Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Financial Planning)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Curtin University Perth

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Financial Planning) at Curtin University is designed for students who want to develop expertise in financial markets, investment strategies and personal financial advice while helping individuals and organisations achieve their financial goals. Campus Location: Curtin Perth Campus, Perth, Western Australia. This industry-accredited program combines finance and financial planning, making it an excellent choice for students interested in careers in banking, wealth management, financial advisory services and investment analysis.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin with Curtin's business core curriculum, building a strong foundation in business decision-making, financial information and value creation. Early studies introduce key concepts that underpin finance and financial planning, while developing analytical and business intelligence skills that are essential for professional success.

Year 2: As students progress, they develop specialised knowledge in financial markets, corporate finance and investment principles. Studies expand into areas such as Corporate Finance, Financial Markets, and Behavioural Finance, helping students understand both the technical and human aspects of financial decision-making.

Year 3: The final year focuses on advanced professional practice and client-focused financial advice. Students explore areas such as Portfolio Management, Tax Law, and Estate Planning, while applying their knowledge through a 120-hour internship with a licensed financial planner, gaining valuable real-world experience before graduation.

Focus Areas:

Financial Markets, Corporate Finance, Investment Analysis, Portfolio Management, Financial Planning, Taxation, Estate Planning, Behavioural Finance, Risk Management, Ethics and Compliance.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop expertise in financial decision-making, analyse investment opportunities, create client-focused financial strategies, evaluate risk and return, understand financial regulations, and apply ethical principles in professional financial advisory practice. Graduates gain the capability to provide informed financial guidance to individuals and organisations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

This program is approved by the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) requirements framework and is recognised as the only direct undergraduate pathway in Western Australia that qualifies graduates to sit the ASIC Financial Adviser Exam, subject to additional professional requirements. Students may also be eligible for membership with the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA), CFA Institute, Economic Society of Australia (WA Branch) and the Women in Finance Network.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Curtin University is recognised globally for producing career-ready graduates and maintaining strong industry engagement. The Finance and Financial Planning major incorporates industry-standard platforms such as XPLAN, LSEG Workspace, Capital IQ, DatAnalysis Pro and StockTrack simulations, while providing direct access to industry experts, guest lectures and professional internships that enhance graduate employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Financial Planning) at Curtin University is designed to give students hands-on experience with the same tools, technologies and professional practices used throughout the finance and financial planning industry. Throughout the degree, students apply financial theory to real-world scenarios involving investment analysis, portfolio management, risk assessment, taxation and financial advice. The program combines academic learning with industry engagement, ensuring graduates are workplace-ready and confident in applying their knowledge in professional settings: this practical focus is strengthened through industry-standard software, professional internships and direct engagement with finance experts.

Industry Software: Students gain access to professional financial planning and market analysis platforms including XPLAN, LSEG Workspace (formerly Refinitiv Workspace), StockTrak trading simulations, Capital IQ and DatAnalysis Pro. These tools are widely used across financial planning, investment management and banking sectors, allowing students to develop job-ready technical skills.
Internship Experience: In the final year, students complete a 120-hour internship with a licensed financial planning practice, providing valuable workplace experience, client exposure and professional networking opportunities before graduation.
Industry Engagement: The program incorporates guest lectures, employer presentations and networking opportunities with finance professionals, helping students understand current industry trends and build connections within the financial services sector.
Real-World Projects: Students participate in practical finance activities, investment analysis exercises and industry-focused projects that develop problem-solving, analytical and decision-making skills. The broader Bachelor of Commerce program also includes industry projects, work-related tasks and a final-year capstone experience designed to replicate professional business environments.
Trading and Investment Simulations: Through StockTrak and market-analysis software, students experience simulated trading environments where they can analyse markets, evaluate investments and make financial decisions using real-world market data.
Professional Recognition Opportunities: Students can engage with professional bodies and industry initiatives, including exposure to events such as the CFA Institute Research Challenge, helping them strengthen their professional profile while studying.
Curtin Library & Learning Facilities: Students have access to Curtin's extensive library resources, business databases, digital research tools, collaborative learning spaces and technology-enabled study environments that s

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Financial Planning) at Curtin University prepares graduates to help individuals and organisations make informed financial decisions while developing expertise in investment management, wealth creation and financial strategy. Students gain practical knowledge of financial markets, risk management, retirement planning and client advisory services, making them highly employable across the financial services sector. Typical career outcomes include Financial Planner, Investment Adviser, Financial Analyst, Wealth Management Consultant and Paraplanner: this professionally focused degree provides a strong pathway into one of Australia's fastest-growing professional sectors.

Career Support Services: Curtin University supports students through its Careers Centre, offering career counselling, resume and interview preparation, employer networking opportunities, job search assistance and professional development workshops. Students can also benefit from Work-Integrated Learning experiences, industry engagement activities and practical projects that help them build industry connections and workplace-ready skills before graduation.
Employment Stats & Salary: Graduates entering financial planning, wealth management and finance-related professions typically achieve median starting salaries in the range of AUD $70,000–$95,000 per year, with experienced financial advisers and wealth management professionals often progressing to significantly higher earning levels. Demand for qualified financial planning professionals continues to grow as individuals seek expert guidance on investments, superannuation and retirement planning.
University–Industry Partnerships: Curtin University maintains strong relationships with financial institutions, wealth management firms and industry bodies through guest lectures, networking events, industry projects and professional engagement opportunities. These connections help students gain exposure to current industry practices, establish professional networks and improve graduate employment prospects.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The Financial Planning major is approved by the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) and is designed to meet the education requirements for aspiring financial advisers in Australia. This professional recognition provides graduates with a strong foundation for entering the financial advice profession and pursuing long-term career advancement within the financial services industry.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates develop expertise in financial planning, investment analysis, retirement planning, taxation considerations and client relationship management. These skills enable them to work in banks, financial planning practices, investment firms, superannuation funds, insurance companies and private wealth management organisations, with opportunities to progress into senior advisory and leadership positions.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, graduates may continue their studies through a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), Master of Finance, Master of Financial Planning, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Commerce or other specialised postgraduate qualifications in finance and wealth management. Further study can deepen professional expertise and support progression into advanced advisory, management and executive-level roles within the financial services sector.