Master of Commerce (Finance) (MC-COMFIN) // Attributes, outcomes and skills

Graduates of this degree will undergo rigorous training in and gain a thorough knowledge of finance and related quantitative disciplines, and be able to carry out high quality research in these fields. On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the fundamental principles of finance;
• Knowledgably describe and critically evaluate the primary financial theories including foundations of finance, investments, and derivatives;
• Knowledgably describe the results of the applied research devoted to testing the primary financial theories;
• Critically comment on the results of the applied research in each field; and
• Develop cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate advanced finance research questions.

Graduates of this degree have a solid understanding of financial research methodologies required to conduct research within the scope of current financial knowledge. On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:

• Knowledgably describe the sampling methods, statistical estimators and statistical tests used in applied financial research;
• Determine an appropriate statistical methodology for a financial research problem;
• Competently use at least one statistical package used in contemporary financial research; and
• Statistically analyse financial data to determine the answer to a financial research problem.

Graduates of this degree will have demonstrable research skills sufficient to carry out independent and sustained research in finance. On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:

• Apply the necessary analytical skills and techniques to critically assess a range of issues in finance, including: a) Develop the research questions necessary to test a financial theory or answer a financial problem; b) Determine an appropriate methodology for answering the research questions; c) Determine the data needed to conduct the research and manage this financial information effectively; and d) Determine the feasibility of a research project;
• Conduct the applied research using the methodology and data they have assessed as being appropriate, including: a) Managing financial information effectively; and b) Applying quantitative rigor in the assessment and analysis of financial research issues; and
• Communicate the results of their research in scholarly fashion.

Graduates of this degree will be:

• Knowledgeable in a broad range of financial fields, and be able to carry out research in these fields;
• Familiar with financial research methodologies required to conduct research within the scope of current financial knowledge;
• Able to demonstrate research skills sufficient to carry out independent and sustained research in finance;
• Adept at applying financial theory and methods to knowledgably discuss the importance of a wide range of financial issues;
• Financial problem solvers as evidenced through the application of the necessary analytical skills and techniques;
• Competent in assessing the importance and relevance of theoretical or empirical research in finance; and
• Proficient at communicating financial ideas and research in a clear and concise manner.