Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

CQ University Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning) at CQUniversity is designed for students who are interested in helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals through informed advice and strategic planning. Available at Rockhampton North Campus, Bundaberg Campus and Online, the program combines core business knowledge with specialised financial planning studies, preparing graduates for careers in wealth management, retirement planning, investment advice, and financial services.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1: Students develop a strong understanding of business fundamentals through subjects such as Foundations of Business, Accounting, Learning and Online Communication, and Economics for Decision Making. These units introduce the principles of business operations, financial decision-making, and economic analysis while building essential communication and professional skills.

Year 2: The second year focuses on financial planning concepts and business management skills. Through units such as Financial Planning Fundamentals, Personal Financial Planning, and Principles of Finance, students learn how to assess client financial needs, evaluate investment options, and develop financial strategies that support long-term wealth creation.

Year 3: In the final year, students advance their expertise through specialised studies including Retirement and Estate Planning, Risk Management and Insurance Planning, and Ethics and Professionalism in Financial Planning. Students also complete Professional Practice and Experience, which may involve an internship, industry project, or study tour, providing valuable real-world exposure to the financial services sector.

Focus Areas: Financial planning, wealth management, investment strategies, retirement planning, superannuation, estate planning, risk management, insurance advice, client relationship management, financial ethics, and business decision-making.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates will be able to develop comprehensive financial plans, evaluate investment opportunities, manage financial risk, provide retirement and superannuation advice, apply ethical and professional standards, and communicate financial recommendations effectively to clients and stakeholders.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The Financial Planning major is aligned with the educational requirements for the financial advice profession in Australia. Students seeking professional membership with the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) are encouraged to complete this major as part of their pathway toward a career in financial advice.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): CQUniversity is recognised as one of Australia's leading universities for graduate employment outcomes and student support. The program's emphasis on practical learning, industry engagement, and Professional Practice and Experience opportunities helps students build workplace-ready skills before graduation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning) at CQUniversity is designed to give students practical, industry-relevant experience alongside their academic studies. Students develop professional financial planning skills through authentic learning activities, case-based assessments, investment and risk analysis exercises, financial plan development projects, and work-integrated learning opportunities that mirror the responsibilities of practising financial advisers. The curriculum incorporates digital business tools, data analysis techniques, and real-world financial planning scenarios to ensure graduates are workplace-ready and aligned with current industry expectations. As students progress through the degree, they gain hands-on exposure to professional practice through the following opportunities and resources:

Work-Integrated Learning: The compulsory Professional Practice and Experience (BUSN13004) unit allows students to undertake a business internship, workplace placement, industry project, or supervised professional experience, helping them apply classroom knowledge in real business environments. Students completing work-integrated learning can gain approximately 60 hours of practical workplace experience.
Industry-Based Projects: Students may complete supervised projects focused on solving real-world business and financial challenges using publicly available industry data, professional research, and evidence-based recommendations. These projects strengthen analytical, problem-solving, and consulting skills.
Financial Planning Practice: Through specialist units such as Fundamentals of Personal Financial Planning, Investment Analysis and Risk Management, Retirement and Superannuation, Insurance Planning, Estate Planning, and Financial Plan Construction, students create and evaluate comprehensive financial strategies for client scenarios.
Digital Business and Analytics Tools: Core units such as Business Analytics and Financial Literacy for Business develop skills in business data interpretation, financial analysis, digital decision-making, and technology-enhanced business practice.
Global Experience Opportunities: Students may participate in international study experiences lasting between two and six weeks, working on global business challenges while developing cross-cultural communication and international professional skills.
Collaborative Group Learning: Many business units incorporate team-based projects, business case studies, presentations, and collaborative problem-solving activities that reflect professional workplace environments.
Library and Learning Resources: Students have access to CQUniversity's extensive digital library resources, financial databases, academic journals, online research collections, learning support services, and discipline-specific business resources to support both coursework and professional development.
Professional Industry Alignment: The Financial Planning major is approved under the Financial Adviser Standards framework, ensuring students learn industry-relevant competencies required for professional financial planning practice in Australia.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning) at CQUniversity develop specialised expertise in wealth creation, retirement planning, superannuation, insurance, taxation, and investment strategies. The degree prepares students for rewarding careers as Financial Planners, Paraplanners, Wealth Management Advisers, and Client Relationship Managers within financial services organisations, advisory firms, banks, and investment companies. As the program aligns with Australia's financial adviser education standards, graduates are well positioned to enter a growing and highly regulated profession.

University Services for Employability: CQUniversity supports career readiness through industry placements, internships, real-world projects, professional practice experiences, global learning opportunities, and authentic workplace-based learning activities. Students also benefit from industry-experienced academics, advisory board input, and dedicated career support services that help build professional networks and workplace skills before graduation.
Employment Statistics & Salary: CQUniversity reports that 91% of undergraduate business students secure full-time employment, while the university is ranked among Australia's leading institutions for business and management graduate employment outcomes. Financial planning and business graduates typically enter the workforce with median starting salaries ranging from AUD $65,000–$80,000 per year, with earning potential increasing significantly as professional experience and licensing requirements are completed.
University–Industry Partnerships: The School of Business and Law works closely with industry advisory boards and maintains strong engagement with private, public, and not-for-profit organisations. Students gain exposure to current industry practices through work-integrated learning, professional placements, internships, and projects designed in consultation with industry partners to ensure graduates are workforce-ready.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The Financial Planning major is an approved qualification under the Corporations (Relevant Providers Degrees, Qualifications and Courses Standard) Determination 2021, satisfying the educational requirements for individuals seeking to become professional financial advisers in Australia. This accreditation provides long-term professional value and supports future registration and licensing pathways within the financial advice industry.
Graduation Outcomes: Upon graduation, students possess the academic knowledge and technical competencies required for financial planning practice, including expertise in retirement planning, superannuation, insurance, investment advice, taxation, and client relationship management. Graduates leave with strong analytical, communication, and ethical decision-making skills that are highly valued across the financial services sector.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, students may continue their studies through postgraduate qualifications such as the Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning, Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning, Master of Business Management, Master of Professional Accounting, MBA, or other specialised finance and business master's programs. These advanced qualifications can enhance professional expertise, support progression into senior advisory and leadership positions, and strengthen long-term career opportunities within the financial services industry.