Start Date
February
July

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
DBRF

SATAC Code
424921 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 68.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 68.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
View full entry requirements

Degree overview

  • Study one of the first FASEA approved bachelor degrees in Australia.1
  • Meet the education requirements to practise as a qualified financial adviser.
  • Explore how to prepare detailed financial plans which meet legal and regulatory requirements, and develop skills in personal budgeting, superannuation and retirement planning, financial risk management and estate planning.
  • Gain practical skills with software commonly used in the financial planning industry and access our state-of-the-art Iress Trading Room on campus, which features the same technology used by the world’s leading banks and investment firms.
  • Add a 1-year master’s degree to your studies with our Fast-track to Masters package and complete an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in just four years.
  • Gain real-world experience as part of your studies through an internship, student exchange or mentorship opportunity.
  • Choose your preferred learning style and balance life’s other commitments with options to study full-time or part-time as well as on campus, online or in mixed mode.
  • Benefit from exam preparation resources and workshops so you feel confident for your exams.
  • Study a curriculum informed by above world-class research in Business2.
  • Study at a university recognised globally in Business. UniSA Business is in the top one per cent worldwide and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence3.
  • Study at a university ranked No. 1 in SA4 and Top 15 in Australia for Business and Economics5.
  • UniSA Business is accredited by both AACSB International and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies.
  • Develop career-ready skills employers are looking for once you graduate with enterprise skills embedded in all business courses within this program.
  • Gain industry insights and valuable networking opportunities.

1The degree is a Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) approved program. The Financial Adviser Standards and Conduct Unit (FASCU), The Treasury, have taken on the responsibilities of the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) as of 1 January 2022. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 3UniSA Business is one of just 13 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2024. 2023 QS Stars Business School Ratings. 42024 THE Subject Rankings. 52023 THE Subject Rankings.

Snapshot

Business_Hub_images-38 copy.jpg

This program is a FASEA approved degree by the Financial Adviser Standards and Conduct Unit (FASCU), The Treasury1 and will equip you with the education requirements to practise as a qualified financial adviser.

Explore an exciting career in a dynamic and growing area of the financial services industry with one of the first bachelor programs in Australia to meet new education requirements.

We’ve worked closely with industry to develop our course content, and regularly consult with Treasury to ensure your degree meets the most up-to-date industry standards.

What is a financial adviser?
Financial advisers assist clients to build and manage their personal wealth, tax, financial risk and spending over their lifetimes. They consider a number of factors such as current wealth, income and lifestyle aspirations, and develop plans so their clients can reach short and long-term financial goals.

With a strong practical focus and access to state-of-the-art technology, you will further your skills in preparing detailed financial plans and documentation which meet legal and regulatory requirements. 

1The degree is a Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) approved program. The Financial Adviser Standards and Conduct Unit (FASCU), The Treasury, have taken on the responsibilities of the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) as of 1 January 2022.

What you'll learn

Business_Hub_images-63 copy.jpg

You will start with core courses in areas such as analytics, accounting and economic theory. These will give you a solid grasp of business fundamentals that you can apply to a range of careers.

In your specialisation you will develop your expertise across areas such as: tax; superannuation; insurance; personal finance; relevant legislations, regulations and codes of practice; as well as building and managing client relationships – a critical focus area for future financial advisers.

You will study estate planning and compulsory courses that have been outlined in Treasury's education requirements, including ethics and professionalism, and financial advice regulatory and legal obligations. In your final year, you will also develop and present a detailed statement of advice (SOA) – a comprehensive document financial advisers provide to clients based on their needs and goals.

This program is recognised a FASEA approved program1 which means it provides you with the essential education requirements to practise as a qualified financial adviser after graduation.

1The degree is a Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) approved program. The Financial Adviser Standards and Conduct Unit (FASCU), The Treasury, have taken on the responsibilities of the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) as of 1 January 2022.

Tertiary Transfer

If you have a Pass average or above from another eligible degree, you may be eligible to use this as entry into this program. Learn more.

 

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL)

If you have undertaken related Higher Education, TAFE, VET, Professional body, or work experience, you may be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) and reduce the duration of the degree. Learn more.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Accounting for Business ACCT 1008 4.5 Note(s): 3
Quantitative Methods for Business MATH 1053 4.5 Note(s): 3
Principles of Economics ECON 1008 4.5 Note(s): 3
Personal Finance BANK 1002 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Business Law LAWS 1018 4.5
Career Development in Business BUSS 1060 4.5 Note(s): 3
Business and Society BUSS 1057 4.5 Note(s): 3
OR
International Study Tour 4.5 Note(s): 2
OR
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1
Financial Markets and Institutions BANK 1005 4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Marketing Principles: Trading and Exchange MARK 1010 4.5 Note(s): 3
Entrepreneurship for Social and Market Impact BUSS 2085 4.5 Note(s): 3
Introduction to Financial Planning BANK 2008 4.5
Macroeconomics ECON 1007 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Companies and Partnership Law COML 2005 4.5
Business Intelligence INFS 2036 4.5
Ethics and Financial Advice BANK 2012 4.5
Management and Organisation BUSS 2068 4.5 Note(s): 3
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Portfolio and Fund Management BANK 3004 4.5
Taxation Law 1 ACCT 3002 4.5
Superannuation BANK 3014 4.5
Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Risk Management and Insurance BANK 3013 4.5
Estate Planning BANK 3012 4.5
Applied Financial Planning BANK 3005 4.5
Strategic Financial Analysis BUSS 3083 4.5
OR
Strategic Management BUSS 3023 4.5

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus, you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week. 

Assessment

Marketing_Clinic-15 copy_1.jpgYour studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professional and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

  • reports, project documentation, case studies and presentations
  • essays and assignments
  • examinations
  • industry relevant research-based projects
  • practicals and team-based projects
  • contributions to the workplace and classroom.

In addition to meeting new education standards, Treasury has also outlined new professional requirements. This includes completing a professional year (for new entrants only), passing a national exam, undertaking Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and completing a code of ethics course.

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Why Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning)

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This degree FASEA approved degree will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to practise as a financial adviser and succeed in the financial services sector1.

Your course content has been developed in conjunction with leading industry experts and researchers to ensure that what you learn is practical, relevant and current to today’s changing business landscape.

You’ll learn from expert academics and practising financial advisers. Your studies are enriched by the unique insights from professionals who know the ins and outs of the industry and understand the unique challenges and opportunities that financial advisers face today.

You will also use our state-of-the-art Iress Trading Room which includes a market data feed, trading software as well as XPLAN financial planning software common in practice.

You can participate in an investigative study tour learning about business practices and financial sectors as well as political and cultural influences in other regions.

The financial services profession has recently introduced new education standards, making it more important than ever for practising and aspiring financial advisers to hold a recognised qualification. If you’re currently working in financial planning, you’ll need to complete a Treasury-approved program by 2026 to continue practising. If you’re looking to enter the industry, you’ll now need to study a Treasury-approved program to start your career.

UniSA Business is the only business school in South Australia accredited by both AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies recognising excellence in business education and research at a global level. These dual accreditations demonstrate the high standards we hold across all areas such as teaching, student learning and research, as well as our commitment to continually improving the quality of our programs.

1The degree is a Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) approved program. The Financial Adviser Standards and Conduct Unit (FASCU), The Treasury, have taken on the responsibilities of the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) as of 1 January 2022. 

Fast-track to Masters

Want to gain a postgraduate degree with just one extra year of study? You can package the Bachelor of Business with a Master of Management and graduate with two qualifications in four years with our Fast-track to Masters package. You’ll study a three-year bachelor's degree and a one-year master’s degree (which typically takes two years) by swapping selected undergraduate courses or electives for postgraduate courses, and set yourself up for career success, fast. 

Combined degrees

We offer a wide range of combined degrees so you can specialise in two fields and expand your career prospects. Discover how you can pair this degree with another business degree, or a degree from another discipline, and tailor your qualifications to your interests. 

More ways to study

Our flexible delivery and extracurricular opportunities are designed to suit your lifestyle, preferred learning style, and career interests. You can benefit from online and on-campus study, part-time or full-time learning, Summer and Winter School intensive courses, mentoring and networking opportunities with industry, and accelerated learning pathways. Plus, you can make the most of professional development courses endorsed by industry, build leadership skills by participating in the UniSA+ Award, or seek support at our on-campus Business Student Hub

UniSA ACCELERATE

Kickstart your business degree early through UniSA ACCELERATE. Study up to two university courses while you're in Year 12 and have the option to count this study towards your SACE Stage 2.  

Real-world connections

In addition to learning from teachers with professional experience as part of your studies, we also offer opportunities for you to connect with industry outside the classroom. There are a range of engagement opportunities available to you, including:  

  • Build your networks and career options by participating in the Business Career Mentor Program, which pairs you with an experienced business professional  
  • Undertake a Business Internship or complete an industry project, and apply the skills and knowledge gained from your studies in a real workplace setting 
  • Become a global citizen through our international exchange programs– we have more than 80 partner institutions worldwide, and study options that range from two weeks to one year 
  • Meet one-to-one with a senior business executive through our Executive in Residence program. You’ll receive expert guidance and gain workplace insights that will support your career development. 

We host regular University-wide careers events and workshopsexpos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas. 

Study Financial Planning at UniSA

Hear from Geoff Pacecca, Founder and Principal Adviser of GAP Financial and UniSA Financial Planning lecturer, about our suite of programs and the benefits of furthering your unstoppable career at UniSA.

UniSA Video

Career outcomes

Your career

Our quality teaching and experiences beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career ready.

The financial services industry is one of the leading sectors in the Australian economy and plays a key role in facilitating the productive flow of funds between industries, companies and people.

There are a range of roles you could pursue in diverse businesses. There are opportunities in financial institutions, investment banks, superannuation and insurance funds, and financial advisory firms – or you can choose to be self-employed and set up your own practice. Financial advisers can also specialise in several areas, such as tax planning, risk management or retirement planning.

Careers to consider:

  • Client relationship manager: providing high value, holistic and strategic financial advice to clients; identifying opportunities to build new client relationships and strengthen existing ones; researching the latest products and regulations; and focusing on delivering a high-quality customer experience.
  • Estate planner: providing clients with legal, financial and accounting advice to ensure long term financial protection of their estate during life and post-mortem; ensuring any assets are dispersed according to the wishes of the deceased in an effective way; and developing estate plans which may include preparing wills, life insurance, family trusts and manage tax implications for beneficiaries.
  • Insurance broker: researching and reviewing available finance and insurance products to meet client requirements; arranging insurance, home loan mortgages and other types of finance for clients through banks, lenders, financiers and insurance companies; help clients understand insurance policy conditions, risks, premium rates and benefits; preparing reports for underwriters and liaise with other insurance professionals.
  • Investment adviser or manager: developing financial plans and investment strategies for individuals and organisations; monitoring investment performance and review investment plans based on needs and changes in the market; buying and selling stocks and bonds for clients; and providing advice on tax implications, securities, insurance cover, pension plans and real estate.
  • Qualified financial planner or adviser: helping clients to meet short-term and long-term financial goals; assisting with legal and financial documents, financial laws and regulatory requirements; providing advice on personal investments and social security planning, estate planning, tax planning, employee benefits planning and insurance planning; and delivering a high-quality customer experience.
  • Superannuation consultant: providing compliant financial advice in areas such as personal and business superannuation, retirement income stream products, pensions rollovers and annuities; interpreting new legislation changes and consider the impact of those changes on the portfolio of funds, help clients understand merits of Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSF), and develop retirement plan strategies.
  • Wealth manager: delivering holistic wealth management strategies and plans to help clients grow and sustain long-term financial goals; providing services across a range of areas including financial planning, investment management, and financial advice on pensions, trusts, inheritances, estate planning, retirement planning, and tax bands; and possessing knowledge of software solutions and key platforms in the industry.

In addition to new education standards, Treasury has outlined new professional requirements. This includes completing a professional year (for new entrants only), passing a national exam, undertaking Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and completing a code of ethics course.

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program is a Financial Adviser Standards, The Treasury approved program.

Industry facts

column-chart-growth

Between now and 2023, the ABS projects the number of professional finance roles in Australia will increase.

Australian Bureau of Statistics, Catalogue 8165.0 – Counts of Australian businesses, including entries and exits, June 2015 to June 2019.

handshake-business-team

The main topic areas of financial advice clients seek advice on are superannuation and investment advice, loans and investment advice, self-managed superannuation fund advice, and tax advice.

Financial Services Royal Commission, Some Features of the Australian Financial Planning Industry, 2018.

money-trees

Australia’s financial services sector is the largest contributor to the nation's economic growth.

Financial Services Council. State of the Art 2019

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

  • go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
  • you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Student services

The Business Student Hub is a dedicated and convenient support service for business students, from first year right through to graduation. The team provides expert advice on study options, elective choices and any academic difficulties, and can help with referrals to support services across the University. The Business Student Hub is there to facilitate your life at university, so you get the most out of your UniSA experience.

You can also access a range of other student services including:

  • academic counselling
  • personal counselling
  • social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study

UniSA’s Student Association, USASA, also offers a range of other services.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers which you can work with face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies.

When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your ID cards, fees and any other questions you might have.

24/7 digital environment

This degree is offered online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:

  • study online, including accessing videos and course resources
  • participate in virtual classrooms
  • submit your assignments and get feedback online
  • use forums and discussion boards for team work and communication

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Please note some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your program director

I am Program Director: Finance and Financial Planning in UniSA Business and Lecturer in Financial Planning and Finance. I have worked at the University of Greenwich (London) and have consulted both national and international organisations in economics, finance, and financial planning.
I teach in the areas of banking, finance, and financial planning, including personal financial planning, and personal risk management and insurance. My current research focuses on aspects of corporate social responsibility (CSR), environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) factors, green finance, financial system governance and institutional reform, market spillovers, and the cost and provision of financial advice to lower socio-economic groups.
I am also a member of key industry professional bodies, and serve on relevant industry committees, enabling me to deliver the latest industry-informed knowledge to students. I believe my extensive experience helps me to understand and support students as they develop the necessary academic and practical skills to address real-world industry challenges, becoming experts in their area of interest.

Mr Ron McIver

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Mr Ron McIver
Portrait image for Mr Ron McIver

Mr Ron McIver

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

    The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

    There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

    If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

    You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

    If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

    Undergraduate

    The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

    Postgraduate

    Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

    As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central. 

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

More FAQs

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