Master of Applied Finance

Tuition Fee

NZD 14,459

Per year

Start Date

Medium of studying

On campus

Duration

12 months

Details

Program Details

Degree

Masters

Major

Finance | Financial Planning

Area of study

Business and Administration

Education type

On campus

Timing

Full time

Course Language

English

Tuition Fee

Average International Tuition Fee

NZD 14,459

Intakes

Program start date	Application deadline
2025-02-01	-

About Program

Program Overview

The Master of Applied Finance is a 12-month accelerated course that will equip students with the industry skills needed to secure financial roles working in businesses, banks, investment firms, and the public sector. The course has a strong practical focus and is ideal for students who have never majored in finance before, but already have some quantitative analysis skills from their undergraduate bachelor’s degree.

Why study the Master of Applied Finance?

The Master of Applied Finance is designed to prepare students for careers in finance, with a focus on practical skills and industry knowledge. On completion, graduates will be well-positioned to continue their career journey towards gaining the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Career Opportunities

Banker (commercial or investment)
Banking, financial services, and financial regulation
Business analyst
Corporate financer
Financial advisor/analyst
Investment advisor
Portfolio or wealth manager
Sharebroker
Treasurer

Points and Duration

The total number of points to gain this qualification and how long this is expected to take full-time is 180 points, 12 months full-time (option to study 2 years part-time).

Locations

The study locations where the qualification is offered are Hamilton.

Area of Study

This shows which Faculty or School you can study this qualification under: Waikato Management School.

Start Dates

Which trimester this qualification can be started in: Trimester A (February).

Degree Information

Plan Your Study

Available planners:

Master of Applied Finance - 180 points - Full-time study for 12 months
Master of Applied Finance - 180 points - Part-time study for 2 years

Core Papers

The course is divided into three stages, covering one trimester of study each.

Part One: Core Papers

Provides students with a grounding in the quantitative and analytical techniques required to understand financial markets, risk, and return, and make investment decisions. You will discover how key financial markets contribute to the functioning of healthy economies, and be introduced to finance theories and models.

ACCTP570 Accounting Systems and Processes
ECONS506 Economics for Business
ECONS503 Applied Quantitative Methods
FINAN500 Financial Management and Institutions

Part Two: Master of Knowledge

Students will develop advanced knowledge in specialist areas such as corporate finance, investments and financial markets, financial modelling, and econometrics. You will learn how to analyse and interpret financial data, forecast returns and price assets, and conduct shares and bond valuations.

ECONS543 Applied Econometrics
FINAN506 Corporate Finance
FINAN508 Investments and Financial Markets
FINAN509 Financial Modelling

Part Three: Application of Skills

Students have the opportunity to apply their skills in a professional context by undertaking a research project investigating a real financial issue.

FINAN518 Financial Risk Management
FINAN520 Financial Econometrics
FINAN515 International Finance
FINAN521 Finance Project

Entry Requirements

You should have a bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) in any subject that includes quantitative analysis to at least the second year, e.g., business, mathematics, economics, social sciences, physics, engineering, or psychology.

Even if you don't meet the entry criteria, please discuss your options, as all applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You may be asked to complete some qualifying papers first to ensure you reach the academic standards.

Fees and Scholarships

Estimated fees: $14,459 per programme (2025).

Domestic tuition fees: Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Scholarships: Visit the Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.

Graduate Outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Applied Finance will have the ability to:

Develop the finance and business skills and competencies expected of professionals in their field.
Use advanced professional and research-led knowledge in finance to understand and critically analyse information and apply this knowledge in theoretical and practical situations.
Apply their knowledge in a real-world situation through the research project or professional internship.

Why Study at Waikato?

Master the art of finance trading in the brand-new Finance Trading Lab.
Top 1% global ranking: Waikato Management School is in the top 1% of business schools globally with its prestigious Triple Crown Accreditation.
Deep connections with business and industry: Our lecturers are sought-after business consultants and researchers, with links to leading companies, institutions, and government agencies.