Key facts
Duration
The time and cost can be reduced based on your previous qualifications and professional experience. This means you can fast track the masters degree from 2 years down to 1.5 years, or even 1 year duration. See entry requirements below for more information.
Locations
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Study at a university ranked in the top 1% in the world for finance* and delve into the modern financial techniques underpinning investment, financing and risk management decisions of multinational corporations with Deakin’s Master of Finance. Learn about financial markets, corporate governance, corporate finance, derivative securities and portfolio management. You will also be exposed to new knowledge areas such as FinTech, Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence.
Want to expand your career options with a versatile skill set in finance?
The coursework and research components have been designed to enhance professional practice in a range of financial domains, which may be of particular interest to you if you’re currently working as a finance professional.
Develop analytical skills for making key financial management decisions, incorporating time-value-of money and risk-return analysis, plus learn how to apply financial knowledge to solve real-world financial decision problems. Through practice, you will become adept to various digital technologies used to process complex financial data, information and ideas.
As a graduate, you will also have the option to complement your primary studies in finance with a specialisation in a wide range of business-related fields. Designed to meet industry demand for skilled professionals with a breadth of transferable skills, a specialisation can help deepen your knowledge in a particular business field and benefit your future career.
This course aims to provide a high-level education in finance issues and research methodologies. Depending on your unit choice, you may be eligible for membership to Finance and Treasury Association and the Financial Services Institute of Australasia.
* QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Master of Finance
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- M750
- CRICOS code?
- 111194F Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Course structure
The Master of Finance is typically 8, 12 or 16 credit points. The exact number of credit points you study depends on how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) - your professional experience and previous qualifications - which can save you time and money.
For students undertaking 16 credit points, you study 11 credit points of core units, 1 credit point from a list of course electives and 4 credit points of open elective units (which may include an optional Faculty wide specialisation), plus completion of the compulsory 0-credit point module, DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin. Most units (think of units as ‘subjects’) are equal to 1 credit point.
Students are introduced to research tools and techniques in core units of the course where they learn analytic skills and the practical application of those skills in professional contexts. They must also complete advanced level units and a capstone unit that require them to integrate the skills learnt over their course of study and produce applied pieces of research with reference to prevailing literature.
11
Core units
1
Course elective units
4
Elective units
16
Total units
Core units
Compulsory 0-credit point unit
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Course elective units
Select one credit point from:
Open elective units
The remaining 4 credit points of electives may be selected from:
- faculty-wide specialisation^
- postgraduate units offered by the University (subject to availability)^^
- Deakin stackable short courses (0.5cp microcredentials)
^recommended specialisation list:
^^recommended elective list:
^Students who do not have prior business background are recommended to take MPE781 and MPA702 in their first trimester of study
* MPT code denotes Study Tour version of the unit
Stackable short courses
Mix and match Deakin stackable short courses (0.5 credit point microcredentials) to earn up to 1 credit point of open electives, subject to eligibility. Any stacking must add up to a whole number to be used for credit. For more information, visit the Deakin stackable short course options.
Specialisations
Faculty-wide specialisations
Refer to the details of each specialisation for availability.
- Accounting
- Artificial Intelligence for Business
- Business Analytics
- Digital Finance
- Digital Transformation
- Event Management
- Financial Planning
- Human Resource Management
- Information Systems
- International Trade and Business
- Leadership
- Management Consulting
- Marketing
- Marketing Technology
- Project Management
- Property and Real Estate
- Supply Chain Management
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Melbourne (Burwood)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Melbourne (Burwood)
- Online
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Mandatory student checks
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
Workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
This course provides students the opportunity to complete one or more work integrated learning units.
Explore Business and Law WIL opportunities.
International Students:
This course includes Work Integrated Learning (WIL) formally registered as part of the course on the CRICOS register. The total work integrated learning hours will differ depending on the WIL unit you choose. For more information about WIL hours, please check the unit information in the handbook or the unit guide.
For information about how WIL units may impact student visa holder work rights, please visit Home Affairs. See 8105 Work limitation.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Depending on your professional experience and previous qualifications, you may commence this course with admission credit and complete your course in 1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent).
Academic requirements
1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 8 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 8 credit points of admission credit applied^*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree (honours) (AQF 8) or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a bachelor degree in a related discipline, and at least two years' of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
- completion of a graduate certificate or graduate diploma or higher in a related discipline
1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 12 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (with 4 credit points of admission credit applied^*) you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline, and at least two years' of relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) - 16 credit points
To be considered for admission to this degree (without admission credit applied*) you will need to meet the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline
^Related discipline degree: A 'related discipline' award for this course is a Bachelor degree in Finance, or a Bachelor degree in Commerce or Management or Business with a major sequence in Finance.
^Relevant work experience: Relevant work experience is business experience in either a finance role or a managerial position with business oversight responsibilities in a finance related field, such as financial consulting, financial analysis, treasury management, corporate finance, fund management and banking.
*Recognition of prior learning will still be considered on a case-by-case basis. Learn more below.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- Other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning.
You can refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about international student fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
Alternative exits
- Graduate Certificate of Finance (M530)
- Graduate Diploma of Finance (M630)
Careers
Career outcomes
The Master of Finance can lead you to a diverse range of local and international careers in corporations, financial institutions, managed funds and audit companies as a:
- auditor
- budget analyst and forecaster
- business analyst
- compliance analyst
- credit analyst
- customer relationship manager
- financial advisor
- finance manager
- fund manager
- investment analyst
- risk advisor
- treasurer.
Professional recognition
Deakin Business School holds both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. These prestigious accreditations are awarded to business schools that meet strict standards of quality, academic and professional excellence, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation in their courses, ensuring our graduates are employable worldwide.
By completing the Master of Finance, you may gain membership or eligibility to apply for membership at the Australian Corporate Treasury Association (ACTA) and the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA), two leading professional bodies for Finance professionals.
The Master of Finance program is recognised through the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Develop an advanced and integrated understanding of finance theory, financial models and demonstrate how this specialised knowledge can be applied in financial markets (especially in the digitalised markets) to optimise financial outcomes |
| Communication | Convey complex financial information and recommendations in writing and orally for both financial specialists and non-financial audiences |
| Digital literacy | Apply appropriate digital technologies to find, use, manage and disseminate complex financial data, information and ideas. |
| Critical thinking | Conduct research to critically analyse a range of complex finance related information to make informed investing and financing decisions for corporates, the investing community and business at large. |
| Problem solving | Apply a range of techniques, including research and analytical skills, from finance, accounting and business to create solutions to real-world and complex finance issues. |
| Self-management | Evidence the ability to work and learn independently and show personal responsibility |
| Teamwork | Foster a constructive environment through ongoing academic collaboration |
| Global citizenship | Reflect on different international, ethical and regulatory perspectives in addressing issues faced by finance professionals |