Master of Finance – MFin

Massey’s Master of Finance combines the study of advanced finance theory with the choice of completing the qualification either by undertaking a Research option or a Professional option.

Type of qualification

Master's degree

Level of study

Postgraduate study NZQF level 9

Time to complete

12-18 months full-time Part-time available

International students

Open to international students on campus in New Zealand

Key dates

• Admission application due dates
• Course enrolment dates for accepted students
• Semester dates

Study a Master of Finance – MFin

Massey University’s Master of Finance is a detailed, specialised degree. It will give you the skills and knowledge to move to a higher level of seniority in your career.

What will you learn?

Your study will focus on finance, but help you put this specialty into the context of other business disciplines.

This qualification has a focus on real-world learning – you can utilise our relationships with industry to draw on your own work experience. You will also learn the application of techniques in environments like our Trading and Investment Rooms – the first of their kind in New Zealand.

You will be taught by some of New Zealand's leading finance practitioners and will learn how to apply high-level in-depth research in the workplace.

The Master of Finance will also help develop your oral and written communication skills to the level expected of senior business leaders.

Research-led

Massey University conducts an internationally recognised research qualification in economics, finance, banking and property. We are also involved in or lead several renowned finance-related research centres.

Insights

• The 2021 Student Experience Survey results for this qualification found that all respondents on this qualification were satisfied with the teaching they have received, 100% highlighted that teaching staff engaged them actively in learning, and 100% highlighted that the qualification has improved their “ability to solve complex problems”.
• Between 2018 and 2021 the average number of students enrolled in the qualification was 57 (headcount) and across the whole qualification, 84% of courses were successfully completed during 2020.
• The QS World University Ranking by Subject ranks Massey in the top 250 universities worldwide in this subject area.

A MFin is a good fit if you:

• hold an undergraduate degree in finance
• wish to move up the hierarchy in finance-specific careers.

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

To enter the Master of Finance you will have been awarded or qualified for a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, with a minimum C+ grade average in the highest level courses.

If you have a Bachelor of Business Studies with Honours from Massey University, or the equivalent degree of another recognised university, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification.

You will provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit

Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with Distinction or Merit.

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

• review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
• contact the relevant department

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Maximum time limits for completion

There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Structure of the Master of Finance

You must select a subject:

• Financial Analytics and Research (research option)
• Financial Technology (professional option)
• Risk Analytics (professional option)

If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.

If you have passed Advanced Business Finance or an equivalent course in your undergraduate degree, you should not choose Managerial Finance. You should take the other Part One Subject courses. You will be required to take Research and Analytics in Economics and Finance in your first semester of study.

For progression from Part One to Part Two for the Risk Analytics and Financial Technology professional options, you must have achieved a minimum C+ grade average in the first 60 credits of study in Part One.

For progression from Part One to Part Two for the Financial Analytics and Research research option, you must achieve a minimum B grade average in the first 60 credits of study, including a B grade for the course.

If you have a Bachelor of Business Studies with Honours, or the equivalent degree of another recognised university, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification.

If you wish to complete a more in-depth master’s research project you may extend your degree out to 240 credits.

Courses and specialisations

Key terms

• Courses: Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
• Course code: Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 123456, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
• Credits: Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
• Specialisations: Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

Credit summary

180 credits

Financial Analytics and Research - Research option

• Part One compulsory course – 30 credits
• Part One courses selected from the Schedule – 90 credits
• Part Two research report – 60 credits

Financial Technology and Risk Analytics – Professional options

• Part One compulsory courses – 60 credits
• Part One courses selected from the Schedule – 60 credits
• Part Two compulsory courses – 60 credits

Advanced entry: Those who have already completed specified qualifications in advance of the minimum entry requirements and have been granted credit for it, may be able to complete this degree in 60 - 120 credits.

This is a parts-based qualification. This means there are regulations around your completion of Part One before progressing to Part Two, etc.

Course planning key

• Prerequisites: Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
• Corequisites: Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
• Restrictions: Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.

Subjects

• Financial Analytics and Research
  • Specialisation
  • Location: Auckland campus, Distance and online, Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)
• Financial Technology
  • Specialisation
  • Location: Auckland campus, Distance and online, Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)
• Risk Analytics
  • Specialisation
  • Location: Auckland campus, Distance and online, Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)

Fees and scholarships

2026 tuition fees

• Domestic students: $10,652
• International students: $39,840

Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.

There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

Course fees

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

Student loans and Fees Free scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility.

Scholarship and award opportunities

• Mary Mallon Memorial Scholarship
• Massey University Postgraduate Overseas Research Grant
• Massey University Postgraduate Scholarship
• Yvonne A M Smith Charitable Trust Scholarship

Careers and job opportunities

A 2017 Ministry of Education publication "The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates", found that in New Zealand:

• young master’s graduates earn more than 1.5 times more than the national median (5 years after study)
• earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed
• five years after completion, the median earnings of young master’s graduates are 15% higher than for those with a bachelor’s degree.

Accreditations and rankings

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

Massey Business School is rated in the top 5% of global business colleges by AACSB International.

Chartered Financial Analysts Institute (CFA)

Massey University is part of the Chartered Financial Analysts Institute's (CFA's) University Affiliation Programme.

Global Association of Risk Management Professionals (GARP)

Our Master of Finance (Risk Analytics) is accredited with the Global Association of Risk Management Professionals (GARP).

QS Ranking – Accounting and Finance

Massey is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 250 universities for accounting and finance.

QS Ranking - Business Management Studies

Massey University is ranked by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) as one of the top 500 universities for business and management.

ShanghaiRanking – Business Administration

Massey University is ranked #2 in New Zealand for business administration by ShanghaiRanking.

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Master of Finance (MFin) at Massey University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of advanced finance theory and equips them with the knowledge and skills to excel in finance-related careers. The program offers two options:

• Professional option: Focuses on practical application of financial concepts through the Risk Analytics specialisation.
• Research option: Emphasizes in-depth research and analysis through the Financial Analytics and Research specialisation.

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Objectives:

• Develop advanced knowledge and analytical skills in finance.
• Equip students with the ability to apply financial theories and models to real-world scenarios.
• Enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Prepare graduates for successful careers in the finance industry.

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Description:

The MFin program combines rigorous coursework with real-world learning opportunities. Students benefit from:

• Industry partnerships: Access to industry professionals and guest speakers.
• Trading and Investment Rooms: State-of-the-art facilities for simulating real-world financial markets.
• Research-led curriculum: Taught by leading finance practitioners and researchers.
• Strong focus on communication: Develop effective oral and written communication skills for impactful presentations and reports.

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Key Highlights:

• Ranked by QS as one of the top 150 Masters in Finance worldwide (#1 in NZ and #6 in Australasia).
• 100% of students satisfied with teaching in the 2021 Student Experience Survey.
• 84% of courses successfully completed in 2020.

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Outline:

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Structure:

• Part-time or full-time: Students can complete the program in 12-18 months (full-time) or up to 5 years (part-time).
• Credit summary: 180 credits for both specialisations, divided into compulsory and elective courses.
• Specialisations:
• Risk Analytics:
Focuses on practical applications of risk management techniques.
• Financial Analytics and Research: Emphasizes in-depth research and analysis of financial data.
• Progression requirements: Minimum C+ grade average for the Risk Analytics specialisation and a B grade average for the Financial Analytics and Research specialisation.
• Advanced entry: Students with relevant qualifications may be eligible for credit transfers and complete the program in 60-120 credits.

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Courses and Modules:

• Part One Compulsory Courses:
• Financial Accounting
• Microeconomics
• Quantitative Methods in Business
• Financial Management
• Managerial Finance
• Part One Electives: Students choose from a range of finance-related courses.
• Part Two Compulsory Courses:
• Investment Analysis
• Corporate Finance
• International Finance
• Financial Derivatives
• Portfolio Management
• Econometrics
• Part Two Electives: Students choose from a range of specialised finance courses depending on their chosen specialisation.
• Research Report: (Financial Analytics and Research specialisation only) Students conduct an independent research project and write a report.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Examinations
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Case studies
• Research projects (Financial Analytics and Research specialisation only)

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Assessment Criteria:

• Depth of understanding
• Analytical skills
• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving abilities
• Communication skills

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Interactive lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Guest lectures from industry professionals
• Online learning resources

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Faculty:

• Experienced and qualified finance practitioners and researchers
• Strong focus on student engagement and support

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Unique Approaches:

• Trading and Investment Rooms: Provide hands-on experience in simulated financial markets.
• Industry partnerships: Offer real-world case studies and networking opportunities.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Financial analyst
• Investment banker
• Portfolio manager
• Risk analyst
• Financial consultant

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Career Opportunities:

• Finance industry
• Banking and insurance
• Investment management
• Government and regulatory agencies
• Consulting firms

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Career Outcomes:

• Graduates are well-equipped to pursue successful careers in various finance-related fields.
• The program prepares students for leadership roles and advanced professional qualifications.

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Other:

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Key Points:

• The MFin program is open to international students.
• Students can apply for scholarships and awards.
• The program is available on the Auckland, Manawatū, and online campuses.

Massey University of New Zealand - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa

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Overview:

Massey University is a research-led university in New Zealand, known for its excellence in innovation and the creation of new knowledge. It offers a wide range of academic programs and support services to students.

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Services Offered:

Massey University provides a variety of support services to students, including: *

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Academic support:

Guidance and resources for academic success. *

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Student life services:

Support for personal well-being, career development, and social engagement. *

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Māori @ Massey:

Dedicated services and resources for Māori students. *

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Pacific Massey:

Support and resources for Pacific students.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Research-led institution:

Massey University is known for its strong research focus and commitment to innovation.

Diverse student body:

The university welcomes students from various backgrounds and cultures.

Supportive environment:

Massey provides a range of services and resources to help students succeed.

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Other:

Distance and online study:

Massey offers a wide range of distance and online study options.

Alumni network:

The university has a strong alumni network that provides support and connections for graduates.