Handbook

Successful applicants will have:

1. A recognised bachelor degree with 2nd class lower division honours or higher (or equivalent qualification) in Finance, Accounting, or a closely related discipline, as determined by the UNSW Australia Business School; or
2. A recognised graduate certificate or graduate diploma (or equivalent qualification) in a cognate discipline with a credit average or higher, as determined by the UNSW Australia Business School; or
3. A recognised bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a cognate discipline with a minimum of 7 courses in either Finance or Accounting and a credit average, as determined by the UNSW Australia Business School; or
4. A recognised bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) in a finance-related or accounting-related discipline with a credit average or higher, two years of full-time equivalent of professional postgraduate experience[1] with at least one year of professional work experience in a finance or accounting role in an organisation, and membership of a recognised professional association, as determined by the UNSW Australia Business School.

NOTE: In exceptional circumstances, applications may be considered for entry where the applicant has other relevant qualifications and experience not listed. This is in accordance with UNSW Policy and Procedure on Recognition of Prior Learning. Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have achieved the same knowledge and skills (learning outcomes) through their formal or informal learning as the qualifications listed for entry for this program. This may be evidenced by qualification certificates, records of assessment activities relating to course or program learning outcomes, examples of experience from the workplace, community, or other context which demonstrate relevant skills, knowledge or competencies, membership (or eligibility for membership) of professional organisations which require attainment of certain qualifications, or testimonials of skills, knowledge or competencies from workplace supervisors. Any relevant documentation should be attached to the application and will be considered by the Academic Coordinator for the Program.

Taken from the UNSW Structure of Postgraduate Coursework Programs - Procedure Appendix B.

UNSW policies are drawn, not only from expertise in the tertiary field but from the Australian Qualifications Framework Second Edition 2 January 2013, for its principles in relation to advanced standing and Recognition of Prior Learning.

The Master of Financial Analysis follows UNSW policy on Recognition of Prior Learning, and recognises and aligns with the Principles contained within Qualification Pathways Policy.

“The purpose of the AQF Qualification Pathways Policy is to maximise the credit that students can gain for learning already undertaken. It seeks to recognise the multiple pathways that students take to gain AQF qualifications and that learning can be formal, informal or non-formal.”[1]

UNSW Policy on Recognition of Prior Learning “recognises that learning can be gained from a variety of contexts. This prior learning may be used to meet admission criteria for and/or credit toward programs of study, where this learning is deemed by the University to be aligned with the program’s educational objectives and learning outcomes…. UNSW qualifications are designed to be coherent and cumulative programs of study, in which specific courses combine to develop discipline knowledge and graduate capabilities. Recognition of prior learning and the granting of credit must support this educational objective.” [2]

Consideration of RPL will be relevant for (a) entry into the 48 UOC advanced disciplinary Masters program based on professional experience; and (b) credit transfer to reduce the volume of learning from 48 UOC by a maximum of 6 UOC (1 course).

(a) As outlined above, the evidence required to enter the program is based on two years of full-time equivalent of professional postgraduate experience with at least 1 year of professional work experience in a finance or accounting role in an organisation, and membership of a recognised professional association, for applicants with an undergraduate degree in a finance-related or accounting- related discipline. This ensures that applicants will have developed significant foundational and disciplinary accounting or finance knowledge and skills to equip them to achieve all the learning outcomes of the Master of Financial Analysis program in 48 UOC. Evidence to be submitted by a student will include a statement of service from the employer verifying the position, role and responsibilities, and duration of employment. Current registration with any relevant professional associations, where appropriate, will also be considered evidence of continuing professional education.

(b) Following acceptance into the Master of Financial Analysis program, credit transfer will be permitted for a maximum of 6 UOC, in accordance with UNSW policy, where evidence is provided by the student that the course credit sought is directly equivalent to a Master of Financial Analysis program course in terms of volume / workload, standard and learning outcomes, and has been completed no more than 10 years ago. For core courses, the time limit will be 5 years unless the student can demonstrate that they have continued to use the knowledge and skills gained in the course in their professional employment. RPL used for entry cannot also be used for a reduction in the 48 UOC volume of learning for the program unless the course was completed at Masters level and is directly relevant to the Finance or Accounting discipline. If the student has successfully completed the CPA Program or CA Program (from Australia), or the CIMA qualification, he or she may be granted a one course exemption.

[1]AQF second Edition Jan 2013, p 77

[2]http://www.gs.unsw.edu.au/policy/documents/rplpolicy.pdf

Progression rules are in accordance with university policy.

For more information on university policy on progression requirements please visit Academic Progression

If you are a graduate or professional having completed a finance or accounting major in your undergraduate degree and you would to upgrade and develop your specialist financial analysis knowledge and skills, this program is suitable for you. The Master of Financial Analysis offers a challenging learning environment if you are looking for an integrated program of advanced finance and accounting. The large range of courses offered means you have the flexibility to tailor a program to meet you individual professional development needs.