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Subject overview


STUDY MODE

100% online

AQF LEVEL

5

NEXT INTAKE

25 Aug 2025

SUBJECT DURATION

12 weeks

SUBJECT FEE

$720.00


This core subject of the Diploma of Financial Services focuses on legal, regulatory, ethical and professional obligations of financial services professionals towards clients, customers and other stakeholders, through the broad lens of ethical and professional theoretical frameworks. Individuals will explore sources of individual cognitive bias, and sources of judgement and decision bias that influence decision making and conduct of both professionals and clients and customers. Strategies for resolving ethical dilemmas will be developed, applying ethical decision-making frameworks.

Contemporary issues regarding ethics and professionalism will be explored, and individuals will evaluate opportunities to further develop knowledge and skills of self and others in this area.

For more information, please refer to the subject outline.

Diploma of Financial Services >

Subject information

Learning outcomes

On the successful completion of this subject, individuals should be able to:

  • Describe the legislative, regulatory, ethical and professional obligations of financial services professionals
  • Identify strategies for resolving ethical dilemmas by applying ethical decision-making frameworks
  • Discuss sources of individual cognitive bias and sources of judgement and decision bias
  • Demonstrate opportunities for personal and team development based on contemporary issues and assessment of needs

 

Topics covered

  1. Introduction to ethics
  2. Sources of individual cognitive bias and sources of judgement and decision bias
  3. The concept of professionalism
  4. Legislative, regulatory and industry and professional code obligations to clients and customers
  5. Strategies for resolving ethical dilemmas
  6. Contemporary issues in ethics and professionalism
  7. Professional development for ethics and professionalism

Reading list

There is no prescribed text for this subject.

Individuals are provided with key readings and access to Kaplan Professional’s online databases. Individuals are encouraged to research and read widely on the topic.

Assessments

Assessment TypeAssessedTopicsWeighting
Quiz 1Week 41-320%
Oral AssignmentWeek 71-425%
Quiz 2Week 105-720%
AssignmentWeek 121-735%

Previous study requirements

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

Advanced standing may be awarded in recognition of prior learning (RPL) for your prior studies that are directly related to the qualification. This may include credit for generic knowledge component of Tier 1 RG146 studies.

Get detailed guidance on the application process here.

Assumed knowledge

Not applicable.

Course transition subject equivalence

There are no equivalences for this subject.

Key dates

Study Period 5 2025

25 Aug 2025 - 14 Nov 2025

✓ Enrolments open now

Early access opens N/A

Early access to assessments N/A

Study period commences 25 August 2025

Enrolments close/census 10 September 2025

Study period ends 14 November 2025

Assessment dates See assessment information

Fees and FEE-HELP

Locked-in pricing and FEE-HELP

To safeguard against any future price increases, you can lock in the price of your subject enrolment fees for the duration of your qualification. Many eligible students use FEE-HELP, which is a Commonwealth Government loan. This means you do not need to pay to study upfront, helping you to reduce some of your financial burden . Please note that government fees apply for the use of FEE-HELP for higher education diploma subjects. Click here for further information.

Tuition fees

When you apply to study with Kaplan Professional, you pay for the subjects you have enrolled in for each study period.

The tuition fee listed below applies to all higher education subjects:

Enrolment feesFee
Subject fee 2025$720 (GST free)

If you are paying by cheque, utilising a deferral, or have a preferred client code, you will need to download and submit a hard copy of the form below.

Download a new student application (enrolment) form>

Other fees

Further fees may apply. Click here for a full list of fees and allowances.

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