The Master in Financial Economics (MFinEc) is designed for graduates who have completed undergraduate programs in economics of finance, who are seeking to develop their finance skills to a much higher level by studying more advanced finance topics. The MFinEc is also designed for graduates of technically-based undergraduate programs (maths, physics, computer science and engineering) who do not have a degree in finance, economics or business, but who are looking to gain a rigorous knowledge of key concepts in finance and develop into quantitatively oriented and highly analytical finance researchers who may possibly be interested in an academic career.

The Master in Financial Economics program is taught on-campus. The typical duration is one and a half years of full-time study or 3-5 years part-time study. Entry to this program requires a Bachelor (or overseas qualifications deemed equivalent) with a distinction overall (weighted average mark of 75 or better).

Applicants must also have: a degree with a major in Finance or studies in Economics, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science or Engineering, with demonstrated competence in mathematical and statistical methods, as determined by the Australian School of Business; a GMAT score of 600; and supporting documentation of recommendation as required by the Australian School of Business.

Applicants whose first language is not English must be able to provide recent evidence that their spoken and written command of the English language is adequate for entry into UNSW programs as referred to in UNSW English language requirements policy.

The Master in Financial Economics offers advanced disciplinary depth, exposing students to latest thinking and research findings in finance and economics. Applied learning activities, both in and out of classroom, ensure participants are familiar with and can undertake critical analysis of the latest theories, techniques and practices in a chosen subject area. This program will give graduates a strong foundation in financial economics to allow them:

The Master in Financial Economics consists of 8 courses and a research component.

This research component consists of a Master thesis with an empirical and/ or theoretical content. Students who are accepted into the Academic track of the School’s PhD program; are allowed to complete this Master thesis in the Summer Semester following Semester 2.


The following preparatory courses will be available for those students who have not completed the presumed knowledge requirements. The acceptance to the MFinEc can be conditioned on taking at least one of these courses.

These courses will be taught in February, immediately before the first semester. If these courses are taken, successful completion is required before students may advance to the 8 units of coursework. (Taking these courses may incur a cost for the student).

Please refer to the Program Structure for the Academic requirements relating to this program.

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/fees/FeesMainPage.html

Policy and process

Transfer credit may be granted for equivalent postgraduate courses successfully completed prior to admission to the program but not used for another award, up to a maximum of four courses. If a student has completed an equivalent course for another award prior to admission to the program, they may be granted an exemption but will be required to substitute an elective course for the exempted course.

Transfer credit will be assessed during the admission process and students will be notified of any transfer credits in their official letter of offer.

Transfer credits are based on the breadth and depth of content covered in prior tertiary study.
Originals or certified true copies of official transcripts are required to assess transfer credits. Official course outlines may be required to assess transfer credits.

Transfer credits will not be granted on the basis of studies undertaken more than ten years prior to the commencement of the program.

How are transfer credits assessed?

Transfer credits will be determined by the Australian School of Business Student Centre Admissions Team (in consultation with the Program Director) during the admission process on the basis of transcripts.

If further information is required students will be asked to provide a full course outline which must detail the topics covered, hours per week, assessment information, textbook or reading list, teaching mode, etc.

Please note that these requirements may be subject to change.
Students are advised to follow requirements according to the year they commenced. Please refer to previous editions of the Online Handbook for your program requirements.

Contact the Australian School of Business Student Centre for advice.
tel: + 61 2 9385 3189
location: Ground Floor, West Wing, Australian School of Business Building
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