Bachelor of Finance B.Fin

2010

Program Outline

The Bachelor of Finance degree introduces students to the global and institutional aspects of our financial systems.  There is a broad coverage of the specialised financial institutions, their asset classes, and the markets in which the different assets are traded. Areas of study include financial markets, valuation issues, international trade and finance, financial modelling and financial management.  Students admitted to the Bachelor of Finance may choose to graduate with one of the following degrees:

• Bachelor of Finance
• Bachelor of Finance (International)

The Bachelor of Finance program comprises a range of courses in finance, economics, mathematics and statistics. Students may choose a particular area of specialisation during their second and third years or continue with a more general approach.

Program Structure

All students commence in the Bachelor of Finance program and after completing first year can choose to specialise in international finance. A common first year comprised of courses in finance, economics, mathematics, statistics and accounting is followed by the choice of pathway best suited to the interests of the student. Students must complete core finance courses, which include International Financial Institutions and Markets at level 1; Business Finance and Financial Economics at level 2; and Portfolio Theory and Management at level 3. Some of the courses offered provide opportunities for gaining affiliate membership to the Financial Services Institute of Australia (Finsia), as well as covering material relevant for entry to the Chartered Financial Analysts and Financial Planning Association. The flexibility of the degree allows students to choose electives across all levels in a wide range of subject areas offered by other faculties. Applicants seeking entry into the Bachelor of Finance or the International specialisation use the SATAC code 314401.

Bachelor of Finance (International): this specialisation is ideal for students wishing to focus on the interaction of economics and finance at an international level. Finance courses include Money, Banking and Financial Markets, and International Finance which cover areas such as the mechanics and operation of foreign exchange, debt and equity markets, as well as providing coverage of important monetary and financial issues and developments in the world. This finance pathway is for those interested in trading international financial instruments and providing financial and monetary advice to multinational companies and government, along with working in both merchant and retail banks.

Related Programs

• Bachelor of Finance (International)
• Bachelor of Commerce (Corporate Finance)

Admission Information

Domestic applicants

Not a domestic applicant?

2009 CSP IB	25
SATAC Code	314401
2009 CSP TER	70.85
HESS group	General
Annual tuition fees	Commonwealth-supported place: $8,859
Mid-year entry?	Subject to availability
Enquiries	Student Centre

Selection Criteria

Year 12 applicants

You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER).

Alternative entry pathways

• Higher Education applicants
  You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent university study. A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA.
• VET applicants
  You must have completed an AQF Diploma or above. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award.
• Special Entry applicants
  You must be 18 years or over before February 1st of the year that you will be studying, you must not have studied more than 2 years full-time equivalent higher education in the last 2 years and you must not hold a completed higher education level award. If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is weighted such that the verbal component contributes 40% and the quantitative component contributes 60% to your overall score. Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements may also contribute to your rank. If you submit a PC or EE statement, and one of these ranks higher than your STAT score, then the highest ranking statement will contribute 50% to your overall rank and the STAT will contribute the remaining 50%. If you do not submit a PC or EE statement, or if the statements have a lower rank than the STAT, then you will compete for a place on the basis of your STAT result only. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
• Without formal qualifications?
  You may be eligible for our special access schemes.

Additional Entry Requirements

Applicants who wish to be considered for entry on the basis of a completed VET/TAFE Diploma/Advanced Diploma (or overseas equivalent) must submit an official academic transcript and evidence of completion of the VET/TAFE course to the Professions Student Support Hub, Marjoribanks Building, 10 Pulteney Street, Adelaide SA 5000. Official transcripts for completed VET/TAFE Diploma/Advanced Diploma must be received by the School no later than the first week of January, 2009. For further details contact the Professions Hub on (08) 8303 4755.

How to Apply

SATAC Code: 314401

Apply through SATAC SATAC application dates Application and Admission

International applicants

Not an international applicant?

International TER	75
IB	25
IELTS Total	6 [more info]
Annual tuition fees	International student place: $23,100
Mid-year entry?	Yes
Enquiries	Student Centre

Selection Criteria

Equivalent Scores

International TER	75
IB	25
IELTS Total Reading Listening Speaking Writing	6 5.5 5.5 6 6

How to Apply

Application information for international students

Important application deadlines for international students

International applicants applying with Australian year 12 results

Not an international applicant applying with Australian year 12 results?

International TER	75
Annual tuition fees	International student place: $23,100
Mid-year entry?	Yes
Enquiries	Student Centre

Selection Criteria

Areas of Specialisation

All Finance students are admitted to the Bachelor of Finance program but may choose to follow the Finance (International) stream. For those wishing to focus on the interaction of economics and finance, choices could include financial economics, international trade and finance and financial econometrics. Students with commercial aspirations will undertake courses in corporate finance, futures and risk management, portfolio theory and management, and investment analysis and valuation.

Study Plans

The study plans given are examples of pathways through this degree. For a complete description, see the program rules.

For students commencing Level 1 in 2010:

*Students may select elective courses offered in economics, commerce, humanities and social sciences, mathematics, computer science and science. Subject to quota restrictions, finance students may take courses offered by the School of Commerce, leading to professional accounting qualifications.

Career Opportunities

Finance graduates will be in a strong position to gain employment with private and public companies anywhere in the world, and also in many government departments. They may be employed by trading and merchant banks, investment firms, consulting specialists, private and public corporations and local and national government agencies. Openings for graduates are in treasury and risk management, stockbroking, fund and portfolio management, international trade and derivatives trading and pricing.

Potential careers

Auditor, Business Analyst, Business Data Analyst, Foreign Affairs, Statistician, Government or Corporate Policy Adviser, Stockbroker, Financial Systems / Computer Analyst, Banker, Commodities or Futures Trader, Accountant, Actuary, Finance Manager, Financial Adviser, Financial Services Officer, Fund and Portfolio Manager, Taxation officer, International Government and Trade Policy Adviser, International Trade or Business Analyst

Graduate Attributes

Commerce Undergraduate Program Graduate Attributes

Professional Accreditation

Graduates of the finance degree are entitled to affiliate membership of the nationally-recognised Financial Services Institute of Australia (Finsia).  Full membership of Finsia requires completion of the Institute’s Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment, progress towards which is greatly facilitated by completion of this degree. 

By undertaking specific courses, graduates can also obtain partial compliance with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission PS146 tier I Compliance, in the areas of generic knowledge derivatives and securities.   

The Bachelor of Finance degree covers material relevant for entry to the Chartered Financial Analysts and Financial Planning Association.

Program Rules

Business School

Further Information

Useful Links

• Business Studies Program Information Leaflet
• Business School
• Study Finance at the University of Adelaide
• Undergraduate Scholarships
• Student Centre enquiry form