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Finance

Finance at La Trobe

We design our courses through a collaboration of academics, industry leaders and professional bodies to embed our curriculum with social relevance and real-world examples. You'll develop a comprehensive understanding of corporate and international finance, investment valuation, portfolio management and risk management.

Choose a specialisation in finance electives such as Derivative Securities, Mergers and Acquisitions, Computational Finance and Security Valuation. You'll also have the opportunity to broaden your career opportunities by completing a major in economics, accounting or another area of interest.

Be confident that your university is among the top four in Victoria and ‘above world standard’ for research in accounting, auditing and accountability (Excellence in Research for Australia). We are also featured in the world's top 150 for accounting and finance subjects (QS Quacquarelli Symonds, 2019, Accounting & Finance ).

Gain valuable insights from our industry professionals who are passionate about sharing their skills, experiences and socially relevant content with their students. You’ll also receive industry-led seminars and work within our world-class Business School to shape your own study program to get the career you want.

We design our courses with your future career in mind. We partner with a range of professional organisations for accreditation and registration. Refer to each course below to see your professional registration and membership options.

Why study finance at la Trobe?

Top-rated globally

La Trobe is in the top 1% of universities worldwide.

Times Higher Education (THE), 2020, World University Rankings 2021; Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 2020, Ranking Web of Universities

Top 250 globally

Our accounting and finance subjects are in the world's top 250.

Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), 2021, QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021: Accounting & Finance

Top 4

We're 'well above world standard' for our banking, finance and investment research, one of the top four in Australia.

Australian Research Council, 2019, Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) Outcomes 2018

Career outcomes

A qualification in finance is your key into a career in any sector or industry. Graduate with the transferable skills and knowledge to stand out in a competitive field. You could consider working in such roles and areas as:

  • finance
  • financial planning
  • risk management
  • portfolio management.

Short courses

We also offer single subject study. Visit our short courses page to find out more.

Student and graduate profiles

Find out about the experiences of one of our finance students.

La Trobe graduates

Where have graduates found work opportunities?

Our recent graduates have started their careers within mid-tier and local firms, the public sector and not-for-profit organisations, and have risen to high-level positions as company directors in commercial organisations such as:

  • Accenture Australia
  • Federal Department of Education
  • National Australia Bank
  • Department of Premier and Cabinet

How much can I earn?

The wage of a finance graduate can vary greatly based on your specialisation, position and organisation you find work in. Below is an estimation of the salary and career path of a finance graduate.

  • finance graduate (public servant) $50,000 - $55,000 per year*
  • experienced public servant $50,000 - $80,000 per year
  • management position or higher $100,000 + per year

*Average salary range for roles located in Melbourne and Sydney, as advertised on Seek, 2017

Industry links

What are industry links?

Industry links are organisations that work with us to shape our curriculum and provide partnership and placement opportunities. We look for strong links with industry, schools, community groups and other stakeholders to ensure you develop the best theoretical and practical skills required in your chosen career.

How do industry links affect me?

Our business industry links consider La Trobe graduates for internships, placements and employment opportunities, as they know our teaching and content standards. Our business industry links include:

  • 3M
  • CPA Australia
  • Drake
  • Oxford University Press
  • RACV
  • Rio Tinto
  • Westpac Banking Corporation
  • Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
  • Telstra
  • Victoria Police
  • Melbourne Water

Find out more about La Trobe Business School.

Alternative pathways

Are there alternative pathways into a finance course?

Going straight from school to university isn't an option for everyone. If you have not completed year 12, didn't get the score you needed or are working on ways to transition into tertiary education, we have options for you.

  • Diploma of Tertiary Studies - Reach your career dreams with a Diploma designed to prepare you to succeed in further undergraduate studies.
  • Aspire Program - Be recognised for the difference you make. Refer to dates to see if your eligible for an early offer.
  • Course transfer - Start your studies in one business course and apply for transfers into another. *
  • Tertiary Preparation Program - Successfully complete our 17-week program and improve your academic results to be eligible for a range of courses.
  • Work Recognition Program - If you are over 21 years of age, you may be eligible to gain entry into a Bachelor of Business based on your work experience.
  • Diploma in Business - Successfully complete a Diploma in Business at one of our regional campuses and transfer into the second year of the Bachelor of Business.
  • La Trobe Melbourne - Successfully complete a Diploma in Business with our pathway provider, and get guaranteed entry into the second year of our Bachelor of Business.
  • TAFE diplomas - Do a relevant course and get Advance Standing for your prior learning.**

    • * Other than Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics of Bachelor of Laws.
    ** Minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) required for entry into some courses. You may also be eligible for Advanced Standing

    If you'd like some more information, contact our future students team on:

  • T: 1300 135 045
  • W: Future Students website
  • Enquire online: Ask La Trobe

    • Or see alternative course pathways.

Our finance staff

Experience the business industry in the classroom. You’ll learn from academics and Professors of Practice who have expertise across a range of industries and sectors. Our staff work with industry to:

  • link our courses with industry
  • design industry-relevant curriculum
  • reflect best practice nationally and globally through lectures, workshops and executive programs.

View staff in finance or view all staff from the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Commerce.

Entrepreneurship subject

Put your practical skills to the test. Extend your learning beyond the classroom by testing your knowledge to resolve a business challenge. You’ll research, analyse and problem-solve all aspects of the challenge. In teams, you will design an original business plan aimed at meeting an identified marketing opportunity. You’ll get the opportunity to present your business plan in the form of a formal report and a video pitch to potential investors.

Please refer to course specifics above to see what entrepreneurship and work placement opportunities exist for you.

International study opportunities

Give your qualification an global edge with international study. As a part of La Trobe Business School, you may be eligible for a number of opportunities, including study tours and international exchange. Previous International Study Programs have visited:

  • China
  • Indonesia
  • Vietnam
  • Europe.

Contact us

International students

Local students

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