Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning (GDFP)

DOMESTIC STUDENTS ONLY

The Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning (GDFP) is a flexible program designed to equip students with advanced skills to tackle complex financial challenges. The course prepares graduates for professional memberships and proficiency in dynamic work environments. Aligned with The Institute of International Studies (TIIS) strategic vision, the GDFP offers face-to-face, online, and asynchronous learning options to meet students’ diverse needs. The course meets the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) education requirements.

Overview

The Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning (GDFP) qualifies students to identify, delineate and manage complex challenges people and organisations face in the financial services environment. The GDFP prepares graduates for memberships in affiliated associations. Graduates at this level will have improved advanced knowledge and a high level of ability to work professionally in challenging work environments and/or pursue further education to stay current and remain proficient in a rapidly evolving profession.

Careers

Financial Adviser/Planner
Paraplanner
Compliance Manager
Client Relationship Manager
Client Services Administrator
Estate Planner
Insurance Broker/Advisor
Superannuation Consultant
Wealth Manager/Advisor

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

Personal Finance Management: Evaluate the key issues and challenges involved in managing personal finances within the evolving financial planning landscape.
Financial Planning Functions: Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of core financial planning functions, professional ethics, regulatory requirements, and applied research methodologies.
Ethical and Sustainable Practices: Understand the ethical dimensions and regulatory obligations crucial to financial planning and promote socially responsible and sustainable practices.

Skills

Problem Solving: Review, analyze, and synthesize knowledge to develop effective solutions to complex financial planning problems.
Critical Evaluation: Critically evaluate and interpret information, data, and resources to generate effective and ethical solutions in financial planning.
Communication and Collaboration: Use appropriate digital technologies to communicate findings effectively and make recommendations to stakeholders, both independently and collaboratively.
Professional Judgement: Demonstrate professional judgement in applying knowledge and skills to evaluate a broad range of complex financial situations.

Application

Financial Planning Implementation: Demonstrate the ability to initiate, plan, implement, and evaluate comprehensive financial planning functions to provide tailored advice relevant to clients’ needs and goals.
Ethical Conduct: Apply professional conduct aligned with relevant ethical frameworks, ensuring integrity and accountability in all financial planning activities.

Programme

Course Design and Structure

The course will be taught in two 12-week (plus exams) trimester format with a registered duration of 32 weeks. A typical student will complete the course in two full-time trimesters. Students will complete 8 compulsory subjects as below: