.:: KDU Management Development Centre (KMDC) ::.

Deakin Course Code: M778
Award granted Master of Wealth Management
Duration 1.5 - 2 years part time

The Master of Wealth Management is designed to provide a comprehensive program of study for person working, or aspiring to work, in the expanding finance and financial planning sectors. The course has been structured to deal with the key areas of knowledge and skills applicable to wealth management having regard, in particular, to the professional development needs of persons working in this area and who now need to obtain formal qualifications as a result of recent legislative changes applying to them

Specific course info
The Master of Wealth Management comprises 8 credit points and can be completed in two semesters of full-time study, or part-time equivalent. The course articulates with the Graduate Certificate of Wealth Management, which comprises 4 credit points and can be completed in one semester of full-time study or part time equivalent. The Graduate Certificate is also an exit point for the Master of Wealth Management.

Professional Recognition
One of the requirements to be able to practice as a financial planner in Australia is that a person must have satisfied certain minimum training requirements as governed by the Australian and Securities Investment Commission (ASIC) under Policy Statement 146 (PS 146). Deakin's postgraduate financial planning specialisation has been registered with ASIC consisting of the following 3 units:

Students are therefore advised that if they wish to practice as a financial planner in Australia, these 3 units must be successfully completed.

Career opportunities
The Master of Wealth Management provides a comprehensive program of study for person working, or aspiring to work, in the expanding finance and financial planning sectors. The course has been structured to deal with the key areas of knowledge and skills applicable to wealth management having regard, in particular, to the professional development needs of persons working in this area and who now need to obtain formal qualifications as a result of recent legislative changes applying to them.

Admission requirements - general
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicants previous academic record. The minimum requirements are successful completion of a three-year undergraduate degree, or equivalent, from an approved university or other educational institution or successful completion of other equivalent qualifications gained by examination, or approved professional or industrial experience. International students must also meet the English language requirements.

Admission requirements - specific
To be eligible for admission to the Master of Wealth Management applicants must hold a four year bachelor degree (or equivalent), or a three year bachelor degree (or equivalent) and a minimum of two years professional or managerial experience in finance, insurance, financial planning, or superannuation.

Advanced standing - general
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for advanced standing. You will need to provide your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your advanced standing.

Course rules
To be awarded the Master of Wealth Management a student must satisfactorily complete 8 credit points of study.

Deakin direct international students pay AUD2748 per unit in 2008.

View 2008 Deakin tuition fee rate (Deakin International Fee)

Students precluded from one or more of the above compulsory units will be required to choose alternative units from:

Course Description

MAF702 Financial Markets
Unit fee rate
Semester 2 , 1 credit point
Unit chair: C Viney
Contact hours: 1 x 3 hour seminar per week
Note: Online teaching methods require internet access.

Content
Topics addressed in this unit include: the operation and structure of a modern financial system (institutions, instruments and markets); direct and intermediated finance; interest rate determination and yield curve analysis; mathematical concepts; financial institutions; prudential supervision; equity markets and instruments; sources and types of short-term, medium-term and longer-term debt finance; financial instrument pricing; the foreign exchange markets; offshore funding in the international markets; introduction to derivative instruments.

Assessment
Business report 3500 words 30%, three-hour examination 70%

MAF703 Applied Corporate Finance
Semester 2, 1 credit point
Unit chair: C Sullivan
Prerequisite: MAA786 or MPF753
Contact hours: 1 x 3 hour seminar per week
Note: Online teaching methods require internet access.

Content
Topics include: Fisher's separation theory; economic rationale for positive net present value projects; business forecasting; business valuation; corporate growth and development; financial distress and business failure; lease financing; futures contracts; options and contingent claims; and international finance.

Assessment
Business report 3000 words (individual) or 6000 words (group) 30%, three-hour examination 70%

MAF704 Treasury and Risk Management
Semester 1, 1 credit point
Unit chair: R Vinning
Prerequisite: For M778 students: nil, otherwise: MAA786 or MPF753
Co requisite: For M778 students: MPF753, otherwise: nil
Contact hours: 1 x 3 hour seminar per week
Note: Online teaching methods require internet access.

Content
Topics include: an overview of the treasury management function; organisational structure of the treasury management function; understanding risk, risk management models; liquidity and cash management; foreign exchange-spot and forward markets; exchange rate determination; measuring forex risk; forex risk management?internal, external, exchange traded instruments, over-the-counter instruments; review of interest rates and pricing of securities; measuring interest rate risk?maturity, repricing, duration and convexity models; interest risk rate management?internal, external, exchange traded instruments, over-the-counter instruments; treasury performance evaluation.

Assessment
On and off campus: Assignment 1000 to 1500 words 10%, group assignment 3000 words 30%, three-hour examination 60% Study tour: Individual assignment 1500 words 10%, group assignment 2500 words 20%, overseas participation 10%, two-hour examination 60%

MAF707 Portfolio Investments and Financial Planning
Semester 1 or semester 2, 1 credit point
Unit chair: L McGinley
Incompatible with: MAF705
Contact hours: 1 x 3 hour seminar per week
Note: Online teaching methods require internet access.

Content
This unit introduces students to investment planning. It provides students with an understanding of asset classes and the considerations in the management and appropriate use of these assets in an investment portfolio. The concepts of risk and return and diversification within a portfolio are examined as well as taxation issues in relation to investments.

Assessment
Calculations and written report 25%, three-hour examination 75%

MAF708 Retirement Income Streams
Semester 1, 1 credit point
Unit chair: M Olynyk
Contact hours: 1 x 3 hour seminar per week
Note: Online teaching methods require internet access.

Content
This unit introduces students to retirement planning. Superannuation and its regulatory framework is examined. Also considered are the range of available income streams including the development of income streams in conjunction with social security benefits.

Assessment
Research essay 2000 words 20%, case study 3000 words with projections and financial modelling 30%, three-hour examination 50%

MAF709 Financial Planning Development
Semester 2, 1 credit point
Unit chair: M Olynyk
Prerequisite: MAF707
Contact hours: 1 x 3 hour seminar per week
Note: Online teaching methods require internet access.

Content
This unit introduces the student to the financial planning process and leads the student to the development of a financial plan. The unit considers issues relating to risk management, estate planning, and salary packaging. In addition it revisits investment and retirement planning covered in earlier units and incorporates all these areas into a comprehensive financial plan.

Assessment
Financial plan 40%, three-hour examination 60%

MPA751 Financial Reporting and Analysis
Semester 1 or semester 2, 1 credit point
Previously coded as: MAA751
Unit chair: C Jubb
Incompatible with: MPR751
Contact hours: 1 x 3 hour seminar per week
Note: Online teaching methods require internet access.

Content
The unit aims to develop a student's ability to read, interpret and use corporate financial reports and other relevant information such as internal accounting reports. The unit is primarily concerned with developing a strong understanding of accounting concepts and issues from perspectives both internal and external to the entity. This understanding can then be applied to a range of theoretical and practical problems often encountered by managers. The participant's appreciation of the complexities of financial measurement, accounting policy selection, and techniques of managerial accounting is developed using case studies and practical problems. No previous accounting background is assumed.

Assessment
Case study 2000 words 15%, case study 3000 words 20%, three-hour examination 65%

MPF753 Finance
Semester 1 or semester 2 , 1 credit point
Previously coded as: MAF701 and MAF753
Unit chair: G Hossari
Recommended: It is highly recommended that students without a prior tertiary level competency in statistics should undertake MSQ791 prior to studying this unit.
Contact hours: 1 x 3 hour seminar per week
Note: Online teaching methods require internet access.

Content
This unit will enable students to understand modern financial techniques underpinning investment, financing and dividend decisions in the context of the Australian and international financial institutional framework. In addition the unit covers financial mathematics and investment analysis tools and techniques, as well as issues such as optimal capital structure and dividend policy. The specific aims of the unit are to provide an understanding of the conceptual foundations for financial decision making; to enable students to understand and use available analytical techniques for making long term financial investment decisions; to examine the effects of using alternative methods of raising funds and the effects of alternative capital structures in theory and in practice; to provide an understanding of the framework of financial institutions and financial instruments available in Australia and internationally.

Assessment
Assignment 1500 words 10%, assignment 2500 words 30%, three-hour examination 60%

Students precluded from one or more of the above compulsory units will be required to choose alternative units from:

MAF754 Enterprise Risk Management
Semester 1, 1 credit point
Unit chair: C Sullivan
Contact hours: 1 x 3 hour seminar per week
Note: Online teaching methods require internet access.

Content
This unit offers an integrated and comprehensive analysis of how enterprise risk management is a business process within an organisation, in particular the key role of corporate governance and a strategic risk management framework is explored. Particular topics include the evolution of enterprise risk management, linking of business strategies to risk management, risk culture, identifying, measuring and monitoring risks and optimising risk management. Case studies will be used to complement other learning strategies.

Assessment
Assignment 2500 words 40%, presentation 10%, three-hour examination 50%

MAS701 Principles of Risk and Insurance
Semester 1 or semester 2, 1 credit point
Unit chair: C Laming
Note: Online teaching methods require internet access.

Content
This unit introduces students to insurance, the insurance market and insurance law. The unit examines a range of areas including the concepts of risk and insurance, and the principal legislation governing insurance in Australia. Topics include: risk concepts; the insurance mechanism; the history of insurance and insurance in Australia; Lloyd's of London; an introduction to risk management and underwriting; insurance legal principles; the Insurance Contracts Act; agency?common law, Insurance (Agents & Brokers) Act, and the Insurance Act 1973.

Assessment
Assignment 3000 words 20%, three-hour examination 80%

MLC703 Principles of Income Tax Law –unsupported unit
Semester 2, 1 credit point
Unit chair: W Obst
Coordinator: R Hanegbi (T), W Obst (X)
Contact hours: 1 x 3 hour seminar per week
Note: Online teaching methods require internet access.

Content
The unit aims to familiarise students with the principles underlying the Income Tax Assessment Act (ITAA 1936 and 1997) so that they have the necessary skills to successfully approach and research complex problems involving income tax issues. Topics include: the position and importance of income tax in the range of Commonwealth and state taxes; concepts of income and capital; deductions and exemptions; tax offsets; taxation of capital gains, fringe benefits and trading stock; taxation of companies; dividend imputation; taxation of individuals, partners, trustees and beneficiaries.

Assessment
Assignment 3000 words 30%, three-hour examination 70%

MLM720 Introduction to Commercial Law – unsupported unit
Semester 1 or semester 2, 1 credit point
Unit chair: A Pathinayake
Incompatible with: MLC701 and MLL720
Contact hours: 1 x 3 hour seminar per week
Note: Online teaching methods require internet access.

Content
This is a foundation law unit designed for students who are embarking on one of the School's postgraduate programs who do not have a law degree (or equivalent). The unit focuses on various learning, research and communication skills that are needed in order to complete subsequent coursework units and research papers. It also introduces a number of substantive law areas.

Assessment
Research paper 2000 words 20%, case studies 20%, three-hour examination 60%

MPE707 International Banking and Finance
Semester 1 or semester 2, 1 credit point
Previously coded as: MEE707
Unit chair: V Mohan
Contact hours: 1 x 3 hour seminar per week
Note: Online teaching methods require internet access.

Content
This unit will provide participants with the ability to identify the major issues associated with the globalisation of financial markets and an understanding of the functions of the international financial and banking systems. Topics include internationalisation of banking and finance, foreign exchange markets and the balance of payment accounts, international parity conditions, the international monetary system, exchange rate arrangements and government intervention, foreign exchange derivatives, foreign exchange exposure and management, international banking and global financial markets and country risk analysis and debt crisis.

Assessment
Essay 2000 words 15%, research report 3000 words 25%, three-hour examination 60%

MPP701 Research Project 1A – unsupported unit
Semester 1 or semester 2, 1 credit point
Unit chair: C Jubb
Incompatible with: MPP704
Note: Online teaching methods require internet access.

Content
Students will research, design and complete a comprehensive research study under the guidance of their own supervisor. The study will require students to identify and define a problem, review relevant literature, design a study method, present findings, interpret results and present conclusions and recommendations.

Assessment
Research report up to 10,000 words 100%