Why Study / Key Benefits

• The Master of Finance is a specialised postgraduate finance qualification designed for students who already have a relevant undergraduate degree and want advanced knowledge for finance-specific careers.
• The programme combines advanced finance study with other business disciplines and has a strong real-world focus.
• Students can apply finance techniques in practical environments, including Massey’s Trading and Investment Rooms.
• Teaching includes input from finance practitioners, while the qualification also develops advanced research, written communication and oral communication skills relevant to senior business roles.
• The programme offers three distinct specialisations: Financial Analytics and Research, Financial Technology, and Risk Analytics.
• Massey states that it is involved in finance-related research centres and conducts research in economics, finance, banking and property.
• The qualification is linked with professional finance organisations: Massey is part of the CFA Institute University Affiliation Programme, and the Risk Analytics specialisation is accredited with the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP).

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

Students must select one of three specialisations.

Financial Analytics and Research – 180 credits

Compulsory:

• 125785 Research and Analytics in Economics and Finance – 30 credits.

Students then select 90 credits from the subject schedule.

Examples include:

• 125700 Managerial Finance – 30 credits
• 125710 Derivatives and Risk Management – 15 credits
• 125718 Professional Programme Preparation – 15 credits
• 125732 Advanced Corporate Finance – 30 credits
• 125740 Advanced Investment Analysis – 30 credits
• 178742 Environmental Economic Issues – 15 credits.

The remaining 60 credits are the research report:

• 125850 Research Report Part 1 – 30 credits
• 125851 Research Report Part 2 – 30 credits.

Students entering this pathway must take 125785 in their first semester and achieve at least a B grade before enrolling in 125850.

Financial Technology – 180 credits

Compulsory:

• 125785 Research and Analytics in Economics and Finance – 30 credits
• 125788 Big Data in Finance and Banking – 30 credits.

Students then select 60 credits from the finance subject schedule, which can include:

• Managerial Finance
• Derivatives and Risk Management
• Professional Programme Preparation
• Advanced Corporate Finance
• Advanced Investment Analysis
• Environmental Economic Issues.

The final 60 credits comprise:

• 125820 Case Studies in FinTech and Sustainable Finance – 30 credits
• 125821 Financial Technology – 30 credits.

Students must complete 125788 Big Data in Finance and Banking before taking 125821 Financial Technology.

Risk Analytics – 180 credits

Compulsory component:

• 125710 Derivatives and Risk Management – 15 credits
• 125785 Research and Analytics in Economics and Finance – 30 credits.

Students select 75 credits from the finance subject schedule, including options such as:

• Managerial Finance
• Professional Programme Preparation
• Advanced Corporate Finance
• Advanced Investment Analysis
• Environmental Economic Issues.

The final 60 credits include:

• 125810 Case Studies in Financial Management and Sustainable Finance – 30 credits
• 125811 Advanced Risk Analytics – 30 credits.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The MFin is formally awarded with a specialisation. The current regulations list three:

1. Financial Analytics and Research – research option
2. Financial Technology – professional option
3. Risk Analytics – professional option.

The three areas provide different academic/professional emphases:

• Financial Analytics and Research: finance theory, econometrics, data analytics and independent research.
• Financial Technology: big data, FinTech, financial technology applications and sustainable finance.
• Risk Analytics: derivatives, financial risk management, risk governance, advanced risk analytics and sustainable finance.

Programme Highlights

• 180-credit NZQF Level 9 master's degree.
• 12–18 months full-time.
• Part-time study available.
• Auckland and Manawat campuses plus distance/online delivery.
• Three specialisations covering finance analytics/research, FinTech and risk analytics.
• Practical exposure through Massey's Trading and Investment Rooms.
• CFA Institute University Affiliation Programme.
• GARP accreditation for the Risk Analytics specialisation.
• Finance research focus with links to finance-related research centres.
• Advanced entry may reduce the remaining study to 60–120 credits where approved credit is granted.

Career Outcomes

The MFin is designed for progression into finance-specific and senior finance-related careers. Massey describes the qualification as appropriate for students seeking to move higher in finance-specific careers.

Depending on the specialisation and previous experience, relevant career areas can include:

• Financial analysis
• Investment analysis
• Corporate finance
• Portfolio and investment management
• Financial risk management
• Risk analytics
• Banking
• FinTech
• Financial technology
• Financial research
• Financial consulting
• Treasury and corporate financial management
• Quantitative/data-focused finance roles
• Sustainable finance.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• The current MFin regulations specify three specialisations: Financial Analytics and Research, Financial Technology and Risk Analytics.
• The qualification requires at least 180 credits under the standard pathway.
• Students with an appropriate Bachelor of Business Studies with Honours or equivalent may apply for advanced credit.
• Students with previous Advanced Business Finance study may be exempt from 125700 Managerial Finance.
• Financial Analytics and Research students must take 125785 in their first semester and obtain at least a B before progressing to the research report.
• Financial Technology students must complete Big Data in Finance and Banking before Financial Technology.
• Risk Analytics students must complete Derivatives and Risk Management before Advanced Risk Analytics.
• The current regulations contain a transitional arrangement for certain previously enrolled students that expires on 31 December 2028.
• Massey notes that returning students may encounter changes to available subjects and course requirements, so current regulations should be checked before enrolment.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student physically studying the MFin in New Zealand, the relevant visa is normally the New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently states that applicants need:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an applicable scholarship.
• Sufficient funds for living expenses or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Satisfactory health and character.
• A genuine reason for coming to New Zealand to study.
• Evidence that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.