Postgraduate Diploma in Finance

Course 256AA (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Year and Campus: 2010 - Parkville
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Duration & Credit Points: 100 credit points taken over 12 months full time. This course is available as full or part time.

Coordinator

Dr Sean Pinder

Contact

Graduate School of Business and Economics Student Centre
Level 4, 198 Berkeley Street
Telephone: +61 3 8344 1670
Online Enquiries: http://www.gsbe.unimelb.edu.au/future/unity_forms/contact.html
Web: www.melbournegsm.unimelb.edu.au

Course Overview: Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Finance should have the capacity to work in professional practice by applying the specialist financial knowledge that this course aims to provide. The course is designed for students with a pre-existing Bachelor of Commerce (or equivalent) to undertake a broader and more comprehensive training in finance than is feasible within an undergraduate degree.
Objectives:

Learning Goal 1

Graduates of this degree will be knowledgeable of financial management principles and their application to corporate financial policy.

Learning objectives to achieve this goal:

On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of finance;
• Explain the primary financial theories relating to the way in which financial managers make common finance decisions; and
• Describe the main results of the applied research in the field of financial management.

Learning Goal 2

Graduates of this degree will be highly proficient and comprehensive in their understanding of Australian financial markets.

Learning objectives to achieve this goal:

On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:.

• Describe the key institutional features of Australian capital markets; and
• Describe the key regulatory authorities that influence financial decision making both in Australia.

Learning Goal 3

Graduates of this degree will have an applied knowledge of various specialised aspects of the finance industry.

Learning objectives to achieve this goal:

On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:

• Describe the key market features relating to a range of specific finance functions within Australian capital markets; and
• Explain the main regulatory influences that impact upon these specialised functions.

Course Structure & Available Subjects: The Diploma consists of eight semester length subjects comprising six core finance subjects and two elective subjects.
Subject Options:

Core subjects: Students must take a total of six core subjects

Select ALL three of the following core subjects:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
Select ONE of the following core subjects:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Select ONE of the following core subjects:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Summer Term, Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50

Select ONE of the following core subjects:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

Elective subjects

Two elective subjects chosen from:
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1
12.50

Other fourth year (level four), Masters (level six) or Postgraduate Diploma (level eight) subjects as approved by the Academic Director of the program.
Entry Requirements:

1. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant's ability to pursue successfully the course using the following criteria:

  • An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent, with studies in Business Finance, Investments and Corporate Finance (37.5 points), or their equivalents; and
  • The applicant's submitted statement of intent in seeking entry.

2. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and may call for referee reports or employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purpose of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Description, Course Objectives and Generic Skills of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Graduate Attributes:

On successful completion of this degree graduates will be:

  • Knowledgeable in a range of financial fields including, corporate finance and investment management;
  • Skilled in utilising financial modelling to solve complex financial decisions;
  • Critical thinkers in the field of modern finance theory who are aware of the way in which theory contributes to sound financial decision making in practice ;
  • Financial problem solvers who have the skills necessary to resolve valuation issues in the presence of limited information sets;
  • Proficient at communicating financial ideas in a clear and concise manner;
  • Effective team members through participation in collaborative exercises; and
  • Adept at retrieval of relevant financial information from a variety of sources.
Generic Skills:

On successful completion of this degree students should have enhanced their skills in:

  • Applying financial theory and methods to knowledgably discuss the importance of a wide range of financial issues;
  • Financial problem solving through the application of the necessary analytical skills and techniques; and
  • Communicating financial ideas in a clear and concise manner.
Notes:

If 333-693 Investment Management and 333-642 Corporate Financial Policy or equivalent subjects have not previously been taken, these must be included in the course of study (and preferably taken in the first semester).

A maximum of two Master of Commerce (Finance) subjects (level six) can be included as part of the Postgraduate Diploma in Finance.

Students wishing to progress to the Master of Finance must apply for progression in writing (addressed to the Graduate School of Business and Economics) towards the end of their last semester of enrolment in the Postgraduate Diploma in Finance.

Students must pass all eight subjects to qualify for the Postgraduate Diploma in Finance.

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