Finance Courses

Finance is the study of financial instruments, markets, investments, asset management and more. It’s an essential component of the modern world, with both multinational corporations and governments requiring proper financial management to support them. Postgraduate study is a flexible way for professionals to sharpen their skills and financial novices to enter the field.

The field has existed for the same duration as currency. Babylonian moneylenders were an integral part of ancient economies, extending credit to poor farmers who were then able to begin their own enterprises. Before and after England’s black death, kings and lords required proper financial management to stabilise the economy of a world rocked by devastating losses to population.

Hundreds of years of credit crises and inflation issues have informed the modern concept of proper financial management. Modern professionals in the industry draw upon the lessons of history and sound quantitative capabilities to keep businesses and economies afloat.

Is finance for me?

Finance is for those with mathematical prowess and decision making ability. It’s an exceptionally broad discipline filled with different career paths, making it incredibly flexible too. Whether you aspire to become a hedge fund manager, investment banker, financial planner or any other plethora of careers, finance could be a sturdy option for you.

Study pathway

Finance courses are available from graduate certificates up to master degrees. They are accessible to many different students.

Graduate certificates in finance provide entry level financial knowledge with the possibility of transferring to higher degrees. Students can expect to study topics like managerial finance, statistics, and financial statement analysis, but this can vary depending on the type of finance degree. The University of Wollongong’s Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance is an example of this, focussing on the application of finance to business. These programs take six months of full time study to complete, but part time options are available.

Graduate diplomas offer a higher level of knowledge, taking a year of full time study to complete. Institutions like Griffith University improve knowledge of financial markets, corporate finance and investments. These also offer opportunities to specialise through a series of electives in subjects like income tax law and equity investing. Some of these courses are accessible to students with prior degrees in any discipline, but others like those from Macquarie University require work experience in addition to a relevant undergraduate degree.

Master degrees in finance provide a comprehensive knowledge of financial principles. The University of Adelaide and other institutions offer these courses with units in economic principles, derivatives, ethics in finance, advanced funds management, estate planning and a huge selection of other disciplines for those with specific careers and interests in mind. These two year degrees are often available to those with a prior bachelor degree in any subject, requiring a credit GPA (65%) for entry.

Employment options

Investment banker

Investment bankers raise a company’s capital through the management of securities. Jobs in this industry normally involve issuing and trading corporate securities while providing financial advice to private investors. This esteemed career is for those with a keen work ethic and unending discipline, requiring professionals to work unusually long hours. Revered companies like JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs thrive through the employment of highly skilled and ambitious investment bankers.

Financial planner

Financial planners help businesses and individuals make sound budgetary decisions. They help people save money and invest wisely. It’s a great career for finance graduates wanting to help clients prepare for the future. Companies like Oak Financial Planning help Australians do just that, employing an abundance of finance professionals.  

Hedge fund manager

Hedge funds are special kinds of investments that pool funding from several accredited investors. They are very complicated, requiring a dedicated field to manage them. Hedge funds like AQR and Bridgewater naturally require excellent hedge fund managers to gain returns for their investors.

Specialisations

There are many specialisations within and without the above careers. The following are examples:

• Compliance officer
• Financial analyst
• Portfolio manager
• Private banker
• Public accountant
• Quantitative analyst
• Stockbroker
• Trader
• Venture capital management