University of Technology Sydney

25775 Superannuation and Financial Planning

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2020 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Business: Finance
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

This subject examines the application of superannuation and retirement strategies to support the funding needs of retail clients through a comprehensive statement of advice. It commences with an introduction to the Australian superannuation industry, the three phases of superannuation and ends with application of strategies to enable retail clients to benefit from superannuation and retirement planning through a comprehensive financial plan.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of superannuation in the Australian context, including superannuation structures, the three phases of superannuation, taxation implications and application of the Superannuation Industry Supervision Act 1993 (SIS)
2. recognise changing demographics and the effects on superannuation issues
3. be able to develop strategies and provide advisory recommendations on superannuation, including evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of strategies and being able to optimise recommendations
4. apply the steps involved in the financial planning process to client scenarios
5. undertake research, construct and present a comprehensive Statement of Advice (SOA) to meet client requirements in an ethical and professional manner
6. demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the process of giving financial advice

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

This subject develops an in-depth understanding of superannuation strategies to support the funding needs of retail clients through constructing a comprehensive financial plan. As such this subject contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes:

  1. Business knowledge and concepts
  2. Critical thinking, creativity and analytical skills
  3. Communication and interpersonal skills
  4. Attitudes and values
  5. Business practice oriented skills

This subject contributes to the development of the following Program Learning Objectives:

  • Critically analyse complex financial planning concepts (1.1)
  • Demonstrate advanced skills for an effective financial planning practice (1.2)
  • Use relevant information and data to critically analyse complex issues in the practice of financial planning (2.1)
  • Formulate creative and innovative solutions to complex financial planning issues (2.2)
  • Demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultural and Indigenous perspectives and their implications for the practice of financial planning (4.3)
  • Apply technical and professional skills effectively within the practice of financial planning (5.1)
  • Execute a substantial evidence-based financial planning advice project (5.2)

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject is based on collaborative learning activities that include online courses and activities, lectures, in-class discussions and applied case studies. The online course and activities will develop student’s technical knowledge on superannuation and the financial planning process. The lectures will explain the application of the process using a case student framework. Students will actively discuss the case studies with the instructor and peers based on the knowledge from the online classes.

Content (topics)

  • The superannuation industry: a detailed overview and regulation.
  • Superannuation and retirement planning advice strategies.
  • Retirement planning: social security aged care and non-financial issues
  • Different methods of construction of the Statement of Advice (SoA)
  • SoA disclosure and compliance requirements
  • SoA Requirements of FASEA Code of Ethics and Code Monitoring Bodies
  • Establish ethical client-planner relationships and importance of Best Interest Duty
  • The financial planning process: the six steps

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Quiz on the content of the online learning component

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

1, 2, 3 and 4

Type: Quiz/test
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 20%

Assessment task 2: Assignment

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Type: Report
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 20%

Assessment task 3: Assignment and presentation

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Type: Report
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 40%

Assessment task 4: Presentation

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Type: Presentation
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 20%

Minimum requirements

Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks.

Required texts

Mandatory reading and other learning material will be placed on Canvas.

References

  1. Australian Master Financial Planning Guide (latest financial year edition)
  2. Australian Master Superannuation Guide (latest financial year edition)