Bachelor of Advanced Commerce (Honours)(Financial Planning)

4 Year On Campus Bachelors Program

Griffith University Nathan Campus

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Advanced Commerce (Honours) (Financial Planning) at Griffith University combines a strong foundation in commerce with advanced financial planning knowledge, preparing students to develop tailored financial strategies and provide professional financial advice in a rapidly evolving financial services sector. Campus Location: Nathan Campus, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. This program is ideal for students who are interested in wealth management, retirement planning, taxation, investment advice, and financial decision-making while developing advanced analytical and research skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin by developing a broad understanding of business and commerce fundamentals. Foundation courses such as The Purpose of Business, Business Decision-Making, and Language and Communication for Business and Commerce introduce key concepts in business operations, analytical thinking, communication, and decision-making that underpin future commerce and financial planning studies.

Year 2: The second year focuses on building essential commerce and finance knowledge. Students strengthen their understanding through subjects such as Principles of Accounting Analytics, Microeconomic Analysis, and Business Intelligence, gaining practical skills in data analysis, financial reporting, economic reasoning, and business problem-solving.

Year 3: Students progress into specialised financial planning studies and advanced financial management concepts. Through coursework covering Corporate Finance, financial planning principles, and wealth management-related topics, students learn how to evaluate financial opportunities, manage risks, and develop effective financial strategies for individuals and organisations.

Year 4: The honours year develops advanced research and analytical capabilities. Students undertake independent research projects while exploring complex financial planning issues, strengthening their expertise in areas such as retirement planning, taxation, insurance, estate planning, and professional financial advice. This final year provides the advanced knowledge and research experience needed to stand out in the financial services industry or pursue postgraduate study.

Focus Areas: Financial planning, wealth management, retirement planning, investment strategy, taxation, insurance, estate planning, financial analysis, business intelligence, commerce research, and professional financial advice.

Learning Outcomes: Develop advanced financial planning expertise, evaluate complex financial situations, apply analytical and research skills to real-world financial challenges, design personalised financial strategies, communicate professional financial advice effectively, and make evidence-based business and investment decisions.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The Financial Planning major is accredited by the Financial Adviser Standards (FAS) requirements, ensuring graduates meet recognised educational standards for professional financial advisers in Australia.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Griffith Business School is ranked among the world's top business schools and is part of the top 1% of universities globally holding both AACSB and EQUIS accreditation. Griffith also holds five-star ratings for overall experience, teaching quality, skills development, and learning resources in Accounting, Business and Management according to the Good Universities Guide.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Advanced Commerce (Honours) (Financial Planning) at Griffith University is designed to move beyond theoretical learning by combining advanced commerce knowledge with practical financial planning skills and honours-level research experience. Students develop expertise in areas such as risk management, taxation, insurance, estate planning, investment analysis, and financial decision-making while working on real-world business and financial challenges. The honours component further strengthens analytical and research capabilities through independent research or industry-based projects, helping students build the advanced skills sought by employers in the financial services sector. Throughout the degree, students benefit from Griffith Business School’s strong industry engagement, modern learning resources, and opportunities to apply their knowledge in professional contexts:

Industry Projects: Students complete an honours-level independent research project or industry project, allowing them to investigate real financial management and financial planning issues while developing advanced research and analytical skills.
Work-Integrated Learning: The program provides access to internship opportunities, guest lectures from industry professionals, field trips, case study analysis, and industry problem-solving activities that expose students to real business and financial planning environments.
Financial Planning Practice: Students gain practical skills in risk management, insurance, taxation, retirement planning, and estate planning, preparing them to develop tailored financial strategies for clients and businesses.
Research Training: As an honours degree, students learn advanced research methods, research design, data analysis, critical evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making, culminating in a substantial research project.
Industry Case Studies: Learning activities incorporate business and financial case studies, policy analysis, and professional problem-solving exercises based on contemporary industry scenarios.
Professional Accreditation Alignment: The Financial Planning major is aligned with Financial Adviser Standards (FAS) requirements, ensuring students graduate with qualifications recognised by the financial advice profession.
Digital Learning Platforms: Students access Griffith's Learning@Griffith platform, online learning resources, digital assessment tools, and specialised commerce and finance learning materials that support both classroom and independent study.
Griffith Business School Resources: Students study within Griffith Business School, benefiting from industry-connected teaching, mentoring opportunities, networking activities, career development support, and access to contemporary business learning environments.
Library and Research Facilities: Students have access to Griffith University's extensive library network, academic databases, financial research resources, study spaces, and research support services that assist with honours-level research and professional development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Advanced Commerce (Honours) (Financial Planning) at Griffith University are equipped with advanced financial planning expertise, research capabilities, and professional skills that are highly valued across the financial services sector. The honours component provides an additional competitive advantage through advanced analytical and research training, preparing graduates for roles such as Financial Planner, Wealth Adviser, Investment Adviser, and Retirement Planning Specialist. As a result, graduates are well positioned for long-term career growth in a rapidly expanding profession:

University Services for Employability: Griffith University supports students through its award-winning Industry Mentoring Program, career counselling services, Career Readiness resources, resume and interview workshops, professional networking opportunities, and access to employment platforms such as UniHub. Students can also engage with industry professionals through mentoring and career development activities designed to enhance employability.
Employment Statistics & Salary Figures: Financial investment advisers, managers, and planners employ approximately 64,300 professionals across Australia, with projected employment growth of 10.7%. The reported median weekly earnings are approximately AUD $2,320, which equates to an annual median salary range of approximately AUD $120,000–$130,000.
University–Industry Partnerships: Griffith University maintains strong connections with the financial services industry through its Industry Mentoring Program and professional engagement initiatives. Students gain exposure to employers, industry practitioners, and professional associations, helping them build valuable networks and practical industry knowledge before graduation.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The program is aligned with the professional knowledge and skills required for careers in financial planning, wealth management, superannuation, retirement planning, taxation, insurance, and estate planning. Students are encouraged to engage with professional bodies such as the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA), Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA), and other recognised industry associations, supporting long-term professional credibility and career development.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates develop expertise in personal finance, investments, superannuation, retirement planning, taxation, risk management, and estate planning, alongside advanced research and analytical skills gained through the honours year. These capabilities prepare graduates for careers across financial planning consultancies, investment firms, banks, insurance organisations, superannuation funds, and wealth management companies.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this honours degree, students can progress directly to Master’s programs in Finance, Financial Planning, Commerce, Business, Economics, or related disciplines. The honours qualification also provides a strong pathway into Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies and research careers, allowing graduates to pursue advanced research in finance, investment, financial advice, and wealth management. Additionally, graduates may undertake industry-recognised professional certifications to further strengthen their expertise and career opportunities within the financial services sector.