| AQF Level |
Level 8 Graduate Certificate |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
Macquarie's new Graduate Certificate of Finance (GradCertFin) is a comprehensive Gateway program in graduate finance.
This award offers a pathway for non-cognate degree holders to the Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance (GradDipAppFin) and the Master of Applied Finance (MAppFin); providing work experience admission requirements of the higher degree are met. It will also appeal to those students who want post graduate level learning in finance as a stand-alone award.
The award will utilise new units created for the MAppFin. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
1. demonstrate specialised knowledge of the key theories, concepts, models and recent developments in finance (K)
2. demonstrate specialised technical skills in finance (K)
3. evaluate established knowledge and analyse issues in finance (T)
4. apply solutions to problems in finance using professional judgment (P, J)
5. effectively communicate to diverse audiences (C)
6. identify contemporary industry challenges and ethical issues in a global financial context (E, J). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
Macquarie's GradCertFin is a comprehensive Gateway program in graduate finance.
This award is completed fully on-line. It allows you to study at a pace, location and time of your own choice, provided you meet the assessment schedules.
You will be encouraged throughout this program to acquire relevant subject knowledge and skills, methodology and understanding through a variety of independent and collaborative activities. Case studies of actual events will be used to provide a sense of the application of finance to the real world. The program is structured to promote and encourage independent learning.
This program is taught fully on-line. You will receive briefings from lecturers and be provided with a set of tasks that you are expected to engage with. These tasks will include: engaging with reading materials; watching of, responding to and reflecting on discussion points from on-line videos; developing analytical and problem solving skills through participating in on-line quizzes, problem sets and assignments, and active participation in on-line discussion forums. |
| Assessment |
Assessment for this program is based on a student’s individual performance.
As the program is completed fully on-line, the focus is on assessing your technical, cognitive and integrative capabilities. Assessment tasks may include:
• written assignments within traditional academic forma and / or pertinent to simulation of relevant industry application
• completion of problem sets and on-line quizzes
• participation in on-line discussion and forums
• written examinations.
Clear standards and criteria for what is assessed and how it is assessed, are contained in each unit guide. Students are given formative feedback following each assessment task. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. For recognition of prior informal and non-formal learning, please refer to the relevant RPL Plan, which describes the evidential requirements and approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit in this program.
For undergraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For postgraduate RPL plans visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us Further support, unique to the fully on-line GradCertFin, includes:
• academic on-line support
• opportunities for membership of FINSIA (Financial Services Institute of Australasia, a professional association)
• extended learning opportunities offered through regular, free Finance Professionals industry seminars held in Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore and Beijing campuses. |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
There is a wide variety of career opportunities for successful candidates, especially those wishing to transfer to the Finance sector, both in Australia and overseas. |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
| External Benchmarks |
External benchmarking of the GradCertFin is undertaken, to the extent possible, concurrently with the MAppFin program.
The program is benchmarked informally:
• Through the Macquarie Applied Finance Centre (MAFC) Advisory Committee: The MAFC uses the Advisory Committee’s advice on industry needs and emerging trends in order to remain relevant and aware of its target market.
• Student and alumni surveys conducted by MAFC and / or the Faculty of Business and Economics. Surveys measure students’ perceptions of the program and university experience. This process has been designed to track progress over time in order benchmark quality and generate information to assist in continuous quality improvement.
• Periodic reviews against its competitors. |
| Accreditation |
This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification.
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