Master of Finance
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 1.5 years or Part-time equivalent, Other -
Location
Melbourne City, Online -
Fees
AU$36,480 (2020 annual)
Next intake
February, July, RMIT Online Entry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 2 years or 1.5 years accelerated Location
Melbourne City, Online
Overview
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.
What you will learn in this program
RMIT's Master of Finance program will enhance your analytical and problem-solving abilities and develop your understanding of the principles of finance, econometrics, research and the analysis of financial markets.
Details
The Master of Finance is available:
- at the Melbourne City campus, offering up to two intakes a year
- online through Open Universities Australia (OUA), offering up to four intakes a year.
Study on-campus
Most courses are presented in regular 3-hour classes, together with some periods of intensive teaching at the Melbourne City campus.
Intensive teaching may involve classes over a number of Saturdays per course in any semester, although two Saturdays per course should be regarded as normal. A detailed teaching timetable will be available at the commencement of each semester.
Educational software, the Learning Hub, other online and digital resources and printers are accessible on campus via the RMIT wireless network using your own laptop, tablet or smart phone or via computer facilities on-campus. You will be able to access the same software from home or anywhere off campus using myDesktop.
Find out more about student computing at RMIT.
Ongoing assessment throughout a course may include essays, reports, presentations, group projects, research projects, quizzes and tests, blog journals, practical assignments and examinations.
Workshops and seminars
You will benefit from the dynamic design and delivery of the program which includes classroom teaching, opportunities for research and collaborative research projects, simulations in RMIT’s custom-built trading facility, and opportunities for deep engagement with contemporary issues in finance and related industries through seminars and workshops.
myRMIT
Through RMIT University’s online learning portal, myRMIT, you will be able to view and download course resources and learning activities created by lecturers, access course materials via the Canvas Learning Management System, collaborate with lecturers and fellow students, and access your student email account.
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 program include:
- Working in a student team as part of the Fastrack Innovation Program. In this elective course 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.
Global Intensives are a unique feature of the on-campus program. You can enhance your learning experience in the program 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. They typically depart during the Australian summer or winter vacations and are usually undertaken in the final semester of the master degree.
If you are planning to include a study tour as part of your program, you are advised to check that you have the required number of student electives or credit points available.
Other global mobility options available for this program include:
- 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 courses in all scheduled teaching periods may be able to complete the program 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 program. 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.
International student visa holders can only study full-time.
The Master degree comprises 15 core courses and one general elective course (or 11 core and 1 elective with advanced standing). There are a range of finance and economics-related elective courses available or students may take any approved postgraduate elective from within RMIT.
Features
- In the final stage of the program 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 course Business Research Design.
Program plans
It is recommended that you follow the sequence of courses presented in the enrolment structure.
Plans are variations offered for a program such as specialisations, modes of delivery or location. Browse a plan to see the courses our students are currently studying.
MC201EXE15
Melbourne City Campus, Full-time 1.5 years or Part-time equivalent
Program plans
Plans are variations offered for a program such as specialisations, modes of delivery or location. Browse a plan to see the courses our students are currently studying.
MC201EXE15
Melbourne City Campus, Full-time 1.5 years or Part-time equivalent CRICOS 077516B
MC201P15
Melbourne City Campus, Full-time 2 years CRICOS 077516B
Career
Graduates may work in the financial sector or in the treasury/finance functions of large or small corporations.
Job roles can include:
- banker
- credit manager
- financier
- financial analyst
- financial controller
- finance director
- fund manager
- treasurer
- stockbroker
- working capital specialist
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 eligibel for Regular or Affiliate membership
- Graduates may be eligible for Regular or Affiliate membership
Visit the CFA Institute website
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)
Visit the Financial Services Institute of Australia website
Finance and Treasury Association (FTA)
Membership and opportunities
- Graduates eligible for membership category: Certified Finance and Treasury Professional
Visit the Finance and Treasury Association website
Admissions
- An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent, or higher level qualification, in a business (or related) discipline that includes quantitative studies from a recognised tertiary institution; or
- An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent in any discipline and a minimum of three years full-time equivalent management experience*; or
- The RMIT Graduate Certificate in Finance.
* Applicants will be required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV).
2 year duration
You must have successfully completed an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) or higher level qualification in any discipline that includes quantitative studies.
1.5 year duration
You must have successfully completed:
An Australian Bachelor degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Masters degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in Business (or a related discipline) that includes quantitative studies.
OR
An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in any discipline and a minimum of three years full-time equivalent management experience*.
OR
The RMIT Graduate Certificate in Finance.
* Applicants will be required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV).
Entry requirements
To study this program 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
Advanced standing
If you have completed an Australian bachelor degree or equivalent, or higher level qualification, in a business (or related) discipline from a recognised tertiary institution, you will receive exemptions from the four business enabling courses.
Masters exemptions
If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications you will be eligible for exemptions as detailed in the table below.
The masters exemptions listed indicate the maximum exemptions offered, including advanced standing and courses where content matches previous study.
| Qualification level | Masters exemptions offered | Remaining program duration* |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) - any discipline and a minimum of three years full-time equivalent management experience | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester [6 months] of full-time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) |
| Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) - business-related discipline | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester [6 months] of full-time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) |
| Bachelor degree (Honours) (AQF level 8) - business-related discipline | 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester [6 months] of full-time study) | 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) |
| Graduate Certificate (AQF level 8) - in the same discipline | Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full-time study) | 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full-time study) |
| Graduate Diploma (AQF level 8) - in the same discipline | Up to 120 credit points (equivalent to two-and-a-half semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) | Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full-time study) |
| Master degree (AQF level 9) - business-related discipline | Up to 120 credit points (equivalent to two-and-a-half semesters [1.5 years] of full-time study) | Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters [1 year] of full time study) |
* Duration indicated is the normal study duration; for some programs spring and summer semesters may be offered, reducing the study time.
If you have a major in a non-business discipline and do meet meet the management experience requirement, you will begin your studies at graduate certificate level. The graduate certificate provides an entry pathway that considers non-managerial work experience and tertiary studies other than in a business-related discipline.
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Finance you will be admitted to the Master program, which requires the successful completion of further courses.
Credit
You may also be eligible for further credit. Learn more about eligibility for credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
Exemptions from this program will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Fees
2020 indicative annual fees
Full-fee places: AU$36,480*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308* maximum fee for 2020.
- 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.
Learn more about fees for postgraduate study.
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.
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 2020 is $308.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
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.
The annual tuition fee for 2020 is AU$38,400.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$78,720 (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 2020 commencement is AU$58,560.
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:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.