipline through the learning and teaching activities associated within each unit and interaction with the unit coordinators, lecturers and tutors, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, online activities and discussion board. Students will also develop this from the assessment tasks set, especially from those outlined above: completing simulated client interviews; writing reports based on the interviews; analysing a simulated client's financial needs, preparing a risk profile and writing a Financial Plan. Knowledge will be assessed in examinations in most units, and in the various assessment methods as outlined above.
Communication Skills
There will be a communication skills component of the course. Communication skills may include written and oral assignments, essays, discussion board participation, simulated client interviews, and practical reports. In some units, they will also present oral reports and presentations on topics or projects and students will be given some advice on how to prepare these, and they will be assessed.
Global Perspectives
Many characteristics of finance provide students with a global perspective of financial and economic considerations. Such aspects as international finance, foreign exchange, international markets, in conjunction with aspects of international economics will be covered. However, please note that a specific regulatory requirement of this course is that it has a very thorough Australian focus.
Information Literacy
Practised through use of internet, assignment preparation, the use of the Learning Management System, etc. Students will use web-based tools, search for financial information online, and seek market and firm data online. Students are also taught how to use spreadsheets and industry applications. Students are assessed on their skills in obtaining appropriate information for the written assignments.
Instructions and assistance will be provided with regard to referencing and citation using the appropriate system.
Life-Long Learning
Lifelong learning academic skills are taught and practised through assignment and examination preparation. Furthermore, students learn life skills in the area of finance and finance planning such as how to interpret communications, reports and media assertions with regard to the finance discipline.
It will allow students to continue learning about the finance discipline from their own observations, reading and other media. Students will develop a range of life-long learning skills such as how to seek out new information and critically analysing such information. This course will stimulate students' intellectual curiosity and creativity.
Problem Solving
Assessments are typically focused on problem solving skills. A large part of the course is devoted to instructing students on obtaining of relevant skills in approaching problems, determining what information is necessary, seeking the required information, analysing it, and employing it properly. There is also often a focus on mathematical finance problem solving in finance units. Problem solving skills will be assessed in the written assignments and discussions.
Social Responsibility
Examples of good and bad social responsibility practices are provided in the course content. In particular, issues of corporate social responsibility and ethics are taught, practised and assessed.
Team Work
Students engage in teamwork, eg. in on-line discussions and class participation, particularly in answering tutorial questions.
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