Universiti Tenaga Nasional

What you'll study

The MSc in Finance by Research is primarily thesis-based. Students design and execute an original research project under the guidance of academic supervisors, culminating in a substantial dissertation and an oral defence (viva voce). Typical research areas include corporate finance, asset pricing, portfolio management, financial risk management, behavioural finance, Islamic finance, and energy/utility sector finance.

Although the emphasis is on independent research, candidates normally complete preparatory components to support the research project. These often include:

• Research Methods and Quantitative Techniques – training in econometrics, time-series analysis, panel data methods and applied statistical software used for empirical finance research.
• Literature Review and Research Design – structured support for developing a rigorous research question, reviewing existing work and constructing hypotheses.
• Research Seminars – participation in seminars and workshops where students present progress and receive peer and supervisor feedback.
• Ethics and Data Management – guidance on ethical approval, data sourcing, and reproducible research practices.

Programme duration is research-driven and can vary depending on mode of study and progress monitoring. Assessment is centred on the thesis and associated oral examination, with possible minor coursework assessments where applicable.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, accounting, business or a related discipline. Typical entry standards require a good honours degree or equivalent professional qualifications and relevant work experience may be considered for mature applicants.

Additional requirements commonly include:

• A clear research proposal outlining the intended research topic, objectives and methodology.
• Academic transcripts and references demonstrating research potential.
• Acceptance from a suitable supervisor within the university or the faculty’s agreement to supervise the proposed project.
• Proof of English language proficiency if the applicant’s prior education was not in English, where applicable.

Applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria may be considered for conditional admission or advised to take preparatory courses prior to full registration.

Career prospects

Graduates of a research master’s in finance typically follow careers that value advanced analytical and research skills. Common destinations include:

• Financial analyst roles in banks, investment firms and asset management companies.
• Risk management and quantitative modelling positions in corporate and financial institutions.
• Consultancy and advisory roles focused on corporate finance, valuation and strategic financial planning.
• Regulatory bodies, central banks and policy institutes where evidence-based finance research is required.
• Academic and research careers, including progression to PhD study and teaching positions in higher education.

The programme is also suitable for professionals in the energy and utilities sectors who wish to specialise in finance issues relevant to infrastructure, project finance and regulatory economics.

Why study at Universiti Tenaga Nasional

Universiti Tenaga Nasional offers a research environment with strong links to industry, notably the energy sector, which can be valuable for finance research that intersects with utilities, infrastructure and energy markets. The university provides access to experienced supervisors with expertise in finance and related disciplines, and a range of research support services including workshops, statistical software licences and a comprehensive library.

Students benefit from a campus culture that emphasises applied research and engagement with corporate partners, opportunities to attend research seminars and conferences, and routes to further academic development such as PhD study. The programme’s flexibility makes it well suited to working professionals seeking to combine employment with advanced research training.