Program Overview
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.