Programme details

Graduate Diploma in Finance

Enhance your prospects with a fulfilling career in finance, which focuses on the management of assets and investments to optimize returns in relation to risk, while also creating wealth for both individuals and enterprises.

Course description

Studying Finance at Waikato University prepares you for high-paying roles in the global financial sector. The program focuses on money management, investments, banking, credit, and financial market analysis, including shares, bonds, and commodities. You’ll gain a deep understanding of international financial markets and develop skills in financial analysis and decision-making. Career options include managing investment funds, working with the World Bank, or financing major corporate projects. Students will learn to analyze financial data, assess risks and returns, evaluate shares and bonds, and understand mergers and acquisitions for informed investment decisions. Advanced courses cover corporate finance, portfolio management, capital markets, and financial institution governance.

Practical assignments simulate real-world scenarios, such as a funds simulation project using actual data and preparing reports on publicly traded companies in New Zealand or Australia, acting as a trainee investment analyst. The Finance Trading Lab in Hamilton features advanced simulation software used by industry professionals, providing real-time trading data for global and NZX markets. This allows students to experience trading shares, bonds, and commodities while competing to build the best investment portfolios. If you enjoy mathematics, accounting, economics, and using analytical tools to interpret data, a finance career could be perfect for you.

Immigration benefits

This course may qualify for the following visa rights:
In-study work rights
Post-study work rights

Career Prospects

Graduates are equipped to pursue opportunities across diverse roles, including:

-Banker (investment or commercial)
-Banking, financial services and financial regulation
-Business analyst
-Chief financial officer
-Corporate financer
-Financial Analyst
-Financial manager
-Financial planner/advisor
-Insurance and finance
-Investment advisor
-Portfolio manager
-Sharebroker
-Stockbroker
-Treasurer

Entry requirements

Graduate diplomas are designed to offer the equivalent of a major in a field distinct from that of your initial degree. Eligibility may be granted to individuals who have not previously pursued a degree, provided they can show a genuine interest in the subject area and possess adequate academic capabilities. The exact academic performance requirements may differ depending on the country of origin.

English Language requirements:

IELTS (Academic) 6.0 overall (no band less than 5.5)
iBT (internet-based) TOEFL 80 with a score of 21 in writing
iBT (home-based) TOEFL 80 with a score of 21 in writing
Duolingo English Test (DET) 105
C2 Proficiency (formally known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)) 169 and no bands below 162
Language Cert International ESOL (LRWS) B2 Communicator with 33-37 score per skill
NCUK English for Academic Purposes Minimum C grade average with no lower than D in all components. Some programmes have additional entry requirements. For further details, visit our dedicated NCUK information page.
New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL) Level 4 (Academic)
Michigan English Test (formally known as Michigan Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)) Minimum score of 54
Pearson PTE Academic Overall score of 50 with no Band less than 42
Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE) II with distinction in all four components
University of Waikato College Successful completion of Level 7 with a B grade in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic English (CAAE) programme

Credits
120

Duration
1 year

Intakes

March, July

International fees
approx $30,896 - $46,850 per year

Location

Qualification Type

Study level