Bachelor of Commerce

Program summary

Program title: Bachelor of Commerce
Award abbreviation: BCom
QTAC code: 012011
OP/Rank for 2011 entry: OP-15 / Rank-69
Duration: 3 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English; Maths A, B or C
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 288
USC program code: BU354
CRICOS code: 073868K

** Students may choose to complete the core and foundation courses at either the USC Noosa Centre or on campus. The remainder of the degree is completed on campus. The option to study at Noosa is not available to international students on a Student Visa.

Invest in your future with a flexible degree in commerce.

In this program you major in accounting or financial planning and gain skills in business consulting and financial management. First year courses include accounting, management, economics, business law and informatics. Accounting courses include management and company accounting, business finance, taxation law, auditing and contemporary accounting issues. Financial planning courses cover the financial planning process, investment management, superannuation, taxation, insurance, risk management and estate planning. Industry links boost graduate employment. Add a second major from the Bachelor of Business.

Career opportunities

Depending on major/s chosen: accountant, auditor, company secretary, stockbroker, financial administration, taxation consultant, banker, business development manager, consultant, investment and business analyst; financial planner, fund manager, investment adviser, compliance officer, insurance broker, stockbroker, investment banker.

Professional recognition

Accounting major graduates are eligible for membership of CPA Australia, The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, and the National Institute of Accountants. Graduates may also be eligible for exemptions from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

A Financial Planning major is recognised as a pathway to the Certified Financial Planner designation by the Financial Planning Association of Australia Ltd.

Enquiries

• Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business for program advice

Program structure

• Accounting major
• Financial Planning major

Program requirements

In order to graduate students must

• Complete a minimum of 24 courses including all core and required courses listed below.
• Complete no more than 10 introductory level courses, including core courses.
• Complete no more than 6 courses from the School of Communication, the School of Social Sciences or the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.
• Register your selected Major and Minor with Student Administration.

Students may elect to undertake one of three options:

1. a double major with an in-depth knowledge in the accounting discipline and financial planning discipline areas, or 
2. a single major in either the accounting discipline area or financial planning discipline area combined with either a second major in a business discipline or a broad knowledge in a second business area (minor), or 
3. a single major in either the accounting discipline area or financial planning discipline area combined with a general or specific interest knowledge in niche areas (electives).

Program notes

• Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
• Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
• As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
• Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa. Please refer to the English language requirements.
• When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.

Accounting major

Core courses (2)

COR109 Communication and Thought
Plus select one course from
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability

Required courses (7)

ACC106 Accounting Principles
ACC108 Informatics for Financial Professionals
BUS101 Applied Research Methods
BUS102 Economics for Business
BUS103 Business Law and Ethics
BUS104 Management and Organisational Behaviour
BUS320 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility

Accounting major courses (8)

ACC210 Financial Accounting
ACC211 Business Finance
ACC220 Law of Business Associations
ACC221 Company Accounting
ACC310 Management Accounting
ACC311 Taxation Law and Practice
ACC320 Contemporary Accounting Issues
ACC321 Auditing and Professional Practice

Elective courses (7)

Select 7 advanced level elective courses, up to 6 of which may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

TOTAL UNITS 288

Financial Planning major

Core courses (2)

COR109 Communication and Thought
Plus select one course from
COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability

Required courses (7)

ACC106 Accounting Principles
ACC108 Informatics for Financial Professionals
BUS101 Applied Research Methods
BUS102 Economics for Business
BUS103 Business Law and Ethics
BUS104 Management and Organisational Behaviour
BUS320 Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility

Financial Planning major courses (8)

ACC211 Business Finance
ACC311 Taxation Law and Practice
FIN210 Introduction to Financial Planning
FIN220 Retirement and Superannuation
FIN221 Insurance and Risk Management
FIN310 Personal Investment Management
FIN320 Tax and Estate Planning
FIN321 Financial Plan Construction

Elective courses (7)

Select 7 advanced level elective courses, up to 6 of which may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

TOTAL UNITS 288

Study Plan

The Bachelor of Commerce Study Plan is for students commencing in the current semester.

Accounting major

Core course (2)

Required courses (7)

Accounting major courses (8)

Elective courses (7)

Select 7 advanced level elective courses, up to 6 of which may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Financial Planning major

Core course (2)

Required courses (7)

Financial Planning major courses (8)

Elective courses (7)

Select 7 advanced level elective courses, up to 6 of which may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer. 

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business