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Home > Subjects > FIN101 – Financial Markets and Economic Principles
Financial Markets and Economic Principles focuses on an overview of Australian financial markets and the influence of economic developments on these markets; an understanding of which is fundamental to later Applied Finance subjects.
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STUDY MODE
100% online
AQF LEVEL
8
NEXT INTAKE
9 Mar 2026
SUBJECT DURATION
12 weeks
SUBJECT FEE
$2,850.00
This subject focuses on an overview of Australian financial markets and the influence of economic developments on these markets; an understanding of which is fundamental to later Applied Finance subjects. It introduces key economic principles and provides an overview of the forces that drive economic markets, and then moves into a discussion of the different asset classes, equities, foreign exchange and commodities, derivatives, financial products, and funds management. Students follow a fictitious case study through much of the assessment, so that they may apply their understanding of the above concepts and explore a number of issues that could apply to a company after certain market events have occurred, using a realistic scenario.
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If you are intending to complete this subject as part of the Graduate Certificate in Corporate Finance, please note that this course is no longer open for new enrolments. However, this subject is available for enrolment in all postgraduate applied finance and financial services courses. If you require assistance, please contact Kaplan Professional on 1300 135 798 or via contact us.
On the successful completion of this subject individuals should be able to:
There is no prescribed text for this subject.
Individuals are provided with key readings and access to Kaplan’s online databases. Individuals are encouraged to research and read widely on the topic.
Click here for an assessment timetable.
Not applicable.
Individuals may not be required to complete this subject if they have transitioned from a SIA/Finsia/Kaplan course and have completed the following subjects:
12 Jan 2026 - 3 Apr 2026
❌ Enrolments now closed
Early access opens 15 December 2025
Early access to assessments 29 December 2025
Study period commences 12 January 2026
Enrolments close/census 28 January 2026
Study period ends 3 April 2026
Assessment dates See assessment information
9 Mar 2026 - 29 May 2026
✓ Enrolments open now
Early access opens 9 February 2026
Early access to assessments 23 February 2026
Study period commences 9 March 2026
Enrolments close/census 25 March 2026
Study period ends 29 May 2026
Assessment dates See assessment timetable
4 May 2026 - 24 Jul 2026
Early access opens 6 April 2026
Early access to assessments 20 April 2026
Study period commences 4 May 2026
Enrolments close/census 20 May 2026
Study period ends 24 July 2026
29 Jul 2026 - 18 Sep 2026
Early access opens 1 June 2026
Early access to assessments 15 June 2026
Study period commences 29 June 2026
Enrolments close/census 15 July 2026
Study period ends 18 September 2026
24 Aug 2026 - 13 Nov 2026
Early access opens 27 July 2026
Early access to assessments 10 August 2026
Study period commences 24 August 2026
Enrolments close/census 9 September 2026
Study period ends 13 November 2026
19 Oct 2026 - 8 Jan 2027
Early access opens 21 September 2026
Early access to assessments 5 October 2026
Study period commences 19 October 2026
Enrolments close/census 4 November 2026
Study period ends 8 January 2027
Further fees
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We are pleased to announce that the following enhancements have been made to this subject:
Subject has transitioned to a new fully digital format. The topic modules now have new features:
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Kaplan Professional is offering education update presentations for advice firms – available online or in person – designed to help advisers navigate the evolving professional landscape.
The financial advice profession is rarely a straight path. Increasing regulation, rising client expectations, technological change and higher professional standards mean advisers must continually adapt to remain relevant and competitive.
This presentation maps the full career lifecycle of an adviser – from entry into the profession through to specialisation, leadership and long-term sustainability. At each stage, we explore the capabilities required, the common challenges advisers face, and the role education plays not just as a compliance requirement, but as a strategic enabler of professional growth.
• Education pathways from entry to senior leadership
• How capability requirements evolve across career stages
• The shift from minimum standards to advanced technical and strategic expertise
• The role of ongoing education in building resilience, sound judgement and sustainable careers
Designed for adviser teams and leadership groups, this presentation provides practical insights into how structured learning supports long-term performance, professionalism and business sustainability.
To book an education update session for your advisers please contact your Corporate Relationship Manager to arrange a suitable time.
Date: Wednesday, 11 March
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm AEDT
Fee: $280
Where: Online (Zoom)
Host: Matthew Farley
A certificate of attendance outlining CPD hours will be awarded at the conclusion of this workshop. A full list of topics is available on our website.
Date: Thursday, 19 March
Time: 1:00pm – 3:30pm AEDT
Fee: $340
Host: Dr Jenny Diggle
Kaplan Professional has expanded the Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite with a new set of practical topics designed to further strengthen capability across both technical and client engagement areas.
As client expectations continue to rise and advice scenarios become more complex, early career advisers must combine sound technical knowledge with strong communication skills and thoughtful decision-making. The latest additions to the suite support this ongoing professional development.
Practical frameworks to enhance credibility, strengthen adviser presence and build more meaningful, long-term client relationships.
Structured approaches to assessing appropriate cover, modelling client scenarios and supporting well-reasoned, client-centred risk advice.
Applying probability-based thinking to improve strategic judgement and support more confident decision-making in uncertain environments.
These additions build on the Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite focus on applied, real-world learning, equipping advisers with skills that can be immediately implemented in practice.
The ongoing expansion of the Financial Adviser Accelerator Suite reflects Kaplan Professional’s commitment to supporting advisers as they continue to develop deeper expertise and deliver high-quality, client-focused advice.
For advisers who have now met the education standard, the focus shifts from compliance to opportunity.
Kaplan Professional offers clear pathways to build on the bridging courses and subjects already completed and convert that study into a full, recognised qualification. Advisers who have completed individual units toward the education standard may be eligible to articulate into the Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning or Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning, formalising their academic achievement and strengthening their professional standing.
From there, eligible Graduate Diploma alumni can upgrade to the Master of Financial Planning, completing the remaining subjects to attain a postgraduate qualification that positions them above the minimum regulatory requirement. The Master’s program also provides direct pathways toward leading professional designations, including CFP® and SSA®, enabling advisers to align academic progression with industry-recognised credentials.
Advisers who have completed the Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning are already eligible to obtain leading professional designations through the College for Financial Planning®. This includes globally-recognised credentials such as the Accredited Behavioural Finance ProfessionalSM (ABFP®) and Chartered Retirement Planning CounsellorSM (CRPC®) designation.
No further study is required to meet the education component for these certifications, allowing advisers to leverage their existing qualification to secure respected professional recognition and further strengthen their standing in the industry.
Beyond core qualifications, Kaplan Professional also offers access to additional specialist electives and professional designation pathways, allowing advisers to differentiate in areas such as superannuation, retirement, ethics and client strategy.
In short, completing the education standard doesn’t have to be the end point. With Kaplan Professional, it can be the foundation for higher qualifications, respected designations and long-term career progression.
Contact your Corporate Relationship Manager to discuss the education options and pathways for your adviser network. Alternatively, contact 1300 135 798 (option 2) or email courseadvice@kaplan.edu.au.
Kaplan Professional will host a special Women in Finance webinar on Tuesday, 3 March, celebrating the achievements, leadership and career journeys of women shaping the financial services industry.
The session will explore leadership, career progression and the role education has played in supporting professional success across diverse areas of the sector.
Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning dux, two-time Olympian and Financial Adviser at HLB Mann Judd.
Graduate Diploma graduate, business owner and founder of a caregiving training institute in Bangladesh, with more than 20 years’ industry experience.
Master of Applied Finance graduate and Director at BDO Sydney, specialising in governance, risk and assurance across financial services.
Date: Tuesday, 3 March
Time: 1:30pm AEDT
Location: Online (Zoom)
The webinar will include practical leadership insights, reflections on career growth, discussion on the impact of education in finance, and an interactive Q&A session.
Now
9 March
25 March
29 May
Kaplan Professional is offering eligible Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning alumni a limited-time opportunity to upgrade to the Master of Financial Planning at a fixed alumni price of $5,000.
This exclusive offer enables alumni to complete their remaining four subjects – two core subjects (FPC009 Complex Financial Planning and KAP001 Capstone Project) and two electives – at a substantially reduced cost compared to standard postgraduate tuition fees.
To access the offer, eligible alumni must enrol and commence their first subject by the Study Period 2 census date, 25 March 2026.
Upgrading to the Master’s degree provides advisers with the opportunity to deepen technical expertise, broaden strategic capability and position themselves strongly as professional standards across the industry continue to rise. The program also supports progression toward additional professional designations.
Full details, including subject structure, study plans and application steps, are available below.