Master of Commerce - Finance

Course 202-AF (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Year and Campus: 2008
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate

Contact

Graduate School Office, Faculty of Economics and Commerce
Course Overview: This course is designed for those with demonstrated finance skills who wish to deepen their knowledge of finance and develop a specialisation in one or more sub-disciplines of finance. The course aims to: advance undergraduate finance skills; provide a solid understanding of first principles in finance theory; and to facilitate the application of financial theory to enable students to read and think critically and creatively about financial issues. This course also provides an appropriate foundation program for students intending to proceed to the PhD program in Finance.

Objectives: On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
  • Apply the necessary analytical skills and techniques to critically assess a wide range of issues in financial management;
  • Apply quantitative rigour in the assessment and analysis of financial research issues;
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the fundamental principles of finance;
  • Critically evaluate the relevant scholarly literature in finance;
  • Identify, critically assess and interpret financial decision-making;
  • Analyse new financial issues and use financial data;
  • Design, conduct and report independent and original research on a closely-defined research project in the area of finance; and
  • Manage financial information effectively, including the application and advanced knowledge of computer systems and software, where appropriate to the students field of study and research report in finance.

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to demonstrate the following attributes and skills:

  • Independent research;
  • Analysis, interpretation and synthesis of information;
  • Problem solving;
  • Time management, which should be developed through the research report and time spent on maximizing the quality of research;
  • Oral and written communication;
  • Team work; and
  • Using computer systems and software.
Course Structure & Available Subjects: The Master of Commerce (Finance) consists of one core finance subject, one quantitative subject, four elective subjects and the (double subject) Research Report.
Subject Options: Core subject:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:


At least one quantitative subject selected from:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1
12.50


Four elective subjects selected from:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1
12.50

Students are encouraged to develop a program of study that is relevant to their academic and career objectives. To facilitate this, students may take other fourth year (level four), Masters (level six) or PhD (level seven) subjects offered at the University of Melbourne. Students must ensure that they meet the subject prerequisites. Approval of the Program Director of the Master of Commerce (Finance) is required.



Research report and workshop (students must enrol in this subject in two consecutive semesters):
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
25
Entry Requirements:

Admission to the Master of Commerce course normally requires either:

(a) A four year Australian honours degree in economics, commerce or related discipline of at least second class honours (H2B 70-74%) standard; or
(b) Successful completion of a preliminary course, normally the relevant postgraduate diploma, at an overall standard at least equivalent to that required for second class honours (H2B 70-74%).

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability
Graduate Attributes: None
Notes: Please note
  1. Subjects offered in the Master of Applied Finance, Master of Financial Management and Postgraduate Diploma in Finance courses are not available to Master of Commerce (Finance) students.
  2. Students may take a maximum of two subjects (25 points) at fourth year (level four).

Assessment

Overall assessment in the Master of Commerce (Finance) will be an average of each of the percentage marks gained in the six subjects and the Research Report (double subject). Master of Commerce students should note that the overall pass grade for the Master of Commerce course is 65%. The overall average of the subjects taken towards the degree of Master of Commerce are calculated as follows:
H1 80-100%
H2A 75-79%
P 65-74%

Candidates achieving an overall average of H1 or H2A will be awarded the Master of Commerce (Honours) degree.

Accelerated progression from a Postgraduate Diploma to a Master of Commerce

A student enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in Finance is eligible for accelerated admission into the Master of Commerce if he or she obtains a first class honours average (80%+) in his or her first 50 points of study, provided no more than 12.5 points of the 50 points are at third year level (level 3 subjects).

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