Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Financial Planning

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Adelaide

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Financial Planning at the University of Adelaide is designed for students who want to build expertise in wealth management, retirement planning, taxation, investment advice, and financial risk management. Delivered over three years, the program combines broad business knowledge with specialist financial planning skills, preparing graduates for careers in financial advice, wealth management, banking, insurance, and related financial services sectors. Campus Location: Adelaide City Campus, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students develop a strong foundation in business and finance while gaining an introduction to the financial planning profession. Through subjects such as Accounting for Decision Makers (ACCT1000), Business Finance (BAFI1001), Principles of Economics (ECON1000), and Introduction to Financial Planning (BAFI1000), students learn how businesses operate, how financial decisions are made, and the role financial planners play in helping clients achieve their goals.

Year 2

The second year focuses on the regulatory, analytical, and advisory aspects of financial planning. Students explore areas including Superannuation (BAFI2001), Risk Management and Insurance (BAFI2002), and Regulations, Ethics and Financial Advice (BAFI2011) while also developing analytical capabilities through Predictive and Visual Analytics for Managers and Consultants (BUSI1009). The inclusion of Business Practicum (BUSI1900) provides valuable exposure to real-world business environments and professional practice.

Year 3

In the final year, students apply their knowledge to advanced financial planning scenarios and client-focused strategies. Courses such as Portfolio Theory and Management (BAFI2007), Estate Planning (BUSI3011), Taxation Law (BUSI3046), and Applied Financial Planning (BAFI3000) develop expertise in investment management, taxation, estate planning, and comprehensive financial advice. Students also complete Business Clinic (BUSI2902) and study Business Applications for Artificial Intelligence (ARTI3000), gaining practical industry experience and exposure to emerging technologies shaping the future of financial services.

Focus Areas

Financial Planning, Wealth Management, Superannuation, Investment Management, Portfolio Construction, Risk Management and Insurance, Estate Planning, Taxation Law, Financial Advice, Business Analytics, Artificial Intelligence in Business, Professional Ethics and Regulatory Compliance.

Learning Outcomes

Develop the ability to create comprehensive financial plans, evaluate investment opportunities, manage financial risk, understand taxation and estate planning requirements, apply ethical and regulatory standards, analyse financial data for decision-making, and deliver professional financial advice that aligns with clients’ long-term financial goals. Graduates also gain critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and professional consulting skills relevant across the financial services sector.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program has been developed in consultation with industry and is designed to prepare students for professional practice in financial planning. Adelaide University is currently progressing relevant approvals for program accreditation with the Financial Adviser Standards, The Treasury, supporting graduates seeking careers as financial advisers in Australia.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Adelaide is a member of Australia's prestigious Group of Eight, recognised internationally for academic excellence and research strength. Students benefit from industry-informed curriculum design, work-integrated learning opportunities, and practical experiences such as professional placements and business clinics that enhance graduate employability and career readiness.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Financial Planning at the University of Adelaide is designed with a strong practical focus, helping students build industry-ready skills through real-world projects, financial planning simulations, analytics training, and workplace experiences. Throughout the degree, students learn how to develop financial strategies, assess risk, manage investment portfolios, and provide advice that meets legal and ethical standards. The program also incorporates emerging technologies, analytics, and artificial intelligence to prepare graduates for the future of the financial services industry. Students gain hands-on experience through work-integrated learning opportunities and access to professional environments that mirror those used by leading financial institutions:

Industry Placement: Complete an industry-aligned placement in the final year, allowing you to apply financial planning knowledge in a professional workplace and build valuable industry connections.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Undertake dedicated WIL courses including Business Practicum and Business Clinic, where students work on real business challenges and develop practical consulting and professional skills.
Simulated Trading Environment: Access simulated financial trading environments similar to those used by leading banks and investment firms, providing practical exposure to investment and financial market activities.
Financial Planning Practice: Apply financial planning concepts through specialist courses such as Applied Financial Planning, Portfolio Theory and Management, Superannuation, Risk Management and Insurance, and Estate Planning.
Data Analytics Tools: Develop analytical and decision-making skills through courses in Data Analytics and Predictive and Visual Analytics for Managers and Consultants, using modern business analytics techniques.
Artificial Intelligence Applications: Gain experience with emerging digital technologies through the Business Applications for Artificial Intelligence course, preparing for technology-driven financial services careers.
Industry-Developed Curriculum: Study a program developed in consultation with industry to ensure learning remains aligned with current professional standards and employer expectations.
International Experiences: Eligible students can personalise their degree through elective options, including international exchange opportunities that broaden global business perspectives.
Libraries and Study Facilities: Access modern libraries, technology-enabled study spaces, collaborative learning areas, workshops, and facilities designed to support business and commerce students.
Professional Networking: Participate in networking events, guest speaker sessions, mentoring opportunities, and career development activities that connect students with industry professionals.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Financial Planning are prepared to help individuals and organisations make informed financial decisions, manage wealth, and plan for long-term financial success. The degree combines strong business foundations with specialist financial planning expertise, opening pathways into roles such as Financial Planner, Investment Adviser, Wealth Manager, Client Relationship Manager, and Estate Planner across financial institutions, advisory firms, insurance organisations, and superannuation funds.

University Services for Employability: Adelaide University places a strong emphasis on career readiness through dedicated career advice and mentoring services, networking opportunities with industry professionals and guest speakers, work placement opportunities, internship experiences, overseas study programs, and a professional industry-aligned placement completed during the degree. Students also benefit from Work Integrated Learning courses, including Business Practicum and Business Clinic projects that provide real-world industry exposure before graduation.
Employment Statistics & Salary: Commerce and business graduates in Australia continue to experience strong employment outcomes, with graduate surveys showing high levels of employment and ongoing career progression after graduation. Based on recent Australian graduate outcome data for commerce and business-related graduates, graduates commonly enter the workforce with median starting salaries in the range of AUD $55,000–$75,000 per year, with earning potential increasing significantly as professional experience and industry certifications are gained.
University–Industry Partnerships: The program has been developed in consultation with industry to ensure graduates develop skills aligned with current employer needs. Students gain access to simulated financial trading environments used by major banks and investment firms, complete industry-aligned placements, and engage with industry projects designed to strengthen professional networks and practical capabilities.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: Adelaide University is progressing accreditation approval with Australia's financial adviser standards framework through The Treasury. The curriculum has been specifically designed to align with professional financial planning requirements, helping graduates build a strong foundation for careers in financial advice, wealth management, superannuation, and related financial services sectors.
Graduation Outcomes: Upon graduation, students possess expertise in superannuation, retirement planning, insurance and risk management, investment portfolio construction, estate planning, taxation law, ethics, and financial advice. Combined with practical placement experience and exposure to emerging financial technologies, graduates are well positioned to enter a rapidly evolving financial services industry.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, students can continue their studies through postgraduate qualifications such as a Graduate Certificate in Commerce, Graduate Diploma programs, specialised financial planning qualifications, or a Master's degree in Commerce, Finance, Business Analytics, Economics, or related business disciplines. These advanced qualifications can deepen professional expertise, support career advancement into senior advisory and management roles, and enhance opportunities for professional accreditation and specialised industry practice.