Financial planners help people manage their financial affairs and plan their futures. They have a deep understanding of finance, relevant sections of the law, high ethical standards and excellent people skills.

In this double major, you will gain a broad knowledge of investments required to provide financial advice.

Your learning will address subjects in areas, including financial principles, financial instruments, markets, tax law, corporate finance, portfolio management, estate planning, ethics and compliance. You will also learn about the psychology behind people’s financial decisions and behaviours.

From 1 January 2019, every person entering the profession of financial planning must have completed a degree approved by FASEA, Australia’s Financial Advisor Standards and Ethics Authority. Curtin’s Finance and Financial Planning double major, which covers key bodies of knowledge identified by FASEA in considerable depth, was one of the first programs in Australia to get this approval.

This double major concludes with a unique 120-hour work placement capstone experience, where you will intern with one of the WA Chapter of the Financial Planning Association’s member organisations.

This double major sits within the Bachelor of Commerce degree. To apply for this double major, you will apply for the Bachelor of Commerce.

Why study

• Learn from staff who undertake practical research in areas such as energy economics, public economics and the economics of electronic commerce.
• Use real case studies and examples to apply your learning and problem-solving skills.
• Attend lectures featuring representatives from financial companies. In the past, such companies have included Gilkinson Investments, Lighthouse Capital, Barns Financial Services and St.George Bank.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia has partnered with Curtin to offer internships to students who have completed 200 credits or more of their commerce degree. These internships will give you credit towards your degree, increase your industry experience and put you in direct contact with leading professionals.

Professional recognition

• Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority.

You may be eligible for membership of the Association of Financial Advisers, CFA Institute, Economic Society of Australia (WA branch), Financial Planning Association of Australia, Financial Services Institute of Australasia, and the Women in Finance Network.

• Budget analyst
• Corporate finance analyst
• Financial manager
• Financial planner