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Master of Finance

Postgraduate coursework

Enhance your professional practice and gain specialised global knowledge of international financial markets and portfolio management.

Domestic International

Domestic student information

Key facts

Duration

The time and cost can be reduced based on your previous qualifications and professional experience. This means you can fast track the masters degree from 2 years down to 1.5 years, or even 1 year duration. See entry requirements below for more information.

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2024 close 23 June 2024

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

Study at a university ranked in the top 1% in the world for finance* and delve into the modern financial techniques underpinning investment, financing and risk management decisions of multinational corporations with Deakin’s Master of Finance. Learn about financial markets, corporate governance, corporate finance, derivative securities and portfolio management. You will also be exposed to new knowledge areas such as FinTech, Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence.

Want to expand your career options with a versatile skill set in finance?

The coursework and research components have been designed to enhance professional practice in a range of financial domains, which may be of particular interest to you if you’re currently working as a finance professional.

Develop analytical skills for making key financial management decisions, incorporating time-value-of money and risk-return analysis, plus learn how to apply financial knowledge to solve real-world financial decision problems. Through practice, you will become adept to various digital technologies used to process complex financial data, information and ideas.

As a graduate, you will also have the option to complement your primary studies in finance with a specialisation in a wide range of business-related fields. Designed to meet industry demand for skilled professionals with a breadth of transferable skills, a specialisation can help deepen your knowledge in a particular business field and benefit your future career.

This course aims to provide a high-level education in finance issues and research methodologies. Depending on your unit choice, you may be eligible for membership to Finance and Treasury Association and the Financial Services Institute of Australasia.

* QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

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Course information

Award granted
Master of Finance
Year

2024 course information

Deakin code
M750
CRICOS code?
111194F Burwood (Melbourne)
Level
Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9.

Course structure

The Master of Finance is typically 8, 12 or 16 credit points. The exact number of credit points you study depends on how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) - your professional experience and previous qualifications - which can save you time and money.

For students undertaking 16 credit points, you study 11 credit points of core units, 1 credit point from a list of course electives and 4 credit points of open elective units (which may include an optional Faculty wide specialisation), plus completion of the compulsory 0-credit point module, DAI001 Academic Integrity Module. Most units (think of units as ‘subjects’) are equal to 1 credit point.

Students are introduced to research tools and techniques in core units of the course where they learn analytic skills and the practical application of those skills in professional contexts. They must also complete advanced level units and a capstone unit that require them to integrate the skills learnt over their course of study and produce applied pieces of research with reference to prevailing literature.

11

Core units

1

Course elective units

4

Elective units

16

Total units

Core units

  • Financial Markets and Digital Innovations
  • Principles of Finance
  • Financial Data Analytics
  • Environmental Sustainability for Business
  • Financial Institutions and Investment Banking
  • Applied Corporate Finance
  • Investments and Portfolio Management
  • Fintech Foundations and Cryptocurrencies
  • Derivatives and Financial Risk Management
  • International Finance
  • Finance in Practice (Capstone)
  • Compulsory 0-credit point unit

    To be completed in the first trimester of study:-

  • Academic Integrity Module
  • Course elective units

    Select one credit point from:

  • Securities Trading in Practice
  • Business for Social Impact
  • Consultancy Experience
  • Entrepreneurship Experience
  • Internship
  • International Consultancy Experience
  • Open elective units

    The remaining 4 credit points of electives may be selected from:

    • faculty-wide specialisation^
    • postgraduate units offered by the University (subject to availability)^^
    • Deakin stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials)

    ^recommended specialisation list:

    Business Analytics
    Digital Transformation
    Financial Planning
    Property and Real Estate

    ^^recommended elective list:

  • Economics for Managers ^*
  • Financial Interpretation ^
  • Managing Digital Transformation
  • Artificial Intelligence Strategies and Enterprise Applications
  • Ethics of Digital Transformation
  • Global Trade and Supply Chains
  • ^Students who do not have prior business background are recommended to take MPE781 and MPA702 in their first trimester of study

    * MPT code denotes Study Tour version of the unit

    Stackable short courses

    Mix and match Deakin stackable short courses (0.5 cp microcredentials) to earn up to 4 credit point(s) of open electives, subject to eligibility. Any stacking must add up to a whole number to be used for credit. See more information on Deakin stackable short course options.

    Specialisations

    Faculty-wide specialisations

    Refer to the details of each specialisation for availability.

    Intakes by location

    The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

    Trimester 1 - March

    • Start date: March
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Online

    Trimester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Online

    Additional course information

    Course duration

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

    Mandatory student checks

    Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.

    Workload

    As a student in the Faculty of Business and Law, you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

    Participation requirements

    Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

    Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.

    Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

    Work experience

    This course provides students the opportunity to complete one or more work integrated learning units.
    More Information: WIL Programs

    International Students:

    This course includes Work Integrated Learning (WIL) formally registered as part of the course on the CRICOS register. The total work integrated learning hours will differ depending on the WIL unit you choose. For more information about WIL hours, please check the unit information in the handbook or the unit guide.

    For information about how WIL units may impact student visa holder work rights, please visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. See Schedule 8 (8102)Visa Conditions.

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    Ask a question about studying at Deakin

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    Entry requirements

    Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

    Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, you may commence this course with admission credit and complete your course in 1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent).

    Academic requirements

    1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 8 credit points

    To be considered for admission to this degree (with 8 credit points of admission credit applied^*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

    • completion of a bachelor degree (honours) (AQF 8) or higher in a related discipline
    • completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline, and at least two years' of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
    • completion of a graduate certificate or graduate diploma or higher in a related discipline

    1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points

    To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of admission credit applied^*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

    • completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline
    • completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline, and at least two years' of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)

    2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 16 credit points

    To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet the following criteria:

    • completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline

    ^Related discipline degree: A 'related discipline' award for this course is a Bachelor degree in Finance, or a Bachelor degree in Commerce or Management or Business with a major sequence in Finance.

    ^Relevant work experience: Relevant work experience is business experience in either a finance role or a managerial position with business oversight responsibilities in a finance related field, such as financial consulting, financial analysis, treasury management, corporate finance, fund management and banking.

    *Credit for recognition of prior learning will still be considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more below.

    English language proficiency requirements

    To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

    Admissions information

    Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

    Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.

    Recognition of prior learning

    The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning. 

    You can refer to the Recognition of prior learning system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
    $31,400 for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
    Learn more about fees and your options for paying.

    The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.  The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning. 

    One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course. 

    You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.  

    Learn more about fees and available payment options.

    FEE-HELP calculator

    What is FEE-HELP?

    FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $51,550.

    Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2024 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

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    • $* is the estimated full cost for a Master of Finance (16 credit points), based on the 2024 fees.
    • is the annual FEE-HELP payment, based on your current salary
    • of your current salary be spent on FEE-HELP

    *Disclaimer

    Deakin University (Deakin):

    • gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
    • advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
    • instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

    This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.

    Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

    The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:

    • does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
    • does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
    • assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
    • assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
    • assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
    • where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.

    Scholarship options

    A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.

    Search or browse through our scholarships

    Postgraduate bursary

    If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.

    Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

    Apply now

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    Create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, start your application, enter personal details, education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.

    Need more information on how to apply?

    For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.

    Entry pathways

    Alternative exits

    Contact information

    Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    The Master of Finance can lead you to a diverse range of local and international careers in corporations, financial institutions, managed funds and audit companies as a:

    • auditor
    • budget analyst and forecaster
    • business analyst
    • compliance analyst
    • credit analyst
    • customer relationship manager
    • financial advisor
    • finance manager
    • fund manager
    • investment analyst
    • risk advisor
    • treasurer

    Professional recognition

    Deakin Business School holds both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. These prestigious accreditations are awarded to business schools that meet strict standards of quality, academic and professional excellence, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation in their courses, ensuring our graduates are employable worldwide.

    By completing the Master of Finance, you may gain membership or eligibility to apply for membership at the Australian Corporate Treasury Association (ACTA) and the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA), two leading professional bodies for Finance professionals.

    The Master of Finance program is recognised through the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program.

    Course learning outcomes

    Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

    Graduate Learning Outcome Course Learning Outcome
    Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities Develop an advanced and integrated understanding of finance theory, financial models and demonstrate how this specialised knowledge can be applied in financial markets (especially in the digitalised markets) to optimise financial outcomes
    Communication Convey complex financial information and recommendations in writing and orally for both financial specialists and non-financial audiences
    Digital literacy Apply appropriate digital technologies to find, use, manage and disseminate complex financial data, information and ideas.
    Critical thinking Conduct research to critically analyse a range of complex finance related information to make informed investing and financing decisions for corporates, the investing community and business at large.
    Problem solving Apply a range of techniques, including research and analytical skills, from finance, accounting and business to create solutions to real-world and complex finance issues.
    Self-management Evidence the ability to work and learn independently and show personal responsibility
    Teamwork Foster a constructive environment through ongoing academic collaboration
    Global citizenship Reflect on different international, ethical and regulatory perspectives in addressing issues faced by finance professionals