Bachelor of Accounting and Finance

Course information for - 2025 entry

Offered at 3 locations

Duration
3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
QTAC code
116501
ATAR
58.50 for Brisbane
Fees (first year)*

$14486 CSP

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025
Applications open August 2024
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2025
Applications open April 2025

Overview

Want to stand out from the crowd? Future employers will know instantly what career you are qualified for when you apply with this named degree.

Unlike pure accounting degrees, our Bachelor of Accounting and Finance will broaden your career choices. In addition to graduating with an extensive corporate accounting education, you will gain a good understanding of financial systems. This course also covers financial decision-making during times of uncertainty which can be applied to careers in banking, financial consulting, funds management, merchant banking, stockbroking or treasury.

We know that practical experience is important for you, so it’s important for us. Our work integrated learning programs prepare you for the future world of work and build your employability skills, foster an entrepreneurial mindset and hone your communication and project management skills.

  • 95% graduates employed

  • Top 10 Catholic universities globally

  • Top 40 young universities worldwide

Professional experience

You will be required to complete a compulsory Community Engagement unit featuring between 35 and 70 volunteer hours, and have the option of completing a professional experience unit consisting of 105 placement hours.

Work placement

Our Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programs give you essential job-ready skills and experiences as part of all our degrees.

Your professional experience placement will bridge the gap between academic studies and the real world of work by completing 105 hours of work experience in organisations such as chartered accounting firms, stockbrokers, financial planners, accounts departments of government and private corporations and banks.

Community engagement

Through a community engagement placement you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the contributions of social enterprises with 35-70 hours of volunteering with a not-for-profit organisation.

Volunteer experience

All Faculty of Business undergraduate students are required to undertake a community engagement unit where students engage in voluntary work within a not-for-profit organisation over a period of 35-70  hours.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Accounting and Finance has been accredited by the CPA (Certified Practicing Accountants) Australia, by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and by the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).

Learn more about these professional bodies

Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • accounting
  • corporate finance
  • stockbroking
  • financial planning
  • corporate accounting
  • auditing
  • funds management


Industry partnerships

ACU works with a variety of industry partners.

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • Specified UnitsITEC100Information Technology in Action

    (Inc: BUSN111, ITED100)

    10 cp
  • Specified UnitsBUSN104Money Matters

    (Inc: ACCT100, BUSD104)

    10 cp
  • Specified UnitsBUSN112Managing Markets

    (Inc: MKTG100, BUSD112)

    10 cp
  • Specified UnitsBUSN113Managing People and Organisations

    (Inc: MGMT100, BUSD113)

    10 cp
  • Specified UnitsSTAT207Business Data Analysis

    (Inc: STAT102)

    10 cp
  • Specified UnitsLEGL101Introduction to Business Law: Legal Frameworks for Businesses10 cp
  • Specified UnitsBAFN200Principles of Finance10 cp
  • Specified UnitsACCT210Accounting Foundations

    (Pre: BUSN104)

    (Inc: ACCT100)

    10 cp

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in this unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Commencing Semester 2

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in this unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Bachelor - AQF Level 7

Overseas study available

We offer two business units at our Rome Campus: BUSN304 and BIPX202. The dates for these units are to be confirmed.

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12 level, or equivalent:

StatePrerequisites

New South Wales

English (Standard) (Band 2) or EAL (Band 3)

Queensland

English (Units 3 & 4, C)

Victoria

Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English

International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

View transparency admission information

Applicants with recent secondary education

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process. 

Learn more about access schemes

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

For current year 12 students 

If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above. 

For non-school leavers

If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements.

ACU has partnerships with TAFE and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners or with ACU College, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.

Applicants with higher education study

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.

If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, you’ll be assigned a selection rank based on your study level, duration and grade point average that will be applied during the admission process.

If your previous study has equipped you with knowledge, skills or experiences that align with the learning outcomes of units in your new course you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning and you may be able to complete your course sooner.

Learn more about recognition of prior learning

Applicants with work and life experience

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.

 If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.

  • If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
  • If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
  • You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
  • If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.

Find your path into study

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum of 6.0 in speaking and writing, and 5.5 in listening and reading)

Adjustment factors

If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.

Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.

Learn more about adjustment factors

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Pathways

Pathways into course for current or recent Year 12 students

If you can’t meet the ATAR requirement for your choice of course and you’re currently completing Year 12 or finished Year 12 in the two years previously, we have entry programs to get you where you want to be. 

Alternatively, you may be able to complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.

Understand your pathway options

Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience

Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver? 

By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals.

If you’re over 21, you can sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.

Graduates of TAFE and other VET providers, holding a cognate Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma may be eligible to receive advanced standing for some units in the course. The exact level of advanced standing will be determined on a course-by-course basis.

Further study

The degree provides a pathway to specialisations in a variety of legal, arts and social sciences related disciplines.

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$14486 CSP

* indicative only; subject to passage of legislation.

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • the number of units studied per semester;
  • the choice of major or specialisation; and
  • elective units.

The University reviews fees annually.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support. 

Explore your options 

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.

Search our scholarships

How to apply

Domestic applicants

Brisbane

Apply through QTAC

QTAC code 116501

Direct application

Apply now

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.

Staff Profile

Associate Professor Md Akhtaruzzaman

Discipline Leader in Accounting, Finance, Economics and Lecturer in Finance, Peter Faber Business School

Associate Professor Md Akhtaruzzaman is the Discipline Leader in Accounting, Finance and Economics and a lecturer in finance. He worked as lecturer in finance at the University of Newcastle. He also worked as a Curriculum Technical Advisor at Kaplan Professional Australia.

Associate Professor Akhtaruzzaman received his PhD from the University of Newcastle, Australia. His main teaching areas are financial institutions management, corporate finance, investments and business analysis. His research interests include asset pricing, financial contagion, interest rate risk and capital adequacy.

Dr Victoria Obeng

Lecturer

Dr Obeng is a lecturer with Peter Faber Business School. She has worked in industry as teaching consultant for finance and a board member of a finance company. She has teaching experiences from different parts of the world. She has taught in Latrobe University, University of Ghana, and Ghana Technology University College in the areas of financial accounting, auditing and management accounting. Her research interests include corporate governance, board diversity, earnings management, corporate financial reporting and disclosure and the accounting regulatory environment. She has published several research papers in her early academic career and refereed journal articles in her research areas. She is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana.

Testimonial

Sebastian

"I chose accounting and finance as I've always been good with numbers and had a solid understanding of mathematics.

I really enjoy the beautiful campus, well-structured units and I learn from engaging lecturers. I've found my lecturers to be really giving. You could see they put a lot of time and effort into ensuring everyone understands the content and is engaged in the learning.

In the future I hope to work for a finance firm or a bank."

Sebastian
Accounting and finance student
 

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