Program Overview

Master of Applied Finance and Economics

The Master of Applied Finance and Economics (MAFE) is a unique master's degree that combines finance and economics to prepare students for high-level professional roles in finance, banking, and the public sector.

Introduction

The MAFE is a coursework-based master's degree with practical training in finance and economics. It can be completed full-time in 12-18 months or up to 4 years part-time. The program includes advanced coursework in both finance and economics, followed by a capstone course with four project-based modules.

Why Study a Master of Applied Finance and Economics at UC?

The University of Canterbury (UC) is the only university in Aotearoa New Zealand that offers a taught master's program in Applied Finance and Economics. The combined master's degree gives graduates a wide range of professional careers in banking, the financial sector, and the public sector.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree with a major in finance, economics, or a related subject, and have completed an introductory calculus-based mathematics course. If English is not the first language, applicants must also meet UC's postgraduate language requirements.

Degree Structure

The degree may be completed in a minimum of 12-18 months full-time study or up to 4 years part-time study. Students can start in January, February, or July (January or July for international students).

Compulsory Courses

To qualify for the Master of Applied Finance and Economics, students must pass:

• FIEC675 Advanced Applications in Finance and Economics
• FIEC601 Quantitative Finance and Economics
• FINC672 Advanced Applications in Finance and Economics
• MFIN604 Quantitative Analysis

Elective Courses

Students must choose 45 points from ECON 601-679 (with no more than 45 points from ECON601-619) and 45 points from FINC 601-679 (with no more than 45 points from FINC601-619).

Fees

The tuition fee estimates are:

• Domestic students: $13,559 (2025), $14,372 (2026)
• International students: $54,600 (2025), $56,850 (2026), $59,400 (2027)

Career Opportunities

Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits, including specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline. Some examples of roles from UC Master of Applied Finance and Economics alumni include:

• Corporate Finance Analyst at Deloitte
• Valuation and Business Modelling Consultant at EY
• Investment Banking Analyst at Murray & Co
• Risk Assurance Associate at PwC New Zealand
• Actuarial Analyst at Suncorp NZ

Graduate Profile

A Master of Applied Finance and Economics graduate can demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of current theoretical concepts and frameworks within finance and economics. They are able to think logically, analytically, and critically with respect to the academic literature in finance and economics and explain how this literature applies to real-world problems.