The finance major is the study of money management. Finance professionals manage assets to create wealth for investors or companies. When dealing with investments, it's about considering the time between investment and future payoff - and the risks attached to these future payoffs. The finance discipline examines how these organisations raise funds to implement investment strategies, and how they allocate these funds to a variety of investment opportunities. This involves the application of economic analysis, accounting concepts and quantitative methods to solve financial problems, assess risks and make financial decisions.

The discipline of finance covers three key areas:

• Capital markets and financial institutions refers to the operations and decisions of banks and other financial institutions, such as managed funds, and includes the optimal design of securities
• Investments and derivative securities involves financial decision making by investors; i.e., the valuation and risk characteristics of securities; the optimal construction and management of investment portfolios; and the role of financial markets in trading these securities
• Corporate finance consists of financial decision making by companies, project evaluation, capital structure (the mix of debt and equity to fund investment projects), and payout decisions (how much profit should be returned to shareholders)

These ‘core’ subject areas may be supplemented with elective subjects in financial planning (personal finance), banking, international finance, entrepreneurial finance, ethics in finance and FinTech. Studying finance will prepare you for a career in the finance sector and as finance specialists in industry and government.

Why commerce at Melbourne?

• We are Australia’s #1 university for business and management: Including #1 for quality of teaching (Times Higher World University Rankings 2020)
• Build a strong foundation in core commerce subjects while discovering where your passions lie:
  Your majors and electives will deepen your commerce knowledge, while breadth subjects will complement your studies
• Be workforce and career ready after three years: 80% of our graduates are employed full-time within the first four months of graduating, with 34% securing a job with EY, Deloitte, KPMG, PwC or NAB (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2018)
• Be close to the central business district thanks to our central Melbourne campus location
• Feel confident in your future as a Melbourne commerce graduate, no matter your career goals
  You will have an outstanding reputation among employers for your strong understanding of business processes, resourcefulness and problem-solving and leadership skills
• Gain practical experience, build networks and access an engaged alumni community
  Our strong industry connections with leading firms and organisations through our consulting subjects, student clubs, case competitions, and exclusive programs mean you’ll have a competitive edge in the workforce

Your first job could see you as a:

• Adviser
• Banker
• Planner
• Analyst

In 5-10 years, you’ll progress to roles such as:

• Broker
• Consultant
• Senior Planner
• Trader
• Finance Counsellor

And in 15-20 years you could be a successful:

• Partner
• Treasurer
• Chief Financial Officer
• Financial Controller

Professional Accreditation

The University of Melbourne is a Program Partner of the CFA Institute, which awards the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. Recognition as a CFA Program Partner means the Commerce Finance major is tied to professional practice and helps prepare you for the CFA exams.