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LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Study Period2
Study Period2
Online
Study Period2
Study Period2

Unit description

Covers concepts, principles and tools associated with financial planning and investor behaviour. The unit develops students’ knowledge and skills in analysing, evaluating and making investment decisions related to investor behaviour and psychology, personal finance and financial planning issues, and client relationships.  

Unit content

Topic 1a: Behavioural Finance: An Introduction

Topic 1b: Decision-Making and Investor Behaviour

Topic 2a: Financial Literacy

Topic 2b: Household Investment Decisions

Topic 3a: Personality Traits

Topic 3b: Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors

Topic 4a: Financial Wellbeing

Topic 4b: Motivation and Satisfaction

Topic 5a: Policy-Based Financial Planning

Topic 5b: Financial Counselling and Coaching

Topic 6a: Financial Therapy and Client Behaviours

Topic 6b: Advising the Behavioural Investor

 

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1identify the different types of behavioural biases client(s) exhibitIntellectual rigour
2explain the different approaches in decision-making client(s) may prefer Intellectual rigour
3describe the linkages between behavioural biases and decision-making and implications for investment decisions made by client(s)Intellectual rigour
4develop an understanding of individual behavioural patterns as applied across different genders, age and social demographics and culturesIntellectual rigourEthical practice
5apply sound judgement when engaging in ethical practice and display professional standards reflecting responsible and sustainable practicesIntellectual rigourEthical practiceCommunication and social skills
6recognise and apply behavioural finance knowledge to client financial literacy, engagement, best interests and the professional relationshipIntellectual rigourEthical practiceCommunication and social skills
7demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and non-verbally and engage positively in dealings with clients and peers.Intellectual rigourEthical practiceCommunication and social skills

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. identify the different types of behavioural biases client(s) exhibit
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
  2. explain the different approaches in decision-making client(s) may prefer
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
  3. describe the linkages between behavioural biases and decision-making and implications for investment decisions made by client(s)
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
  4. develop an understanding of individual behavioural patterns as applied across different genders, age and social demographics and cultures
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA3: Ethical practice
  5. apply sound judgement when engaging in ethical practice and display professional standards reflecting responsible and sustainable practices
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA3: Ethical practice
    • GA6: Communication and social skills
  6. recognise and apply behavioural finance knowledge to client financial literacy, engagement, best interests and the professional relationship
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA3: Ethical practice
    • GA6: Communication and social skills
  7. demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and non-verbally and engage positively in dealings with clients and peers.
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA3: Ethical practice
    • GA6: Communication and social skills

Prescribed texts

  • Baker, K and Ricciardi, V, 2014, Investor Behavior: The Psychology of Financial Planning and Investing, Wiley. ISBN: 9781118492987.
Prescribed texts may change in future study periods.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method
Assessment

Teaching method
Assessment
Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the study session.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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