Overview

Master of Applied Finance and Economics

Introduction

If you are looking to accelerate your career path and open the door for better job opportunities, then the Master of Applied Finance and Economics (MAFE) can help prepare you for bigger roles.

The MAFE is a one-of-a-kind master's degree in Finance and Economics that can be completed full-time in just 12–18 months.

You will take advanced coursework in both Finance and Economics, followed by a capstone course with four project-based modules including cost-benefit analysis, financial decision-making, forecasting, and portfolio management.

The MAFE offers you:

a coursework-based master’s degree with practical training in Finance and Economics, for those who have majored in Finance or Economics
preparation for high-level professional roles in finance, banking, and the public sector
intensive, hands-on application of tools and techniques
many opportunities to use Te Kura Umanga Wāhi Hokohoko | UC Business School Trading Room, powered by Bloomberg terminals
accommodation to sit the Chartered Financial Analyst exams
a proven track record for graduate placements.

Master of Applied Finance and Economics

Why study a Master of Applied Finance and Economics at UC?

UC is the only university in Aotearoa New Zealand that offers a taught master’s programme in Applied Finance and Economics. Finance and Economics are interrelated disciplines, and studying both allows you to gain a more holistic understanding of markets, including financial markets, as well as the economy within which they operate.

The combined Master’s degree, which includes intensive training in how to use modern data analytics tools, gives graduates a wide range of professional careers in banking, the financial sector, and the public sector.

Te Kura Umanga | UC Business School is accredited by AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS; only one percent of business schools in the world have attained all three.

UC is also part of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute University Affiliation Program, and is accredited by the Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRMIA).

A Master of Applied Finance and Economics graduate:

can demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of current theoretical concepts and frameworks within finance and economics
is able to think logically, analytically, and critically with respect to the academic literature in finance and economics and explain how this literature applies to real world problems
is able to synthesise academic or professional literature and effectively communicate the results of their independent study orally and in written form
is able to apply their in-depth knowledge of finance and economics to real problems.

Master of Applied Finance and Economics

Entry requirements

Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree that includes intermediate microeconomics, introductory business finance, a calculus-based mathematics course, and an introductory statistics course, and be approved for entry.

If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.

For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Applied Finance and Economics or use the admission requirements checker.

Opportunities to meet the entry requirements prior to enrolling in the MAFE

English language pathway option at CCEL

Students who are at IELTS level 6.0 are welcome to enrol for CCEL English for Academic Purposes 2 (EAP2) online to enhance their English language proficiency. A grade of B+ or higher in this course satisfies UC English language requirements for postgraduate study.

For more information, please contact study@ccel.co.nz

Missing the Intermediate microeconomic theory or business finance entry requirement?

If you do not have the entry requirement of intermediate level microeconomic theory or business finance, you are welcome to enrol online in either ECON207 Intermediate Microeconomics – Households and Government or FINC201 Business Finance.

How to apply

You should register your interest in the programme by contacting the Department of Economics and Finance directly before enrolling.

You can apply online at myUC.

See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.

Master of Applied Finance and Economics

How do I plan my degree?

To qualify for the Master of Applied Finance and Economics, you will need to pass:

and 120 additional points:

60 points from ECON 601–679, with no more than 30 points from ECON 601–619
60 points from FINC 601–679, with no more than 30 points from FINC 601–619

With approval from Tumuaki Tari | Head of Department of Economics and Finance, you may choose to substitute FIEC601 with another 15-point postgraduate course, and/or one of the ECON or FINC courses with another 15-point postgraduate course.

The degree may be completed in a minimum of 12–18 months full-time study, or up to 4 years part-time study. You can start in January, February, or July (January for international students).

For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Applied Finance and Economics.

Domestic students

2024 tuition fee estimate: $12,791 (180 points)
2025 tuition fee estimate: $13,559 (180 points)

International students

2024 tuition fee estimate: $52,500 (180 points) ($35,000 per 120 points)
2025 tuition fee estimate: $54,600 (180 points) ($36,400 per 120 points)

Master of Applied Finance and Economics

Career opportunities

Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.

Some examples of roles from UC Master of Applied Finance and Economics alumni include:

Corporate Finance Analyst at Deloitte
Valuation and Business Modelling Consultant at EY
Investment Banking Analyst at Murray & Co
Risk Assurance Associate at PwC New Zealand
Actuarial Analyst at Suncorp NZ.

Useful information:

Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student stories.
Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC.
Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.