| Overview and Aims of the Program |
The GradDipAppFin(Retirement Outcomes) has been established to fill a gap in education offerings to the superannuation/funds industry. The financial services industry is increasing its focus on finding solutions for funding retirement outcomes, driven by: increasing portion of members retiring; longevity improvements; and recent earnings volatility. Unlike the considerable knowledge and understanding of the accumulation phase of superannuation, there is debate and opposing views regarding managing the drawdown phase through retirement. |
| 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 an advanced knowledge of the key theories, concepts, models and recent developments in applied portfolio and wealth management with particular emphasis on whole of life investing. (K).
2. Demonstrate specialised technical skills required to evaluate the key theories, concepts, models and recent developments in applied portfolio and wealth management with particular emphasis on whole of like investing(K).
3. Evaluate established knowledge and critically analyse issues in applied portfolio and wealth management (T).
4. Apply solutions to problems in applied finance using professional judgment and choices that involve trade-offs (P & J).
5. Effectively communicate to diverse audiences (C).
6. Identify and analyse contemporary industry challenges and ethical issues in a global financial context (E & J). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
The GradDipAppFin (Retirement Outcomes) offers an opportunity for finance industry professionals with prior studies in a business/finance discipline to study at an advanced level in a specialised field. Students sit alongside our MAppFin participants.
The learning and teaching methods applicable to the GradDipAppFin are identical to those of the MAppFin program.
We want the best learning experience for our students, and use a range of learning and teaching methods to achieve this. Our GradDipAppFin (and also MAppFin) emphasises face-to-face learning in real time and is recognised by industry for the applied nature of the learning environment. We cater to a variety of learning styles. Students have the opportunity to learn through independent and collaborative study, peer discussion, research, reflective practice, and self-directed methods.
Our learning and teaching strategies include:
• “Applied” Focus: The GradDipAppFin is a practitioner-oriented program. While academically rigorous, it has a strong practical emphasis with a strong focus on “real world” issues. It focuses directly on how finance is practiced today and provides the conceptual framework to allow students to understand and influence what happens tomorrow.
• Quality Teaching Faculty: All our faculty members have hands-on industry experience, adding a uniquely practical edge to their teaching.
• Focus on Real World Finance: We are committed to making sure that students gain knowledge and skills that are relevant in today’s financial environment. Our course structure and program content have been designed to ensure that students learn how finance works in the world, not just in theory. Our teaching faculty share insights from their own careers and use a range of case studies to highlight important concepts.
• Student Experience: GradDipAppFin students have 2 or more years of relevant work experience, meaning that they learn from each other’s experiences as well as those of the teaching faculty. We only accept students who are able to add value to the group and contribute generously to discussions.
• Content: Our program is structured to provide depth of learning in a sharply focussed area. It combines a rigorous core curriculum with targeted elective offerings.
• Flexible program: Students set the pace at which they progress through the program, affording them the greatest level of flexibility. Balancing work and study commitments is easy because our program is portable across all our teaching locations in Australia and overseas. Students can attend lectures in Sydney, Melbourne,and Singapore .
These strategies are applied utilising the following key teaching methods:
• Lectures: The GradDipAppFin is taught in modern classrooms utilising interactive technologies. Students are encouraged to “BYOD” (Bring Your Own Device) which supports real-time teaching aids using technology, when solving problems or understanding models. Case study analysis is a key component of the curriculum, as students genuinely apply their understanding of finance to real-world issues.
• On-line Media: Students will have access to a variety of on-line resources to facilitate and enrich their learning experience.
• Independent Learning: Students will have the opportunity to engage in a variety self-directed study and research projects.
• Group Learning: Students will have the opportunity to engage in on-line discussion forums, peer review and reflective exercises. Selected tasks may involve group work enabling collaborative and creative approaches to deconstructing and solving problems.
• Feedback: Students receive formative feedback from lecturers to monitor performance and indicate improvements necessary. |
| Assessment |
All units offered in the GradDipAppFin are units from the MAppFin program and are taught and assessed at the same level.
Assessment for this program is predominantly based on a student’s individual performance and mainly focused on the application of theoretical knowledge to real world scenarios.
Various tasks are used to assess cognitive, integrative and professional capabilities. Assessment tasks may include:
• Written assignments within traditional academic forma and / or pertinent to simulation of relevant industry application;
• Quizzes, including on-line;
• Reflective journal. Students are encouraged to undertake reflective practice throughout all units, as professional practice is embedded across the elective units;
• Group presentation activity (assessing the learning outcomes of collaborative and communication skills);
• Independent research;
• Engagement in discussions, including oral presentations in professional contexts; and
• 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 (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit.
Domestic students
For undergraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For domestic postgraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl
International students
For RPL information visit www.mq.edu.au/international/rpl undefined |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| 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. |
