Master of Finance

The Master of Finance is a comprehensive postgraduate program, which equips students with the knowledge and skills suitable for a variety of jobs in financial services industry. It helps to build strong understanding of major investments products and markets in the finance industry, such equity, fixed income, alternative investments and derivatives.

This understanding is then applied in the process of portfolio planning and construction, and wealth management and financial advice with the emphasis on ethical and sustainable professional practices. To ensure students are able to tackle complexity of the problems, the program enables student's to improve upon their quantitative skills, communication and problem solving skills, as well as to acquire knowledge in economics, financial statements analysis and taxation. Graduates will have career opportunities in areas such as superannuation and fund management, corporate finance, wealth management, banking, risk management, financial advisory and treasury.

Professional recognition

This program has been accepted into the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program.

Higher education

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Finance, a student must:

• hold any Bachelor degree (or higher) from a recognised University (or another tertiary education institution of equivalent standing) with a minimum GPA of 4.0 (using a 7.0 scale) OR:
• hold a Bachelor degree in finance (or equivalent) from a recognised University (or another tertiary education institution of equivalent standing) with a minimum GPA of 4.0 (using a 7.0 scale) - students will receive 40 credit points of advanced standing OR;
• hold any Bachelor degree from a recognised University (or another tertiary education institution of equivalent standing) with a minimum GPA of 4.0 AND have successfully passed the Level I examination for the Chartered Financial Analyst Program administered by the CFA Institute - students will receive 40 credit points of advanced standing.

English Proficiency Requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

Students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including: 

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE. 

• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training. 

• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies. 

The Master of Finance offers comprehensive preparation for those wishing to pursue or advance their career in the finance and investments industry. You will gain technical competencies and analytical skills and learn how to apply financial theory and quantitative techniques to make effective financial and investment decisions. You will build a solid foundation in finance and gain an in-depth understanding of investment principles with a strong appreciation of ethical and professional standards focusing on the curriculum of CFA Level II and III and CAIA examinations. You will develop the skills to critically analyse issues in the investment profession relating to stock markets, fixed-income and alternative instruments, derivatives, and portfolio or wealth management, preparing you to take on new challenges in the increasingly globalised and competitive financial sector.

The Master of Finance has two different entry points depending on your previous studies:

Standard pathway: If you are interested in moving into the field and do not have a background in finance, you will complete the standard pathway (2 years) which includes a compulsory foundation component.

Advanced standing pathway: If you have a prior finance degree you will follow the advanced standing pathway (1.5 years) and skip the foundation course component. You will focus on core finance courses and advanced electives. High-performing students may have the opportunity to undertake a major research project in place of advanced electives. This option can serve as a pathway to higher research degrees.

Griffith University offers a range of flexible delivery modes including on-campus and online. Find out more about our Finance programs.

Recommended Study Pattern

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

• Econometric Methods

• Applied Finance

• Equity Investments

• Behavioural Finance and Wealth Management

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.

Award Requirements

To be eligible for the award of Master of Finance (MFin), a student must acquire 160 credit points as prescribed below:

• gain 60 credit points for foundation courses; gain 80 credit points for core courses; gain 20 credit points for listed electives.

To be eligible for the award of Master of Finance (MFin), a student admitted with advanced standing must acquire 120 credit points as prescribed below:

• gain 80 credit points for core courses; gain 40 credit points for listed elective or dissertation courses.