Key facts
Duration
Locations
There is currently no intake into this course.
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Designed to meet the education requirements of Australia’s new financial planning standards authority, the Master of Financial Planning will provide you with innovative and applied financial planning education solutions by combining ethical decision-making with modern financial advice strategies.
Ready to secure your future and build a successful career with a degree that meets new requirements in a rapidly evolving industry?
Recent changes to the Australian finance services industry require financial planners to meet new education standards set by the Financial Adviser Standards (FAS). Deakin’s Master of Financial Planning course is accredited as a FAS-approved degree therefore providing you with a pathway to progress your career as a professional financial planner.
More than just a pathway towards becoming a registered financial planner, this course will enable you to take your financial planning skills and knowledge to new heights. As a graduate, you will be empowered to provide better solutions for your clients and enhance your employability skills and career opportunities. Apply, analyse and relate financial planning principles throughout projects and case studies that simulate real industry scenarios, better preparing you for tomorrow’s financial planning challenges. You will be introduced to a range of discipline areas including investments and portfolio theory, superannuation and retirement planning, insurance, estate planning. ethics, financial advice regulation and behavioural finance.
Learn how to apply advanced principles to meet client needs and the technical skills required to utilise the latest digital tools. Importantly, the course also places a strong emphasis on the professional responsibilities of the modern financial planner, both in an ethical and a compliance sense. Industry reforms have created an increased demand for ethical decision-makers, putting Deakin graduates in a strong position to stand out from the pack.
Better still, you will be learning alongside industry-active academics who are leaders in the field. Build relationships with your teachers. Get constructive feedback on industry expectations. Take your career forward.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Financial Planning
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- M769
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Course structure
The Master of Financial Planning is typically a 12 credit point course but this is dependent on your entry point. The exact number of credit points you study depends on how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) - your professional experience and previous qualifications - which can save you time and money, but may be limited by the FAS education standards.
To complete the Master of Financial Planning, students must attain a total of 12 credit points consisting of 11 credit points of core units and 1 credit points of course elective units chosen from a specified list, plus completion of the compulsory 0-credit point module, DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point.
Students are introduced to research tools and techniques in core units of the course where they learn analytic skills and the practical application of those skills in professional contexts. They must also complete advanced level units and a capstone unit that require them to integrate the skills learnt over their course of study and produce applied pieces of research with reference to prevailing literature.
Students are required to meet the University’s academic progress and conduct requirements.
11
Core units
1
Elective units
12
Total units
Core units
Core Capstone Unit:
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Course elective units
Plus a 1 credit point course elective unit from:
Or another postgraduate unit with prior written approval of the Course Director
Or other approved professional designation programs^ with the prior written approval of the Course Director
^Professional designation programs:
- Aged Care Professional™
- Certified Financial Planner® (CFP)
- SMSF Specialist Advisor™(SSA™)
1 Required prior to enrolling in the professional designation programs
2 FAS approved unit (Financial Advice Capstone subject)
3 Required as elective unit to meet the Australian educational requirements of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
* MAI and MLI codes denote Intensive versions of the units.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Please note the final intake into Master of Financial Planning is Trimester 1 2024. Intake suspended from Trimester 2 2024, onwards.
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Mandatory student checks
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
Workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
This course provides students the opportunity to complete one or more elective work integrated learning units.
Explore Business and Law WIL opportunities.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline*
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline, plus two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)^
* Examples of related discipline areas include, but not limited to a business discipline.
^ Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to working within a financial services role or within the financial services sector.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook. Learn more about fees and available payment options.
FEE-HELP calculator
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $54,435.
Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2025 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
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- $* is the estimated full cost for a Master of Financial Planning (12 credit points), based on the 2025 fees.
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*Disclaimer
Deakin University (Deakin):
- gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
- advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
- instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.
Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:
- does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
- does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
- assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
- assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
- assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
- where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Pathways
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Career outcomes
Recent reforms have created an increased demand for registered financial planners with a high-level understanding of what it means to provide responsible and professional advice.
The Master of Financial Planning is approved by FAS, ensuring Deakin students graduate with the right qualification and skills to take advantage of this demand.
Whether you’re currently working in the industry or looking to move into a financial planning role, you will be prepared to excel in a variety of positions, including:
- business development manager
- claims administrator
- compliance manager
- financial adviser
- insurance adviser
- paraplanner
- risk adviser
- superannuation consultant.
Professional recognition
AACSB and EQUIS Accredited
Deakin Business School holds both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. These prestigious accreditations are awarded to business schools that meet strict standards of quality, academic and professional excellence, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation in their courses, ensuring our graduates are employable worldwide
FAS approved Course
The Master of Financial Planning is a FAS-approved course. Graduates will satisfy the education standards prescribed by FAS to be able to provide financial advice in Australia, subject to meeting other registration requirements prescribed by FAS (including completion of a Professional Year for Provisional Relevant Providers and passing a National Adviser Exam).
Professional Designation programs
Deakin University has entered into partnerships with a number of leading organisations to embed their professional designation program into the Master of Financial Planning course. Students may be eligible to enrol externally through the following professional designation programs as their elective unit into the Master of Financial Planning:
- Financial Advice Association of Australia Limited
Students have the opportunity to complete the CFP® capstone unit (CFPC) as their elective unit and satisfy the education requirements to become a CFP®
- Self-Managed Superannuation Fund Association (SMSF)
Students have the opportunity to complete the SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSA™) program as their elective unit and satisfy the education requirements to be an Accredited SMSF Association Specialist Adviser.
- Aged Care Steps (ACS)
Students have the opportunity to complete the Accredited Aged Care Professional program as their elective unit.
- TAL Risk Academy
Students completing specified modules and assessment tasks through the TAL Risk Academy will be entitled to a credit within the Master of Financial Planning.
Professional pathways
The Master of Financial Planning provides advanced standing into the CFP® Certification Program offered by the Financial Advice Association of Australia Limited (this recently established organisation was formed as a result of a merger between the Financial Planning Association (FPA) and the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA).
Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
Students who have successfully completed MAA747 Managing Intergenerational Wealth (previously titled 'Administration of Trusts and Estates') as their elective unit with the Master of Financial Planning will meet the Australian educational requirements for membership of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).
Tax Practitioners Board (TPB)
Completion of Principles of Income Tax Law and Business Law units approved by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB), will meet the education requirements to provide tax (financial) advice services.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply an advanced and integrated knowledge about the financial planning development process for clients requiring financial planning advice of varying degrees of complexity and contexts |
| Communication | Demonstrate advanced interpersonal and networking skills to communicate persuasively with clients to gather and interpret personal data and transmit knowledge to clients through the preparation and presentation of financial plans including financial goal achievement and risk minimisation |
| Digital literacy | Select and apply appropriate digital technology to find, use, manage and persuasively disseminate complex wealth creation and risk minimisation knowledge and ideas to both clients and professional colleagues |
| Critical thinking | Systematically and critically analyse, synthesise, evaluate and transform a range of complex information on wealth creation and risk minimisation to create personalised and contextualised financial plans for clients |
| Problem solving | With creativity and autonomy, systematically develop strategies for wealth creation and risk minimisation for individuals by critically evaluating methods of inquiry, action planning and/or problem solving thereby generating innovative and contextualised solutions for financial goal achievement |
| Self-management | Demonstrate advanced skills to work and learn independently, for taking responsibility for continuing professional development, personal actions and to critically reflect and analyse own personal motivations, aspirations and actions |
| Teamwork | Lead and be accountable for the strategic management of group or team learning and outputs, demonstrating initiative in professional contexts and the ability to actively facilitate a positive team environment and to be open to working with and learning from others from different disciplines and backgrounds |
| Global citizenship | Engage ethically, professionally and productively in work, professional and the global contexts including with diverse communities and cultures, in a manner reflective of a critical understanding of ethical principles, a systematic knowledge of professional codes of conduct and an understanding of various world views and the complexity of elements important to members of other cultures |