Master of Finance

Master of Finance

POSTGRADUATE

Join one of Australia’s leading growth industries. Study finance at RMIT.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Reduced duration available
Fees:

AU$37,440 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years or 1.5 years accelerated
Fees:

AU$45,120 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

In the new world of finance, demand for innovative and analytical thinkers is higher than ever. Build these skills and more in the Master of Finance at RMIT.

From sustainable finance to fintech, the Master of Finance in Melbourne keeps pace with the very latest trends in the finance industry — serving up a rich and relevant curriculum designed to prepare you for a rewarding career.

This degree not only covers all the essential elements of finance, financial modelling, econometrics, trading, research and the analysis of financial markets, but it also develops soft skills to help you stand out. Highlights of the Master of Finance include the industry-led debating challenge, the CFA Institute Research challenge, and our finance career day.

Where else will you get the opportunity to experience life on the trading floor? The purpose-built RMIT Trading Facility replicates a large bank or corporate treasury, using real-time market data from Refinitiv Eikon, a subsidiary of the London Stock Exchange, for simulation-style teaching and learning. One of the largest tertiary-based facilities in the world, it gives you invaluable opportunities to sharpen your skills and build your understanding of financial trading. Here, you’ll undertake technical workshops that span risk analysis, decision-making under pressure, foreign exchange, dealing techniques and more, all designed to turn you into the consummate finance professional. Having already applied theory to practice here, you’ll have the skills to pursue a thrilling and challenging career in banking, stockbroking, risk management, and beyond.

By joining our Master of Finance, you’ll gain an in-demand set of skills that you can apply in the real world to help shape the future of finance.

The degree is tailor-made to give students a very deep and niche knowledge in finance methodology. It’s strongly industry partnered so I was talking to people already working in the industry, not just reading from a textbook.
Portrait of David Matthew Brown, Master of Finance at RMIT - David Matthew Brown, Master of Finance at RMIT

Why choose finance at RMIT?

World-class trading facility

Benefit from the state-of-the-art RMIT Trading Facility, and use live data to simulate everything from hedging to foreign exchange instruments trading.

Industry-led enrichment

Participate in extracurricular competitions and challenges set by industry partners. These events help develop your soft skills and build your network.

An applied approach

Instead of exams, assessments are based on applied projects shaped by real-world scenarios, helping you sharpen the skills you’ll need in the workforce.

business student talking to another student in a firm

Shape your career in banking and finance

The banking and finance sectors are discovering new frontiers in technological innovation. Seize your opportunities for career progression in banking and finance with a certificate, diploma or degree at RMIT.

RMIT Trading facility computer screen showing graphs

Explore the RMIT Trading Facility

As the only one of its kind in Australia, and one of the largest in the world, our trading facility helps you develop work-ready skills using industry-standard tools thanks to our partnership with Thomson Reuters and Eikon Financial Markets Software.

Details

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Learning and teaching

In the Master of Finance, a wide range of teaching methods are used to keep students actively engaged. Most subjects follow a blended learning model, made up of a 1-hour pre-recorded lecture followed by a 2-hour interactive session. In these sessions, we maintain small class sizes (35 students maximum). Evening classes are available.

In the Master of Finance, you will also engage in collaborative research projects and the exploration of contemporary issues in finance and related industries through seminars and workshops. Drawing on real-world case studies and problems, you will hone your analytical thinking and research skills. 

Almost half of this degree is built around group projects, giving you invaluable experience in working with all types of people. It’s also free for you to join the RMIT network and Chartered Financial Analysts’ Institute (CFA), which gives you exposure to masterclasses and other valuable learning opportunities. 

RMIT Trading Facility

Core to the Master of Finance learning experience is your time spent in the RMIT Trading Facility, where you will simulate trading in money and foreign exchange markets. The facility uses a live market data feed from Refinitiv Eikon, one of the most comprehensive and widely used databases of real-time and time-series data of global financial markets. 

It’s all about giving you first-hand experience in the tools and information that the world’s leading banks and investment firms use to analyse news, data and conduct market research. 

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment throughout a subject may include essays, reports, presentations, group projects, research projects, quizzes and tests, blog journals, practical assignments and examinations.

All assessments can be done and submitted online, giving you the ultimate flexibility to complete your studies effectively.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

Guiding the development of the College of Business, both nationally and internationally, is an Industry Advisory Board of high-profile executives.

The Board creates a strategic bridge between the latest in technology and design thinking and business.

In addition, the School of Economics, Finance and Marketing Advisory Board consists of high-profile industry representatives who ensure the School's links with industry standards and practice remain current.

Industry experts are invited as guest lecturers to expose you to current industry developments in finance. The School also extends links with industry by appointing adjunct professors from time to time who are selected based on their industry achievements.

Work-connected and industry-relevant options available for this course include:

  • working in a student team as part of the Fastrack Innovation Program. In this elective subject you will work with mentors to develop and present a solution to a real problem. This form of fast-prototyping is designed so that external organisations can tap into fresh thinking from RMIT students.
  • a Business Internship elective where you take up a position for one or two days per week for one semester. This position is normally unpaid and is designed to develop your soft skills and increase your overall employability upon graduation.

Students in this degree also have the opportunity to participate in industry-led competitions.

RMIT Finance Trading Competition

The RMIT Finance Trading Competition allows Economics and Finance (both undergraduate and postgraduate) students in the EFM test out their trading skills in the financial markets. The competition is a unique experience for students and is held in the state-of-the-art RMIT trading facility. Students gain real world trading experience in our state-of-the art trading room, have fun, work as a team and gain professional development skills. The competition is sponsored by industry partner Refinitiv, a subsidiary of London Stock Exchange Group.

CFA Institute Research Challenge

Each year the Chartered Financial Analysts' Institute (CFA) runs its CFA Research Challenge where teams of finance students from universities all over the world test out their financial analytical skills in competition. 

The CFA Institute Research Challenge provides university students with hands-on mentoring and intensive training in financial analysis and professional ethics. Students are tested on their analytical, valuation, report writing and presentation skills. They gain real-world experience as they assume the role of a research analyst.

 

Global intensives are a unique feature of the Master of Finance.

You can enhance your learning experience by combining an overseas travel and cultural experience with coursework completed in intensive mode and have this credited towards your degree as a general elective. Study tours typically depart during the Australian summer or winter breaks and are usually undertaken in the final semester of your degree.

If you are planning to include a study tour, you are advised to check that you have the required number of student electives or credit points available.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

  • 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent (with advanced standing*)
  • 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent (without advanced standing)

* Students who are granted advanced standing, and who undertake subjects in all scheduled teaching periods may be able to complete the course in 12–16 months.

For further information about advanced standing see Credits and Masters exemptions.

Depending on your previous studies and experience you could also be eligible for credit towards your course. Credit granted may reduce the amount of study you need to complete.

For more information please see RMIT’s credit transfer and recognition of prior learning policy.

  • 1.5 years full-time (with advanced standing)
  • 2 years full-time (without advanced standing)

For further information about advanced standing see Credits and Masters exemptions.

Intensive teaching may involve classes over a number of Saturdays per subject in any semester, although two Saturdays per subject should be regarded as normal. A detailed teaching timetable will be available at the commencement of each semester.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

View the learning outcomes for each stream:

This degree comprises 14 core subjects and two general elective subjects (or 11 core and one elective with advanced standing). 

There are a range of finance and economics-related elective subjects available or students may take any approved postgraduate elective from within RMIT.

In the final stage of this degree you will undertake a substantial research project. You will be required to identify a current finance research issue and demonstrate your ability to interact with industry, complete an activity in a work context and work in a multidisciplinary team.

Explore a complex problem, and test and evaluate potential solutions with industry and community stakeholders in the subject Fixed Income Securities and Credit Analysis, which is the designated work-integrated learning (WIL) subject in this degree. This subject will provide you with opportunities to apply your academic skills to a work-based context via simulated trading.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Finance
Program code: MC201
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Finance
City Campus
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent (or 1.5 years FT or PT equivalent with advanced standing)
MC201EXE15
077516B
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent (or 1.5 years FT or PT equivalent with advanced standing)
Plan code
MC201EXE15
CRICOS
077516B
View plan
Master of Finance
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC201EXE15
077516B
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC201EXE15
CRICOS
077516B
View plan
Master of Finance
City Campus
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
MC201P15
077516B
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Plan code
MC201P15
CRICOS
077516B
View plan
Master of Finance
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC201P15
077516B
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC201P15
CRICOS
077516B
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

A female banker holding and interacting with a tablet device in her hands

Your career in finance

Master of Finance graduates are equipped with the skills and practical knowledge required to excel in the finance sector, in corporate roles and within the public sector.

As a graduate of the Master of Finance, your career prospects are incredibly bright.

Upon graduating, you will have covered all the broad areas of finances, while also building a solid repertoire of soft skills. It means you’ll be ready for wherever you want your career to take you. It could be the banking sector, the finance function of large corporations, financial advisory or fund management. Take your pick. 

Finance job titles can include:

  • banker
  • credit manager
  • financier
  • financial analyst
  • financial controller
  • finance director
  • fund manager
  • treasurer
  • stockbroker
  • working capital specialist.

The above roles all have strong future growth, with nearly 12% growth to 2026 projected by the Australian Government’s Job Outlook. According to Job Outlook, a common salary for a finance manager or consultant in Australia in 2021 was between $120,000 and $140,000 per year.

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Course accreditation or membership offered by professional bodies signals to employers the quality and relevance of RMIT's courses and opens up career pathways and networks.

Professional bodies accredit or recognise courses as meeting professional and academic standards deemed to be essential for a new graduate entering into that profession. An accredited course will either enable the graduate to enter directly into a professional qualifications program or provide the graduate with exemptions or credit towards a post university professional qualification.

Statutory accreditation

This type of accreditation is where a statutory body must approve a course of study in order for a graduate to practise in that profession.

Membership

Professional bodies or associations are representative organisations of professions that provide membership and other career development support to its members. Many professional bodies offer membership opportunities for students and new graduates with benefits such as career advice, networking within the profession and access to resources not available through the university. The aim of these benefits is to assist with your transition from university into the profession.

Master of Finance

Current course accreditations and information about membership and development opportunities for students and graduates.

CFA Institute

Course satisfies the requirements for the University Affiliation Program.

Membership and opportunities
  • Students eligible to apply for a CFA Institute scholarship
  • Students may be eligible for Regular or Affiliate membership
  • Graduates may be eligible for Regular or Affiliate membership

Financial Services Institute of Australia (FINSIA)

Membership and opportunities
  • Students eligible for membership category: Student
  • Graduates eligible for membership category: Affiliate
  • Graduates eligible for membership category: Associate (require 3+ years experience)
  • Graduates eligible for membership category: Senior Associate (require 5+ years experience)

The Finance Professional Network by RMIT & Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society Melbourne

The Finance Professional Network by RMIT & Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society Melbourne (Network) provides a platform to connect academic staff, RMIT students, alumni and industry practitioners for knowledge sharing, networking events and professional development. A series of events will be held for members of the Network including research and career workshops, networking events and debating competitions. Membership is free to RMIT students and alumni. 

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

1 year duration (with advanced standing)

  • An Australian bachelor honours degree, with a major in finance or a cognate discipline or equivalent*.

1.5 year duration (with advanced standing)

  • An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent), or higher-level qualification, in a business or related discipline from a recognised tertiary institution*

    OR
  • An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent), or higher-level qualification, from a recognised tertiary institution in any discipline plus a minimum of two years relevant work

    OR
  • The RMIT Graduate Certificate in Finance^.

We offer Recognition of Prior Learning, or the recognition of previous study or learning. This means you can apply for credit and reduce the number of courses you need to complete. Your application will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

If you do not meet the entry requirements for the 1 or 1.5-year duration masters, you may be considered for the 2-year duration masters.

2 year duration (without advanced standing)

  • An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent), or higher-level qualification,  in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution.

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted advanced standing.

^Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate you will have the opportunity to progress to the Master degree.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

2 year duration

You must have successfully completed an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) or higher level qualification in any discipline.

1.5 year duration

You must have successfully completed:

  • An Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) or higher level qualification in Business (or a related discipline) from a recognised tertiary institution*.

OR

1 year duration

  • An Australian Bachelor Honours degree, with a major in Finance or a cognate discipline or equivalent*.

*Qualification must have been completed within the last 10 years.

^ Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate you will have the opportunity to progress to the Master degree.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

The Graduate Certificate in Finance is a pathway to the Master of Finance.

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Finance you can continue your studies in the Master of Finance and receive 48 credit points worth of credit (equivalent to one semester of full-time study) for courses completed in the Graduate Certificate in Finance.

Masters advanced standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications within the last 10 years with a major in a business or related discipline, you may be eligible for advanced standing as follows:

Qualification level Masters exemptions offered Remaining program duration*
Bachelor degree (AQF level 7)   48 credit points (equivalent to one semester of full-time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters of full-time study)
Bachelor degree (Honours) (AQF level 8)   Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semester of full-time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study)
Graduate Certificate (AQF level 8)   48 credit points (equivalent to one semesters of full-time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters of full-time study)
Graduate Diploma (AQF level 8)   Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study)
Master degree (AQF level 9)   Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Applicants with a bachelor degree (honours), graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

When you successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Finance you are guaranteed entry into the Master of Finance with 1 semester of advanced standing (equivalent to 48 credit points).

Alternatively, you can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Master Advanced Standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications within the last 10 years with a major in a business or related discipline, you may be eligible for advanced standing as follows:

Qualification level Advanced standing Remaining program duration
Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Bachelor honours degree (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)
Graduate certificate (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Graduate diploma (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit.

Credits

Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and weightings, and reference to the learning resources.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2024 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$37,440 (2024 annual fee)*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$351 maximum fee for 2024*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2024 is $351.  

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$45,120.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$91,200 (full 2 year program plan MC201P15).

For students who meet the entry requirements for the 1.5 years program (program plan MC201EXE15), the total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$68,160.

If you do not meet the entry requirements, you will be offered a place in the full two year program.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

More information
aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information