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 Accounting, Business Analytics, Business Information Systems, Corporate Sustainability, Economic Studies, Finance, International Business, Management or Marketing.

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.

Are you a leader? The Australian National University is a leader too, especially in the fields of philosophy, politics and economics. This progressive and well-regarded degree will arm you with the moral, economic and political perspectives you need to make a real impact.

You will develop exceptional problem-solving skills and critical and conceptual thinking, all while gaining a passport to some of the world’s most promising careers.

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

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of foundational theories and models 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, economic and transdisciplinary problems.
4. Communicate effectively to stakeholders in a clear, effective, appropriate and ethical manner, in both written and oral formats.
5. Integrate best judgement to implement and evaluate solutions to problems from a variety of contexts.
6. Work collaboratively and productively in diverse teams.

1. describe and critically evaluate the methods and theories of political analysis, and the assumptions, ‘tools’ and limitations of political economy;
2. describe and critically evaluate major philosophical theories and approaches to the evaluation of social practices and institutions;
3. describe and critically evaluate the methods and findings of economics and apply them to the study of political institutions and processes;
4. articulate and debate, both orally and in written form, arguments and positions drawn from the disciplines of politics, philosophy and economics; and
5. critically reflect and draw upon the distinct contributions of diverse disciplines, including politics, philosophy and economics, to devise innovative solutions to real-world challenges, both independently and in groups.

Further Information

Majors (FDD):

Bachelor of Commerce with a Finance major cannot be combined with Bachelor of Finance. Bachelor of Commerce with an Accounting major cannot be combined with Bachelor of Accounting.

Electives: Electives can be selected from CBE or other Colleges.

Students wishing 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 in Programs and Courses or, if unsure, seek advice from the CBE Student Services Team.

It is the student's responsibility to select the courses appropriate for their 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 you wish to study BUSN3014 and do not wish to study LAWS4221, you will meet the prerequisites by studying LAWS1204.

Majors (FDD):

Bachelor of Commerce with a Finance major cannot be combined with Bachelor of Finance. Bachelor of Commerce with an Accounting major cannot be combined with Bachelor of Accounting.

Electives: Electives can be selected from CBE or other Colleges.

Students wishing 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 in Programs and Courses or, if unsure, seek advice from the CBE Student Services Team.

It is the student's responsibility to select the courses appropriate for their 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 you wish to study BUSN3014 and do not wish to study LAWS4221, you will meet the prerequisites by studying LAWS1204.

Admission Requirements

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.

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 [https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/admission-criteria]

Adjustment Factors

Adjustment factors are combined with an applicant's secondary education results to determine their Selection Rank. ANU offers adjustment factors based on equity, diversity, and/or performance principles, such as for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies.

To be eligible for adjustment factors, you must have:

• achieved a Selection Rank of 70 or more before adjustment factors are applied
• if you have undertaken higher education, completed less than one year full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) of a higher education program
• applied for an eligible ANU bachelor degree program

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:

30 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:

BUSN1001 Business Reporting and Analysis

ECON1101 Microeconomics 1

ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1

MGMT2100 Communication for Business

STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods

48 units from completion of one of the following majors:

Accounting

Business Analytics

Business Information Systems

Corporate Sustainability

Economic Studies

Finance

International Business

Management

Marketing

18 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU, which may include courses from the following list:

CBEA2000 Employability Fundamentals for Professional Practice

CBEA2001 Indigenous Perspectives in Business and Economics

CBEA3001 College of Business and Economics Special Industry Project

CBEA3066 Global Business Immersion

CBEA3070 ANU College of Business and Economics Internship Program

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.

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.

The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, and Economics 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:

54 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:

ECON1101 Microeconomics 1

ECON2101 Microeconomics 2

PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction

PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking

POLS1002 Introduction to Politics

POLS1009 Introduction to Data and Methods for Political Science and International Relations

PPEI1001 PPE Integration 1

PPEI2001 PPE Integration 2

PPEI3001 PPE Integration 3

6 units from completion of one of the following courses:

ECON1100 Economics I (H)

ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1

12 units from the completion of any 2000 or 3000 level POLS course of which at least 6 units must come from one of the courses on the following list:

POLS2044 Quantitative Methods in Political Science and International Relations

POLS2094 International Political Economy

POLS2114 Australian Politics

POLS2130 Public Choice and Politics

POLS3029 Sharing Power: Federalism in Comparative Perspective

POLS3043 Pressure Groups and Political Lobbying

POLS3111 Elections, Political Behaviour and Public Opinion in Australia

POLS3125 Game Theory and Social Sciences

12 units from the completion of any 2000 or 3000 level PHIL course of which at least 6 units must come from one of the courses on the following list:

PHIL2057 Philosophy of Science

PHIL2122 Philosophy and Public Policy

PHIL2125 Rationality and Social Cooperation

PHIL2126 Science in Society: Ethics, Public Policy and Scientific Practice

PHIL2129 Normative Ethical Theory

PHIL2290 Philosophy, AI and Society

PHIL3073 Advanced Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy

PHIL3075 The Philosophy of Gender: Knowledge, Power, Bodies

6 units from the completion of any 2000 or 3000 level ECON, ECHI or EMET course, or EMET1001.

A maximum of 6 units of Experiential Courses from the following list:

ANIP3003 Australian National Internships Program A

ASIA3037 Study Tour: Cultural Landscapes and Environmental Change in Asia and the Pacific

ASIA3084 Study Tour: Modern Mongolia - Challenges to the Environment, Economy and Empire

CBEA3001 College of Business and Economics Special Industry Project

ENVS2005 Island Sustainable Development: Fiji Field School

MEAS2008 Middle East and Central Asia Study Tour

PASI2030 Regional Policy Making for Pacific Development

STST2020 Study Tour: Southeast Asia's Security Choices

Minors

Bachelor of Commerce Minors

Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics 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 their 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.