About the programme
The Master of Business (Finance) is an NZQF level 9 programme at Lincoln University in New Zealand that prepares finance specialists to guide financial decisions at senior levels of business through 180 credits of study. Depending on the start point, it takes 12 to 18 months of full-time study.
The degree is part of the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program. It covers 70 per cent of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge, along with the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, so it lays groundwork for the CFA qualification without replacing it.
Finance and financial strategy are studied from both New Zealand and international angles. Topics include business management, corporate finance, banking, investments, accounting, managerial economics, derivatives, SME finance, sustainability, agribusiness, entrepreneurship, innovation and commercialisation. Students learn to analyse current business problems and respond from an informed financial standpoint, and they work in a trading lab with full access to Bloomberg data.
The programme is coursework-only, with no thesis. Foundation courses in managerial economics, accounting and finance, management, marketing and research for managers come first, followed by specialist finance courses; Strategic Business Analysis, taught as a five-week module, closes the degree. Classes are mainly face-to-face on campus, supported by recorded lectures and online forums. International students on a Student Visa are expected to attend all classes on campus.
The programme suits bachelor's graduates aiming for careers in finance, banking and investment management.
Entry requirements
- A New Zealand level 7 bachelor's degree or recognised equivalent with at least a B average in 300-level and final-year courses
- Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university's English language requirements
What you study
- Principles of Managerial Economics
- Principles of Accounting and Finance
- Principles of Business Management and Principles of Marketing
- Research for Managers
- Finance Theory and Corporate Policy
- Commercial Banking
- Finance, Futures and Options
- Financial Reporting and Analysis
- Investment Management
- Strategic Business Analysis — final course
Careers after graduation
- General management roles analysing organisational and financial data
- Management roles in finance and banking
- Financial portfolio management
- Coordinating accounting functions
- Financial planning in business, government and non-profit organisations
Post-study work visa
Up to 3 years
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Lincoln University website