| AQF Level |
Level 9 Masters by Coursework Degree |
| CRICOS Code |
083777G |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
Currently offered in Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore 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 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, or are working in the financial services industry or are from a non-finance background and are seeking to transition into the finance sector.
The 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.
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, typically taking the degree over a minimum of two years. Additionally in Sydney, there is a small full-time program, catering for both international and local students who complete the program over twelve to eighteen months. Students from one centre may attend courses (or exams) in other centres if traveling overseas or may transfer from centre to centre in accordance with any work posting, subject to any visa requirements.
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 (www.mafc.mq.edu.au/experience-the-centre/key-reasons-to-choose-us/status-with-professional-bodies):
• CFA - The first Australian educational partner of the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Institute (CFA).
• PRMIA - Accredited by the Professional Risk Managers' International Association (PRMIA): exemption may be granted from PRM exams I and II.
• CAIA - The first Australian educational partner of the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association (CAIA).
• FTA - Meets the education components of the criteria for membership of the Finance and Treasury Association (FTA) at Certified Finance & Treasury Professional (CFTP) Level.
• FINSIA - Graduates may be eligible for Senior Associate Membership of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA).
• RG146/ASIC: MAppFin graduates may undertake our Executive Training Program “RG146 Compliance Gap Training” and obtain a qualification for responsible managers of organisations holding a licence issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). |
| 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 in areas such as financial strategy, financial markets and instruments, risk management, and valuation and pricing (K)
2. demonstrate an advanced level of 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 (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 MAppFin 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: MAppFin 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 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 MAppFin 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.
• 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.
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/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us Further support, unique to the MAppFin, includes:
• MAppFin 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. Students are also invited to apply for industry mentoring programs, such as the National Australia Bank/MAFC Women’s Mentoring Program which supports diversity in banking and finance; 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. The 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.
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