Master of Business Administration/Master of Applied Finance (2782)
- Approved Abbreviation: MBusAdm/MAppFin
- Western Sydney University Program Code: 2782
- AQF Level: 9
CRICOS Code: 084780E
This program applies to students who commenced in 2017 or later.
Students should follow the program structure for the session start date relevant to the year they commenced.
Handbook Summary 2017 - 2024
This double degree is unique in that it equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to engage with contemporary business environments, and in particular executive careers in finance, banking and 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 design of the degree reflects consultation with a range of stakeholders including industry and professional associations; the applied finance components have been developed by individuals who are actively involved in the financial sector. The design comprises business foundation and core subjects which provide students with key skills such as business communication and analysis, as well as a general knowledge of the basics of business e.g., Accounting, Economics, and Statistics. Students complete: four foundation subjects, twelve core subjects, 20 credit points from an alternate pool of subjects and a 20 credit point capstone subject, for a total of 200 credit points. This program has multiple intakes each year and is suitable for graduates holding a bachelor degree in any discipline from a recognised university. Applicants will find having a background in Business or Commerce advantageous.
Handbook Summary 2025
This double degree is unique in that it equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to engage with contemporary business environments, and in particular executive careers in finance, banking and investment sectors. It provides students with the opportunity to acquire skills and knowledge required to lead and engage in an evolving and increasingly sophisticated financial environment with an emphasis on the practical application of these techniques. The business foundation of the degree supports the development of thoughtful leaders and managers who support their organisations and communities. Through engagement in integrated business projects students learn the capabilities to navigate change and contemporary business and social environments. The program reflects co-design with industry partners ensuring its contemporary relevance and application.
Early Exits
Students may exit this program on completion of 40 credit points with a 2765 Graduate Certificate in Business or on completion of 160 credit points with a 2761 Master of Business Administration or a 2759 Master of Applied Finance
Study Mode
Two and a half years full-time or five years 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 Business Administration/Master of Applied Finance fulfils the educational requirements for admission as a Senior Associate (SA Fin) of 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 Business Administration / Master of Applied Finance also satisfies the education requirements for professional membership of the Finance and Treasury Association (FTA).
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
This program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this program that you must meet in order to complete your program and graduate. Make sure you read and understand the requirements for this program online.
The inherent requirements articulated for this program are based on the existing inherent requirements for the Accounting programs.
Work Integrated Learning
Western Sydney University seeks to enhance student learning experiences by enabling students to engage in the culture, expectations and practices of their profession or discipline. This program includes a placement or other community-based unpaid practical experience.
There is an optional work component available in this program. Please contact the Program Advisor listed above for information.
International students should be aware that if an elective is a requirement of the program but the work itself was not registered with CRICOS, students can still complete these electives but it would be counted towards the work limitation. For more details, refer to the 'Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for international students' website.
Admission
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 2025
This structure applies to students who commenced in 2025 or later. If you commenced prior to 2025, please refer to the relevant Structure tab for details.
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 200 credit points. This includes 40 credit points of Business Domain knowledge subjects, 40 credit points of Applied Integrative Knowledge subjects, 80 credit points of core subjects, 20 credit points of alternate subjects and 20 credit points of capstone subjects, as per the structure below:
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Business Domain Knowledge Subjects (40cps) | ||
| BUSM 7018 | Contemporary People Management | 10 |
| ECON 7001 | Economics | 10 |
| MKTG 7019 | Marketing Systems | 10 |
| FINC 7023 | Introduction to Finance | 10 |
| Applied Integrative Knowledge Subjects (40cps) | ||
| ACCT 7015 | Information for Decision Making | 10 |
| BUSM 7050 | Integrated Business Experience | 10 |
| BUSM 7086 | Strategic Business Management | 10 |
| BUSM 7113 | Leading for Social Impact | 10 |
| Core Subjects (80cps) | ||
| BUSM 7032 | Financial Institutions and Markets (MAF) | 10 |
| BUSM 7053 | International Finance | 10 |
| BUSM 7083 | Security Analysis and Portfolio Theory | 10 |
| MATH 7003 | Applied Business Statistics | 10 |
| ACCT 7012 | Corporate Finance | 10 |
| FINC 7006 | Financial Modelling | 10 |
| BUSM 7031 | Financial Institution Management | 10 |
| BUSM 7035 | Funds Management and Portfolio Selection | 10 |
| Alternate Subjects (20cps) | ||
| Select one of the following groups: | 20 | |
Alternate Group 1: | ||
| Applied Project (Finance and Property) | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Credit and Lending Decisions | ||
| Derivatives | ||
Alternate Group 2: | ||
| Property Investment Analysis | ||
| Property Portfolio Analysis | ||
| Capstone Subjects (20cps) | ||
| Select two of the following: | 20 | |
| Business Project A | ||
| Business Project B | ||
| Or | ||
| Internship A | ||
| Internship B | ||
| Total Credit Points | 200 | |
Early Exit – Graduate Certificate in Business
Students who have completed 40 credit points of subjects as specified below may exit with 2765 Graduate Certificate in Business.
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| BUSM 7018 | Contemporary People Management | 10 |
| ECON 7001 | Economics | 10 |
| MKTG 7019 | Marketing Systems | 10 |
| FINC 7023 | Introduction to Finance | 10 |
| Total Credit Points | 40 | |
Early Exit – Master of Business Administration
Students in the Master of Business Administration/Master of Applied Finance who have completed 160 credit points of Postgraduate subjects as specified below may exit with 2761 Master of Business Administration.
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Business Domain Knowledge Subjects (40cps) | ||
| BUSM 7018 | Contemporary People Management | 10 |
| ECON 7001 | Economics | 10 |
| MKTG 7019 | Marketing Systems | 10 |
| FINC 7023 | Introduction to Finance | 10 |
| Applied Integrative Knowledge Subjects (40cps) | ||
| ACCT 7015 | Information for Decision Making | 10 |
| BUSM 7050 | Integrated Business Experience | 10 |
| BUSM 7086 | Strategic Business Management | 10 |
| BUSM 7113 | Leading for Social Impact | 10 |
| Major/Non-major (40cps) | ||
| Select one of the following: | 40 | |
Finance and Investment, Major (0228) (link below) | ||
Non-major: A total of 40cp from any postgraduate subjects. | ||
| Flexible Subjects (20cps) | ||
| Note: Students who early exit from 2782 may have completed 20cps from core subjects or alternate group 1 or 2 options and these subjects will be in place of the flexible subjects | 20 | |
| Capstone Subjects (20cps) | ||
| Select two of the following: | 20 | |
| Business Project A | ||
| Business Project B | ||
| Or | ||
| Internship A | ||
| Internship B | ||
| Total Credit Points | 160 | |
Finance and Investment, Major (0228)
Early Exit – Master of Applied Finance
Students in the Master of Business Administration/Master of Applied Finance who have completed 160 credit points of subjects as specified below may exit with 2759 Master of Applied Finance.
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Business Domain Knowledge Subjects (40cps) | ||
| BUSM 7018 | Contemporary People Management | 10 |
| ECON 7001 | Economics | 10 |
| MKTG 7019 | Marketing Systems | 10 |
| FINC 7023 | Introduction to Finance | 10 |
| Core Subjects (100cps) | ||
| ACCT 7015 | Information for Decision Making | 10 |
| BUSM 7050 | Integrated Business Experience | 10 |
| BUSM 7032 | Financial Institutions and Markets (MAF) | 10 |
| BUSM 7053 | International Finance | 10 |
| BUSM 7083 | Security Analysis and Portfolio Theory | 10 |
| MATH 7003 | Applied Business Statistics | 10 |
| ACCT 7012 | Corporate Finance | 10 |
| FINC 7006 | Financial Modelling | 10 |
| BUSM 7031 | Financial Institution Management | 10 |
| BUSM 7035 | Funds Management and Portfolio Selection | 10 |
| Capstone Subjects (20cps) | ||
| Select Capstone 1 or Capstone 2: | 20 | |
Capstone 1: | ||
| Select two of the following: | ||
| Business Project A | ||
| Business Project B | ||
| Or | ||
| Internship A | ||
| Internship B | ||
Capstone 2: | ||
| Applied Project (Finance and Property) | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Credit and Lending Decisions | ||
| Derivatives | ||
| Total Credit Points | 160 | |
Program Structure
This structure applies to students who commenced in 2017 - 2024. If you commenced in 2025 or later, please refer to the relevant Structure tab for details.
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 200 credit points. This includes four foundation subjects, twelve core subjects, 20 credit points of alternate subjects and a 20 credit point capstone subject, as per the structure below:
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Subjects | ||
| BUSM 7007 | Business Communication Skills | 10 |
| BUSM 7050 | Integrated Business Experience | 10 |
| BUSM 7099 | Understanding Contemporary Organisations | 10 |
| Select one of the following: | 10 | |
| Marketing Systems | ||
| The Contemporary Business Environment | ||
| Core Subjects | ||
| MATH 7003 | Applied Business Statistics | 10 |
| BUSM 7018 | Contemporary People Management | 10 |
| ACCT 7012 | Corporate Finance | 10 |
| ECON 7001 | Economics | 10 |
| BUSM 7031 | Financial Institution Management | 10 |
| BUSM 7032 | Financial Institutions and Markets (MAF) | 10 |
| FINC 7006 | Financial Modelling | 10 |
| ACCT 7015 | Information for Decision Making | 10 |
| BUSM 7035 | Funds Management and Portfolio Selection | 10 |
| BUSM 7051 | Integrated Business Experience 2 | 10 |
| From 2025 BUSM 7051 replaced by BUSM 7113 Leading for Social Impact | ||
| BUSM 7053 | International Finance | 10 |
| BUSM 7083 | Security Analysis and Portfolio Theory | 10 |
| Alternate Subjects | ||
| Select one of the following groups: | 20 | |
Alternate Group 1: | ||
| Applied Project (Finance and Property) | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Credit and Lending Decisions | ||
| Derivatives | ||
Alternate Group 2: | ||
| Property Investment Analysis | ||
| Property Portfolio Analysis | ||
| Capstone Subject | ||
| Select one of the following: | 20 | |
| Business Project | ||
| From 2025 BUSM 7012 replaced by BUSM 7116 Business Project A & BUSM 7117 Business Project B. | ||
| Internship | ||
| From 2025 BUSM 7055 replaced by BUSM 7118 Internship A and BUSM 7119 Internship B | ||
| Total Credit Points | 200 | |
Early Exit – Graduate Certificate in Business
Students who have completed 40 credit points of subjects as specified below may exit with 2765 Graduate Certificate in Business. Students are expected to complete 20 credit points of study before undertaking the BUSM 7050 Integrated Business Experience subject.
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| BUSM 7007 | Business Communication Skills | 10 |
| BUSM 7050 | Integrated Business Experience | 10 |
| BUSM 7099 | Understanding Contemporary Organisations | 10 |
| Select one of the following: | 10 | |
| Marketing Systems | ||
| The Contemporary Business Environment | ||
| Total Credit Points | 40 | |
Alternatively, students may complete 40 credit points of subjects (excluding capstone subjects) from any postgraduate business subjects. This requires approval from the Director of Academic Program.
Early Exit – Master of Business Administration
Students in the Master of Business Administration/Master of Applied Finance who have completed 160 credit points of Postgraduate subjects as specified below may exit with 2761 Master of Business Administration.
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Subjects | ||
| BUSM 7007 | Business Communication Skills | 10 |
| BUSM 7050 | Integrated Business Experience | 10 |
| BUSM 7099 | Understanding Contemporary Organisations | 10 |
| Select one of the following: | 10 | |
| Marketing Systems | ||
| The Contemporary Business Environment | ||
| Core Subjects | ||
| BUSM 7018 | Contemporary People Management | 10 |
| ECON 7001 | Economics | 10 |
| ACCT 7015 | Information for Decision Making | 10 |
| BUSM 7051 | Integrated Business Experience 2 | 10 |
| From 2025 BUSM 7051 replaced by BUSM 7113 Leading for Social Impact | ||
| Major/Non-major | ||
| Select one of the following: | 60 | |
Finance and Investment, Major (link below) | ||
Non-major: A total of 60cp from any postgraduate business subjects. | ||
| Capstone Subjects | ||
| Select one of the following: | 20 | |
| Business Project | ||
| From 2025 BUSM 7012 replaced by BUSM 7116 Business Project A & BUSM 7117 Business Project B. | ||
| Internship | ||
| From 2025 BUSM 7055 replaced by BUSM 7118 Internship A and BUSM 7119 Internship B | ||
| Total Credit Points | 160 | |
Early Exit – Master of Applied Finance
Students in the Master of Business Administration/Master of Applied Finance who have completed 160 credit points of subjects as specified below may exit with 2759 Master of Applied Finance.
| Subject | Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Subjects | ||
| BUSM 7007 | Business Communication Skills | 10 |
| BUSM 7050 | Integrated Business Experience | 10 |
| BUSM 7099 | Understanding Contemporary Organisations | 10 |
| Select one of the following: | 10 | |
| Marketing Systems | ||
| The Contemporary Business Environment | ||
| Core Subjects | ||
| MATH 7003 | Applied Business Statistics | 10 |
| ACCT 7012 | Corporate Finance | 10 |
| ECON 7001 | Economics | 10 |
| BUSM 7031 | Financial Institution Management | 10 |
| BUSM 7032 | Financial Institutions and Markets (MAF) | 10 |
| FINC 7006 | Financial Modelling | 10 |
| ACCT 7015 | Information for Decision Making | 10 |
| BUSM 7035 | Funds Management and Portfolio Selection | 10 |
| BUSM 7053 | International Finance | 10 |
| BUSM 7083 | Security Analysis and Portfolio Theory | 10 |
| Capstone Subject | ||
| Select Capstone 1 or Capstone 2: | 20 | |
Capstone 1: | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Business Project | ||
| From 2025 BUSM 7012 replaced by BUSM 7116 Business Project A & BUSM 7117 Business Project B. | ||
| Internship | ||
| From 2025 BUSM 7055 replaced by BUSM 7118 Internship A and BUSM 7119 Internship B | ||
Capstone 2: | ||
| Applied Project (Finance and Property) | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| Credit and Lending Decisions | ||
| Derivatives | ||
| Total Credit Points | 160 | |
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 the subject in 2024 or earlier.
- BUSM 7051 Integrated Business Experience 2, replaced by BUSM 7113 Leading for Social Impact from 2025.
The subjects listed below counts towards completion of this program for students who passed the subjects in Q1, 2025 or earlier.