The Bachelor of Commerce offers significant flexibility and diversity for students. The degree allows you to study one or more business areas of your interests, including financial and management accounting, commercial law, economics, finance, business information systems, management, marketing, international business and corporate sustainability.

You will acquire the skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of a changing business environment, develop the ability to critically analyse emerging business issues, and be exposed to scholarly research in the national and global business arena. Achieving these academic and professional qualities will lead you to a wide range of business related professions and careers, or progress to more advanced studies.

Statistics opens the door to understanding our world through the exploration of data and the modelling of uncertainty. The need for statistics is growing rapidly as our ability to collect massive amounts of data outruns our ability to understand and use the data we collect. Hal Varian, Chief Economist at Google, declared that “the sexy job in the next ten years will be statisticians”, as the challenge of understanding large, complex data structures mounts. It is estimated that 2.5 exabytes of data is generated every single day, with the accumulated amount of data doubling every 18 months, and that 90% of all data ever gathered was produced within the last two years. What’s more, statistics is critical for every discipline for which data play a role, and in responding to the world’s biggest challenges such as climate change, terrorism, health and medicine, and global economic conditions. Some of the world’s largest employers of statisticians include Google and Facebook as well as governments, financial institutions, medical and pharmaceutical industries, universities and many other sectors. By completing a BStat at ANU, you stand ready to meet humanity’s biggest challenges by understanding the world we observe through the eyes of data and statistical and probability modelling.

Employment Opportunities

Students with a commerce degree can find work in different areas including

Accounting

There are many job opportunities in accounting, and there is currently a skills shortage for qualified accountants in Australia.  Some of the different areas that accountants work in are listed below.

Business risk analyst
Identifies strategic and operational business risks. Provides assessments of the effectiveness of business controls and develops and delivers business risk solutions in support of business objectives.

Auditor
Ensures that assets and liabilities mentioned in reports really exist, analysing samples of work done and interviewing staff about the way they go about their work.

Taxation auditors examine the financial statements of taxpayers.
Government auditors examine records of departments, statutory and local authorities, and government-owned companies.
Private sector auditors work with a range of clients from small businesses to large international firms, including banks, insurance companies and retailers.

Budget/management accountant
Is primarily concerned with the development and maintenance of budgeting systems. This involves monitoring budgets and comparing them with actual costs and revenues related to production, marketing and capital. They analyse records to determine trends, which assists in managerial control.

Systems accountant
Analyses financial information needs for organisations by reviewing existing systems and working out the best way to meet those needs with the design of new systems

Business Information Systems

Consultant/business analyst
People in this role are involved in solving clients' problems in a variety of settings. Consulting requires excellent communication skills and the ability to quickly identify and define a problem.  Consultants act as trainers, user and technical support specialists, project managers, or may specialise in a particular technology or method.  Meeting with clients often involves interstate or international travel.

Database administrator
The Database Administrator is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the database systems of the organization, including establishing policies and procedures for security, management, and maintenance.  The Database Administrator's role includes working with end users, programmers and system administrators to develop data requirements and protect the key information resources the company relies upon.

System architect/systems analyst
Systems Analysts investigate business processes and determine user needs related to information-based problems.  Analysts often work in a team environment.  The output from the systems analysis process is a set of detailed specifications for a new or modified system.  System architects design overall system solutions for companies.  These systems are usually large and complex, with many inter-connected systems.  The architect delivers these plans to an analyst/designer for construction.

Programmer/analyst
Programmer analysts serve both as systems analysts, and then modify the programs involved in their analysis.  For example, a programmer/analyst might work with the accounting department to determine what changes are necessary to the computer reports, and then actually make the programming changes.

Management

Human resources
In addition to hiring staff, developing employment contracts, interfacing with superannuation schemes and determining remuneration packages.  Human resource officers are often required to develop strategies that ultimately increase the productivity of organisations. They can do this by measuring and increasing staff satisfaction, and identifying possible work place initiatives that support a healthy life style, good work-life-balance, career progression and skills development, and flexible working conditions.

Employment/recruitment consultant
Employment consultants work on behalf of a client to recruit appropriate personnel to fill positions vacant, they also have to be mindful of revenue targets and profit margins.  Employment consults assist employers to find the right people for the job by attracting highly qualified applicants, culling applicants, recommending them for interview and conducting necessary checks on qualifications, referee reports, security clearances if needed.

Business consultant
Business consultants work with a number of different clients to help them solve a business problem.  They assist clients by undertaking a variety of activities which range from assessing businesses processes and governance structures to examining organisational performing to identify opportunities for improvement.

Business services/analyst
Use their skills to formulate business strategy, manage projects, assist in business planning and organisational performance, implement change management, and develop governance structures.  This type of job is very similar to a business consultant except that this position is only ever

Marketing

Marketing coordinator
Uses skills in market research, product design and pricing, promotions and distribution networks to identify and meet consumer and organisational needs.  Also prepares budgets, marketing plans and strategies.

Advertising executive
Collaborates with organisational executives and possibly external agencies to develop advertising strategies and to create and promote a company product or image.  Usually prepares budgets, develops promotional and sales support materials, and may be responsible for directing a team of specialist staff.

E-commerce marketing manager
Coordinates and develops the marketing activities of a company over the internet, email and other electronic media, including online promotion, sales and communication.

Public relations
Plans, develops, puts into place and evaluates information and communication strategies that position an organisation to the public, clients, and other stakeholders and promotes good information flows within the organisation.

Marketing researcher
Collects and analyses qualitative and/or quantitative information essential in assisting marketing decisions, and can help determine whether a demand exists for a particular product or service.

Sales manager
Plans and coordinates the activities of a sales team, controls product distribution, monitors budget achievement, trains and motivates personnel, and prepares forecasts.

Business development manager
Emphasises the development of new business opportunities and client relationships, often required to source opportunities and secure business autonomously. This role varies from industry to industry and can offer opportunities both locally and internationally.

Marketing communications specialist
Usually responsible for a variety of marketing functions including advertising strategy, design and placement, market research projects, sales promotions and product/service publicity including media relations. Collaborates with senior management and other specialist staff to initiate, develop and implement marketing plans to meet strategic goals set by the organisation.

Students with a commerce degree can find work in different areas including

Accounting

There are many job opportunities in accounting, and there is currently a skills shortage for qualified accountants in Australia.  Some of the different areas that accountants work in are listed below.

Business risk analyst
Identifies strategic and operational business risks. Provides assessments of the effectiveness of business controls and develops and delivers business risk solutions in support of business objectives.

Auditor
Ensures that assets and liabilities mentioned in reports really exist, analysing samples of work done and interviewing staff about the way they go about their work.

Taxation auditors examine the financial statements of taxpayers.
Government auditors examine records of departments, statutory and local authorities, and government-owned companies.
Private sector auditors work with a range of clients from small businesses to large international firms, including banks, insurance companies and retailers.

Budget/management accountant
Is primarily concerned with the development and maintenance of budgeting systems. This involves monitoring budgets and comparing them with actual costs and revenues related to production, marketing and capital. They analyse records to determine trends, which assists in managerial control.

Systems accountant
Analyses financial information needs for organisations by reviewing existing systems and working out the best way to meet those needs with the design of new systems

Business Information Systems

Consultant/business analyst
People in this role are involved in solving clients' problems in a variety of settings. Consulting requires excellent communication skills and the ability to quickly identify and define a problem.  Consultants act as trainers, user and technical support specialists, project managers, or may specialise in a particular technology or method.  Meeting with clients often involves interstate or international travel.

Database administrator
The Database Administrator is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the database systems of the organization, including establishing policies and procedures for security, management, and maintenance.  The Database Administrator's role includes working with end users, programmers and system administrators to develop data requirements and protect the key information resources the company relies upon.

System architect/systems analyst
Systems Analysts investigate business processes and determine user needs related to information-based problems.  Analysts often work in a team environment.  The output from the systems analysis process is a set of detailed specifications for a new or modified system.  System architects design overall system solutions for companies.  These systems are usually large and complex, with many inter-connected systems.  The architect delivers these plans to an analyst/designer for construction.

Programmer/analyst
Programmer analysts serve both as systems analysts, and then modify the programs involved in their analysis.  For example, a programmer/analyst might work with the accounting department to determine what changes are necessary to the computer reports, and then actually make the programming changes.

Management

Human resources
In addition to hiring staff, developing employment contracts, interfacing with superannuation schemes and determining remuneration packages.  Human resource officers are often required to develop strategies that ultimately increase the productivity of organisations. They can do this by measuring and increasing staff satisfaction, and identifying possible work place initiatives that support a healthy life style, good work-life-balance, career progression and skills development, and flexible working conditions.

Employment/recruitment consultant
Employment consultants work on behalf of a client to recruit appropriate personnel to fill positions vacant, they also have to be mindful of revenue targets and profit margins.  Employment consults assist employers to find the right people for the job by attracting highly qualified applicants, culling applicants, recommending them for interview and conducting necessary checks on qualifications, referee reports, security clearances if needed.

Business consultant
Business consultants work with a number of different clients to help them solve a business problem.  They assist clients by undertaking a variety of activities which range from assessing businesses processes and governance structures to examining organisational performing to identify opportunities for improvement.

Business services/analyst
Use their skills to formulate business strategy, manage projects, assist in business planning and organisational performance, implement change management, and develop governance structures.  This type of job is very similar to a business consultant except that this position is only ever

Marketing

Marketing coordinator
Uses skills in market research, product design and pricing, promotions and distribution networks to identify and meet consumer and organisational needs.  Also prepares budgets, marketing plans and strategies.

Advertising executive
Collaborates with organisational executives and possibly external agencies to develop advertising strategies and to create and promote a company product or image.  Usually prepares budgets, develops promotional and sales support materials, and may be responsible for directing a team of specialist staff.

E-commerce marketing manager
Coordinates and develops the marketing activities of a company over the internet, email and other electronic media, including online promotion, sales and communication.

Public relations
Plans, develops, puts into place and evaluates information and communication strategies that position an organisation to the public, clients, and other stakeholders and promotes good information flows within the organisation.

Marketing researcher
Collects and analyses qualitative and/or quantitative information essential in assisting marketing decisions, and can help determine whether a demand exists for a particular product or service.

Sales manager
Plans and coordinates the activities of a sales team, controls product distribution, monitors budget achievement, trains and motivates personnel, and prepares forecasts.

Business development manager
Emphasises the development of new business opportunities and client relationships, often required to source opportunities and secure business autonomously. This role varies from industry to industry and can offer opportunities both locally and internationally.

Marketing communications specialist
Usually responsible for a variety of marketing functions including advertising strategy, design and placement, market research projects, sales promotions and product/service publicity including media relations. Collaborates with senior management and other specialist staff to initiate, develop and implement marketing plans to meet strategic goals set by the organisation.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of a Bachelor of Commerce, graduates will be able to:

1.       Demonstrate clear knowledge of material relevant to the major(s) studied.

2.       Apply theoretical and technical business knowledge, skills and research techniques relevant to the major(s) studied.

3.       Exercise critical thinking and reasoning in the analysis of business problems within the purview of the major(s) studied.

4.       Communicate business analyses to stakeholders in a clear, effective, appropriate and ethical manner.

5.       Integrate best judgement within the purview of the major(s) studied, to implement and evaluate business solutions.

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

1. Review and synthesise a broad range of statistical knowledge from their chosen major
2. Use the R statistical computing language to carry out a wide variety of statistical tasks
3. Carry out model selection in a multiple linear regression modelling context
4. Describe the concepts of stochastic processes in discrete and continuous time
5. Describe and interpret probability theory, continuous random variables, and sampling distributions and the central limit theorem
6. Analyse programming problems to suggest, design and implement appropriate modular program structures, based on a data-directed approach.  

Professional Accreditation

Accounting: students wishing to qualify for membership of CPA Australia or the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia should complete specified professional sequences of courses. Further information is available from the College office.

 Business Information Systems: student wishing to qualify for membership of the Australian Computer Society should complete specified professional sequences of courses. Further information is available from the College office.

Further Information

Majors (FDD):

Students have 48 units of electives in a single degree program. Electives can be selected from CBE or other Colleges. No more than 10 courses at 1000 level.

Students wish to undertake an out of college elective may contact the relevant College directly.

Student Responsibility:

It is the student's responsibility to select electives in such a way that:

• they satisfy prerequisites for the corresponding course/s.
• they conform to the rules set out in Programs and Courses or if unsure seek advice from the CBE office.

It is the student's responsibility to select the courses appropriate for his/her program.

FDD BCOMM (Major in Accounting) with Law (ALLB):

Due to incompatibilities between BUSN1101 and LAWS1204 students will need to replace BUSN1101 with an alternative course from the bottom section of the Accounting major. 
Due to incompatibilities between BUSN2101 and LAWS2203 students will need to replace BUSN2101 with an alternative course from the bottom section of the Accounting major. 

If a you wish to study BUSN3014 and do not wish to study LAWS4221, you will meet the prerequisites by studying LAWS1204.

The major in Business Information Systems is not available to Bachelor of Commerce students in double degrees with the Bachelor of Information Technology, Bachelor of Software Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering(Honours), Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development), Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) and Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours).

Study Plans:
Study Plans for Commencing Semester 1 or 2

Majors (FDD):

Students have 48 units of electives in a single degree program. Electives can be selected from CBE or other Colleges. No more than 10 courses at 1000 level.

Students wish to undertake an out of college elective may contact the relevant College directly.

Student Responsibility:

It is the student's responsibility to select electives in such a way that:

• they satisfy prerequisites for the corresponding course/s.
• they conform to the rules set out in Programs and Courses or if unsure seek advice from the CBE office.

It is the student's responsibility to select the courses appropriate for his/her program.

FDD BCOMM (Major in Accounting) with Law (ALLB):

Due to incompatibilities between BUSN1101 and LAWS1204 students will need to replace BUSN1101 with an alternative course from the bottom section of the Accounting major. 
Due to incompatibilities between BUSN2101 and LAWS2203 students will need to replace BUSN2101 with an alternative course from the bottom section of the Accounting major. 

If a you wish to study BUSN3014 and do not wish to study LAWS4221, you will meet the prerequisites by studying LAWS1204.

The major in Business Information Systems is not available to Bachelor of Commerce students in double degrees with the Bachelor of Information Technology, Bachelor of Software Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering(Honours), Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development), Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) and Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours).

Study Plans:
Study Plans for Commencing Semester 1 or 2

Admission Requirements

Admission to all programs is on a competitive basis. Admission to undergraduate degrees is based on meeting the ATAR requirement or an equivalent rank derived from the following qualifications:

• An Australian year 12 qualification or international equivalent; OR
• A completed Associate Diploma, Associate Degree, AQF Diploma, Diploma, AQF Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate or international equivalent; OR
• At least one standard full-time year (1.0 FTE) in a single program of degree level study at an Australian higher education institution or international equivalent; OR
• An approved tertiary preparation course unless subsequent study is undertaken.

Click HERE for further information about domestic admission.

More information about ATAR requirements for individual programs can be found HERE.

The National Register of higher education providers is an authoritative source of information that will help you confirm your institution of choice is registered to deliver higher education in Australia.

The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) website is HERE. Based on surveys done by thousands of students across Australia you can find out about universities that interest you, doing side-by-side comparisons.

The table below is a guide to the entry level required for domestic applicants. Exact entry level will be set at time of offer.

Domestic applicant entry requirements

Queensland Band equivalents are a guide only - selection is made on an ATAR equivalent that is not available to students.

International applicant entry requirements

International applicants may view further information on admissions requirements at Entry Requirements for International Undergraduate Applicants

The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs as required.

Prerequisites

There are no formal program prerequisites. But assumed knowledge is:-ACT: Mathematical Methods (Major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist Methods or NSW: Mathematics or equivalent. More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here.

ACT:  Specialist Mathematics (Major/Minor) (160+)/Specialist Methods(Major/Minor) (160+), NSW: Mathematics Extension 1 (Band E3) or equivelant. More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here.

Adjustment Factors

ANU offers rank adjustments for a number of adjustment factors, including for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. Rank adjustments are applied to Bachelor degree applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 points (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustments, maximum 10 equity-based adjustments and maximum 5 Elite Athlete adjustments) will be awarded. Subject and performance-based adjustments do not apply to programs with a minimum selection rank of 98 or higher. Visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further information.

Scholarships

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the Scholarships website.

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Commerce flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:

A maximum of 48 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

The 96 units must include:

48 units from completion of one of the following majors:

Accounting

Business Information Systems

Corporate Sustainability

Economic Studies

Finance

International Business

Management

Marketing

24 units from completion of the Business and Economics Essentials minor

6 units from completion of MGMT2100 Communication for Business

18 units from completion of courses from List 1 of the ANU College of Business and Economics

If your flexible double degree is within the College of Business and Economics (for example Commerce and Economics), the below study plan may show the same course twice. If this is the case, you must only do the course once and replace the other course with a University Wide Elective or CBE List 1 elective. Please note that you cannot exceed 8 out of college electives.

The major in Business Information Systems is not available to Bachelor of Commerce students in double degrees with the Bachelor of Information Technology, Bachelor of Software Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering(Honours), Bachelor of Engineering (Research and Development), Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Research and Development) and Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours).

The minor in Business and Economics Essentials will not be listed on transcripts for students completing the Bachelor of Commerce. The minor in Advanced Accounting will not be listed on transcripts for students completing the Bachelor of Commerce with an Accounting major.

For majors and minors offered by the ANU College of Business and Economics, students may count a course towards multiple majors and minors. If a minor is a subset of all stated courses and/or prerequisites for a major, then completion of the major overrides completion of the minor, and only the major is regarded as having been completed.

Students who complete a course from the subject area VCUG are exempted from the requirement to complete MGMT2100 towards the requirements of the Bachelor of Commerce.

If all courses in a major and/or minor are compulsory courses in the degree, the major and/or minor will not be listed on the transcript.

The Bachelor of Statistics flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:

A maximum of 48 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

The 96 units must consist of:

48 units from the completion of one of the following statistics majors:

Applied Statistics

Probability and Stochastic Processes

Statistical Data Analytics

Theoretical Statistics

18 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

STAT2001 Introductory Mathematical Statistics

STAT2005 Introduction to Stochastic Processes

STAT2008 Regression Modelling

6 units from completion of an introductory statistics course from the following list:

STAT1003 Statistical Techniques

STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods

6 units from completion of an introductory computing course from the following list:

COMP1100 Programming as Problem Solving

COMP1730 Programming for Scientists

12 units from completion of an introductory mathematics courses from the following list:

MATH1013 Mathematics and Applications 1

MATH1014 Mathematics and Applications 2

MATH1115 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 1

MATH1116 Advanced Mathematics and Applications 2

6 units from completion of a discrete mathematics course from the following list:

MATH2301 Games, Graphs and Machines

MATH3511 Scientific Computing

If your flexible double degree is within the College of Business and Economics (for example Commerce and Economics), the below study plan may show the same course twice. If this is the case, you must only do the course once and replace the other course with a University Wide Elective or CBE List 1 elective. Please note that you cannot exceed 8 out of college electives.

Students enrolled in Bachelor of Statistics/Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Hons) degree will need to enrol in MATH1115 and MATH1116, instead of MATH1013 and MATH1014. Also, in the Bachelor of Statistics, these students should replace COMP1100 with an elective, as they will completing COMP1130 in the BAC (Hons) degree, which is an incompatible course

For majors and minors offered by the ANU College of Business and Economics, students may count a course towards multiple majors and minors. If a minor is a subset of all stated courses and/or prerequisites for a major, then completion of the major overrides completion of the minor, and only the major is regarded as having been completed. If all courses in a major and/or minor are compulsory courses in the degree, the major and/or minor will not be listed on the transcript.

Majors

Bachelor of Commerce Majors

Bachelor of Statistics Majors

Minors

Bachelor of Commerce Minors

Bachelor of Statistics Minors

Study Options

Honours

Students who achieve excellent academic performance in their Bachelor of Commerce studies may be invited to join the Honours Program.

The Honours Program is an intensive two-semester program after completion of the degree requirements. The program extends undergraduate studies with advanced coursework and a research thesis. Classes are small and students study with leading academics in thier School. Students have the opportunity to compete for a range of scholarships, prizes and internships.

Students from other universities who meet the entry requirements can apply for entry into the Honours Program after completing the pass degree requirements in their own institutions.

Students aspiring to the Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) should consult the Honours Convenor in the relevant School for advice.

Students may proceed to the fourth honours year in Statistics. Entry to the honours year program is subject to an appropriately high average grade (generally distinction level or above) in the 3000-level compulsory subjects described in the course listings and requires the approval of College. Other conditions may also apply. Students who are interested in the honours program should seek further advice from the Convenor of the Program in the Research School of Finance, Actuarial Studies and Applied Statistics.