The Master of Business Finance at Lincoln University is a postgraduate programme designed to deepen technical finance skills and apply them to corporate, investment and sector-specific contexts such as agribusiness. It suits graduates with a quantitative undergraduate background or professionals seeking advanced training in corporate finance, investment analysis, risk management and financial decision-making.
This programme combines core finance theory with applied quantitative techniques and sector-relevant applications. Typical modules cover corporate finance and valuation, investment analysis and portfolio management, financial econometrics and modelling, risk management and derivatives, and research methods for finance. Students also study modules that address applied topics such as treasury management, mergers and acquisitions, and finance for agribusiness and primary industries—reflecting Lincoln University's strengths in rural and resource-based sectors.
Study is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, case studies and practical modelling workshops. Assessment commonly includes problem sets, individual and group projects, case reports and a substantial research project or dissertation that allows students to apply methods to a real financial problem or sector-specific issue.
Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree with a substantial quantitative component, such as finance, economics, accounting, mathematics or a related discipline. Candidates with professional experience in finance, accounting or investment and a relevant undergraduate qualification may also be considered.
Typical academic expectations are a good honours or equivalent; applicants who do not meet the standard academic threshold may be asked to provide evidence of relevant work experience or to complete bridging coursework. International applicants will need to meet the university’s English language requirements; evidence of proficiency (for example an internationally recognised test) is usually required if previous tertiary study was not in English.
Graduates are equipped for roles in corporate finance, investment management, financial risk management, treasury, and financial consulting. Common job titles include financial analyst, portfolio analyst/manager, credit analyst, risk analyst, treasury officer and corporate finance adviser. The programme’s applied focus also prepares students for finance roles in sector-specialist organisations such as agribusiness firms, agricultural lenders, and resource-sector companies.
For those considering further study, the research component provides a pathway into doctoral research or specialised professional qualifications in finance and accounting.
Lincoln University offers a supportive, small-cohort environment where students gain close contact with academic staff and applied learning opportunities. The university is known for its links to the agribusiness and primary sectors, enabling finance graduates to develop niche expertise relevant to commodity markets, rural lending and resource-based enterprises.
Students benefit from a practical, research-informed curriculum, access to data and modelling tools used in industry, and opportunities to undertake applied projects with external partners. The campus location close to major regional centres also facilitates engagement with employers and professional networks in both urban and rural finance contexts.
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