Study Information (Finsia continuing students)

This page contains:

Study Information

Below you will find information about studying with Finsia:

Learning Materials

Upon enrolment, students receive a set of learning materials for each subject, and access to online Subject Rooms and resources.

Learning materials contain:

  • clearly defined learning outcomes
  • comprehensive coverage of content
  • practical examples taken from the financial services industry.

Students will receive their learning materials by courier to the address nominated at the time of enrolment.
Learning materials can be delivered to a post office box (within Australia only) or street address. They will be delivered within 10 working days of enrolment.

Back to top

Subject Rooms

Subject Rooms, accessed via MyFinsia, provide a suite of services to help develop, apply and reinforce student learning.

Online resources available in a Subject Room may include:

  • Announcements, updates and FAQ's:
    • These provide students with up-to-date changes in policies or material.
  • Self directed learning activities such as sample exam questions, interactive online case studies/scenarios and worksheets:
    • These activities assist in ongoing learning and feedback throughout the trimester and provide opportunities to test knowledge and skills
  • Personal assessment dates and details
  • Discussion forums:
    • These provide students with an opportunity to interact and network with other students and practitioners about subject content, assessment items and activities within learning materials.
  • General resources such as lecture outlines, learning materials, links to important industry websites, additional readings and resources:
    • These provide students with additional learning materials and suggested texts/readings to may support their learning
  • Multimedia files (video and audio):
    • In some subjects students may have access to audio and video files to further promote and supplement their learning on key issues or topics

Students enrolled in Masters units may also have access to:

  • Webcasting:
    • In Masters subjects students have access to live and archived seminars as part of their learning resources.
  • Access to databases for searching company news and information (ie. Factiva and Finanalysis) and other library resources
    • In Masters subjects students receive training to access these data bases as part of their learning requirements

Assessment:

  • Where assignments are part of the formal assessment process, they are released in the Subject Rooms and are available to download.  Students are responsible for accessing and downloading their assignments from the Subject Room.  For some Finsia subjects, students are required to upload completed assignments to the Subject Room for submission.
  • Official Finsia handouts may also be published from time to time in the relevant Subject Rooms.

Back to top

Study Modes

Depending on the subject and location, students may select from a range of study modes, including Distance Education, Lectures, Workshops and Seminars.

Back to top

Distance Education

Based on comprehensive online and print resources developed by industry and education experts, our distance education programs offer the flexibility to blend study with work/life commitments.

Lectures

Industry experts enhance the student's understanding of course material through valuable insights and practical examples.  While not compulsory, lectures are available for most subjects and held in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.  Visit the Dates and Timetables page for details.

Workshops

Workshops are facilitated by industry practitioners and provide the opportunity to attend practical, interactive sessions that are designed to provide insight into industry-specific subjects.

Seminars

Masters units are taught in small group seminars that allow for a high level of interaction, both with industry experts and with other students in the group. There is an emphasis on exchanging ideas and debating issues, sharing knowledge and experience and identifying opportunities to transfer new knowledge and skills to the workplace. Seminar leaders facilitate group discussion and debate, and industry experts join the seminars to share their experience and first-hand knowledge.

Masters Units may be offered by weekly seminars, intensive mode seminars or online via the Internet. It is possible to study the Masters Units from anywhere in the world via online streaming media seminar delivery.

Students must attend 80% of the seminars presented during the Trimester.

Back to top

Study Periods

Trimesters

Finsia operates within a Trimester structure, consisting of three study periods per year. A variety of  subjects are offered in each trimester.

Students are encouraged to plan their study by reviewing the subje offering and availability for the full year, detailed in the course outlines within the Handbook or the Finsia Prospectus.

Course Completion Timeframes

Courses are required to be completed within a prescribed time frame. Please refer to the Course Completion Timeframes document to confirm when you must have met your course requirements by (all core and elective subjects).

Professional Development

Kaplan is a major provider of professional development programs that aim to maintain, update and develop the knowledge and skills of professionals working in the financial services sector. Programs focus on legal and regulatory change, market trends and research, and practical technical skills. All subjects provide Professional Development points.  Further information regarding Professional Development can be found by following the link.

Back to top

Enrolment

Enrolments can be accepted online, by mail, fax or in person. Students can save time by enrolling directly via the Finsia website. Enrolled students can also update their personal details via the website.

New students enrolling in a postgraduate course must provide an original or certified copy of their degree or final transcript within four weeks of enrolment. For detailed information on admission requirements to Finsia's vocational and higher education courses, please refer to the course outlines within this Handbook.

Students can download an enrolment form from the 'How to Enrol' page before each major enrolment period (see principal dates).

Late Enrolments

Enrolments continue to be accepted after the commencement of trimester study periods. These enrolments will be accepted at the discretion of Finsia, subject to places being available.

Students enrolling late may not receive their learning materials within the standard delivery timeframes, and will not be eligible for an extension, deferral, refund or special consideration if they do not meet the assessment deadlines for their subject.

As participation in seminars is integral to the Master of Applied Finance and Investment units and is an  assessable component of each Masters unit, enrolments are not accepted after a subject's seminar series has commenced.

Back to top

Student Services

Website

In addition to specific learning and study resources, the Kaplan Professional website contains relevant information for students, such as details of careers seminars and information sessions.  Technical assistance is provided via troubleshooting tips on the website, or alternatively students can contact Kaplan Professional's webmaster at webmaster@kaplan.edu.au.

Helpline

The Helpline service supports enrolled students who need clarification of study notes and assessment material. Experienced practitioners respond to enquiries generally within two working days.  Students can access Helpline for the subject/s in which they are currently enrolled.

Student Advisers

If you require support or information on your course or subject, contact a Student Adviser in your region on 1300 135 798.

Masters Information Resources Manager

A Masters Information Resources Manager is available to assist students enrolled in Masters Units with research and to direct them to the appropriate sources of information including additional resources from the libraries of external organisations. A small collection of texts, journal articles, closed reserve reading materials and annual reports is also maintained for student use by appointment.

Tips for Study Success

Students should take time to map out a path to success. Finsia recommends the following:

  • Plan your study schedule carefully to ensure you cover all units, especially if you enrol in more than one subject.
  • Stay informed about your assessment dates for each of your subjects by regularly visiting your online Subject Room.
  • Pace your study evenly by planning your time from the start of the trimester. Scheduling your study will allow you to participate in discussion groups and other activities designed to support your learning.
  • Cross reference your course materials. If you study your subjects in a logical sequence, you can apply your new knowledge and skills to other areas.
  • Prepare for your assessments early. Most subjects require two pieces of assessment. As a guide, Finsia recommends spending at least 25-30 hours in assignment preparation, including your reading, research and writing time. Finsia recommends at least 20 hours for exam preparation.

Back to top

Resource Requirements

Below are the resource requirements for studying at Finsia:

Internet access

Students studying at Finsia require ready access to the internet. To use the Finsia website students must have JavaScript and Cookies enabled in their browser. Students are also required to have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view printable material on the website.

Upon enrolment, all new students receive a personal ID number and password. Both are required to access MyFinsia, a restricted content area on the Finsia website, in order to download assignments and assessment information, and to access learning materials and resources from the Subject Rooms.

Some of Finsia's examinations are delivered online through Finsia's Online Learning Centre. To take an online examination, you must have access to a PC that has both JavaScript and Java enabled in the browser, and an Internet connection. You will be issued with detailed information regarding the examination at the time of your enrolment and in your Subject Room. If you do not have access to the necessary technology, you will need to make an application to your Regional Office for alternative arrangements to be made for you to take the examination.

Email addresses

It is important that students provide Finsia with an email address. Students are encouraged to establish email accounts that are not limited by size.

Financial calculators

Students will require a calculator that has, as a minimum, the ability to raise numbers to a power (a yx or xy button). Some subjects also require processing of numbers to eight decimal places.
A financial calculator is required for some subjects, and is likely to meet your long-term requirements in the financial services industry. Please check the requirements of your subject before purchasing a financial calculator.

Recommended, commonly used financial calculators are:

  • Hewlett-Packard 12C or 17BII
  • Casio FC200V

Note that calculators or other electronic devices (e.g. Hand-held computers devices, MP3 players and mobile phones) which have the ability to store and display text are not permitted in examinations.

Additional resources

Access to some additional resources may be required for some subjects and may incur minimal additional expense.

Due to the applied nature of Finsia's courses, it is recommended that students read the financial press to gain a broader understanding of the domestic and international issues within the finance sector. Assignment and examination questions often assume daily reading of the financial press.

Suggested texts, as well as journals and Internet sites, may be listed in the Subject Rooms.

To study at Finsia, you will need the following technical requirements:

Back to top

Technical Requirements

Screen resolution and browser version

This site is best viewed in 1024 x 768 resolution via the settings on your computer and using Internet Explorer 5 and above or Forefox 1.0 and above.  You will be able to view the site using other settings and browsers, however some features and formats may appear smaller or larger than optimal.

Any problems accessing the site should be directed to your regional student services advisor.

Font size

The font size thoughout the Finsia website is adjustable. To resize the font, got to View > Text Size on your browser toolbar and select a suitable size. You can also use the Ctrl Key + the Mouse Scroll Wheel. We recommend using 'Medium'.

Javascript and Cookies

In order to use this site you must have Javascript and Cookies enabled in your browser. If you are unsure how to enable these features, visit your browser's help menu.

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat Reader  
Please ensure that you have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view printable material throughout this website.  


Back to top