Study Applied Finance

The Master of Applied Finance program at the University of Newcastle is focused on developing high-level analytical skills that are relevant across the finance sector, and can also be used to inform decision making across other areas of business. The Master of Applied Finance program will arm you with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to succeed in finance.

Why study with us?

  • Earn professional credit - the Master of Applied Finance is one of the few programs that recognises relevant professional experience and may result in credit being granted for some courses.
  • Experiential Learning - finance courses are delivered using state-of-the-art finance lab, real-time financial database, and technology-based platforms such as trading simulation and banking simulation. This approach exposes students to technologies that are transforming the entire finance industry.
  • Further your career in finance - employers in the field of finance are looking for highly qualified candidates. Achieving a Masters will increase your employability for financial management positions.
  • Flexible study options - courses are run in trimesters and you have the opportunity to study at a pace which suits your personal and professional life.
  • Study at NUspace - NUspace, in the heart of Newcastle’s CBD, provides the optimum environment for you to excel in your studies.
  • CFA Institute University Affiliation Program - the Master of Applied Finance is part of the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program, considered the investment profession’s most rigorous credentialing program.

Take the first step with a Grad Cert in Applied Finance

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What you will study

The Master of Applied Finance focuses on developing a deeper knowledge and skills relating to the operation of financial markets, financial risk management and corporate treasury strategies.

You will acquire knowledge of key institutions within the finance industry, develop analytical skills for the evaluation of investment opportunities, and gain an understanding of derivative instruments.

Core courses include but are not limited to:

  • Foundations of Business Analysis
  • Corporate Finance
  • Investment Analysis
  • Derivatives and Risk Management
  • Applied Portfolio Management
  • Financial Statement Analysis

Entry options and duration

Professional credit

Do you have qualifications or experience beyond the minimum entry requirements for a Masters Degree? If so, you may be able to complete your degree in reduced time and at reduced cost. Select from the options below to have your professional qualifications and/or work experience considered.

Units required to complete Master degreeCredit
80 units

20 units specified credit for GSBS6001 and PACC6008 plus 20 units specified credit (if mapped to specific courses) OR 20 units unspecified credit.

Units required to complete Master degreeCredit
80 - 100 units

10 units specified credit for GSBS6001 plus 10 units specified credit (if mapped to specific courses) OR 10 units unspecified credit (Note, you can apply for up to 40 units of which 20 units must be specified, with evidence).

Units required to complete Master degreeCredit
100 units20 units specified credit for GSBS6001 and PACC6008.
Units required to complete Master degreeCredit
80 units20 units specified credit for GSBS6001 and PACC6008 plus 20 units specified credit (if mapped to specific courses) OR 20 units unspecified credit.
Units required to complete Master degreeCredit
80 units20 units specified credit for GSBS6001 and PACC6008 plus 20 units specified credit (if mapped to specific courses) OR 20 units unspecified credit.
Units required to complete Master degreeCredit
120 unitsNormal credit procedure, that is, RPL may be sought for individual courses.
Units required to complete Master degreeCredit
100 units10 units specified credit for GSBS6001 plus 10 units unspecified credit.
Number of years relevant organisational experienceUnits required to complete Master degreeCredit
Seven years (including at least two years in a management position)120 units

Normal credit procedure, that is, RPL may be sought for individual courses.

Units required to complete Master degreeCredit
80 - 100 units 20 units specified credit: GSBS6001 and PACC6008 plus  20 units specified credit (if mapped to specific courses) OR 20 units unspecified credit.
2024 Program Handbook

Refer to the program handbook for details of the complete program structure, course requirements and availability.

View program handbook

My Degree Planner

Use our degree planner to see what your study journey through the Master of Applied Finance might look like.

Prospective student planner Current student planner

Career

Career opportunities

The Master of Applied Finance is a thorough qualification that provides graduates with the fundamental understanding and practical skills to operate in the financial services sector. With your enhanced knowledge and capabilities, you will be able to produce high quality financial analysis; a commodity in demand in the current business environment.

The theory and financial management skills you have acquired through the Master of Applied Finance will equip you with the ability to handle complex situations. This knowledge can increase your value as an employee and see you fast-track to senior positions, increase your salary potential and advance your career.

The Master of Applied Finance prepares graduates for a challenging but highly rewarding career in financial services and managerial finance. The program equips students with essential analytical skills and financial management expertise to pursue a career in financial planning, securities analysis, stock brokering, funds management, banking and foreign exchange management. This knowledge and skills underpin roles including:

  • Finance Manager
  • Financial Analyst
  • Investment Banker
  • Management Consultant
  • Portfolio Analyst

Professional recognition

The Master of Applied Finance is part of the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program, considered the investment profession’s most rigorous credentialing program.

The University of Newcastle’s Newcastle Business School is in the top 3 business schools in NSW, accredited by both EQUIS and AACSB.

Application info

Applying for Master of Applied Finance

Ok, great, let's go!

Applications to study are now open. Submit your application now..

Apply to study in Australia

Both students and education agents can submit applications online. This is our preferred way of application. You can save your application after you have started, and come back to it later.

Before you get started

To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:

  1. Review the program that you wish to apply for. Note the admission criteria, admission instructions, requirements & structure and any additional information listed.
  2. Review the program fees and costs.
  3. Check whether your postgraduate program has a Semester or a Trimester closing date. Please view the application closing date.
  4. If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you need to satisfy the University's English language requirements and ensure that you can provide evidence of your English proficiency if required.

You will be considered for entry based on criteria such as your undergraduate studies and/or equivalent prior learning and/or relevant work experience.

Postgraduate application process

Other things to consider

Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:

Entry into the Master of Applied Finance will be available for applicants who have:

  • Bachelor Degree, or an equivalent or higher qualification, in the discipline; or
  • Bachelor Degree, or an equivalent or higher qualification, not in the discipline and 1 year relevant organisational experience; or
  • At least 7 years' organisational experience, including 2 years in a management position; or
  • Successful completion of 75% (30 units) of one of the following University of Newcastle programs:
    • Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
    • Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance
    • Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management
    • Graduate Certificate in Marketing
    • Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting

You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.

View University key dates

Assocation to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

The Newcastle Business School is accredited with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), earned by fewer than 5% of the world's business programs. AACSB is the premier, and longest-standing, international accrediting body for business programs and is the international benchmark for excellence in business education.

EQUIS accredited

The Newcastle Business School is EQUIS accredited. The EQUIS accreditation measures our performance against rigorous international standards which validates the high quality and professional relevance of our education programs and research.