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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

146404 v.6 Master of Finance

MFin(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 051627J
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 1.5 Years

Other CRICOS Codes

List of codes for Sydney - 058601G (78 weeks).



Course Overview

Master degrees (coursework) prepare students to apply advanced knowledge for professional practice, scholarship and further learning corresponding to AQF level 9 qualifications.


This course is a challenging and flexible program that develops global managerial competencies for professionals with a financial responsibility. The program features guided independent study, team projects, and maximum use of information and communication technology. Students may specialise in areas such as: corporate finance, investments, international business, banking, and financial modelling.


Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible to apply as an Affiliate Member of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA).


Career Opportunities

Graduates generally find employment within commercial industries.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Subject to the duration of the course applicants usually require a bachelor degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate or graduate diploma.


Specifically, a bachelor degree in a field other than finance or an equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary institution or a graduate diploma in banking or finance.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Intermediate Awards

A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate awards approved for this course:


Graduate Diploma in Banking and Finance; Graduate Certificate in Finance; Graduate Certificate in Banking


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to doctoral degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.



Course Organisation

Master degrees (coursework) contain a series of units in a specialised area of study which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may also contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from.


This course provides students with a basic understanding of the principles of finance with an overview of the operations of the financial markets and the financial instruments that are traded within these markets. It introduces students to the concepts of equity, corporate debt, foreign exchange markets, derivatives and interest rate determinants. The knowledge acquired will create an understanding of topical events, underlying economic trends and the interpretation of financial statements.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply finance principles, theory and practice to current issues and trends in relation to financial markets

2. think creatively and reflectively to generate innovative solutions to complex financial scenarios

3. access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from a range of sources appropriate in financial scenarios; make valid judgements based on sound evidence; analyse case study material and journal articles

4. communicate effectively to clients, staff, professionals, management and industry within the ethical and professional framework of financial institutions; prepare written academic reports and prepare and deliver oral presentations at a professional standard

5. expertly use new and established technologies as they apply in financial markets

6. continue to acquire new knowledge and expertise in the field of finance using a range of learning strategies

7. describe and evaluate the impacts of financial markets and instruments in a global system; apply international standards and practices within a global context.

8. show broad understanding of relevant professional and cross cultural communication theoretical concepts; work effectively in multicultural team environments and make positive contributions to class discussions

9. work professionally and ethically both independently and collaboratively, complying with appropriate legislation and protocols


Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course is one-and-a-half years' (three semesters) full-time or equivalent part-time study. Where possible, units are offered on an external basis and classes are commonly conducted in the evening. International onshore students on student visas are not permitted to study externally or in a part-time mode. These students must study internally with a full-time load.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      
2014 UHK SPACE Main Campus Trimester 1A   Y      
2014 UHK SPACE Main Campus Trimester 2A   Y      
2014 UHK SPACE Main Campus Trimester 3A   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
305813 v.4 *   Finance Principles 515 3.0 25.0
312348 v.2 **   Financial Accounting 520 3.0 25.0
13200 v.4   Finance Instruments and Markets 559 3.0 25.0
  OR  
13503 v.4 *   Introductory Econometrics 511 3.0 25.0
307795 v.2 **   Economic Principles 515 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
12751 v.4 *   Portfolio Management 571 3.0 25.0
12752 v.4 *   Corporate Finance 572 3.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   50.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
12754 v.4 *   Financial Derivative Securities 574 3.0 25.0
  SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   75.0
  100.0
Optional Units (No Year Level Specified) Hrs/Wk Credit
301337 v.5 *   Business Financial Modelling 506 3.0 25.0
12753 v.5 *   Financial Risk Management 573 3.0 25.0
13318 v.4   Mergers and Acquisitions 511 3.0 25.0
13319 v.4   Strategic Finance 582 3.0 25.0
304255 v.4 *   Finance Trading Strategies 590 3.0 25.0
10956 v.3   Bank Management 560 3.0 25.0
10954 v.3   Lending 550 3.0 25.0
11637 v.3   International Banking 563 3.0 25.0
13314 v.3   International Trade 501 3.0 25.0
13503 v.4   Introductory Econometrics 511 3.0 25.0
13508 v.3   Econometrics 513 4.0 25.0
13510 v.4   Economics Asian Development 507 3.0 25.0
303934 v.3 *   Financial Statement Analysis 579 3.0 25.0

#    Students who have completed an undergraduate degree in commerce should, in consultation with the course coordinator, select an optional unit in place of this unit

*    Hong Kong students to select these units

**    Hong Kong students who have NOT completed an undergraduate degree in commerce should complete this unit




Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Curtin Business School on telephone (08) 9266 7713, email business@cbs.curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: http://business.curtin.edu.au.


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.