Master of Applied Finance in Financial Services

at University of Wollongong - Southern Sydney Campus Australia

The Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) is designed for students who want a career in the accounting profession. The learning experience and knowledge areas for this program are focused on the practice of accounting.

The course first introduces the fundamental principles of accounting, economics, and aspects of the economic system and then proceeds to the study of specific knowledge areas which are vital for accounting professionals. You will develop knowledge and skills to apply accounting principles in the preparation and interpretation of financial statements and, enable you to research current accounting issues. You will also have an understanding of the differences between accounting principles and taxation law and the tax implications of business activities.

In today’s technology-driven world, people and organizations are generating, collecting, and storing more data than ever before. Organizations across various industries are seeking graduates with skills to utilize and interpret this data to inform business strategies and add value to their business.

The Master of Business Analytics is designed to prepare you with the essential skills to undertake real-world Business Analytics tasks on big data business problems. You will develop skills and knowledge in business analytics, including how to apply tools and technologies required to perform descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics and how to apply these tools to a business landscape.

The Master of Project Management explores how efficient management can provide organizations with an improved ability to plan, implement and control their business activities. This master’s course provides comprehensive project management skills and capabilities on the full project lifecycle; from project initiation, planning, execution to project closing, and teaches strategies for dealing with a broad range of issues encountered within business organizations. The growth of new forms of technology in project management has prompted organizations to look for skilled project managers who can enhance the performance of their businesses.

The Master of Applied Finance with a double specialisation in Investing and Financial Services is for students who are interested in focusing on investment, portfolio management and financial services. The degree will allow you to integrate technical, theoretical and industry knowledge on the operation and organisation of – and participation in – local and international finance. The Investing specialisation focuses on investment and portfolio management, while the Financial Services specialisation focuses on financial institutions, as well as bank management and lending.

Accountancy is about providing reliable, timely and accurate information for decision makers, especially for economic decisions. Whether working for a multinational company, a government agency or in public practice, accountants play a pivotal role in advising senior management on the financial performance and direction of the organisation.

This degree
You will undertake a foundation year that covers all core disciplines of business, giving you a solid understanding of issues facing organisations today. From your second year, you will study advanced accountancy topics. The Bachelor of Business majoring in Accountancy provides you with the knowledge and experience to move into many types of business careers such as an accountant, auditor, business analyst, treasurer, corporate accountant, financial controller and advisor. You will also undertake a final-year capstone subject that lets you apply everything you have learned in collaboration with students from other disciplines. Plus, you have the option of applying for an internship to gain valuable experience whilst receiving credit towards your degree.

What you will study
Topics of study include financial reporting, auditing, management accounting, and information systems in accounting. You will learn about financial accounting in its organisational, social and political contexts as well as study relevant law subjects (including taxation law and law of business organisations) to be eligible for associate membership of professional accounting bodies.

The Master of Applied Finance (Investing) is for students interested in acquiring an advanced understanding of investment and portfolio management.

You will study the theory and practice of financial management and gain an understanding of the global financial system. Additionally, competing approaches to corporate governance and business ethics will be developed, and you will learn how to provide protection against portfolio, financial and corporate risks.

Students are provided with realistic stock market simulations and are introduced to modern portfolio theory and practice with a focus on optimal investment decision-making. You will experience the pressure of live markets and learn how to manage portfolios through a portfolio simulation that allows you to trade shares, options, bonds, managed funds, international stocks with realistic stock market simulations.

The Master of Financial Management provides an opportunity for you to enhance your career opportunities by developing further professional and personal skills, and knowledge in Financial Management areas.

You will learn to plan, organise, direct and control financial activities such as obtaining funds and using funds for investments. You will study topics such as investment management, financial strategy, financial statement analysis and learn how to review the global financial system and understand the principles of descriptive and inferential statistics and their applications in the business environment.

The business sector is one of the world's largest employers offering varying roles and careers. Business plays an important role in assisting the evolution of a complex global economy by providing solutions to problems in a sustainable and ethical way.

This degree
The Bachelor of Business Administration is a flexible degree offering a broad education across all key aspects of the business environment. In addition to studying the essential core disciplines of accounting, economics, finance, management and marketing, you can tailor your studies according to your interests or career aspirations by choosing electives from particular Business disciplines, or you can combine Business electives with subjects from other disciplines.
You will also undertake a final-year capstone subject that lets you apply everything you have learned in collaboration with students from other disciplines. Plus, you have the option of applying for an internship to gain valuable experience whilst receiving credit towards your degree.

What you will study
The Bachelor of Business Administration is a flexible degree offering a broad education across all key aspects of the business environment. In addition to studying the essential core disciplines of accounting, economics, finance, management and marketing, you can tailor your studies according to your interests by choosing electives from a particular Business discipline, or you can combine Business electives with subjects from other disciplines.

Studying Sociology at UOW will prepare and enable you to understand, question and analyse human life and society, social processes, cultural and social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behaviour. You will develop an understanding of our diverse and rapidly changing world and identify the roots of and solutions to social problems. In an increasingly dynamic world, where divisions and inequalities are becoming more prevalent, this discipline provides invaluable analytical, research and intellectual skills and an in-depth understanding of our diverse societies and cultures.

The Sociology program at UOW organises specific study areas thematically, allowing you to find your own path through the curriculum, and consolidate in areas of interest over the course of the degree.

What you will study
Specific areas of study include: power and stratification; employment, work futures, and social policy; globalisation, migration, and urban/family life; sexualities, genders and intersectionality; social movements, subcultures and networks; and bodies, biotechnology, emotions and affect.

The Master of Marketing involves an exploration of the motives of consumers during the purchase of products and services. You will learn how to use this market research to make more effective marketing decisions.

Leading Marketing academics will teach you to examine who the customer is to develop a competitive advantage by effectively positioning products/services in the market. You will study how to utilize promotional tools an organization may use to create this competitive advantage and enhance a brand’s equity, whether the organization is a commercial, non-profit, or social entity.

This master’s degree will ultimately enable you to develop and demonstrate technical knowledge and skills in marketing, a field increasingly important for all types of organizations that need to deliver value through the products and services they create. You will have the opportunity to study a wide range of advanced topics in marketing and gain professionally oriented generalist and specialist marketing skills.