The Master of Philosophy is a one year research-based degree in which candidates undertake a programme of supervised research which critically investigates a topic of substance and significance. The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree has a status higher than that of other Masters degrees but lower than that of the PhD degree. It is a research degree designed to recognise an original contribution to knowledge and the comments on the originality and significance of the PhD thesis apply here too. However, it is intended that an MPhil thesis be the product of only one year of full-time research (though in practice candidates invariably take longer) and the original contribution to knowledge will therefore be less than would be expected in a PhD thesis. Finance Finance is all about achieving the best return relative to risk, and helping organisations add value for their shareholders. Studying Finance at Waikato University will prepare you for highly paid positions in the financial and business sectors anywhere in the world. Finance at Waikato is focused on money management, investments, banking and credit, the share, bond and commodity markets, and financial analysis and decision making. You'll learn about corporate finance, portfolio selection, capital markets, corporate finance, personal financial planning, and the governance of public and private organisations. Practical assignments will prepare you for exactly what you'll encounter in your financial career. For example, students get to work on a funds simulation project using real data, and prepare a report on a publicly listed New Zealand or Australian company, while playing the role of a trainee investment analyst. You may also have an opportunity to do a workplace internship as part of your degree. If you're new to Hamilton, there are plenty of social opportunities available to you – you could join the Finance division of the Waikato Management School Students’ Association, a student-run group that organises regular training workshops and events for members. If you enjoy mathematics, accounting, economics, and using analytical tools to find the meaning behind numbers, than finance may be the right fit for you. Career opportunities Commercial and investment banker Corporate banker Corporate finance specialist Financial analyst Financial manager Financial planner Merchant banker Merger and acquisition specialist Sharebroker Stockbroker Treasury specialist