Graduate Diploma (GradDip) in Finance

Summary

Studying a graduate diploma helps you develop knowledge and skills in your chosen subject area which will enable you to undertake a new career or further study.

Graduate diplomas are intended to provide the equivalent of a major in a subject area that is different to your first degree’s major. You may be eligible if you haven’t studied for a degree before if you can demonstrate an interest in the subject area and a satisfactory academic ability.

Candidates must gain 120 points at 100 level or above, including at least 75 points at 300 level or above, in the Graduate Diploma subjects.

Finance

Finance is all about achieving the best return relative to risk, and helping organisations add value for their shareholders. Studying Finance at Waikato University will prepare you for highly paid positions in the financial and business sectors anywhere in the world.

Finance at Waikato is focused on money management, investments, banking and credit, the share, bond and commodity markets, and financial analysis and decision making. You'll learn about corporate finance, portfolio selection, capital markets, corporate finance, personal financial planning, and the governance of public and private organisations.

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.

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 opportunities

• Commercial and investment banker
• Corporate banker
• Corporate financer
• Financial or business analyst
• Financial manager
• Financial planner/advisor
• Banker (commercial, investment, small business, rural, industry)
• Merger and acquisition specialist
• Share broker
• Stockbroker
• Treasurer
• Investment advisor
• Actuary
• Financial regulator
• Portfolio manager
• Trader/Mutual fund analyst