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Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Business Administration
Course information for - 2023 entry
Offered at 4 locations
- Study mode
- Attendance
- Duration
- 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- QTAC code
- 116491
- ATAR
- 58.50 for Brisbane
- Fees (first year)*
$14281 CSP
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Not availableMidyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2023Applications open April 2023
Overview
This comprehensive double degree is designed for future business leaders. It will help you stand out from the crowd and give you a competitive edge.
Upon graduating you'll be ready to launch straight into your career thanks to our Future Ready employability program, designed to systematically build each of the elements of your personal brand: your professional identity; experience; job-ready skills; and networks.
This unique multi-discipline qualification combines the specialist knowledge of the Bachelor of Commerce with the flexibility of the Bachelor of Business Administration, enabling you to expand your areas of expertise. Together, you’ve got business covered.
Business acumen is fundamental to your success. You will learn through gamified business simulations based on a real-world situations, and you’ll come to understand core business terms and concepts and discover how operations and finance decisions support organisations. Microsoft certification is embedded into units in the degree, so you'll graduate with a strong foundation in the Microsoft programs favoured by employers.
In today’s world, you need professional, technical and cross-cultural skills. All our units are embedded with the United Nations sustainable goals and our intercultural communication module is designed to build cultural awareness and communication skills which are vital in the global workplace. You can further extend your intercultural experience by taking part in a Global Virtual Classroom, studying at our Rome Campus or participating in an international study tour.
You’ll have a choice of several majors that will lead to professional accreditation, including human resource management, accounting and marketing. You can then choose to either undertake minors that complement your major or opt for any of the units offered through the Peter Faber Business School or from any other faculty at ACU.
Your course, your choice.
Professional experience
You’ll gain up to 175 hours of workplace and community experience before you even graduate.
Work placement
As part of our Work Integrated Learning program you’ll gain 105 hours of industry placement in your area of specialisation. We have embedded employability into your degree with our Future Ready program where we build on your professional skills each year, supporting you every step of the way. These placements will give you the confidence, knowledge and skills to prepare for your future profession. You’ll learn to apply what you learn in the classroom to real life scenarios.
Community engagement
As part of your degree you’ll have the opportunity to work with not-for-profit organisations with 35 to 70 hours of community engagement experience. You’ll foster knowledge and understanding and its application within communities experiencing marginalisation and disadvantage while applying ethical personal and professional skills developed during your studies at ACU.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Commerce has accreditation with the following professional organisations on completion of the relevant majors and associated minors:
Accounting
- CPA Australia
- Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
- Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)
HR
- Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI)
Marketing
- Australian Marketing Institute (AMI - accreditation in progress) and recognised by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) UK
Careers
Our graduates have pursued careers in:
- accountancy
- human resource management
- marketing
- entrepreneurship
- sales management
- brand management
- business analysis
- event management
- advertising
- finance
- management
- stock broking
- data science
- IT
Industry partnerships
ACU works with a variety of industry partners.
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Business Administration, a student must complete 320 credit points (cp).
Sample program map
| Year - Study period | Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Unit 3 | Unit 4 | Unit 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 - Semester 1 | BUSN113 Managing People and Organisations | BUSN104 Money Matters | ITEC100 Information Technology in Action | BUSN112 Managing Markets | |
| Year 1 - Semester 2 | Commerce major 1 | MKTG207 Marketing Toolkit | Commerce major 2 | UNCC100 Self and Community: Exploring the Anatomy of Modern Society or PHCC102 Being Human or PHCC104 Ethics and the Good Life | |
| Year 2 - Semester 1 | ECON200 Economics: Policy Frameworks and Markets | HRMG204 Organisational Behaviour | Commerce major 3 | Commerce major 4 | |
| Year 2 - Semester 2 | Commerce major 5 | ITEC201 Fundamentals of Information Technology | Commerce major 6 | BIPX202 Community Engagement: Building Strengths and Capabilities | |
| Year 3 - Semester 1 | ITEC200 Data and Information Management | BAFN200 Principles of Finance | Commerce minor 1 | UNCC300 Justice and Change in a Global World or PHCC320 The Just Society | |
| Year 3 - Semester 2 | Elective 1 | Elective 2 | Elective 3 | Commerce minor 2 | |
| Year 4 - Semester 1 | Commerce major 7 | ENTR301 Managing Entrepreneurship and Innovation | Commerce minor 3 | Elective 4 | |
| Year 4 - Semester 2 | Commerce major 8 | MGMT304 Strategic Management | Commerce minor 4 | BIPX301 Professional Experience |
This is a sample program only and units will vary depending on your campus and mode of study. Please refer to the handbook for the prerequisite units and the current listing.
Note: Not all majors and minors will be available on all campuses.
AQF framework
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:
| State | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
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 students 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 2023 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
View transparency admission information
Applicants with recent secondary education
Or be admitted under the Passion 4 Business Program.
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.
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 ACU College, TAFE, and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners, 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.
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 Special 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.
English language requirements
Year 12 or equivalent; NSW: English; QLD: English (4, SA); VIC: Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English; International students need to meet the English Language requirements.
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.
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.
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 Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.
Fees
Course costs
$14281 CSP
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.
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.
How to apply
Domestic applicants
You can apply Direct to ACU if you are not a recent school leaver and have not already applied through VTAC, UAC or QTAC.
Additional application information
Pathway: Apply for our Passion for Business early offer program. Selection is based on criteria other than ATAR. Click here for details.
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.
Staff Profile
Dr Pandula Gamage
Deputy Head of School (NSW), and Senior Lecturer, Peter Faber Business School
Dr Pandula Gamage completed his PhD at La Trobe University, Master of Commerce degree (Accounting) at the University of Melbourne and the Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Education at Victoria University. Since commencing at ACU, Dr Gamage has provided and continues to provide productive and sustained leadership in a range of areas. He has taught extensively in international programs including China, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam. Dr Gamage also engages in high-impact research publishing in prestigious journals and received research grants linked with national professional accounting and finance associations. Prior to commencing his academic career, Dr Gamage held managerial roles in the industry. He is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
Testimonial
“I’m studying a Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in events management. I want to work in the events industry when I graduate, but I chose to do a double degree so I’d have a wide range of skills and knowledge that will help me do well in any career. I had the opportunity to travel to Malaysia with eight other students from Melbourne and Sydney. It was an amazing experience from both an educational and cultural perspective. I was able to learn directly from international business leaders, which was an invaluable experience, and I liked making connections and developing friendships with ACU students from other campuses.”