Bachelor of Commerce(Financial Planning)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Griffith University Nathan Campus

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning) at Griffith University equips students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to help individuals and organisations make informed financial decisions. Ideal for students interested in investments, wealth management, retirement planning, and financial advice, the program combines core commerce foundations with specialised financial planning studies. Campus Location: Nathan Campus, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build a strong foundation in commerce by studying core business disciplines such as Accounting Principles, Economics for Decision Making, and Business Statistics. During this year, they develop analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills while gaining an understanding of how businesses and financial markets operate.

Year 2: The second year introduces specialised financial planning studies through courses such as Financial Planning 1, Money, Banking and Finance, and Financial Planning 2. Students learn how financial advisers assess client needs, develop financial strategies, and evaluate investment opportunities while understanding the broader financial services environment.

Year 3: In the final year, students focus on advanced professional topics including Risk Management and Insurance, Retirement and Estate Planning, and Revenue Law. These studies prepare students to create comprehensive financial plans, manage client wealth effectively, and navigate complex regulatory and taxation requirements within the financial planning profession.

Focus Areas: Investment analysis, wealth management, retirement planning, superannuation, taxation strategies, estate planning, insurance, risk management, client relationship management, and financial advisory services.

Learning Outcomes: Develop the ability to assess client financial needs, design personalised financial strategies, evaluate investment opportunities, manage financial risk, apply taxation and estate planning principles, communicate professional financial advice, and operate ethically within the financial services industry.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The Financial Planning major is designed to meet industry education requirements and has historically been aligned with professional financial planning standards. Griffith's financial planning curriculum has been recognised through Financial Planning Education Council (FPEC) approved pathways and supports progression towards professional financial planning certification.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Griffith Business School is accredited by both AACSB and EQUIS, placing it among a small group of business schools worldwide holding dual international accreditation. Griffith University also receives five-star ratings for teaching quality, skills development, learning resources, and overall educational experience in business-related disciplines.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning) at Griffith University is designed to give students practical, industry-relevant experience alongside their academic studies. From the beginning of the program, students apply financial planning concepts to real-world scenarios involving investments, superannuation, taxation, retirement planning, insurance, and estate planning. The degree emphasises experiential learning and industry engagement, helping students develop the analytical, communication, and client advisory skills expected by employers in the financial services sector. Students also benefit from access to industry-standard facilities, mentoring opportunities, and professional development programs that strengthen their workplace readiness:

Financial Trading Rooms: Students at the Nathan campus have access to dedicated financial trading rooms equipped with Bloomberg Professional Service terminals, allowing them to analyse financial markets, monitor investment performance, and work with the same technology used by finance professionals.
Industry-Relevant Financial Planning Projects: Throughout the program, students work on practical financial planning scenarios and case studies covering investment advice, risk management, retirement planning, taxation, superannuation, and estate planning, helping them develop real-world problem-solving skills.
BusinessPLUS Professional Development Program: Students can participate in BusinessPLUS, which provides access to industry mentoring, networking events, professional development workshops, leadership programs, competitions, and career mapping activities designed to enhance employability.
Industry Mentoring Program: Griffith's award-winning Industry Mentoring Program connects students with experienced industry professionals, enabling them to build professional networks, gain career insights, and receive guidance from practitioners working in financial services and related sectors.
Group Projects and Collaborative Learning: Students engage in collaborative assessments and business-focused projects that develop teamwork, communication, client relationship management, and professional presentation skills that are highly valued in financial planning careers.
Industry Networking Opportunities: The program provides opportunities to engage with professional associations and industry representatives through events, seminars, and professional development activities linked to the financial planning profession.
Professional Accreditation Alignment: The curriculum is aligned with industry and professional standards in financial planning, ensuring students develop the competencies required for professional practice and future accreditation pathways.
Libraries and Learning Resources: Students have access to Griffith University's extensive library network, digital databases, financial research resources, study spaces, and academic support services that support both coursework and professional research activities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning) at Griffith University gain specialised expertise in wealth creation, retirement planning, taxation, superannuation, insurance, and investment advice. The program prepares students to help individuals and businesses make informed financial decisions, opening pathways to careers as Financial Planner, Wealth Adviser, Investment Adviser, and Retirement Planning Consultant. With growing demand for qualified financial professionals across Australia, graduates are well positioned to build rewarding and long-term careers in the financial services sector:

University Services for Employability: Griffith University supports students through its dedicated Careers and Employment Service, offering career counselling, resume and interview coaching, career workshops, networking events, and access to UniHub job opportunities. Students can also participate in the Industry Mentoring Program, connecting them with experienced professionals who provide career guidance and industry insights.
Employment Statistics & Salary Figures: According to Griffith University's career information, financial investment advisers and managers are part of an occupation employing more than 64,300 professionals across Australia, with projected employment growth of 10.7%. Median weekly earnings are approximately AUD $2,320, translating to an annual median salary range of approximately AUD $120,000–$130,000.
University–Industry Partnerships: Griffith University maintains strong relationships with the financial services industry through professional networking initiatives, mentoring programs, guest industry speakers, and employer engagement activities. These connections help students gain practical insights into the financial planning profession and develop valuable industry networks before graduation.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The Financial Planning major is designed to align with the educational requirements of the financial planning profession and provides knowledge relevant to professional practice in areas such as investment advice, retirement planning, taxation, risk management, and estate planning. Graduates can further strengthen their professional standing through engagement with recognised industry bodies such as the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) and Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA).
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates leave with practical and technical expertise in personal financial planning, wealth management, investment analysis, superannuation, insurance planning, and financial strategy development. These skills are highly valued by banks, wealth management firms, financial advisory practices, insurance organisations, superannuation funds, and investment companies.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning), graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate programs such as a Master of Finance, Master of Financial Planning, Master of Commerce, Master of Business, or Master of International Business. Students interested in research and academic careers may also progress to an Honours year (where eligible) and subsequently undertake Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) studies in finance, commerce, business, or related disciplines. Professional certifications and industry qualifications can further enhance career opportunities and professional recognition within the financial planning sector.