University of Adelaide

What you'll study

The programme delivers the core MBA curriculum—strategy, leadership and organisational behaviour, managerial accounting, economics for managers, operations and analytics—together with a specialist suite of finance subjects. Core MBA units build strategic decision‑making, negotiation and operational management capabilities, while the finance specialisation focuses on applied financial analysis and risk management.

• Core MBA modules: strategic management, leadership and change, managerial accounting and finance for managers, business analytics, marketing for executives, and operations and project management.
• Finance specialisation modules: corporate finance and valuation, investment analysis and portfolio management, financial risk management, fixed income and derivatives, and financial modelling for decision making.
• Capstone and experiential learning: strategic capstone, case studies, consulting projects with industry partners, and opportunities for applied research or practicum placements depending on elective choices.
• Electives and international options: elective units allow tailoring to interests such as international finance, behavioural finance, private equity, or fintech. Exchange and study abroad options are available through the university’s global partnerships.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Significant professional work experience in a managerial or specialist role is required for the MBA and typically successful applicants have several years of relevant employment. Applicants without a degree but with substantial and demonstrable professional experience may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

• Academic requirements: an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.
• Work experience: relevant professional experience in business or finance; competitive applicants usually have multiple years of post‑qualification experience and evidence of increasing responsibility.
• English language: international applicants must meet the university’s English language entry requirements (for example, an approved IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent test) unless they qualify for an exemption.
• Additional assessment: some applicants may be asked to provide a CV, referees’ reports, a personal statement outlining professional goals, and may be required to attend an interview. A GMAT or GRE score can be submitted if required to support an application where the academic background is not recent or is considered borderline.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MBA (Finance) typically move into senior finance and leadership roles across corporate, financial services and government sectors. The programme prepares students for a range of specialist and generalist careers by combining technical finance capability with strategic and people leadership skills.

• Corporate finance roles: financial controller, corporate finance manager, treasury analyst
• Investment and asset management: portfolio analyst, investment analyst, fund manager
• Financial services and banking: credit risk analyst, relationship manager, investment banking associate
• Risk and compliance: market or credit risk analyst, risk manager
• Consulting and advisory: financial consultant, strategy consultant with a finance focus, transaction advisory
• Senior leadership: positions on the pathway to CFO, finance director or general management roles that require strong financial acumen

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide is a research‑led institution and a member of Australia’s leading research universities. Studying the MBA (Finance) here gives access to the university’s experienced academic staff, many of whom undertake applied research in corporate finance, financial markets and risk. The business school maintains industry connections across Adelaide and nationally, supporting consulting projects, internships and networking opportunities with employers.

• Professional focus: the MBA is designed to be practice‑oriented, emphasising applied finance skills and leadership development.
• Industry links: engagement with local and national financial services firms, and opportunities for industry‑based projects and practical experience.
• Career support: dedicated career services, mentoring and executive development resources to help with career transition and progression.
• Flexible delivery: study options to suit working professionals, including part‑time study and unit scheduling that accommodates employment commitments.