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.

Maintaining the balance between our environment and human development is challenging. The future needs you to work on sustainable solutions to issues including increasing biodiversity loss, urbanisation and climate change.

The ANU Bachelor of Environment & Sustainability is a contemporary degree, covering environmental science, policy and social sciences, allowing you to address the complex challenges of sustainability by giving you a broad environmental education.

You’ll learn to link perspectives from the natural and social sciences with their applications in your chosen major and minor.

Find out more about the Bachelor of Environment & Sustainability, the degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website.

Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.

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.

1. Evaluate current understandings of environmental science, natural resource management and sustainability, and of a range of response strategies for sustainable resource management and development.

2. Integrate knowledge from relevant scientific areas and from policy approaches across disciplines into approaches designed to address complex contemporary environment and sustainability issues, in global, national and local contexts.

3. Apply a range of written, oral and visual communication skills to effectively convey and discuss information about environmental science, sustainable development and resource management decisions and relevant policies across discipline

4. Engage with ongoing debates on environmental science, resource management and sustainability issues, recognising the importance of biophysical and socio-political and cultural contexts.

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

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not guarantee entry into the program.

In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors.

The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs and change admission requirements as needed.

Domestic applicants

Before applying for a program, you should review the general information about domestic undergraduate admission to ANU programs and how to apply, and the program-specific information below.

• Applicants with recent secondary education are assessed on:
  • completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, and the minimum Selection Rank (from their academic qualifications, plus any adjustment factors) requirement for this program; and
  • co-curricular or service requirement (applies to applicants who complete secondary education in the year prior to commencing at ANU); and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.
• Applicants with higher education study are assessed on:
  • previous higher education studies; or secondary education results if completed less than one full-time equivalent year (1.0 FTE) of a degree; or the result from a bridging or preparatory course; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.
• Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are assessed on:
  • previously completed VET qualifications at AQF level 5 or higher (i.e. a Diploma or above); or secondary education results if the VET qualification is not completed; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.
• Applicants with work and life experience are assessed on:
  • ATAR or equivalent if secondary education was completed; or the Special Adult Entry Scheme (SAES); or work experience; and
  • English language proficiency; and
  • any program-specific requirements listed below.

International applicants

Applicants who complete a recognised secondary/senior secondary/post-secondary/tertiary sequence of study will be assessed on the basis of an equivalent selection rank that is calculated upon application. A list of commonly observed international qualifications and corresponding admission requirements can be found here. Applicants must also meet any program specific requirements that are listed below.

Diversity factors & English language proficiency  
As Australia's national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe. If required, competitive ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency.

Further information is available for English Language Requirements for Admission

Prerequisites

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

Adjustment Factors

Adjustment factors are additional points added to an applicant's Selection Rank (for example an applicant's ATAR). ANU offers adjustment factors based on performance and equity principles, such as for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. 

Selection Rank adjustments are granted in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustment factors and maximum 10 equity-based adjustment factors) can be awarded. 

You may be considered for adjustment factors if you have:

• applied for an eligible ANU Bachelor degree program
• undertaken Australian Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate
• achieved an ATAR or equivalent at or above 70
• not previously attempted tertiary study.

Please 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 Environment and Sustainability flexible double degree component requires the completion of 96 units, of which:

A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

A minimum of 30 units must come from completion of 3000-level courses from the Science course list

A minimum of 96 units must come from completion of courses from the Science course list

A minimum of 6 units must come from completion of quantitative research skills courses from the following list, which may contribute towards meeting the requirements of a major, minor or specialisation in the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability:

BIAN3014 Research Design and Analysis in Biological Anthropology (6 units)

BIOL2001 Introduction to Quantitative Biology (6 units)

BIOL2202 Experimental Design and Analysis in Biology (6 units)

ENVS1003 Introduction to Environmental and Social Research (6 units)

ENVS2002 Environmental Measurement, Modelling and Monitoring (6 units)

PSYC2009 Quantitative Methods in Psychology (6 units)

PSYC3018 Advanced Research Methods (6 units)

Any 1000-, 2000- or 3000- level course from the subject area MATH- Mathematics or STAT- Statistics, with the exception of MATH1042

The 96 units must consist of:

48 units from completion of one of the following majors:

Environmental Science

Quantitative Environmental Modelling

Resource and Environmental Management

Sustainability Studies

Either:

24 units from completion of one of the following minors:

Australian Indigenous Studies

Biodiversity Conservation and Management

Climate Science and Policy

Environmental Policy

Forest Science and Policy

Geography

Human Ecology

Soil and Land Management

Sustainable Development

Water Science and Policy

24 units from completion of courses from the Science course list

Or:

48 units from completion of a second major from the following list:

Agricultural Innovation

Biodiversity Conservation

Climate Science

Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology

Earth Science

Environmental Science

Quantitative Environmental Modelling

Resource and Environmental Management

Geography

Sustainability Studies

A maximum of 12 units from completion of 1000-level courses may contribute towards meeting the requirements of two Science majors with common 1000-level course requirements.

In such cases, an equal number of units must come from the completion of additional courses from the Science course list .

Majors

Bachelor of Commerce Majors

Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability Majors

Minors

Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability Minors

Bachelor of Commerce 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.