| AQF Level |
Level 9 Masters by Coursework Degree |
| CRICOS Code |
087880K |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
The Master of Banking and Finance delivers a flexible, career-oriented and current postgraduate banking and finance education. It is highly practical, designed to meet employer needs and provides graduates with the theoretical knowledge, capabilities and work experience relevant to a career in the profession.
The Master of Banking and Finance is ideal for those students wishing to work in the banking or finance sector but have limited prior knowledge in this area.
The program is structured to deliver compulsory knowledge, skills and capabilities through its required units (including a work experience training unit) and provides students with the opportunity to explore their areas of interest through a selection of specialised elective streams. This design allows the Master of Banking and Finance to expose students to both the theoretical concepts and practical applications of contemporary banking and finance and equips students with the skills required to work within financial institutions.
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| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
1) demonstrate an advanced level of theoretical knowledge relevant to the area of banking and finance, such as financial and banking systems, regulations and procedures affecting the banking and financial sector, capital budgeting practices, financial asset valuation techniques, portfolio theory, risk and risk management (K);
2) apply advanced technical skills required to examine large amounts of financial information, interpret and appraise financial information and market conditions and solve sophisticated financial problems in complex contexts (K);
3) demonstrate knowledge of research principles and methods used in professional banking and finance (K);
4) critically evaluate and appraise complex banking and financial problems (T);
5) conduct independent research and exercise professional judgement in solving complex banking and financial problems (P, J);
6) demonstrate communication skills relevant to an appropriate professional environment (C);
7) explain recent developments and issues in banking and finance and professional practice (E);
8) demonstrate awareness of ethical, social, regulatory, economic, sustainability and global perspectives relevant to the banking and financial sector (E).
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| Learning and Teaching Methods |
The Master of Banking and Finance (MBkgFin) assists students to develop advanced analytical, evaluative and communications skills and to critically apply their knowledge and skills to real world situations. Throughout the program, students will participate in a range of traditional and innovative learning activities designed to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and techniques required for successful participation in employment.
Learning activities are varied and include both formal and informal experiences. All units in the program are supported by an online environment that provides access to resources such as lecture notes and recordings, readings, quizzes, discussion forums and assessment materials, and that facilitates communication between teaching staff and students.
The learning outcomes associated with individual units have been aligned with program level learning outcomes and the Macquarie University graduate capabilities. Students are expected to actively engage in their learning and work with their teaching staff and fellow students to achieve these learning outcomes.
Learning styles used in the MBkgFin may include:
o Case studies, which provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge to real or simulated scenarios in individual or group situations.
o Simulations, modelled on real-life situations and providing learning experiences that promote integration of knowledge, skills and critical thinking.
o Project work, which may be independent or involve group learning. Projects assist students in developing more in-depth knowledge and skills in conducting research, communication, and in planning, organisation and time management.
o Readings taken from textbooks, journals, websites and other sources provide material to further develop concepts and knowledge referred to in individual units in the program.
o Reflective activities, such as journals, assist students in integrating the course content and in developing the ability to transfer knowledge and skills from the learning environment into the workplace.
o Self-study activities, such as questions with worked examples, online quizzes, and textbook questions and answers.
o Online discussion forums, in which students may be required to submit responses to set questions, and/or to participate in a set discussion topic.
Learning in the MBkgFin may be facilitated through the following teaching methods:
o Lectures or Seminars: Lectures and seminars are presentations designed to communicate a body of knowledge to a group of students and provide insight into key concepts and understanding of the subject matter relating to the unit of study. Lectures and seminars in this program are typically delivered in the traditional face-to-face mode and are generally interactive, with students participating in discussions or other learning activities during the class. They may be recorded using the Echo 360 lecture audio recording system, enabling students to access lecture material on an 'on demand' basis.
o Tutorials: Tutorial classes, designed for interactive learning with a small group of students, may also be scheduled in a number of units in the program. Tutorials provide students with the chance to ask questions, seek clarification, resolve problems, enhance their communication skills, and develop their ability to work in a collaborative manner with their peers.
o Computer lab workshops or practicals: The environment in which our graduates will work is one requiring high level quantitative skills. These quantitative skills are developed, in part, in computer lab workshop sessions.
The inclusion of the Capstone unit AFIN899 Current Issues in Banking and Finance in the MBkgFin provides students with opportunities to integrate and synthesise their knowledge and experiences from across the whole program in preparation for the next stage of their careers.
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| Assessment |
Assessment tasks are designed to develop understanding and assess achievement of the program learning outcomes and will require students to integrate and exhibit skills and knowledge acquired. For each unit of study, students will typically complete between two to four assessment tasks. The unit guide will indicate the relationship between the assessment tasks and program learning outcomes.
Assessment tasks in units across the MBkgFin may include the following:
o Written assessments in traditional academic format ranging from short essays to longer, self-directed research papers, literature reviews and annotated bibliographies. The independent research component will be assessed summatively in a research project in the unit AFIN805 Research in Finance. The assessment will focus on research principles, literature review and developing a research argument.
o Case studies or reports, written documents outlining the results of a detailed analysis of a situation using empirical data and research. Case studies are used to assess critical thinking, analytical and research skills.
o Assignments, in a variety of formats such as the analysis of a data set, or a brief written response to a topic question.
o Online quizzes, designed to assess knowledge, skills or capabilities, and typically consisting of a series of questions requiring brief responses.
o Class participation, including engagement in seminar or tutorial discussions, or online discussions.
o Written class tests, time limited assessments designed to assess a student's knowledge or skills.
o Individual or group oral presentations which may incorporate presentation technologies or be accompanied by handouts.
o Final examination, an invigilated assessment conducted at the end of session and designed to assess a student's body of knowledge and critical thinking skills.
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| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit.
Domestic Students
For undergraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For domestic postgraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl
International Students
For RPL information visit www.mq.edu.au/international/rpl undefined |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/wellbeing |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
Graduates of this degree will be qualified to work in a wide range of organisations in the banking and finance sector, both public and private. Roles may include wealth management and financial planning, stockbroking and investment advising, risk management, credit risk assessment, asset management, corporate or investment banking. |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
| Accreditation |
This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification.
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