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Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance

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Faculty:
Faculty of Business and Economics
Award:
Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance (GradDipAppFin)
Admission Requirement:
• Two years full-time equivalent relevant professional work experience
• Australian level 7 bachelor's qualification degree or recognised equivalent in relevant field
English Language Proficiency:
IELTS of 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each band, or equivalent
Study Mode:
Part-time
Attendance Mode:
Internal
Candidature Length:
Part-time: 1 year
Commencement:
Sydney, CBD — Term 2
Sydney, CBD — Term 3
Sydney, CBD — Term 4
Melbourne — Term 2
Melbourne — Term 4
Volume of Learning:
Equivalent to 1 year
General requirements:
Minimum number of credit points 32
Minimum number of credit points at 800 level or above 16
Number of credit points granted through RPL 16
Completion of other specific minimum requirements as set out below

In order to graduate students must ensure that they have satisfied all of the general requirements of the award.

Specific minimum requirements:

Credit points

800 level

Required
4
Portfolio Management and Valuation (4)
 
Required
12cp from
 
Investment and Credit Analysis (2)
 
 
Life Cycle Investing (2)
 
 
Credit and Lending Decisions (2)
 
 
Advanced Valuation for Corporate Finance (2)
 
 
Applied Business Valuation (2)
 
 
Corporate Financial Strategy (2)
 
 
Managing Shareholder Value (2)
 
 
Strategic Bank Management (2)
 
 
Operational Risk Management (2)
 
 
Individual Research Project A (2)
 
 
Investment Banking (2)
 
 
Mergers and Acquisitions (2)
 
 
Applied Portfolio Management (2)
 
 
Individual Research Paper (2)
 
 
Corporate Treasury Management (2)
 
 
Corporate Finance (4)
 
 
Financial Instruments (4)
 
 
Financial Risk Management (4)
 
 
Risk and Portfolio Construction (2)
 
 
Legal Risk in Finance (4)
 
 
Project Finance (2)
 
 
Infrastructure and Property (2)
 
 
Derivatives Valuation (2)
 
 
Structured and Exotic Products (2)
 
 
Debt Capital Markets (2)
 
 
Economics of Financial Markets (2)
 
 
Private Equity Investment (2)
 
 
Credit Portfolio Management (2)
 
 
Modelling Prices and Risk (2)
 
 
Resources Industry Investment Analysis (2)
 
 
Ethical Risk in Finance (2)
 
 
Private Wealth Management (2)
 
 
Contemporary Issues in Applied Finance (2)
 
 
Interest Rate Portfolio Management (2)
 
 
Equity Capital Markets (2)
 
 
Hedge Funds (2)
 
 
 
12
 
or 12cp from
1 specialisation
Required
16cp from
 
16
Recognition for Prior Learning on Admission
Specialisations:
Program Learning Outcomes and Additional Information
AQF Level Level 8 Graduate Diploma
Overview and Aims of the Program The Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance (GradDipAppFin) is part of a suite of programs structured around the Master of Applied Finance (MAppFin). Currently offered in Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore and Beijing, the MAppFin program is one of the largest programs of its kind in the world and is recognised and respected by industry in major financial centres. The program features high quality face-to-face teaching, by lecturers with strong industry experience, to finance industry participants in the Australasian time zone, typically in block mode in CBD locations. It is portable between locations and can be tailored to suit work, study and lifestyle commitments.

The GradDipAppFin program is ideal for those students who have prior studies in a finance-related field, are working in the financial services industry and wish to further their knowledge of applied finance.

The program is deliberately structured to allow students to develop specialised knowledge in a sharply focused field.

Courses are run throughout the full calendar year, both inside and outside traditional university semesters. The size of classes varies depending on the particular course, but generally, there is an upper limit of 50 for core courses and 35 for elective courses. Face-to-face teaching is supported by blended learning curriculum and assessment.

The vast majority of students are enrolled part-time. Students from one centre may attend courses (or exams) in other centres if travelling overseas or may transfer from centre to centre in accordance with any work posting, subject to any visa requirements. Students who successfully complete the GradDipAppFin are able to articulate to the MAppFin. Units completed in the GradDipAppFin will be recognised for full credit in the MAppFin.

Students who have completed the programs have gone on to occupy senior positions within banking, corporate finance, stockbroking, investment management, venture capital, project finance and risk management firms in Australia and overseas.
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 knowledge of the key theories, concepts, models and recent developments in applied finance (K);

2. demonstrate specialised technical skills required to evaluate the key theories, concepts, models and recent developments in applied finance (K);

3. evaluate established knowledge and critically analyse issues in applied finance (T);

4. apply solutions to problems in applied finance using professional judgment and choices that involve trade-offs (P, J);

5. effectively communicate to diverse audiences (C);

6. identify and analyse contemporary industry challenges and ethical issues in a global financial context (E, J).
Learning and Teaching Methods The GradDipAppFin offers an opportunity for finance industry professionals with prior studies in a business/finance discipline to study at an advanced level without necessarily taking the full Master of Applied Finance (MAppFin) program. The program is structured to allow students to develop specialised knowledge in a sharply focused field. Students sit alongside our MAppFin participants, taking the same classes and sitting the same assessments.
The learning and teaching methods applicable to the GradDipAppFin are identical to those of the MAppFin program.
We want the best learning experience for our students, and use a range of learning and teaching methods to achieve this. Our GradDipAppFin (and also MAppFin) emphasises face-to-face learning in real time and is recognised by industry for the applied nature of the learning environment. We cater to a variety of learning styles. You will have the opportunity to learn through independent and collaborative study, peer discussion, research, reflective practice, and self-directed methods.

Our learning and teaching strategies include:
• "Applied" Focus: the GradDipAppFin is a practitioner-oriented program. While academically rigorous, it has a strong practical emphasis with a strong focus on "real world" issues. It focuses directly on how finance is practiced today and provides the conceptual framework to allow you to understand and influence what happens tomorrow.
• Quality Teaching Faculty: all our faculty members have hands-on industry experience, adding a uniquely practical edge to their teaching.
• Focus on Real World Finance: we are committed to making sure that students gain knowledge and skills that are relevant in today's financial environment. Our course structure and program content have been designed to ensure that you learn how finance works in the world, not just in theory. Our teaching faculty share insights from their own careers and use a range of case studies to highlight important concepts.
• Student Experience: GradDipAppFin students have 2 or more years of relevant work experience, meaning that you learn from each others experiences as well as those of the teaching faculty. We only accept students who are able to add value to the group and contribute generously to discussions.
• Content: our program combines depth of content and breadth of subject areas. With an unparalleled range of electives around a rigorous core curriculum, we provide an individualised learning experience targeting your own real-world career plans.
• Flexible program: you set the pace at which you progress through the program, affording you the greatest level of flexibility. Balancing work and study commitments is easy because our program is portable across all our teaching locations in Australia and overseas. You can attend lectures in Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore and Beijing.

These strategies are applied utilising the following key teaching methods:
• Lectures: the GradDipAppFin is taught in modern classrooms utilising interactive technologies. You are encouraged to "BYOD" (Bring Your Own Device) which supports real-time teaching aids using technology, when solving problems or understanding models. Case study analysis is a key component of the curriculum, as you genuinely apply your understanding of finance to real-world issues.
• On-line Media: you will have access to a variety of on-line resources to facilitate and enrich your learning process.
• Independent Learning: you will have the opportunity to engage in a variety self-directed study and research projects.
• Group Learning: you will have the opportunity to engage in on-line discussion forums, peer review and reflective exercises. Selected tasks may involve group work enabling collaborative and creative approaches to deconstructing and solving problems.
• Feedback: you will receive formative feedback from lecturers to monitor performance and indicate improvements necessary.
Assessment All units offered in the GradDipAppFin are units from the MAppFin program and are taught and assessed jointly at the same level.

Assessment for this program is predominantly based on a student’s individual performance and mainly focused on the application of theoretical knowledge to real world scenarios.

Various tasks are used to assess your cognitive, integrative and professional capabilities. Assessment tasks may include include:
• written assignments within traditional academic forma and / or pertinent to simulation of relevant industry application
• quizzes, including on-line
• reflective journal. you are encouraged to undertake reflective practice throughout all units, as professional practice is embedded across the elective units
• group presentation activity (assessing the learning outcomes of collaborative and communication skills)
• independent research
• engagement in discussions, including oral presentations in professional contexts
• written examinations.

Clear standards and criteria for what is assessed and how it is assessed, are contained in each unit guide. Students are given formative feedback following each assessment task.
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

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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

Further support, unique to the GradDipAppFin (and MAppFin), includes:
• GradDipAppFin orientation and induction sessions;
• Opportunities for membership of and interaction with professional associations (CFA, PRMIA, FINSIA, Association of Corporate Treasurers UK and CAIA) and industry representatives at networking events open to students and alumni;
• Opportunities to engage with peer assisted learning/discipline specific student network groups/alumni;
• Professional networking opportunities through a private, member-only LinkedIn group for current students, facilitated by the Macquarie Applied Finance Centre. Once graduated, students are eligible to join the private, member-only, LinkedIn alumni group, also facilitated by the Macquarie Applied Finance Centre;
• Extended mentoring and learning opportunities offered through regular, free Finance Professionals industry seminars held in Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore and Beijing campuses; and
• Multiple industry prizes and awards are open to all students.
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.

Program Standards and Quality applicable to the GradDipAppFin are identical to those applicable to the MAppFin program.

The MAppFin program is also accredited by the following organisations, which periodically re-accredit the program following a review of the content of the program, the quality of its teaching staff and graduates, and the balance of teaching, learning and assessment methods:
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Institute (CFA); and
• Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRMIA).

In addition, at Macquarie Applied Finance Centre, we believe that active industry partnerships are crucial to the ongoing strength and relevance of our program. We regularly engage and consult with industry bodies and finance professionals to ensure that our services remain at the forefront of financial education in both Australia and throughout the Asia Pacific region. This means that we continue to create the best possible career outcomes for our graduates, as well as enhancing the reputation of the MAppFin qualification.
Graduate Destinations and Employability There is a wide variety of career opportunities for successful graduates with roles within the finance industry and the corporate world both in Australia and overseas.

Potential employers include banks, investment banks, corporates, insurance companies, investment managers, superannuation managers, brokers, venture capital firms, project finance companies, risk management firms, and advisory and consulting firms.
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.

2017 Unit Information

When offered:
S1 Day
Prerequisites:
Permission of Executive Dean of Faculty
Corequisites:
None
NCCWs:
HSC Chinese, CHN113, CHN148