Master of Applied Finance in Investing and Financial Services

at University of Wollongong - Southern Sydney Campus Australia

The Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance is an introductory course designed to provide a general understanding of areas in Applied Finance such as financial statement analysis, managerial finance, statistics and corporate governance.

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance, you may enrol in a Master of Applied Finance and be eligible for credit for the four subjects completed within the Graduate Certificate. Progression with credit to other Masters programs, including the MBA, may also be possible.

We value the importance of prior learning and work experience in this course and understand that not all mature age working professionals have completed an undergraduate degree. If you fit this profile, still apply for the course, as we will assess your other relevant tertiary qualifications or substantial relevant professional or managerial experience.

Economics is concerned with the big picture how a country, region or particular market is operating; while finance is a more microscopic look at industry risk and return on investment. The two disciplines complement each other giving you a more complete picture of the business world and open many doors to sought-after careers.

This degree
The Bachelor of Economics and Finance is for high achievers and as a graduate of the degree, you will be able to identify and apply the tools of analysis to a wide range of economic issues, including the behaviour of consumers and firms, the labour market, the environment, fiscal and monetary policy, and international trade.

Students will develop the skills necessary to make responsible professional judgements in their economic and financial decision-making. Your final year culminates with an exciting applied research project capstone subject. This experiential learning opportunity offers an international workplace-based project, or more traditional research-based project.

What you will study
You will study the theory, policies, practices and institutions of both the domestic and global economies. You will also develop expertise in the ways individuals, businesses and other organisations raise, allocate and use money.

Finance is about money and investments. People on their own, people in partnerships, companies and other entities (including state and federal governments), have a common objective of profitable investment. What is a government-secured bond? What is a share? What are the reasons for investing in either and when is the right time? These are some of the questions answered in the domain of finance.

This degree
You will undertake a foundation year that covers all core disciplines of business, giving you a solid understanding of issues facing organisations today. From your second year, you will begin your major in Finance. The degree has an emphasis on practical applications and real-world financial management. Careers include finance manager, research analyst, management reporting manager, equity trade analyst, stockbroker, bank officer, investment operations analyst and venture capitalist.
You will also undertake a final-year capstone subject that lets you apply everything you have learned in collaboration with students from other disciplines. Plus, you have the option of applying for an internship to gain valuable experience whilst receiving credit towards your degree.

What you will study
You will learn the theoretical knowledge and tools demanded by employers in all sections of the world economy: investment, financial markets, financial modelling and portfolio analysis. You will utilise state of the art technology to learn advanced statistical techniques for analysis, including the classical linear regression model, model diagnostics, univariate time series modelling and forecasting. You will explore corporate finance, including financial strategies, security analysis and portfolio management.

The Master of Applied Finance (Investing) is for students interested in acquiring an advanced understanding of investment and portfolio management.

You will study the theory and practice of financial management and gain an understanding of the global financial system. Additionally, competing approaches to corporate governance and business ethics will be developed, and you will learn how to provide protection against portfolio, financial and corporate risks.

Students are provided with realistic stock market simulations and are introduced to modern portfolio theory and practice with a focus on optimal investment decision-making. You will experience the pressure of live markets and learn how to manage portfolios through a portfolio simulation that allows you to trade shares, options, bonds, managed funds, international stocks with realistic stock market simulations.

The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) is designed for students who want a career in the accounting profession. The learning experience and knowledge areas for this program are focused on the practice of accounting.

The course first introduces the fundamental principles of accounting, economics, and aspects of the economic system and then proceeds to the study of specific knowledge areas which are vital for accounting professionals. You will develop knowledge and skills to apply accounting principles in the preparation and interpretation of financial statements and, enable you to research current accounting issues. You will also have an understanding of the differences between accounting principles and taxation law and the tax implications of business activities.

The Master of Financial Management provides an opportunity for you to enhance your career opportunities by developing further professional and personal skills, and knowledge in Financial Management areas.

You will learn to plan, organise, direct and control financial activities such as obtaining funds and using funds for investments. You will study topics such as investment management, financial strategy, financial statement analysis and learn how to review the global financial system and understand the principles of descriptive and inferential statistics and their applications in the business environment.

The Master of Business Administration (Executive) is a unique degree designed for experienced senior managers who want to build their professional capabilities, those aspiring to executive positions and entrepreneurs who are motivated to start and grow their own business venture. The program will develop and advance the skills required to respond to the dynamic business environment by identifying, implementing and managing best business practices through all stages of business life cycles.

You will learn to be innovative, visionary and strategic in the delivery of key business outcomes and realise and develop your authentic leadership style. Your managerial and directional skills will be enhanced to enable you to provide effective responses to the organisation of all business models.

The subjects are specifically designed and taught for interactivity, and you will be able to share and learn from likeminded professionals at similar stages of their career in the classroom. This allows you to expand on your career network and immediately utilise the learnings back to your current senior managerial or executive role. The assessment tasks are similarly designed to be applied back to real and current business objectives.

The Graduate Certificate in Business is for those who want to advance their career, formalise their industry experience or up-skill and move into a business-focused role within their field. This course covers key business areas including accounting, financial management, organisational behaviour and marketing management.

The Graduate Certificate in Business caters for both professional and lifestyle commitments by giving students the choice to study on campus at Wollongong or Sydney CBD,

The Master of Management provides an opportunity for you to enhance your career opportunities by further developing theoretical and practical skills and knowledge in key management areas.

Graduates of the Master of Management will have examined organisational structures, led and implemented organisational change, managed projects and leveraged organisational competitive advantages in the changing global marketplace.

Accountancy is about providing reliable, timely and accurate information for decision makers, especially for economic decisions. Whether working for a multinational company, a government agency or in public practice, accountants play a pivotal role in advising senior management on the financial performance and direction of the organisation.

This degree
You will undertake a foundation year that covers all core disciplines of business, giving you a solid understanding of issues facing organisations today. From your second year, you will study advanced accountancy topics. The Bachelor of Business majoring in Accountancy provides you with the knowledge and experience to move into many types of business careers such as an accountant, auditor, business analyst, treasurer, corporate accountant, financial controller and advisor. You will also undertake a final-year capstone subject that lets you apply everything you have learned in collaboration with students from other disciplines. Plus, you have the option of applying for an internship to gain valuable experience whilst receiving credit towards your degree.

What you will study
Topics of study include financial reporting, auditing, management accounting, and information systems in accounting. You will learn about financial accounting in its organisational, social and political contexts as well as study relevant law subjects (including taxation law and law of business organisations) to be eligible for associate membership of professional accounting bodies.