FAS-approved Master of Financial Planning

Course overview

STUDY MODE

100% online

NUMBER OF SUBJECTS

12

NEXT INTAKE

13 Jan 2025

COURSE FEE

$31,200.00

AVAILABLE LOANS

FEE-HELP

AQF LEVEL

9

COURSE DURATION

2 years full-time
4 years part-time
1.2 years accelerated full-time

ACCREDITATION

Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency

PROVIDER ID

PRV12030

Our online, FAS-approved Master of Financial Planning is a purpose-built higher education qualification set at AQF level 9. It’s designed and developed in consultation with industry experts, and combines advanced technical rigour with practical and relevant performance-focused learning outcomes. Due to the specialised nature of the qualification, it offers contemporary teachings in financial advice strategy and theory at the highest level.

You’ll gain a thorough understanding of:

Financial markets
Financial products
Investments (theory, evidence and quantitative techniques)
Risk management
Financial planning
Taxation law and strategies
Compliance
Ethical and professional conduct

The Master of Financial Planning pathway encompasses the first eight subjects of Kaplan Professional’s FAS-approved Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning.

Who is this course for:

Individuals seeking to undertake a FAS-approved qualification
Individuals looking to build on existing knowledge and skills to both develop broader technical knowledge in more specialised areas of financial planning and advice
Individuals with an interest in Self-Managed Superannuation Funds, Debt Strategies and Aged Care can study specifically tailored electives in these areas
Individuals who want to go beyond FAS’s minimum requirement and boost their credentials with a masters degree to stand out in a competitive industry

Course structure

To qualify for the Master of Financial Planning, you must complete twelve (12) subjects consisting of:

Subjects

FPC001B – Economic and Legal Context for Financial Planning

FPC002B – Ethics and Professionalism in Financial Advice

FPC003 – Superannuation and Retirement Advice

FPC004 – Insurance Advice

FPC005 – Estate and Succession Planning

FPC006 – Taxation for Financial Planning

FPC007B – Client Engagement Skills

FPC008 – Investment Advice

FPC009 – Complex Financial Planning

KAP001 Capstone Project

It is recommended that KAP001 Capstone Project subject is studied as the final subject in your Masters program.

FPE010 – Aged Care

FPE011 – Debt Strategies

FPE012 – Marketing for Financial Planning Practices

FPE013 – Business Planning and Practice Management

FPE014 – Financial Accounting Principles

FPE015 – Derivatives in Financial Planning

FPE020 – SMSF Regulation and Taxation

Single subject study is also available. Click here for full subject availability.

Program structure

Course	Number of subjects	Subjects required to complete	Maximum timeframe to complete
Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning	4	4 core subjects	3 years (18 Study Periods)
Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning	8	8 core subjects	4 years (24 Study Periods)
Master of Financial Planning	12	10 Core subjects + 2 Elective subjects	5 years (30 Study Periods)

Capstone project

Designed to allow you to bring together all of the knowledge and skills you’ve accumulated during your studies and work experience, and apply it in a practical way which is relevant to your professional practice.

This project allows you to demonstrate practical and academic rigour, and adds a depth of knowledge to the sector. We’ve already seen some first-class research, including:

Financial planning for families with a disabled child
Financial literacy and debt management
The value of networking in financial planning
Under insurance in Australia
Financial advice and generation X
Cognitive biases of professional athletes in financial decision-making

FAS Bridging Courses

Kaplan Professional has been proactive in our approach to the development of the following FAS-approved bridging courses:

FPC001B Economic and Legal Context for Financial Planning (aligns to FAS bridging course: Financial Advice Regulatory and Legal Obligations)
Learn more >
FPC002B Ethics and Professionalism in Financial Advice (aligns to FAS bridging course: Ethics for Professional Advisers)
Learn more >
FPC007B Client Engagement Skills (aligns to FAS bridging course: Client and Consumer Behaviour, Engagement and Decision Making)
Learn more >

Each bridging course can be completed as a stand-alone subject or counted towards Kaplan Professional’s FAS-approved Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning and FAS-approved Master of Financial Planning.

Progress your qualification

If you have graduated with a Kaplan Professional or Finsia postgraduate qualification, you may wish to progress to a higher qualification. Learn more >

Exit qualifications

Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning
Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning

Learning outcomes

Course learning outcomes

On completion of this qualification, individuals will be able to:

Analyse key economic principles and advanced theoretical and technical concepts in the context of financial planning
Demonstrate advanced skills to develop appropriate solutions for a range of clients, including those with specialised or complex needs, based on and evidenced by appropriate research and inquiry
Critically analyse and apply a range of strategies to support a successful financial planning practice
Assess emotional, social and other drivers of client behaviour and integrate appropriate communication, negotiation and client relationship skills in the provision of personal financial advice
Develop competencies, such as digital literacy and research principles, which are complementary to the financial planning process
Apply and evaluate advanced knowledge of legislative, regulatory, ethical and professional obligations to the provision of personal financial advice
Critique strategies and developments which contribute to the advancement of financial planning as a profession

Graduate attributes

Kaplan Professional defines the philosophy underpinning our qualifications through the graduate attributes. These are the qualities we’d like individuals to develop as they progress through their academic studies; they reflect what individuals will know (knowledge) or be able to do (capabilities), when they finish their qualification.

The attributes are built into Kaplan Professional course learning outcomes, content and assessments:

Deep discipline knowledge
Ethical conduct and values
Communication
Digital literacy
Critical thinking and problem solving
Independence and initiative

Please click here to learn more about our graduate attributes.

Potential career paths

Financial adviser/planner
Insurance / Risk adviser
Business development manager
Superannuation consultant
Portfolio analyst
Investment banker
Claims administrator
Compliance manager
Risk adviser
Technical consultants
Financial advice practice manager
Responsible manager

If you’re working in another field, a qualification in financial planning can support you to launch a new and gratifying career. With a Master of Financial Planning on your resume, you’ll potentially open a wide range of career paths and stand out in a competitive field. Read our Financial Planning Guide to learn what career path you can take with a Master of Financial Planning Qualification.

On completion of this qualification, individuals will be able to:

Analyse key economic principles and advanced theoretical and technical concepts in the context of financial planning
Demonstrate advanced skills to develop appropriate solutions for a range of clients, including those with specialised or complex needs, based on and evidenced by appropriate research and inquiry
Critically analyse and apply a range of strategies to support a successful financial planning practice
Assess emotional, social and other drivers of client behaviour and integrate appropriate communication, negotiation and client relationship skills in the provision of personal financial advice
Develop competencies, such as digital literacy and research principles, which are complementary to the financial planning process
Apply and evaluate advanced knowledge of legislative, regulatory, ethical and professional obligations to the provision of personal financial advice
Critique strategies and developments which contribute to the advancement of financial planning as a profession

Kaplan Professional defines the philosophy underpinning our qualifications through the graduate attributes. These are the qualities we’d like individuals to develop as they progress through their academic studies; they reflect what individuals will know (knowledge) or be able to do (capabilities), when they finish their qualification.

The attributes are built into Kaplan Professional course learning outcomes, content and assessments:

Deep discipline knowledge
Ethical conduct and values
Communication
Digital literacy
Critical thinking and problem solving
Independence and initiative

Please click here to learn more about our graduate attributes.

Financial adviser/planner
Insurance / Risk adviser
Business development manager
Superannuation consultant
Portfolio analyst
Investment banker
Claims administrator
Compliance manager
Risk adviser
Technical consultants
Financial advice practice manager
Responsible manager

Study period ends 16 January 2026

Assessment dates See assessment information

SEE DETAILS

For a full list of annual study period dates, click here >

Pathways

Further study options

Our Master of Financial Planning graduates can explore Kaplan Professional’s Master of Applied Finance or Master of Financial Services if they wish to work toward a career in the finance sector.

Combine our Master of Financial Planning with the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification

Kaplan Professional is proud to partner with the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA), enabling individuals to integrate our FAS-approved Master of Financial Planning with the CFP® Certification Program, a gold standard for financial planners for over 30 years.

This pathway requires individuals to successfully complete 10 core subjects and 1 elective subject from Kaplan Professional’s Master of Financial Planning. The final elective subject – CFP® certification unit – is completed with the FAAA.

Click here to find out more.

Combine the Master of Financial Planning with the SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSA™) designation.

In a competitive landscape, financial advisers are seeking opportunities to differentiate themselves and specialise in their careers.

Kaplan Professional has proudly partnered with the SMSF Association to provide advisers the chance to enhance their credentials and specialise in the rapidly expanding superannuation sector.

Click here to learn more.

Enhance your Financial Planning qualification with a College for Financial Planning designation

Kaplan Professional has partnered with the College for Financial Planning^® – a Kaplan US company – to offer three globally-recognised designations in Australia.

Accredited Behavioural Finance Professional^SM (ABFP^®)
Chartered Retirement Planning Counsellor^SM (CRPC^®)
Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional^SM(FPQP^®)

You can apply to earn these designations based on studies completed with Kaplan Professional, whether that be specific subjects or a full qualification.

Click here to learn more.

Our Master of Financial Planning graduates can explore Kaplan Professional’s Master of Applied Finance or Master of Financial Services if they wish to work toward a career in the finance sector.

Kaplan Professional is proud to partner with the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA), enabling individuals to integrate our FAS-approved Master of Financial Planning with the CFP® Certification Program, a gold standard for financial planners for over 30 years.

This pathway requires individuals to successfully complete 10 core subjects and 1 elective subject from Kaplan Professional’s Master of Financial Planning. The final elective subject – CFP® certification unit – is completed with the FAAA.

Click here to find out more.

In a competitive landscape, financial advisers are seeking opportunities to differentiate themselves and specialise in their careers.

Kaplan Professional has proudly partnered with the SMSF Association to provide advisers the chance to enhance their credentials and specialise in the rapidly expanding superannuation sector.

Click here to learn more.

Kaplan Professional has partnered with the College for Financial Planning^® – a Kaplan US company – to offer three globally-recognised designations in Australia.

Accredited Behavioural Finance Professional^SM (ABFP^®)
Chartered Retirement Planning Counsellor^SM (CRPC^®)
Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional^SM(FPQP^®)

You can apply to earn these designations based on studies completed with Kaplan Professional, whether that be specific subjects or a full qualification.

Click here to learn more.

Entry requirements

Below are the minimum education requirements for entry into our postgraduate courses.

Alternative entry pathways may be available to you if you do not meet the minimum education requirements. In addition, other entry requirements, such as English language proficiency, may apply to you depending on your academic background.

The qualifications listed as minimum education requirements must be from a recognised Institute of Higher Education. Overseas qualifications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis using the Country Education Profiles (CEPs) qualification recognition tool provided by the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment.

Minimum education requirement for entry

A related* Undergraduate Degree or Graduate Diploma, or
An unrelated Undergraduate Degree or Graduate Diploma plus 2 years’ related industry experience

*Download examples of related degrees.

You’ll be required to provide Kaplan Professional with certified documents supporting that you have met the requirements for entry into the course.

Don’t meet the above entry requirements?

You may be eligible for a pathway into the Master of Financial Planning by applying to study the FAS-approved Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning or Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning. Alternatively, feel free to contact 1300 135 798 (Select option 2) or email studentadvice@kaplan.edu.au to discuss your options.

Related industry experience

Related industry experience can include, but is not limited to:

Working for financial institution(s) in position(s) with exposure to aspects of the industry
Managing a business for at least 2 years
Self-employed roles in trading or related areas.

Industry education requirements for financial advisers

We encourage you to book a phone consultation to discuss the options and study pathways available to you in more detail. These consultations allow our experienced and knowledgeable team to understand your needs, identify the qualification most appropriate for you, and address your questions thoroughly.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Advanced standing may be awarded in recognition of prior learning (RPL) for your prior studies that are directly related to the qualification.

We recognise various types of prior learning towards this qualification:

Advanced standing based on an industry designation
Advanced standing based on prior postgraduate study

Recognition of prior learning for the following Financial Adviser Standards (FAS) subjects will only be granted if your prior studies are listed within Schedule 2 – Courses and units of study of the Corporations (Relevant Providers Degrees, Qualifications and Courses Standard) Determination 2021. Industry experience is not eligible for recognition of prior learning for these subjects.

FPC001B Economic and Legal Context for Financial Planning
FPC002B Ethics and Professionalism in Financial Advice
FPC007B Client Engagement Skills

Find out more about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), review the advanced standing ‘Precedent list,’ and get detailed guidance on the application process here.

A related* Undergraduate Degree or Graduate Diploma, or
An unrelated Undergraduate Degree or Graduate Diploma plus 2 years’ related industry experience

*Download examples of related degrees.

You’ll be required to provide Kaplan Professional with certified documents supporting that you have met the requirements for entry into the course.

You may be eligible for a pathway into the Master of Financial Planning by applying to study the FAS-approved Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning or Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning. Alternatively, feel free to contact 1300 135 798 (Select option 2) or email studentadvice@kaplan.edu.au to discuss your options.

Related industry experience can include, but is not limited to:

Working for financial institution(s) in position(s) with exposure to aspects of the industry
Managing a business for at least 2 years
Self-employed roles in trading or related areas.

We encourage you to book a phone consultation to discuss the options and study pathways available to you in more detail. These consultations allow our experienced and knowledgeable team to understand your needs, identify the qualification most appropriate for you, and address your questions thoroughly.

Advanced standing may be awarded in recognition of prior learning (RPL) for your prior studies that are directly related to the qualification.

We recognise various types of prior learning towards this qualification:

Advanced standing based on an industry designation
Advanced standing based on prior postgraduate study

Recognition of prior learning for the following Financial Adviser Standards (FAS) subjects will only be granted if your prior studies are listed within Schedule 2 – Courses and units of study of the Corporations (Relevant Providers Degrees, Qualifications and Courses Standard) Determination 2021. Industry experience is not eligible for recognition of prior learning for these subjects.

FPC001B Economic and Legal Context for Financial Planning
FPC002B Ethics and Professionalism in Financial Advice
FPC007B Client Engagement Skills

Find out more about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), review the advanced standing ‘Precedent list,’ and get detailed guidance on the application process here.

How to apply

1 Check entry requirements

Each Kaplan Professional postgraduate qualification has minimum entry requirements that you must meet to qualify for admission.

In order to complete your studies with Kaplan Professional, you’re assumed to have the required technology access and skills.

Find out more

2 Submit your application

You can apply to study with Kaplan Professional by completing our online application (enrolment) form.

Alternatively, you can submit a hard copy of the application (enrolment) form.

You can apply now and supply documentation later to support your application for admission (within three weeks of your initial application to the qualification). Please click here for details on what documentation you may need to provide to support your application.

Apply (enrol) now

3 Apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL)

You may be able to obtain advanced standing or recognition of prior learning for a Kaplan Professional subject based on your previous study, professional membership status and/or work experience.

Find out more

4 Enrol into subjects

All subjects are offered online for each study period, giving you the flexibility of choosing when and where you wish study. You pay tuition fees for the subject(s) you’re enrolled in within an individual study period. Check the fee schedule for more information about fees.

FEE-HELP is available to eligible students. Click here to find out if you’re eligible.

You should also check the individual subject outlines to understand the recommended study time commitments for the subject, along with any recommended assumed knowledge.

Click here to view a list of financial planning subjects.

Make sure you also check the assessment timetable to ensure you are available to sit the assessment pieces.

Go to course

5 Student Polices and forms

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Why choose us

Kaplan Professional is a leading provider of education in Australia, providing learning solutions to over 45,000 professionals annually – this includes 1,500 corporate clients, incorporating all the major banks and leading financial services providers in the country.

1 Proactive and personalised support

You can count on diligent and prompt support from a dedicated Student Advice team who are always a phone call or email away. The team is experienced, knowledgeable and specifically in place to support financial advisers who are studying at the postgraduate level. You’ll work together with the team to create a tailored pathway that will help you map out your studies and plan ahead to ensure you’re able to achieve your goals within your desired timeframe.

2 Practical and relevant learning rather than just academic theory

Kaplan Professional has always prided itself on its ability to engage industry experts and leading financial advisers to curate and deliver our subject content. This ensures you’ll be provided with practical, relevant and performance-focused outcomes, directly applicable to your professional practice. These industry practitioners deliver online lectures, respond to questions in the discussion forum, and provide assessment feedback.

3 Study any subject all year round over six study periods

Kaplan Professional’s six study period model provides you the freedom to study all year round, but most importantly, every postgraduate financial planning subject is available in each study period. This ensures you’re able to plan ahead and choose study periods that accommodate your professional and personal commitments. With a new study period commencing approximately every two months, overlapping slightly from the previous, you can accelerate your study or ‘take a break’ depending on your circumstances.

4 Complete flexibility – accessible 24/7

You have access to KapLearn – your innovative online learning hub – anytime and anywhere. This convenience and flexibility empowers you to plan your study time around the rest of your day, instead of the other way around. This is particularly beneficial for busy financial advisers who already have significant professional and personal commitments. Discussion forums, interactive notes, research journals, online journals, real-world case studies and diverse multimedia content are all easily accessible in one intuitive and user-friendly hub.

5 Learn together and support each other

You’ll have direct access to the industry practitioners and subject matter experts in an online discussion forum, where you can seek clarification on subject content and discuss any study issues you may have. By participating in online discussion forums in a supportive peer-to-peer environment, you have the unique ability to discover the viewpoints of like-minded individuals from different areas of the industry. This creates a richer, more immersive learning experience, while providing you further opportunities to extend your professional network.

You’ll also have the option of being assigned a study group. This enables you to form new perspectives; understand and absorb information more efficiently; improve and develop new study skills; and benefit from a cooperative, rather than competitive, learning environment.