Begin your research journey in commerce.
Learn advanced skills in problem solving, critical analysis and communication - areas of expertise that are highly sought after by employers in consultancy, industry, government and academia.
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- Program coordinators
- Dr Bishnu Sharma Dr Saskia De Klerk Dr Rory Mulcahy
Learn advanced skills in problem solving, critical analysis and communication - areas of expertise that are highly sought after by employers in consultancy, industry, government and academia.
Under the supervision of experienced researchers, you will develop your own research to explore an issue relating to commerce that you are interested in.
This is an opportunity to join our rich and diverse student research community to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of issues facing the commercial world.
At the end of your honours program, you could continue your research with further postgraduate study or a higher research degree.
In this program you will:
- Develop advanced skills in theoretical inquiry, empirical analysis, and communication
- Research an area you are passionate about, such as accounting, finance or economics
- Learn research methods such as literature reviews and in-depth information analysis
- Hone your communication skills
Career opportunities
- Academic
- Government positions
- Corporate positions
- Consultancy
- Accountancy
- Business research
Admission requirements
Applicants must have completed a Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Commerce, or a related degree with a major in accounting, financial planning or finance from a recognised higher education institution, with at least eight courses in the area of study of their dissertation topic.
A cumulative GPA of at least 5.0 (Credit level) in the Bachelor’s degree is the normal standard for eligibility for admission to the Bachelor of Commerce (Honours). These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Enrolment is contingent upon the University's capacity to provide appropriate supervision in the intended field of research.
Program structure
The Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) structure is as follows:
- a 48-unit coursework component (consisting of four 12-unit courses), and
- a 48-unit thesis component
Students are required to complete a literature review and detailed methodology by the end of the first semester for full-time students. Where part-time study has been approved in consultation with the Program Coordinator the literature review and detailed methodology is required to be completed by the end of the second semester.
Coursework component (4) 48 units
BUS512 Introduction to Research Concepts and Design
BUS513 The Literature Review
BUS514 Qualitative Research Methods
BUS515 Applied Quantitative Research Methods
Thesis component 48 units
HNB402F Thesis (48 units)
The nature and topic of the thesis is determined by the student's interests, the interests of potential supervisors and the availability of appropriate supervision.
Note: Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 96
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements and notes
Dissertation
This is a research thesis conducted over the full length of enrolment (e.g. full year year of enrolment for full time students). Length is normally 15,000 to 18,000 words excluding references and appendices. The required length is determined by the precise nature of the research in consultation with the supervisor and subject to the approval of the Dean and Head of School, School of Business and Creative Industries.
Supervision and research
The Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) is supervised by a staff member with relevant research interests and expertise. Students are encouraged to attend the research seminars, 3-minute presentations, research conversation series, and research discussion groups with other research students online.
Oral presentations
Oral presentation is embedded in the supervision process. For example, the students will be asked by the supervisors to make an informal presentation of what they have done since their last meeting, whether they have any problem in the process of making a progress and so forth. This practice applies in their regular meetings with the supervisors online.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa. Please refer to the English language requirements .
Enrolment and fees
- In any semester, standard full-time enrolment comprises 0.500 EFTSL *
- In any semester, standard part-time enrolment comprises 0.250 EFTSL *
- The census date for withdrawal without financial penalty or academic penalty is the Semester 1 or 2 census date
- Commonwealth supported students pay student contributions
- Students who are not Commonwealth supported pay full tuition fees
* EFTSL - Equivalent Full-Time Student Load. One year of full-time study equates to 1.000 EFTSL.
Classes of Honours
The degree will be awarded in one of the three classes:
- Class 1
- Class 2 (awarded as Division 1 or Division 2)
- Class 3
The class of honours awarded may not be more than one grade higher than the grade for the thesis. For example, if you receive a ‘Credit’ grade for your thesis, you may not be awarded the honours degree at a higher level than Class 2 Division 1, regardless of the average mark.
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