Postgraduate Diploma in Finance (PGDF)
The Postgraduate Diploma in Finance is open to those interested in working in the finance industry and who hold a Bachelor of Commerce degree (or equivalent) with some studies in finance. It provides students with a one-year graduate degree and is also a pathway to further studies, including the Master of Financial Management and the Master of Commerce (Finance). No work experience is required.
Course aims
Graduates should have the capacity to work in professional practice by applying the specialist financial knowledge the course provides. In particular, the course aims to provide graduates with:
- Extensive applications of finance theory
- Detailed knowledge of the operations and activities of financial markets
- A practical and career oriented program
- An understanding of financial management principles and their application to corporate finance policy
- A comprehensive understanding of Australian and international financial markets
- A comprehensive knowledge of derivative assets and the operation of the markets in these assets
- An applied knowledge of various specialised aspects of the finance industry
Program structure
The Postgraduate Diploma in Finance will normally be completed in one year of full-time, or two years of part-time study. Part-time students should note that most subjects are offered only during normal business hours.
International students must undertake postgraduate programs on a full-time basis if in Australia on a student visa.
The maximum time permitted for completion is four years.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Finance consists of eight semester-length subjects comprising five core subjects and three elective subjects.
Subject names link to the University handbook for 2008
Core subjects (five subjects):
- 316-806 Quantitative Analysis of Financial Markets I
or 316-449 Financial Econometrics - 316-807 Economics of Finance
- 333-810 Financial Spreadsheeting
or 333-403 Numerical Techniques in Finance - 333-816 Financial Markets and Instruments
- 306-660 Accounting for Decision Making
or 306-610 Financial Statement Analysis
Select a maximum of three electives from:
- 333-815 Fundamentals of Portfolio Management
- 333-819 Project Finance
- 333-811 Treasury Management
- 333-820 Property Investment Development Finance
- 333-635 Public Sector Financial Management
Other electives can be selected from subjects offered at honours and postgraduate level in the Faculty of Economics and Commerce as approved by the Academic Director.
Important note:
- If 333-301 Investments and 333-302 Corporate Finance or equivalent subjects have not previously been taken, these must be included in the course of study (and taken in the first semester).
- No more than 25 points (usually two subjects of 12.5 points each) can be chosen from subjects at third year (level three) and are subject to the approval of the program’s Academic Co-Directors.
- A maximum of two Master of Commerce (Finance) subjects (level six) can be included as part of the Postgraduate Diploma in Finance.
- Students wishing to progress to the Master of Financial Management must apply for progression in writing (addressed to the Faculty Professional Programs Office) towards the end of their last semester of enrolment in the Postgraduate Diploma in Finance.
Additional information on subject selection requirements can be found at: https://app.portal.unimelb.edu.au/CSCApplication/view/2008/256-AA
Admission criteria
The minimum entry requirement for the Postgraduate Diploma in Finance is an undergraduate degree of good academic standard with some studies in finance (or its equivalent). No work experience is required.
Admissions to the PGDF are managed by the Faculty of Economics and Commerce.
email ecom.unimelb@custhelp.com
Accelerated Entry to MCom (Finance)
A student enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma in Finance is eligible for accelerated admission into the Master of Commerce if he/she obtains a first class average (80% plus) in his/her first 50 points of study, provided no more than 12.5 points of the 50 points are at a third year level (level 3).
Want to know more?
- Further information about the Postgraduate Diploma in Finance is available on the Faculty website.
- The Department of Finance publishes a Postgraduate Prospectus (PDF 800KB)- listing information for all Professional Programs.