Graduate Certificate in Finance

Career options

Step up to a middle or senior management role in finance with an online Graduate Certificate in Finance.

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Know what to expect from each unit

Highly consistent unit design helps you to anticipate assessment due dates, online office hours/seminars.

Learn from industry leaders

You will benefit from the unique industry connections of our academics and facilitators, as well as VU’s strong reputation in the business community.

Gain enterprise skills

All course content is written with a strong and consistent emphasis on employability, ensuring it meets industry standards and delivers the enterprise skills employers demand.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

  • Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a similar discipline; OR
  • Applicants with a minimum five (5) years approved work experience will be considered for admission to this course.

 

Advanced Standing

If you've previously successfully completed any of the units in the course you have enrolled in, or their equivalent, you may be eligible for credit transfer. 

If you've otherwise gained skills and knowledge that are relevant to  your course, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.

How online study works

Studying with VU Online means that you can undertake postgraduate study without having to attend on-campus classes. This makes it easy to fit study around work, family and other life commitments.

You will be able to access your coursework, resources, assignment details and individual feedback from facilitators, all from your online learning environment, VU Collaborate. Chat with fellow students, compare research notes and engage with learning materials—it’s all possible with our seamless, community-focused platform.

This degree is offered through VU Online’s postgraduate Block Model®, winner of consecutive LearnX Live! Awards. Instead of taking two or three units a semester, you will study one unit at a time in six study periods per year, offering more flexibility than traditional on-campus degrees. Learn about our postgraduate online Block Model® with this YouTube video.

Learn about our postgraduate online Block Model and how it can empower you to create your own success story.

Units of study

Units of study

This course covers four core areas of finance and financial management:

For more information about the units of study, download a brochure.

Financial Analysis (BAO5734)

Understand the effective and efficient use of financial statement information for business analysis. This unit enables you to identify and evaluate key framework components and apply them to a variety of complex decision-making contexts including security analysis, credit analysis, corporate financing policies analysis, merger and acquisition analysis, and management communications analysis.
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Accounting and Financial Management (BAO6000)

Learn how to assess information and business support systems to monitor issues, problems and opportunities affecting businesses. This unit enables you to evaluate accounting information, analyse financial reports to inform users of business performance and position, and verify and synthesise information required for short- and long-term decision-making, and articulate and devise problem-solving techniques for making informed management decisions.
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Corporate Finance (BAO7000)

Learn and develop the necessary skills for making value-changing financial decisions to maximise an organisation’s value. Learn to demonstrate, analyse and apply knowledge of finance theories, practices and markets when making decisions. Critically analyse and solve problems related to the decisions of the corporate manager and gain a clear understanding of the theories underlying the operation of financial markets and relevant asset pricing models for strategic corporate transactions.
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Advanced Finance (BAO7001)

Gain a clear understanding of research methodologies and data sets commonly used when researching corporate finance. Be able to critically evaluate issues that arise when raising debt finance and leasing arrangements. Justify financial decision-making through demonstration of the correct use of analytical tools and frameworks, and be able to argue how an organisation can employ different risk management instruments to hedge against financial risks.
View unit page

Career options

Career options

Step up to a middle or senior management role in finance with an online Graduate Certificate in Finance.

Typical job titles

  • Senior Payroll Officer
  • Office Manager
  • Head of Finance
  • General Manager
  • Hospital Administrator
  • Practice Manager

Course information

View entry requirements, career options and what’s available to you, through our extensive student support network below.

Entry requirements

  • Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a similar discipline; OR
  • Applicants with a minimum five (5) years approved work experience will be considered for admission to this course.

Advanced Standing

If you've previously successfully completed any of the units in the course you have enrolled in, or their equivalent, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

If you've otherwise gained skills and knowledge that are relevant to your course, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning.

Student support

VU Online provides you with the support you need, when you need it, during your course. Our support network has a single focus on ensuring you are entirely supported to succeed in your studies.

Our highly experienced academics are responsive and accessible and understand how to deliver a quality online learning experience. You will also be introduced to your very own Student Success Advisor, who provides motivation and one-on-one personalised assistance with non-academic matters throughout your course.

You’ll experience the support of your community through chat, virtual seminars and discussion board activity. Remember, your support network is only a phone call and email away.

Fees and FEE-Help

A Graduate Certificate in Finance from VU Online costs $3,800 per unit*, taking the total for 4 units to $15,200*.

This depends on the number of units you study and whether you are eligible for Advanced Standing, which is assessed after you submit your application.

Note that you may be eligible for the Australian Government’s loan scheme, FEE-HELP. The loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying students with the cost of a university program. It can be used for all or part of the tuition. To determine your eligibility, visit the FEE-HELP website.

*2024 student fees are shown and are subject to change.

For more information on fees and student support, download a brochure.

How online study works

Studying with VU Online means that you can undertake postgraduate study without having to attend on-campus classes. This makes it easy to fit study around existing commitments including work and family. You will be able to access your coursework, resources, assignment details and individual feedback from facilitators, all from your online learning environment, VU Collaborate.

Chat with fellow students, compare research notes and collaborate on group tasks – it’s all possible with our seamless, community-focused platform.

With VU Online, you will study just one unit at a time under the award-winning VU Block Model®. Learn about our postgraduate online Block Model with this YouTube video.

With VU Online, you can rest assured you will find support from our responsive academics and facilitators, as well as your dedicated Student Success Advisor throughout your study.

How to apply

VU Online has simplified the application process, involving just three key steps.

  1. Speak to one of our Student Enrolment Advisors, who will help you determine your eligibility for the program and whether it suits your career goals. Our advisor will keep you informed of all the application requirements and what to expect during the process. They can also suggest flexible study plans for your circumstances.
  2. Begin your online application and submit the required documentation. This may include a copy of your CV and academic transcript.
  3. Upon completing your application, you will receive a confirmation email or an email letting you know if you need to provide any additional information.
Student support

Student support

VU Online provides you with the support you need, when you need it, during your course. Our support network has a single focus on ensuring you are entirely supported to succeed in your studies.

Our highly experienced academics are responsive and accessible and understand how to deliver a quality online learning experience. You will also be introduced to your very own Student Success Advisor, who provides motivation and one-on-one personalised assistance with non-academic matters throughout your course.

You’ll experience the support of your community through chat, virtual seminars and discussion board activity. Remember, your support network is only a phone call and email away.

What you'll study

This course covers four core areas of finance and financial management:

Financial Analysis (BAO5734)

Financial acumen is an important skill for managers in the complex local and global business environment. The unit takes a multidisciplinary approach to develop advanced analytical, planning and decision making skills. This unit proposes a theoretical framework for effective and efficient use of financial statement information for business analysis. It identifies and evaluates: financial statements, business strategies, financial data, and growth of the business. This framework is then applied to a variety of complex decision making contexts including security analysis, credit analysis, merger and acquisition analysis, and management communications analysis.

View unit page

Accounting and Financial Management (BAO6000)

This unit focuses on the understanding and use of financial information and the composition and meaning of financial statements. It is designed from a user-perspective for those who use accounting information, rather than those whose task it is to prepare information. The unit covers accounting reports prepared for external users, as well as accounting reports used by managers to plan, control and make decisions. Students will demonstrate skills in accounting techniques used to gain intelligence to plan and control business operations and plan future business activity.

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Corporate Finance (BAO7000)

This unit provides students with an understanding of how organisations make investment and financing decisions. Students will demonstrate how to apply various valuation methods and theories to real-world settings. Students will also learn to appreciate the limitations of tools in practical settings. Specific topics include capital budgeting, investment decision rules, discounted cash flow, real options valuation, cost of capital, capital structure, dividend policy and evaluation methods such as WACC and APV. Students will demonstrate the necessary skills for making value-changing financial decisions to maximise an organisation’s value.

View unit page

Advanced Finance (BAO7001)

This unit explores advanced financial decisions of corporate managers. The unit expands on the traditional project evaluation criteria by introducing real options and valuation techniques in the presence of uncertainty. Students will demonstrate the correct use of debt and equity as financing instruments and how to assess leases and evaluate exposures to risk. The unit also provides examples of how to hedge a company’s cash flow and balance sheet from both domestic and international exposures. Students are exposed to authentic case studies to demonstrate the application of advanced financial decision making to real-life examples using research methodologies and data sets in corporate finance research. Through case study research, students will propose how organisations can employ different risk management instruments to hedge against financial risks.

View unit page

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Get your free PDF brochure

Read more about the units you will study in this course and more, by downloading our comprehensive free brochure

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Frequently asked questions

Will the Finance specialty be reflected on my testamur? 

Yes, upon graduation your testamur will specify that you have gained your Master of Business Administration (Finance). 

Can I study MBA Finance without any finance qualifications or experience at VU Online?

It is recommended that you have some experience in the field of finance before you begin your MBA (Finance) but it is not essential. However, if you do not have prior finance experience, it is essential that you do have managerial or leadership experience. If you would like to know more, please reach out to one of our Student Enrolment Advisors.

Will I receive the Graduate Certificate in Finance in addition to my MBA?

Yes, after completing the four specialised units, you will receive a certificate of completion for the Graduate Certificate in Finance.  In these units, you will build on your financial skillset, which can be applied in a variety of corporate finance positions.

When do I choose my specialisation in Finance? 

First, you must apply for a Master of Business Administration. Once you have received an offer, you can choose the specialisation in Finance during the enrolment process. 

Do I need to sit exams when I study the MBA (Finance)? 

No, our online postgraduate degrees do not include exams. You’ll focus on experiential learning through case studies, self-determined assessments and unit content that is highly relevant to your future role. 

What can you do with an MBA in finance?

With opportunities ranging from financial planning to risk management, the ever-evolving field of finance offers diverse career paths for those with the right skills and qualifications. Learn about the careers in finance you can consider here.

What is an MBA vs MBA (Finance)?

With a generalist MBA, you will build a broad business and leadership skillset, studying leadership, business strategy, entrepreneurship and more. Elevate your career as an effective, authentic leader. With an MBA (Finance) you will build on your financial skillset, studying financial analysis and financial management to excel as a leader in the finance world. Learn more about MBA specialisations and how to choose the right one for you and your career goals here.

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