Master of Finance

Graduates of the Master of Finance will have:

1. Advanced theoretical and technical finance and investment knowledge in the areas such as corporate finance, equity, fixed income, derivatives and alternative investments, as well as wealth and portfolio management
2. Knowledge of the principles and methods that underpin research within the investment and finance field
3. Knowledge of ethical principles, standards and practices in investment profession. 

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 Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) Level II and III, Financial Risk Manager (FRM®) Part I, and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (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 risk management, 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 three different durations, depending on your previous study:

2 years: 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.

1.5 years: If you have a prior related degree, you will be able to 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 (dissertation) in place of advanced electives. This option can serve as a pathway to higher research degrees.

1 year: If you have a prior related degree and substantive work experience, you will focus on core finance courses. Students with relevant prior study may apply to the Program Director for approval to substitute some core courses with elective courses.

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

Pathway 1 - 1 year program (80CP)

For the award of Master of Finance (MFin), if eligible to complete this program in 1 year, you must successfully complete 80 credit points make up of:

• 80 credit points for the Core Module

Pathway 2 - 1.5 years program (120CP)

For the award of Master of Finance (MFin), if eligible to complete this program in 1.5 years, you must successfully complete 120 credit points make up of:

• 80 credit points for the Core Module
• 40 credit points for the Flexible Module

Pathway 3 - 1.5 years program (120CP)

For the award of Master of Finance (MFin), if eligible to complete this program in 1.5 years, you must successfully complete 120 credit points make up of:

• 40 credit points for the Foundation Module
• 80 credit points for the Core Module

Pathway 4 - 2 years program (160CP)

For the award of Master of Finance (MFin), if eligible to complete this program in 2 years, you must successfully complete 160 credit points make up of:

• 40 credit points for the Foundation Module
• 80 credit points for the Core Module
• 40 credit points for the Flexible Module

This degree may be awarded with Distinction where a student achieves a minimum program GPA of 6.5 with no failed courses. The words "This award was achieved with Distinction" will be recorded on the testamur.

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

Indicative total fee $65,000

The amounts shown here are 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.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

Learn more about Griffith University.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

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21

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

Pathway 1 - 1 year program (80CP):

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a *related discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale AND (a minimum 5 years full-time (or equivalent) relevant ^professional experience OR Passed the Level I examination for the Chartered Financial Analyst Program administered by the CFA Institute). 

Pathway 2 - 1.5 year program (120CP):

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a *related discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale; OR 
• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale AND Passed the Level I examination for the Chartered Financial Analyst Program administered by the CFA Institute. 

Pathway 3 - 1.5 year program (120CP):

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale AND a minimum 2 years full-time (or equivalent) relevant ^professional experience. 

Pathway 4 - 2 Year program (160CP): 

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale; OR  
• A combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal, and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to either of the above. 

*Related Discipline: Accounting, economics, financial planning, finance.  

^Professional Experience: Substantial accounting or finance responsibilities including: Accountant, Financial adviser, stockbroker, financial analyst, personal banker, bank manager, superannuation fund manager, risk management, investment fund manager, financial manager. Assessed via CV and/or record of professional development and/or 2 x professional references.  

• A higher qualification refers to a qualification at a higher level than a Bachelor qualification, which includes any of the following: a Bachelor Honours Degree; Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters Degree, MPhil or PhD. 

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 6.0
• OR 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.