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Master of Applied Finance (Advanced)

APFA19MTV1

Faculty:
Faculty of Business and Economics
Award:
Master of Applied Finance (Advanced) (MAppFin(Adv))
Admission Requirement:
• Australian level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent
• Two years full-time equivalent relevant professional work experience
Required Supporting Documents:
• Current Resume
• Personal Statement Form
• University transcript(s) from prior degrees
• Proof of employment and verification of length of service
• Proof of Citizenship or Residency Status (i.e. passport)
English Language Proficiency:
Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each band, or equivalent
Study Mode:
Full-time, Part-time
Attendance Mode:
Internal
Candidature Length:
Full-time: 1.5 years - 2 years depending on RPL granted
Part-time: 4 years
Commencement:
Sydney, CBD — Term 1 (1 January 2019)
Sydney, CBD — Term 2 (25 March 2019)
Sydney, CBD — Term 3 (17 June 2019)
Sydney, CBD — Term 4 (9 September 2019)
Melbourne — Term 2 (25 March 2019)
Melbourne — Term 4 (9 September 2019)
Volume of Learning:
Equivalent to 2 years
General requirements:
Minimum number of credit points at 800 level or above 64
Maximum number of credit points granted through RPL on admission 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
4
Professional Practice (4)
 
Required
4
Corporate Finance (4)
 
Required
4
Financial Instruments (4)
 
Required
4
Financial Risk Management (4)
 
Required
28cp from
 
Investment and Credit Analysis (2)
 
 
Life Cycle Investing (2)
 
 
Lending and Borrowing Decisions (2)
 
 
Advanced Valuation for Corporate Finance (2)
 
 
Applied Business Valuation (2)
 
 
Corporate Financial Strategy (2)
 
 
Capital Allocation Strategies (2)
 
 
Strategic Bank Management (2)
 
 
Individual Research Project A (2)
 
 
Individual Research Project B (2)
 
 
Investment Banking (2)
 
 
Mergers and Acquisitions (2)
 
 
Applied Portfolio Management (2)
 
 
Individual Research Paper (2)
 
 
Corporate Treasury Management (2)
 
 
Risk and Portfolio Construction (2)
 
 
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)
 
28
Alternative Assets (2)
 
Required
16cp from
 
Finance Principles (4)
 
 
Case Studies in Applied Finance (4)
 
 
Quantitative and Economic Analysis (4)
 
 
Financial Statement Analysis and Modelling (4)
 
 
Recognition for Prior Learning on admission (16)
 
 
 
 
or 16cp from
Quantitative and Economic Analysis (4)
 
 
Financial Statement Analysis and Modelling (4)
 
 
Capital Markets (4)
 
16
Financial Management and Policy (4)
 

TOTAL CREDIT POINTS REQUIRED FOR THIS PROGRAM

64
AQF Level Level 9 Masters by Coursework Degree
CRICOS Code 095045A
Overview and Aims of the Program Currently offered in Sydney, Melbourne and Beijing, the Master of Applied Finance (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 fully portable between the Sydney and Melbourne locations and can be tailored to suit work, study and lifestyle commitments.

The MAppFin program, with its two distinct entry points, is ideal for those students who have prior learning in the field and have been working in the financial services industry, or are from a non-finance learning background and currently working in the financial services industry or seeking to transition into the finance sector.

The MAppFin program is deliberately structured to allow students to develop excellence in a sharply focused field. They gain a thorough understanding of the field through their study of five compulsory units and have the opportunity to explore their areas of interest in greater detail from a range of perspectives through a selection of six specialised elective courses.

The MAppFin(Adv) program provides students an opportunity to study further, broadening their areas of in-depth specialisation. Successful completion of the additional eight elective units incorporated into this program, together with the professional work experience required to enter the program, will significantly enhance these students attractiveness to employers.

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 MAppFin(Adv) program involves a study program equivalent to two years full-time, whilst the MAppFin program is equivalent to eighteen month full-time. In both cases Recognition of Prior Learning reduces the minimum time by six months for those with a relevant undergraduate degree. The vast majority of students are enrolled part-time and can complete the program at half the full-time pace. In Sydney, there is also a small full-time program, catering for both international and local students.

The program is internationally recognised as one of the most rigorous and professional postgraduate finance courses available. Students who have completed the MAppFin program 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.

The MAppFin program is also recognised by the following professional bodies (https://www.mafc.mq.edu.au/study/accreditation-and-career-development):
• CFA - The first Australian educational partner of the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Institute (CFA).
• CAIA - The first Australian educational partner of the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association (CAIA).
• CAANZ – Partilcular study program meets Business Valuation specialists requirements.
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 advanced and specialised knowledge of the key theories, concepts, models and recent developments in applied finance in areas such as financial strategy, financial markets and instruments, risk management, and valuation and pricing (K).
2. Demonstrate advanced and specialised technical skills required to evaluate the key theories, concepts, models and recent developments in applied finance in areas such as financial strategy, financial markets and instruments, risk management, and valuation and pricing (K).
3. Apply research principles and methods as used in contemporary professional practice in applied finance (P).
4. Evaluate and synthesise established knowledge and critically analyse complex issues in applied finance (T).
5. Apply solutions to problems in applied finance using professional judgment and choices that involve trade-offs (P & J).
6. Conduct independent research, with personal autonomy and accountability, to specialised issues in applied finance (P & J).
7. Demonstrate capabilities to communicate effectively with diverse audiences (C).
8. Identify and analyse contemporary industry challenges and ethical issues in a global financial context (E & J).
Learning and Teaching Methods Our Master of Applied Finance(Adv) program 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 MAppFin(Adv) 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: Students are industry professionals from across many sectors, meaning that you learn from each other’s 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 our teaching locations in Australia (for part-time students).
These strategies are applied utilising the following key teaching methods:
• Lectures: The program 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. Units in this program make use of on-line resources such as lecture notes, learning activities, spreadsheet models, discussion forums, readings, video clips, links to external resources and sample exams.
• Independent Learning: You will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of 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 Assessment for this program is predominantly based on a student’s individual performance.
Various tasks are used to assess your cognitive, integrative and professional capabilities. Assessment tasks may 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 and culminates in the AFCP802 Professional Practice unit toward the end of the program
• Group presentation activity (assessing the learning outcomes of collaborative and communication skills)
• Independent research (which is distributed uniformly across core units and in AFCP802. AFCP802 incorporates a major independent research project with an assessment weighting of 50%)
• Engagement in discussions, including oral presentations in professional contexts and
• Final 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.


Information can be found at: https://mq.edu.au/rpl

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 also accredited by CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Institute, 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.
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 qualifications.
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.

Inherent requirements are the essential components of a course or program necessary for a student to successfully achieve the core learning outcomes of a course or program. Students must meet the inherent requirements to complete their Macquarie University course or program.

Inherent requirements for Macquarie University programs fall under the following categories:

Physical: The physical inherent requirement is to have the physical capabilities to safely and effectively perform the activities necessary to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.

Cognition: The inherent requirement for cognition is possessing the intellectual, conceptual, integrative and quantitative capabilities to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.

Communication: The inherent requirement for communication is the capacity to communicate information, thoughts and ideas through a variety of mediums and with a range of audiences.

Behavioural: The behavioural inherent requirement is the capacity to sustain appropriate behaviour over the duration of units of study to engage in activities necessary to undertake the learning activities and achieve the learning outcomes of an award.

For more information see https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/inherent-requirements



2019 Unit Information

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