Master of Applied Finance (2759)
- Approved Abbreviation: MAppFin
- Western Sydney University Program Code: 2759
- AQF Level: 9
CRICOS Code: 079262C
This program applies to students who commenced in Quarter 3, 2016 or later.
The Master of Applied Finance prepares students for executive careers in finance, banking and property investment sectors. It provides students with the opportunity to acquire technical knowledge necessary to function in an evolving and increasingly sophisticated financial environment with an emphasis on the practical application of these techniques. The degree exposes students to modern theoretical approaches. All of the subjects have been developed by individuals who are actively involved in the financial and investment sectors. Applicants will find having a background in Business or Commerce advantageous. The program length and structure varies based on previous qualifications and work experience. On enrolment to this program, based on previous study and work experience, students can follow either a 160 or a 120 or an 80 credit point entry pathway allowing them to graduate on completion of the relevant credit points with a Master of Applied Finance. Students may also exit the program on completion of 40 credit points with a Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance or on completion of 80 credit points with a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance.
Early Exit(s)
Students may exit this program on completion of 40 credit points with a 2760 Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance or on completion of 80 credit points with a 2796 Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance.
Study Mode
Two years full-time, one and a half years full-time or one year full-time depending upon entry qualifications (see Pathways listed under Program Structure) or the equivalent part-time.
Program Advice
Prospective students should visit the following websites for general enquiries about this program.
Enquire about this program| Local Admission | International Admission |
Location
| Campus | Attendance | Mode | Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parramatta City Campus-Macquarie Street | Full Time | Internal | See above |
| Parramatta City Campus-Macquarie Street | Part Time | Internal | See above |
Accreditation
The Master of Applied Finance fulfils the educational requirements for admission as a Senior Associate (SA Fin) of Finsia - the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (Finsia). Senior Associate membership with Finsia also requires at least five years career experience in the financial services industry. The Master of Applied Finance also satisfies the education requirements for professional membership of the Finance and Treasury Association (FTA) - Certified Finance and Treasury Professional (CFTP) and the Financial Risk Manager. The Master of Applied Finance 160 credit points program has been accepted into the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute University Affiliation Program. This status is granted to institutions whose degree program(s) incorporate at least 70% of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK), which provide students with a solid grounding in the CBOK and positions them well to obtain the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation, which has become the most respected and recognised investment credential in the world. Entry into the CFA Institute University Recognition Program signals to potential students, employers, and the marketplace that the Master of Applied Finance curriculum is closely tied to professional practice and is well-suited to preparing students to sit for the CFA examinations.
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
This program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Admission
Entry Pathway 1: Master of Applied Finance (80 credit points)
Applicants must have successfully completed a graduate certificate, or higher, in a business discipline;
Or
Successfully completed an undergraduate degree in a Business discipline (specifically financial advising, stockbroking, applied finance, accounting or related discipline) with a GPA of 5.0 or WAM (Weighted Average Mark) of 65+ (if provided on the academic record);
Or
Successfully completed an undergraduate degree, or higher, in any business disciplines and a minimum of two years full-time equivalent managerial/professional work experience in roles facilitating financial administration, budget management, financial advising, stockbroking, applied finance, or associated roles.
Applicants seeking admission on the basis of work experience must support their application with a Statement of Service for all work experience listed on the application.
Entry Pathway 2: Master of Applied Finance (120 credit points)
Applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, or higher, in a business discipline;
Or
Successfully completed an undergraduate degree, or higher, in any discipline and a minimum of two years full-time equivalent general work experience.
Applicants seeking admission on the basis of work experience must support their application with a Statement of Service for all work experience listed on the application.
Entry Pathway 3: Master of Applied Finance (160 credit points)
Applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree, or higher, in any discipline.
Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas may be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or directly through the Western Portal. Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.
http://www.uac.edu.au/
https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/
Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.
All other International applicants must apply directly to the University via the International Office.
International students applying to the University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.
Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.
Program Structure
The program length and structure varies based on the student’s previous study background and work experience.
Master of Applied Finance - 1 year pathway
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 80 credit points as per the recommended sequence below.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Quarter 1 session | Credit Points | |
| Full-time | ||
| BUSM 7035 | Funds Management and Portfolio Selection | 10 |
| ACCT 7012 | Corporate Finance | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Quarter 2 session | ||
| BUSM 7032 | Financial Institutions and Markets (MAF) | 10 |
| BUSM 7031 | Financial Institution Management | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Quarter 3 session | ||
| BUSM 7083 | Security Analysis and Portfolio Theory | 10 |
| And one alternate subject | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Quarter 4 session | ||
| FINC 7022 | Applied Project (Finance and Property) | 10 |
| And one alternate subject | 10 | |
| Alternate Subjects | ||
| Select two of the following: | ||
| Credit and Lending Decisions | ||
| Derivatives | ||
| Financial Modelling | ||
| International Finance | ||
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Total Credit Points | 80 | |
Master of Applied Finance - 1.5 pathway
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 120 credit points as per the recommended sequence below.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Quarter 1 session | Credit Points | |
| Full-time | ||
| ACCT 7015 | Information for Decision Making | 10 |
| BUSM 7072 | New Venture Finance | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Quarter 2 session | ||
| MATH 7003 | Applied Business Statistics | 10 |
| ECON 7001 | Economics | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Quarter 3 session | ||
| BUSM 7035 | Funds Management and Portfolio Selection | 10 |
| ACCT 7012 | Corporate Finance | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Quarter 4 session | ||
| BUSM 7032 | Financial Institutions and Markets (MAF) | 10 |
| BUSM 7031 | Financial Institution Management | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Quarter 1 session | ||
| BUSM 7083 | Security Analysis and Portfolio Theory | 10 |
| And one alternate subject | 10 | |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Quarter 2 session | ||
| FINC 7022 | Applied Project (Finance and Property) | 10 |
| And one alternate subject | 10 | |
| Alternate Subjects | ||
| Select two of the following: | ||
| Credit and Lending Decisions | ||
| Derivatives | ||
| Financial Modelling | ||
| International Finance | ||
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Total Credit Points | 120 | |
Master of Applied Finance - 2 year pathway
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 160 credit points as per the recommended sequence below.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Quarter 1 session | Credit Points | |
| Full-time | ||
| BUSM 7072 | New Venture Finance | 10 |
| ACCT 7015 | Information for Decision Making | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Quarter 2 session | ||
| MATH 7003 | Applied Business Statistics | 10 |
| ECON 7001 | Economics | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Quarter 3 session | ||
| BUSM 7035 | Funds Management and Portfolio Selection | 10 |
| ACCT 7012 | Corporate Finance | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Quarter 4 session | ||
| BUSM 7032 | Financial Institutions and Markets (MAF) | 10 |
| BUSM 7031 | Financial Institution Management | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Quarter 1 session | ||
| BUSM 7022 | Derivatives | 10 |
| BUSM 7083 | Security Analysis and Portfolio Theory | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Quarter 2 session | ||
| BUSM 7021 | Credit and Lending Decisions | 10 |
| FINC 7006 | Financial Modelling | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Quarter 3 session | ||
| BUSM 7053 | International Finance | 10 |
| FINC 7022 | Applied Project (Finance and Property) | 10 |
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Quarter 4 session | ||
| Select 20 credit points from | 20 | |
| Property Portfolio Analysis (10cps) | ||
| Property Investment Analysis (10cps) | ||
| Or | ||
| Internship (20cps) | ||
| From 2025 BUSM 7055 replaced by BUSM 7118 Internship A and BUSM 7119 Internship B | ||
| Credit Points | 20 | |
| Total Credit Points | 160 | |
Exit Awards
2796 Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance (exit only)
80 credit points, comprising four general foundation subjects and four specialist knowledge subjects as specified in the program structure.
2760 Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance
40 credit points as specified in the program structure.
Replaced Subject
The subject listed below counts towards completion of this program for students who passed this subject in 2021 or earlier.
MKTG 7003 - Applied Project (Finance and Property), replaced by FINC 7022 Applied Project (Finance and Property)
The subject listed below counts towards completion of this program for students who passed this subject in Q1, 2025 or earlier.
BUSM 7055 Internship (20cps), replaced by BUSM 7118 Internship A (10cps) and BUSM 7119 Internship B (10cps) from 2025.