Key facts
English language requirements
IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent
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.
Locations
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Delve into the modern financial techniques underpinning investment, financing and risk management decisions of multinational corporations with Deakin’s Master of 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.
Learn about international financial markets, corporate governance, corporate finance, derivative securities and international portfolio management. You’ll also be exposed to new knowledge areas such as FinTech, Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence.
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’ll become adept to various digital technologies used to process complex financial data, information and ideas.
As a graduate, you'll also have the option to complement your primary studies in international finance with a specialisation in a wide range of business-related fields. Designed to meet industry demand for skilled professionals with a breadth of transferrable 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.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Finance
- Year
2023 course information
- Deakin code
- M750
- CRICOS code?
- 111194F Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- 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 elective units, plus completion of the compulsory 0-credit point module, MAI010 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
^ MPT code denotes Study Tour version of the unit
Compulsory 0-credit point unit
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Course elective units
Select one credit point from:
The remaining 4 credit points of electives may be selected from:
- a faculty-wide specialisation
- postgraduate units offered by the University (subject to availability)
- 1 credit point of faculty approved Deakin microcredentials.
Specialisations
Faculty-wide specialisations
Refer to the details of each specialisation for availability.
- Academic Research
- Accounting
- Artificial Intelligence for Business
- Arts and Cultural Industries
- Business Analytics
- Business Law
- Cyberlaw
- Digital Finance
- Digital Transformation
- Event Management
- Financial Planning
- Human Resource Management
- Information Systems
- International Trade and Business
- Leadership
- Management Consulting
- Marketing
- Marketing Technology
- Project Management
- Property and Real Estate
- Public Sector Studies
- Supply Chain Management
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:
- Melbourne (Burwood)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Melbourne (Burwood)
- Online
Additional course information
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 the standard holiday breaks listed here: https://www.deakin.edu.au/courses/key-dates.
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.
Entry requirements
Entry information
Depending on your previous qualifications and professional experience, your course will be 1, 1.5 or 2 years duration.
1 year full time (2 years part time) – 8 credit points
Admission is based on:
- Bachelor Honours (AQF8) degree in a related* discipline, or
- Bachelor degree in a related discipline, plus two years relevant^ work experience, or
- Graduate Certificate or graduate diploma in a related* discipline, or
- Evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent
1.5 years full time (3 years part time) – 12 credit points
Admission is based on:
- Bachelor degree in a related* discipline, or
- Bachelor degree in any discipline, plus two years relevant^ work experience, or
- Evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent
2 year full time (4 years part time) – 16 credit points
Admission is based on:
- Bachelor degree or other qualification at a higher AQF level in any discipline, or
- Successful completion of a masters qualifying program (MQP)
- Evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent
IELTS / English language requirements
Please note that English language requirements exist for entry to this course and you will be required to meet the English language level requirement that is applicable in the year of your commencement of studies.
It is the students’ responsibility to ensure that she/he has the required IELTS score to register with any external accredited courses. (more details)
* 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 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.
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories. To be eligible for admission to this program, applicants must meet the course requirements.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library.
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of Prior Learning.
Your Recognition of Prior Learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
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 tuition fees.
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.
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.
Apply now
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
Entry pathways
Alternative exits
- Graduate Certificate of Finance (M530)
- Graduate Diploma of Finance (M630)
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 is in the top 1% of business schools globally by holding 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 Finance and Treasury Association (FTA) 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 |
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