Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Finance

The University of Waikato

The Master of Philosophy is a one-year research-based degree in which candidates undertake a programme of supervised research which critically investigates a topic of substance and significance.Why study a MPhil?The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree has a status higher than that of other Masters degrees but lower than that of the PhD degree. It is a research degree designed to recognise an original contribution to knowledge and the comments on the originality and significance of the PhD thesis apply here too. However, it is intended that an MPhil thesis be the product of only one year of full-time research (though in practice candidates invariably take longer) and the original contribution to knowledge will, therefore, be less than would be expected in a PhD thesis.The thesis submitted for the degree demonstrates expertise in the methods of research displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area.This degree does not include a conditional enrolment period.Why study Finance?Studying Finance at Waikato University will prepare you for highly paid positions in the financial and business sectors anywhere in the world. Finance is focused on managing money, investments, banking and credit, the share, bond and commodity markets, and financial analysis and decision making. You'll gain a broad understanding of how the world's financial markets operate, and develop skills for financial analysis and decision-making. For example, you could end up running an investment fund, working for the World Bank, or structuring the finance of a major project for a corporation. Students will learn how to interpret financial data, forecast risk and returns, conduct shares and bond valuations, and understand mergers and acquisitions. And you'll be able to make sound investment decisions for your own personal financial security. More advanced papers cover topics such as corporate finance, portfolio selection, capital markets, and the governance of financial institutions. Practical assignments will prepare you for exactly what you'll encounter in your financial career. For example, students get to work on a funds simulation project using real data, and prepare a report on a publicly listed New Zealand or Australian company, while playing the role of a trainee investment analyst. Our students have access to a brand-new Finance Trading Lab in Hamilton, which is kitted out with high-tech simulation software used by the professionals. This uses real-time trading prices for global and NZX financial markets so students can experience the thrill of buying and selling shares/bonds/commodities, and compete to build the most valuable portfolios. If you enjoy mathematics, accounting, economics, and using analytical tools to find the meaning behind numbers, than finance may be the right fit for you.Career OpportunitiesBanker (investment or commercial)Banking, financial services and financial regulationBusiness analystChief financial officerCorporate financerFinancial AnalystFinancial managerFinancial planner/advisorInsurance and financeInvestment advisorPortfolio managerSharebrokerStockbrokerTreasurer

Waikato Management School