University of Waikato

What you'll study

The programme combines rigorous core finance subjects with applied electives and a substantial applied project or dissertation. Core topics typically cover corporate finance, investment analysis and portfolio management, fixed income and derivatives, quantitative methods for finance, and risk management. Elective options allow you to specialise in areas such as financial modelling, behavioural finance, treasury management, and fintech applications.

Teaching emphasises practical skills: students work with industry-standard financial databases and software, complete case studies and modelling tasks, and undertake an applied research project or practicum that addresses real-world finance problems. The balance of coursework and project work prepares graduates to apply technical methods in professional settings.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent. A degree with substantial coursework in finance, economics, accounting, mathematics or statistics is preferred; applicants without a strong background in quantitative subjects may be required to complete bridging courses. Professional experience in finance or a related field can strengthen an application.

International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English through an accepted qualification or test. Admissions decisions consider academic transcripts, references, and a statement of purpose; some applicants may be interviewed.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to careers in a wide range of finance roles across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Typical positions include:

• Financial analyst — company or investment analysis and forecasting
• Portfolio manager / investment analyst — asset allocation and security selection for funds
• Risk analyst / risk manager — market, credit and operational risk assessment
• Corporate finance professional — treasury, mergers and acquisitions, capital budgeting
• Consultant or advisory roles — financial strategy and transaction support
• Regulatory and supervisory roles — positions in central banks, regulators or financial institutions

The programme’s applied focus and industry links also support career changers seeking technical finance roles and those pursuing further research or professional qualifications.

Why study at University of Waikato

The University of Waikato offers this programme within a business school environment that combines applied teaching with research-active staff and strong links to the New Zealand finance community. Students benefit from small class sizes, opportunities for workplace-relevant projects, and access to financial databases and analytical tools used in practice. Flexible study options, including part-time delivery, support working professionals.

The Waikato campus provides a supportive setting with career development services and employer engagement that help connect students with internships and graduate roles in the region and nationally.