Master of Applied Finance

What is this course about?

CSU's Master of Applied Finance and Graduate Certificate in Finance have been designed to meet the needs of the finance industry and financial service professional. These courses blend the best in current finance theory with contemporary industry practice.

Finance is the lifeblood of all organisations. Businesses require staff with technical, analytical and conceptual skills in finance, credit analysis, investment, markets, internationalisation and financial management. The sourcing, raising and management of finance impacts all activities within the business environment.

CSU's Master of Applied Finance and Graduate Certificate in Finance meet the training requirements of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and are fully articulated to develop the advanced analytical decision-making skills in finance required at senior management levels.

The Master of Applied Finance has been reviewed with advice from professionals in the finance and financial services sectors.

Why study this degree?

• Meeting the needs of industry: CSU's Finance courses are designed specifically to provide the knowledge and skills to help you succeed in your career. our lecturers have a wide range of industry experience and our courses are designed and continually reviewed with input from industry experts
• Interactive learning environments: You will study online with the latest interactive material. Extensive learning support is provided including real time video forums and face-to-face workshops to support your learning, providing an all-round learning experience
• Excellence in subject content and flexibility: CSU's course structure provides streamlined options to deliver the best possible Finance course and career outcomes. With elective options available from a host of postgraduate finance and business subjects, the Master of Applied Finance will cater to your interests and career. A final subject, Strategic and Contemporary Financial Issues, brings together knowledge gained in earlier subjects allowing contemporary and strategic finance issues to be considered in detail.
  

Professional accreditation

The course has been prepared to meet the requirements of industry, including ASIC’s RG146 and the Financial Planning Association (FPA). In addition, you may apply to the FPA for advanced standing for units CFP2, CFP3 and CFP4 of the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Certification Program that leads to the CFP® designation.

Students who complete the six specialist financial planning subjects within the Master of Applied Finance program are able to apply for advanced standing for the technical units of the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Certification program.

Specialisations

The Master of Applied Finance includes specialisations in Banking and Financial Planning.

Credit

Credit may be available for ANZIIF studies. 

The Graduate Certificate in Finance fully articulates with the Master of Applied Finance, and credit is given in the Master degree for all subjects successfully completed in the Graduate Certificate.

Flexible study options

CSU has an excellent reputation for providing quality education delivered by dedicated academics with relevant industry experience. Our lecturers are supported by well researched curriculum and teaching methods. Our online educational environment facilitates communication and collaboration among students and academics. Subjects are taught using a range of blended learning techniques, which include online education study materials, video-captured lectures, online meetings, subject forums and additional study resources.

The Master of Applied Finance is designed and delivered with study flexibility in mind. You can choose between full-time and part-time study options to fit in with work and lifestyle commitments. You could choose to study one subject per session or, in consultation with your Course Director, complete up to four subjects per session, allowing you to fast-track your degree.

Graduation requirements

To graduate with the Master of Applied Finance, students must satisfactorily complete 12 subjects (96 points).

To graduate with the Graduate Certificate in Finance, students must satisfactorily complete four subjects (32 points).

Academic expectations

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.

Career opportunities

CSU's Graduate Certificate in Finance and Master of Applied Finance provide graduates with many exciting career opportunities. Both courses meet the training requirements of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and are fully articulated to develop advanced analytical and decision-making skills in finance required at senior management levels.

CSU's Graduate Certificate in Finance and Master of Applied Finance can help open new pathways for graduates seeking growth and advancement in their current organisations or those looking for a change of career in finance, financial institutions management and funds management.

Specialisations

The Master of Applied Finance includes specialisations in Banking and Financial Planning. Students who complete degree including the six specialist financial planning subjects are able to apply for advanced standing for the technical units of the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Certification program.

Banking specialisation

For students seeking career advancement within the banking sector, this specialisation provides an overview of financial institutions including corporate finance and risk and liquidity management.

Financial Planning specialisation

This specialisation prepares students for a career as a financial planner. Financial planners provide advice on investments, insurance, retirement and life planning. Employment opportunities include banks, credit unions and mutual banks and insurance companies in addition to financial planning firms.

Credit / pathways

Articulation and credit

The Graduate Certificate in Finance fully articulates with the Master of Applied Finance, and credit is given in the Master degree for subjects successfully completed in the Graduate Certificate.

Students may elect to exit from the Master of Applied Finance with a Graduate Certificate in Finance after completion of the four required subjects.

No special arrangements apply.

Students who have studied and successfully completed relevant subjects at other universities or educational institutions may apply for credit for those subjects when applying to CSU courses. Credit will be granted for subjects that are equivalent in content and standard, at the discretion of the Course Director.

More information about credit and pathways.

Admission requirements

Applicants are required to have an undergraduate degree from a recognised Australian tertiary institution, or a qualification deemed to be equivalent. Applicants with other academic and/or professional qualifications and/or work experience acceptable to the University will be considered.

Internet access

CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.

The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.

Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.

English language proficiency

The University has minimum requirements for English language proficiency prior to entry to our courses. Some courses also have a requirement for a higher entry or exit level of English proficiency. More information on English language requirements.

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