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Principles of Financial Management unit (BFA503)

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Unit year 2026

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2027 Unit information is now available. View 2027 unit information

Location: Melbourne Study Centre, Ultimo Study Centre, Hobart, Online

Introduction

This unit introduces students to the major concepts and analytical tools used in the theory and practice of financial management within an Australian context. It is designed to provide students with an understanding of: the scope and nature of the finance function and its role within management; as well as the theory of finance and how it underpins the evaluation of investment, financing and dividend policies. This unit will also develop practical skills in the identification and analysis of financial problems.

Summary

Unit name Principles of Financial Management
Unit code BFA503
Credit points 12.5
College/School Tasmanian School of Business and Economics
Discipline Accounting
Coordinator Mr Paul Taranto
Delivered By University of Tasmania and Third Party(ies): ECA
Level Postgraduate

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Melbourne Study Centre Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students
Ultimo Study Centre Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students
Hobart Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Hobart Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Online Semester 1 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Online Semester 2 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 22/2/2026 16/3/2026 19/4/2026 13/6/2026
Semester 2 5/7/2026 27/7/2026 30/8/2026 24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Compare financial management concepts and evaluate alternatives to make financial risk and capital decisions.
  • Critique financial decision-making in an Australian business.
  • Justify financial decisions to a diverse audience.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
080101 $2,174.00 $1,703.00 not applicable $3,284.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

BFA728

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

Pre-recorded 1-hr lecture, once a week

On-campus Students: 2-hr workshop, weekly, commencing in Week 1 

Distance Students: 1-hr workshop, weekly, commencing in Week 1

AssessmentIn-class test (20%)|Final Exam (40%)|Group case study and presentation (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

You will need the following text:

Parrino, Yong, Morkel-Kingsbury, Mazzola, Murray, Smales, Wei, James, 2025, Fundamentals of Corporate Finance, 5th edn, John Wiley & Sons, Milton, Qld.
Recommended

Graham J., Adam C., Gunasingham B., 2020, Corporate Finance, 3rd edn, Cengage.

Ross, SA, Christensen, S, Drew, M, Thompson, M, Westerfield, RW & Jordan, B J 2014, Fundamentals of Corporate Finance, 6th ed., McGraw-Hill, Sydney.

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