Why study a Master of Applied Finance and Economics at UC?

UC is the only university in Aotearoa New Zealand that offers a taught master’s programme in Applied Finance and Economics. Finance and Economics are interrelated disciplines, and studying both allows you to gain a more holistic understanding of markets, including financial markets, as well as the economy within which they operate.

The combined Master’s degree, which includes intensive training in how to use modern data analytics tools, gives graduates a wide range of professional careers in banking, the financial sector, and the public sector.

Te Kura Umanga | UC Business School is accredited by AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS; only one percent of business schools in the world have attained all three.

UC is also part of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute University Affiliation Program, and is accredited by the Professional Risk Managers’ International Association (PRMIA).

A Master of Applied Finance and Economics graduate:

• can demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of current theoretical concepts and frameworks within finance and economics
• is able to think logically, analytically, and critically with respect to the academic literature in finance and economics and explain how this literature applies to real world problems
• is able to synthesise academic or professional literature and effectively communicate the results of their independent study orally and in written form
• is able to apply their in-depth knowledge of finance and economics to real problems.

Entry requirements

Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree that includes intermediate microeconomics, introductory business finance, a calculus-based mathematics course, and an introductory statistics course, and be approved for entry.

If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.

For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Applied Finance and Economics or use the admission requirements checker.

Pre-Master’s pathways

If you are a domestic student and need help meeting these requirements, study UC’s Diploma in Advanced University Studies to gain entry into this degree.

If you are an international student and need help meeting these requirements, study one of UC’s International Pre-Master’s pathways to gain entry into this degree.

English language pathway option at CCEL

If you need help meeting English language requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes through CCEL.

A grade of B+ or higher in the EAP2 course satisfies UC English language requirements for postgraduate study.

Missing the Intermediate microeconomic theory or business finance entry requirement?

If you do not have the entry requirement of intermediate level microeconomic theory or business finance, you are welcome to enrol online in either ECON207 Intermediate Microeconomics – Households and Government or FINC201 Business Finance.

You should register your interest in the programme by contacting the Department of Economics and Finance directly before enrolling.

You can apply online at myUC.

See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.

Career opportunities

Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.

Some examples of roles from UC Master of Applied Finance and Economics alumni include:

• Corporate Finance Analyst at Deloitte
• Valuation and Business Modelling Consultant at EY
• Investment Banking Analyst at Murray & Co
• Risk Assurance Associate at PwC New Zealand
• Actuarial Analyst at Suncorp NZ.