University of Adelaide

What you'll study

The program blends foundational commerce subjects with a specialised sequence in financial planning. Early study typically covers micro- and macro-economics, introductory and managerial accounting, business law, quantitative methods and introductory finance. In later years you progress to specialist financial planning topics such as personal wealth management, investments, superannuation and retirement planning, taxation for advisers, insurance and risk management, estate planning, and ethical and regulatory aspects of financial advice.

Course delivery emphasises applied skills: financial modelling, preparing statements of advice, client communication and case studies. Many students also undertake subjects in related areas — for example corporate finance, behavioural finance, or portfolio management — and have options to take electives from accounting, economics or business analytics to tailor their degree to particular career goals.

Structure

The degree is structured with core commerce units in the early stage and progressively specialised financial planning units in the middle and final stages. Assessment methods commonly include written assignments, client-style reports, group projects, case exams and practical exercises. Opportunities to undertake industry projects, simulated advice clinics or elective internships are often available to consolidate practical experience.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on standard undergraduate admission pathways for the University of Adelaide. Domestic applicants are typically admitted on the basis of secondary school results (or recognised alternative pathways) and may be expected to have a solid background in mathematics or quantitative subjects. International applicants require a recognised equivalent qualification and proof of English language proficiency.

The School provides multiple pathways to entry, including bridging and enabling programs, admission on the basis of prior tertiary study or recognised work experience, and consideration through tertiary admission centres. Applicants should check the University’s official admissions pages for the precise documentation and academic thresholds that apply to their circumstances.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a broad range of roles across the financial services sector. Typical career pathways include:

• Financial planner / financial adviser
• Paraplanner or adviser support roles
• Wealth management and private client services
• Superannuation specialist or retirement planner
• Investment analyst or research assistant
• Insurance adviser and risk management roles
• Compliance, client relationship management and business development within banks, accounting firms and advisory practices

Many graduates also pursue further professional qualifications or postgraduate study to meet regulatory and industry certification requirements and to specialise further in areas such as taxation, portfolio management or financial advice compliance.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers the Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning) through its business school with a focus on applied learning and industry relevance. Students benefit from a curriculum informed by research and practitioner input, opportunities for experiential learning and engagement with local financial services firms.

Studying in Adelaide provides access to a compact capital city with professional networks across banking, superannuation and accounting sectors. The University’s career services, industry partnerships and exchange programs support practical experience and graduate employability while allowing students to tailor their studies with electives and interdisciplinary options.