Bachelor of Commerce

Course information for - 2024 entry

Offered at 5 locations

Duration
3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
ATAR
58.50 for Blacktown
Fees (first year)*

$14476 CSP

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2025
Applications open August 2024
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Not available

Overview

Our Bachelor of Commerce has your career goals in mind. To start, you can tailor your degree to your interests and enhance your career opportunities with specialisations in areas such as accounting and finance, marketing, event management, data analytics, human resources, management, entrepreneurship and international business.

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.

When you begin, our unique Business Foundation Program, co-created with industry and integrated across all our business courses, assists you as you transition to university study and provides a solid foundation of business skills. Plus, it helps you gain an understanding of different areas of business, so you can identify your personal interests before choosing your specialisation.

Practical skills are important. So you’ll benefit from a range of community and industry placements during your degree. In class, you’ll take part in workshops and will learn through gamified business simulations based on real-world situations. Plus, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, data analytics, cloud skills and cloud data services are wired into your studies – so you can tick Microsoft certifications off your to-do list and get an edge in the job market. 

In today’s world, you need professional, technical and cross-cultural skills. We are members of PRME so 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 learn the fundamental concepts of business practice in your first semester.

  • Accredited by international and local industry professional bodies.

  • The opportunity to study units at our Rome campus.

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.

Accreditation

Our commerce specialisations come with a range of relevant credentials, such as the prestigious EFMD international accreditation from the European Foundation for Management Development. If you graduate with a major or a minor in accounting you may be eligible for membership with CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and the Institute of Public Accountants. Choose human resource management and you can become a member of the Australian Human Resources Institute. Marketing graduates, meanwhile, can become graduate members with the Australian Marketing Institute and this accreditation is also recognised by the UK's Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).

Read more about these professional organisations

Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • accountancy
  • human resource management
  • marketing and advertising
  • entrepreneurship
  • Sales management
  • brand management
  • business analysis
  • event management
  • management
  • stock broking
  • data science
  • IT

Industry partnerships

We enjoy deep industry connections with many well-known organisations across Australia. Our relationships with these organisations includes internships, guest lectures, international study tours and collaborations with industry, community and government departments to undertake consulting and research projects with industry partners. 

Here are just a few of our host partners for business: 

  • Cisco 
  • Manpower 
  • Practera  
  • Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry 
  • Ozcare 
  • Impact for Women 
  • Brisbane Paralympic Football Program 
  • Catholic Super 
  • Premium Foods Australia 

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Accounting Major (Accredited) - Commencing Semester 1

  • Specified Business UnitsBUSN104Money Matters

    (Inc: ACCT100, BUSD104)

    10 cp
  • Specified Business UnitsITEC100Information Technology in Action

    (Inc: BUSN111, ITED100)

    10 cp
  • Specified Business UnitsBUSN112Managing Markets

    (Inc: MKTG100, BUSD112)

    10 cp
  • Specified Business UnitsBUSN113Managing People and Organisations

    (Inc: MGMT100, BUSD113)

    10 cp
  • Single Major - ACCT - Accounting - Major Units: AccountingACCT210Accounting Foundations

    (Pre: BUSN104)

    (Inc: ACCT100, ACCD210)

    10 cp
  • Single Major - ACCT - Accounting - Major Units: AccountingLEGL101Introduction to Business Law: Legal Frameworks for Businesses10 cp
  • Elective UnitsGeneral Elective 110 cp
  • Core Curriculum Units Core Curriculum Unit 1See the ACU Core Curriculum page for details10 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.

Accounting Major (Accredited) - 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.

Accounting Major (Non-Accredited) - Commencing Semester 1

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.

Accounting Major (Non-Accredited) - 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.

Data Analytics Major - Commencing Semester 1

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.

Human Resource Management Major - Commencing Semester 1

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.

Human Resource Management Major - 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.

Marketing Major - Commencing Semester 1

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.

Marketing Major - 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.

Management Major - Commencing Semester 1

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

Management Major - Commencing Semester 2

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the 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 (Advanced or Standard) (Band 2) or English (EAL) (Band 3).

Queensland

English (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 2024 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 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.

Find your path into study

English language requirements

An overall academic IELTS score of 6.0 (with minimum scores 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 Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course. 

Explore the pathways to your future

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$14476 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. 

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

Deferment

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

Staff Profile

Dr Wendy James

Associate Professor, Peter Faber Business School

Dr Wendy James a fully certified management accountant and CPA, Dr James has taught at a number of universities in Australia and overseas, including Charles Darwin University, Queensland University of Technology, the University of Adelaide, Griffith University, and a large government university in Dubai.

Dr James has a wealth of experience teaching a range of courses, including financial accounting, managerial accounting, and information systems. She was part of a team that conceived and delivered a project accounting course to finance managers around the world. Whilst in Dubai, she spent time working for the Central Bank of Dubai training financial accountants.

Dr James's current research interests include accounting education, management accounting and control systems, performance management, organisational change, public sector financial management and strategic management accounting in the private, public and not for profit sectors. She has been published in a number of prominent accounting journals and likes to referee up-and-coming research articles from other authors.

Dr Sugumar Mariappanadar

Senior Lecturer, Peter Faber Business School

Dr Sugumar Mariappanadar is a senior lecturer in management and human resource management at the Peter Faber School of Business in Melbourne. His teaching and publications cover sustainable human resource management, human resource measurement, organisational behaviour, and culturally indigenous management practices.

Testimonial

Shane

“The staff at ACU are wonderful and I’ve always had positive experiences here. The lecturers are always guiding me in the right direction, taking time out of their day and going out of their way to help me succeed in my studies.

In the professional experience unit, I have been supported to use my own start-up as a form of placement. Here, I can continue to work on my own business, gaining hands-on entrepreneurial and business skills from my venture. In addition to this, I can apply what I have learnt during my studies, turning theories and concepts into a tangible asset; a huge learning and experience benefit from placement.”  

Shane
Bachelor of Commerce
 

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