Master of Finance and Banking

At the end of the program, students of the Master of Finance and Banking can:

1. Demonstrate mastery of a global body of financial knowledge and practice, including knowledge of research principles and methods in finance.
2. Apply critical thinking and technical skills to solve authentic financial problems.
3. Demonstrate effective communication and teamwork skills.
4. Independently initiate, plan and execute a substantial project to meet agreed deliverables in the field of finance.
5. Justify financial decisions and judgements that address complex issues considering the ethical and social consequences.

This coursework Masters is designed for students seeking a comprehensive postgraduate degree in applied finance and financial management.

The course prepares students to work in the dynamic financial services industry. The course focuses on how individuals, financial institutions, businesses and governments make borrowing, lending and investment decisions. Students will learn how to identify, analyse and interpret financial information and use industry-relevant databases and software. The financial services industry demands graduates who can think critically and have an analytical approach to problem solving; attributes that students will develop through this course.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include: 

• Business Finance
• Financial Markets and Institutions
• Credit and Lending Decisions
• Risk Management in Banking

Plus there’s a selection of electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you. 

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $52,100

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

ECU is ranked one of the world’s best young universities and Australia’s best public university for teaching quality. That quality extends to more than 30,000 students, many studying online through Open Universities Australia. ECU offers the same quality of teaching to you, regardless of where you’re studying in the world. Their flexible study solutions include a huge range of online courses, recognising your need to juggle work, family or other commitments.

Learn more about ECU.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

29

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

24

The following course-specific admission requirements are mandatory and must be satisfied by all applicants. These requirements are in addition to or supersede the minimum requirements outlined within the Academic admission requirements band section below.

All applicants are required to meet the published entry requirements. Successful applicants with a Graduate Certificate qualification or higher in Finance and Banking may seek reduced course duration by applying for recognition of prior learning.

Academic admission requirements (Band 6) may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• Bachelor degree; or
• Equivalent prior learning including at least five years relevant professional experience.

Students can satisfy English competency requirements by showing any 

of the following:

• An IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0).
• Completion of a Bachelor degree from a country specified by ECU.
• Completion of 0.375 EFTSL of study at postgraduate level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent).
• Equivalent prior learning courses including at least five years relevant professional experience – as accepted by ECU.
• Completion of other tests, courses or programs as accepted by ECU.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. For eligible students, ECU offers credit and recognition of prior learning (CRPL). There are 2 CRPL options: 

• Credit transfer to acknowledge students’ formal learning at uni or TAFE. 
• Recognition of students’ informal learning gained outside of the education system (for example workplace experience or volunteer training.)

Practicum option

Students will develop a broad range of work related skills in a public, private or not-for-profit organisation at a management level

Attendance requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 100 hours in an approved work environment. Host organisations may require students to attend work after hours and on the weekends

Clearances and/or Risk Management Protocols Required

Students must participate in an induction on the requirements and procedures for completing work placement including documentation and risk management.

Professional practice rules

Students must participate in an induction on the requirements and procedures for completing work placement including documentation and risk management.