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Master of Finance (MFinc)

    No new enrolments are being accepted for the Master of Finance.  From 2025, it is being replaced by the new Master of Business programme.

    Overview

    The Master of Finance (MFinc) will equip students to be either professional practitioners or academic researchers in the field of Finance.

    The Master of Finance can be completed in one year of full-time study which consists of a selection of papers plus either an applied or research project. The programme allows for the development of individual skills and applied or theoretical research and investigation. Starting with a sound background of coursework, students will have the opportunity to contribute to existing or new fields of research (applied or theoretical).

    Graduates who follow the option of completing an Applied Project (FINC 501) will have a wide range of career opportunities in commercial and investment banks, brokerage and investment firms, insurance companies, treasury departments of non-financial corporations, regulatory agencies, consulting and accounting firms. Graduates completing the Master of Finance with a Research Project (FINC 580) will in addition have the ability to design and pursue a large project of independent research suitable to the PhD.

    Starts February (semester 1).

    Master of Finance information sheet

    International student scholarships

    There are a limited number of School of Business Master of Finance (MFinc) merit based scholarships of NZ$10,000 for international students.

    Find out more about the scholarships

    Contact

    Associate Professor Helen Roberts
    Tel +64 3 479 8072
    Office CO 3.42
    Email helen.roberts@otago.ac.nz
    Department of Accountancy and Finance

    Subjects

          Requirements

          See all programmes

          Regulations for the Degree of Master of Finance (MFinc)

          1. Admission to the Programme

            1. Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Commerce).
            2. Every applicant must either
              1. be a graduate and normally have achieved an average grade of B in the papers satisfying the final year major subject requirements for that degree, or
              2. have equivalent alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Commerce).
            3. In considering an applicant's qualifications, regard will be had to the detail of the course of study followed to gain the qualification, as well as the applicant's performance in the programme.

          2. Structure of the Programme

            1. Every programme of study shall consist of approved papers from the schedule of papers available for the degree of Master of Finance to the value of 180 points.
            2. With prior approval from the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce), papers worth up to a maximum of 60 points in a relevant subject offered by another tertiary institution, may be granted transfer credit for equivalent paper(s) within the programme. Such credits will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
            3. A candidate shall, before commencing the investigation to be described in the applied or research project, secure the approval of the Programme Co-ordinator concerned for the proposed course of the investigation.

          3. Duration of the Programme

            1. A candidate must normally complete the requirements for the programme in 12 months of full-time study, and a part-time candidate within four years of commencing the Programme.
            2. Exceptions to the normal duration of a programme shall be permitted only with the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce).

          4. Withdrawal from the Programme

            Where a candidate withdraws from the programme after completing the prescribed papers, whether voluntarily or otherwise, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce) may recommend the award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce or determine which papers shall be credited towards the diploma.

          5. Examination of the Research or Applied Project

            1. The project manuscript shall normally be reviewed by two examiners, to be determined by the Programme Co-ordinator.
            2. Each examiner shall supply a written report and recommend a mark and grade on the basis of the final manuscript as submitted.
            3. Where there is disagreement over a final result, an independent moderator determined by the Programme Co-ordinator shall arrive at a decision.

          6. Level of Award of the Degree

            The degree may be awarded with distinction or with credit.

          7. Variations

            The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Commerce) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.

          This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

          Regulations on this page are taken from the 2024 Calendar and supplementary material.

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