Master of Finance

The Master of Finance offers comprehensive preparation for those wishing to pursue or advance their career in the finance and investments industry. You will gain technical competencies and analytical skills and learn how to apply financial theory and quantitative techniques to make effective financial and investment decisions. You will build a solid foundation in finance and gain an in-depth understanding of investment principles with a strong appreciation of ethical and professional standards focusing on the curriculum of Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) Level II and III, Financial Risk Manager (FRM®) Part I, and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA®) examinations. You will develop the skills to critically analyse issues in the investment profession relating to stock markets, fixed-income and alternative instruments, derivatives and risk management, and portfolio or wealth management, preparing you to take on new challenges in the increasingly globalised and competitive financial sector.

The Master of Finance has three different durations, depending on your previous study:

2 years: If you are interested in moving into the field and do not have a background in finance, you will complete the standard pathway (2 years) which includes a compulsory foundation component.

1.5 years: If you have a prior related degree, you will be able to skip the foundation course component. You will focus on core finance courses and advanced electives. High-performing students may have the opportunity to undertake a major research project (dissertation) in place of advanced electives. This option can serve as a pathway to higher research degrees.

1 year: If you have a prior related degree and substantive work experience, you will focus on core finance courses. Students with relevant prior study may apply to the Program Director for approval to substitute some core courses with elective courses.

Griffith University offers a range of flexible delivery modes including on-campus and online. Find out more about our Finance programs.

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Finance, a student must:

• hold any Bachelor degree (or higher) from a recognised University (or another tertiary education institution of equivalent standing) with a minimum GPA of 4.0 (using a 7.0 scale) OR
• hold a Bachelor degree in finance (or equivalent) from a recognised University (or another tertiary education institution of equivalent standing) with a minimum GPA of 4.0 (using a 7.0 scale) - students will receive 40 credit points of advanced standing OR
• hold any Bachelor degree from a recognised University (or another tertiary education institution of equivalent standing) with a minimum GPA of 4.0 AND have successfully passed the Level I examination for the Chartered Financial Analyst Program administered by the CFA Institute - students will receive 40 credit points of advanced standing.

From 2025:

To be eligible for admission to the Master of Finance a student must have:

Pathway 1 - 1 year program (80CP):

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a *related discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale AND (a minimum 5 years full-time (or equivalent) relevant ^professional experience OR Passed the Level I examination for the Chartered Financial Analyst Program administered by the CFA Institute).

Pathway 2 - 1.5 year program (120CP):

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in a *related discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale; OR
• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale AND Passed the Level I examination for the Chartered Financial Analyst Program administered by the CFA Institute.

Pathway 3 - 1.5 year program (120CP):

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale AND a minimum 2 years full-time (or equivalent) relevant ^professional experience.

Pathway 4 - 2 Year program (160CP):

• A recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in any discipline with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 using a 7.0 scale; OR
• A combination of alternative admission criteria such as formal, informal, and non-formal learning deemed to be equivalent to either of the above.

*Related Discipline: Accounting, economics, financial planning, finance.

^Professional Experience: Substantial accounting or finance responsibilities including: Accountant, Financial adviser, stockbroker, financial analyst, personal banker, bank manager, superannuation fund manager, risk management, investment fund manager, financial manager. Assessed via CV and/or record of professional development and/or 2 x professional references.

A higher qualification refers to a qualification at a higher level than a Bachelor qualification, which includes any of the following: a Bachelor Honours Degree; Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters Degree, MPhil or PhD.

Study option

If you do not meet the academic entry criteria, you may be able to study the Masters Qualifying Program (9354) and qualify for entry into this Masters degree.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University procedure for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Admission Procedure

If you do not meet the University's specified English language requirements, you may wish to contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This Institute offers a number of English language and other courses at both its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches.

• Griffith English Language Institute

You will be well prepared for career opportunities in mutual funds, superannuation funds, banks, insurance companies, and treasury. Other careers might include foreign exchange dealers, futures and options traders, portfolio managers and risk analysts.