Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance
APFN18DPV1
• Two years full-time equivalent relevant professional work experience
| 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
Specialisations:
| 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 and Beijing (delivered in Mandarin), 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 our Sydney and Melbourne 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. (The Beijing program is mainly in Mandarin). 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: Interpersonal or social capabilities |
| 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: o "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. o Quality Teaching Faculty: all our faculty members have hands-on industry experience, adding a uniquely practical edge to their teaching. o 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. o 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. o 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. o 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. You can attend lectures in Sydney, Melbourne and Beijing (taught in Mandarin). These strategies are applied utilising the following key teaching methods: o 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. o On-line Media: you will have access to a variety of on-line resources to facilitate and enrich your learning process. o Independent Learning: you will have the opportunity to engage in a variety self-directed study and research projects. o 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. o 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 International Students |
| 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. • GradDipAppFin orientation and induction sessions; • Opportunities for membership of and interaction with professional associations (CFA, PRMIA, FINSIA, Association of Corporate Treaurers 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 Linkedln 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 and Beijing Campuses; • 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. |
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