Learn more about the finance behind mining

As we enter the last third of the year it is time to pause and reflect on the year to date. At Kaplan we have had more enquiries from the mining and resources sector regarding our courses in applied finance than ever before.

Darren Harlock, Business Development Manager for Kaplan Higher Education identifies a number of reasons that students come from resources into finance. “Our younger prospects will come to us to for advice in planning for career progression and in particular the role education will play to help them meet those goals,” he says. “Mid-career level will generally come to us improve their qualifications to support the job promotion they are after and the financial analysis and reporting skills they will need to take it on. And decision makers within the organisation tend to rely on us to provide tailored solutions to meet their needs for technical skill gaps.”

The studies are 100% online with full lectures and study materials, and can be completed entirely off-site or in complement with FIFO work. Popular subjects for workers in mining and resources include FIN 113 Techniques in Financial Analysis, FIN227 Mining Investment Analysis, FIN230 Mergers and Acquisitions, and FIN231 Technical Analysis among the 25+ subjects on offer.

There are three trimesters per year, and students who work full-time generally take 1-2 subjects per trimester. As such it will generally take around 1 year for a Graduate Certificate, 2+ years for a Graduate Diploma, or 3-4 years for a full Master of Applied Finance. Students can also opt to flexibly study individual subjects like FIN113 Techniques in Financial Analysis to fill a knowledge gap without completing a qualification.

Entry requirements into the postgraduate qualifications are a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, or a relevant diploma level qualification – however candidates can also enter by demonstrating they have the potential to succeed through work experience. There are also alternate entry pathways for students who may not yet have a Bachelor degree or who did not complete their high school qualifications.

Taking on postgraduate studies is by no means easy, but the subjects are designed to be accessible to anyone who is motivated and determined to succeed. “We have had a lot of very successful students from resources backgrounds in the last 5-10 years and look forward to welcoming more”, says Darren. "It's great to be a part of something that is helping to meet the current and future needs of Australian employers and companies in such an important industry."

Enrolments are now open for Trimester 3 2011, beginning September 19. If you are interested in learning more or discussing your individual situation with an adviser, you can contact Darren directly at d.harlock@kaplan.edu.au, or by phone on 0431 483 673.