Master of Applied Finance

Programme Overview

The Master of Applied Finance (MAppFin) is a professional postgraduate programme designed to build a deep understanding of the forces shaping global capital markets and driving investment returns. Delivered by the triple-crown accredited Business School, the degree bridges fundamental financial theory with hands-on technical application. It is structured as a conversion programme, welcoming both recent graduates and mid-career professionals from non-finance disciplines who want to pivot seamlessly into the financial sector.

Note: The University of Auckland is part of the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program, aligning this curriculum directly with international investment credentials.

Programme Pathways & Core Formats

The programme is delivered as a 180-point taught framework divided into two primary structural progression phases:

1. Part I (Foundations): Covers 7 core compulsory courses (105 points) to establish essential quantitative capabilities, market knowledge, and regulatory insight.
2. Part II (Specialisation & Action): Consists of 2 elective specialisation courses (30 points) combined with an intensive, applied business consulting framework (45 points).

What You'll Study

The 180-point degree requires completion of rigorous core coursework, specialized electives, and an active industry interface:

• Compulsory Core Coursework (105 points): Establishes advanced finance fundamentals:
  • Business Accounting and Finance (BUSFIN 700)
  • Economics for Financial Analysts (BUSFIN 701)
  • Financial Markets Law (BUSFIN 702)
  • Corporate Finance (BUSFIN 703)
  • Investment Decision-making (BUSFIN 704)
  • Financial Risk Management / Advanced Financial Management
• Specialisation Electives (30 points): Selective modules designed to broaden analytical insights, including options like Financial Modelling (Excel-based frameworks) or Programming for Finance.
• Practical Industry Project (45 points): Includes a Consultancy Practice skills course paired alongside an industry-based capstone project where students solve a live financial challenge for an active enterprise.

Why Choose This Programme?

• CFA Pathway Alignment: The degree explicitly covers a large portion of the CFA candidate body of knowledge, giving you a competitive edge when pursuing the global investment credential.
• No Finance Background Required: Actively acts as a conversion degree, welcoming students with undergraduate roots in engineering, science, humanities, or technology.
• Live Consulting Experience: Features a core corporate engagement block that places you inside a real business context to build a strong portfolio before graduation.

Entry Requirements

• Academic Minimums: A completed bachelors degree in business or a non-business discipline (such as science, engineering, or technology) from a recognized institution with a minimum GPA/GPE equivalent of 5.0 or higher.
• Prerequisite Coursework: Applicants must have passed at least one undergraduate-level course in business statistics (STATS 108), general mathematics (MATHS 108), or an approved quantitative equivalent.
• Alternative Entry Pathway: Candidates who fall short of the entry GPA or are uncertain about the full commitment can apply for the shorter Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Finance (PGCertAppFin) as an alternative route.
• Selection Process: Admission is verified individually. Faculty boards review both quantitative readiness and the academic quality of prior qualifications before confirming a place.
• Language Requirement: Academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall (all sub-bands 6.0+) or equivalent.