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Bachelor of Commerce

Campus North Terrace Campus
Degree Type Bachelor
Duration 3 years full-time
or part-time equiv.
SATAC Code 314101
CRICOS 001521M

Hit the ground running

The University of Adelaide is ranked highest in South Australia for Business and Management*. We're ready and excited to support your unique pathway to high-level employability and a confident, business-savvy future.

What will you do?

Our Bachelor of Commerce is flexible and progressive. We place a strong emphasis on critical thinking, adaptability and communication skills.

In first-year you’ll complete a range of core business and management courses. In second and third-year you’ll choose up to two major areas of study—or a major and up to two minors—to accommodate different career interests. Areas include:

  • Accounting
  • Accounting and Corporate Finance (double major)
  • Corporate Finance
  • International Business
  • Business Management
  • Marketing
  • Entrepreneurship (minor only)
  • Project Management (minor only).

Where could it take you?

Studying commerce leads to a wealth of opportunities in business. If your strengths lie in understanding and working with people you might pursue marketing or project management. You could put your skills to use championing early-stage start-ups. Perhaps you’ve a knack for patterns and numbers that will see you move into accounting or market research.

*2018 QS World University Rankings

  • Entry Requirements

    Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
    I am a:

    Domestic applicants

    Not a domestic applicant?

    Admissions information

    SATAC Code 314101
    2019 CSP ATAR 74.65
    2019 CSP IB 26
    2019 Guaranteed Entry Score 85
    Deferment Yes - 2 year
    Intake February and July
    Enquiries Future Students team

    2019 Admissions Data for school leavers
    ATAR Lowest ATAR to receive an offer 66.6
    Median ATAR to receive an offer 91.5
    Highest ATAR to receive an offer 99.9
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors)    		 Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer 74.65
    Median Selection Rank to receive an offer 95.45
    Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer 99.95
    Minimum Selection Rank required for consideration 72
    Additional criteria considered Selection rank only
    Selection Criteria
    Recent Secondary Education Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Higher Education Study You must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of Adelaide, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). 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. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Vocational Education and Training (VET) study You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Work and life experience You must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2020. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2020 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2019 or 2018), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2018). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information.
    Other Entry Pathways
    How to Apply
    SATAC Code: 314101

    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2019
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    (A) Higher Education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)    		 24 5.1%
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study <5 N/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)    		 17 3.6%
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
      (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
    		 186 39.7%
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
      (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    		 <5 N/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
      (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    		 N/A N/A
    International students 236 50.4%
    All students 468 100.0%

    International applicants

    Not an international applicant?

    CRICOS 001521M
    Intake February and July
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements
    Australian Year 12 Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of Adelaide
    IELTS Overall 6.5 Reading 6 Listening 6 Speaking 6 Writing 6
    TOEFL Overall 79 Reading 13 Listening 13 Speaking 18 Writing 21
    Pearsons Overall 58 Reading 50 Listening 50 Speaking 50 Writing 50
    Cambridge Overall 176 Reading 169 Listening 169 Speaking 169 Writing 169
    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirements A range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements
    Secondary School Qualifications Selection Rank (International) 75
    International Baccalaureate (IB) 27
    Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) 18
    United Entrance Certificate (UEC) [Malaysia] 20
    General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level 7
    Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 70
    British Columbia Certificate of Graduation (Canada) 4.8
    Alberta High School Diploma (Canada) 80
    ISC & CBSE [India] 70%
    ISBE [India] 80%
    SAT [US] 1200
    Abitur 3.4
    Thailand Certificate of Secondary Education 2.5
    Bang Tot Nghiep Trung Hoc Pho Thong 7.5
    STPM or Matrikulasi 2.78
    Kuwait General School Secondary Certificate 74
    The University of Adelaide College Foundation Program 74
    Eynesbury Foundation Program 360
    ANU Foundation Studies 66
    Monash Foundation Year 70
    Trinity College Foundation Studies Program 72
    UNSW Foundation Year 7.0
    University of Sydney Foundation Studies Program 6.7
    Western Australia University Foundation Studies Program 59
    University of Queensland Foundation Studies Program 4.2
    Non-Go8 Foundation Score 74
    Other Qualifications Students who don't meet the academic requirements or who have other qualifications from the South Pacific Islands, Japan, Korea, Philippines or Taiwan may be eligible to apply for a Pre-University Pathway to prepare for or gain entry into the University's undergraduate academic programs. For additional information see Pathway Programs
    How to Apply

  • Fees and Scholarships

    Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
    I am a:

    Domestic applicants

    Not a domestic applicant?

    Annual tuition fees
    Commonwealth-supported place

    More information on Student Contribution Amounts.

    International applicants

    Not an international applicant?

    Annual tuition fees International student place: $41,000

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

    Find a Scholarship.

  • Careers

    Career Readiness

    The Bachelor of Commerce prepares students for careers in all areas of commerce, as well as the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Career opportunities can include business consultant, international trade analyst, manager, administrator and marketing professional.

    The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

    Graduate Attributes

    The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
    1. Deep discipline knowledge
    2. Critical thinking and problem solving
    3. Teamwork and communication skills
    4. Career and leadership readiness
    5. Intercultural and ethical competency
    6. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Industry Placement

    Work placement can include:

    Potential careers

    Financial Services Officer, Fund and Portfolio Manager, Financial Analyst, Manager / Business Management, Market Researcher, Marketer / Marketing Manager, Ministerial Adviser, Business Analyst, Business Consultant, Commodities or Futures Trader, Public Servant, Finance Manager, Financial Adviser, Foreign Affairs, Government or Corporate Policy Adviser, Taxation Officer, International Trade or Business Analyst, Stockbroker

  • Study Overseas

    A Study Overseas Experience is an integral component to your academic journey at The University of Adelaide. The university is committed to offering its students the opportunity to study overseas through a range of degrees offered via Study Overseas, including student exchange, study tours, short study degrees, internships and placements. There are many exciting opportunities in Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania ranging from a few weeks to a full academic year.

    To find Study Overseas opportunities available in your study area click Global Experiences.

    Study Overseas Experience

    Your program has been designed to provide you with the opportunity to add a global experience to your studies. You can do this by incorporating a study tour or semester exchange into your study plan.

    Study Tours

    Study tours are usually around two or three weeks in duration. They can be credited towards electives or core courses. Study tours are usually held during the summer or winter break. The Faculty of the Professions runs different and repeated study tours every year. Some examples are below and current study tours being offered can be found here: Go Global.

    Example: Study Tour Study Plan
    Course Year/Level Units Core/Elective
    International Internship – PROF 3501 2nd Year 3 Elective
    International Study Tour; Accounting and Finance – ACCTFIN 3501 2nd Year 3 Elective

    Student Exchange
    The best time to go on an exchange is in Semester 1 - Year 2, Semester 2 - Year 2, or Semester 1 - Year 3. If you want to go on exchange, the easiest way is to structure your degree plan that you can take all electives during your exchange semester. However, there are some courses you can take at partner institutions that will count as core course credit.

    The Faculty of the Professions preferred exchange partners for the Business School are:

    Europe
    KU Leuven (Belgium)
    Aarhus University (Denmark)
    Copenhagen Business School (Denmark)
    University of Exeter - Business school (England)
    Aalto University (Finland)
    Audencia Business School (France)
    University of Strasbourg - EM Strasbourg Business School (France)
    University of Strasbourg - Institute of Political Studies (France)
    ESCP Europe (France)
    HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management (Germany)
    EBS University of Business and Law (Germany)
    University of Mannheim (Germany)
    University of Tubingen - School of Economics (Germany)
    University of Gottingen (Germany)
    Bocconi University (Italy) 
    Ca' Foscari University of Venice (Italy)
    Maastricht University (Netherlands)
    Utrecht University (Netherlands)

    South America
    University of Chile (Chile)

    Asia
    Xiamen University (China)
    University of International Business and Economics UIBE (China)

    North America
    HEC Montreal (Canada)

    Please see the examples below and contact the Global Study Coordinator for more information. Also make sure to check out the Global Learning website for a full list of the University of Adelaide exchange partners, application dates, and other key information.

    Examples of Student Exchange Study Plans by Major

    Accounting

    Partner & Country Course University of Adelaide Credit Units Year/ Level Core/ Elective
    University of Mannheim-Germany International Taxation  Accounting Elective III 3 3rd Year Elective
    Taxation of Businesses and Individuals Accounting Elective III 3 3rd
    Year    		 Elective
    International Financial Accounting and Business Taxation Financial Accounting II 3 2nd Year Core
    The European Union and the Euro Crisis
    The German Financial Market    		 Elective II 3 2nd
    Year    		 Elective


    Accounting and Corporate Finance
    Please note there is only one elective for this Double Major, so a semester exchange will take considered planning to ensure core courses can be taken abroad.

    Partner & Country Course University of Adelaide Credit Units Year/ Level Core/ Elective
    Bocconi University (Italy) Auditing Auditing III 3 3rd Year Core
    Managerial Accounting Cost and Management Accounting II 3 2nd Year Core
    Equity Portfolio Management Portfolio Theory and Management III 3 3rd Year Core
    Financial Contracting Corporate Finance Theory III 3 3rd Year Core


    Corporate Finance

    Partner & Country Course University of Adelaide Credit Units Year/ Level Core/ Elective
    University of Glasgow - Scotland Advanced Financial Accounting Financial Accounting II 3 2nd Year Elective
    Derivative Securities Options, Futures and Risk Management III 3 3rd
    Year    		 Elective
    Corporate Insolvency Corporate Finance Elective Level III 3 3rd Year Elective
    International Financial Management Corporate Finance Theory III 3 3rd Year Core


    International Business

    Partner & Country Course University of Adelaide Credit Units Year/ Level Core/ Elective
    HEC Montreal - Canada Information Technologies in Organisations Elective Level II 3 2nd Year Elective
    Ethics and Management Elective Level II 3 2nd Year Elective
    International Marketing International Marketing III 3 3rd Year Core
    Small Business Management Elective Level II 3 2nd Year Elective


    Management

    Partner & Country Course University of Adelaide Credit Units Year/ Level Core/ Elective
    University of Exeter
    Business School - England    		 International Management and Globalisation Managing Across Cultures III 3 3rd
    Year    		 Core
    Creative Industries Management Elective Level I 3 1st, 2nd or 3rd Year Elective
    Eat: The Social Self as Consumer Elective Level III 3 3rd Year Elective
    European Union Law Elective Level II 3 2nd Year Elective


    Marketing

    Partner & Country Course University of Adelaide Credit Units Year/ Level Core/ Elective
    Aarhus University- Denmark International Marketing International Marketing III 3 3rd Year Core
    Cross-Cultural Marketing Marketing Elective Level III 3 3rd Year Elective
    Public Relations Marketing Elective Level II 3 2nd Year Elective
    Sustainable Production and Consumption Elective Level II/III 3 2nd or 3rd
    Year    		 Elective

  • Degree Structure

    All students commence in the Bachelor of Commerce and complete a common first year of the program before continuing in their chosen major. The first year provides students with the foundations necessary for a commerce graduate and includes core courses in accounting, economics, marketing, management and law. In the second and third years, students will study courses from their chosen major. Students may also choose a minor in entrepreneurship.

    Accounting: This major is designed for students who wish to gain professional accounting qualifications. There are sixteen courses within the academic plan that are compulsory for an accounting qualification plus an additional six broadening electives and a compulsory capstone in Accounting Theory and Financial Statement Analysis. 

    Accounting and Corporate Finance: This double major allows students the opportunity to gain finance and business skills and knowledge as well as their professional accounting qualification. 

    Corporate Finance: Students in this major gain finance and business skills and knowledge. Corporate finance focuses on the way financial managers make investment and financing decisions and use financial instruments and capital markets to enhance returns and manage risk.

    International Business: This major is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in international business management. Students develop a broad foundation of business knowledge and undertake specialised studies in international management and international marketing. In addition, students complete either one semester of study abroad, study a foreign language or undertake international cultural studies.

    Management: This major introduces students to organisations as systems. The program will help students develop the necessary skills and knowledge to administer and coordinate an organisation's resources in ways that enable it to achieve its strategic goals within a systems framework. In the first year of the degree, students gain the background necessary for a career in business. Core courses include accounting, economics and business statistics; and an introduction to organisations and management. In subsequent years, the focus is on developing the technical, human and social skills required for business management. 

    Marketing: This major is designed to provide students with a sound background in business, together with an understanding of marketing's role within and between organisations. The degree integrates the development of practical skills and acquisition of knowledge, with a strong emphasis on understanding current marketing theories and the latest marketing research practises. In addition to developing an understanding of marketing theory, students will prepare marketing reports, marketing plans and diagnostic case studies and analyse advertising across a range of media.

    Academic Program Rules

    The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

    You can find the academic program rules for this degree under the Faculty of the Professions rules.

    Areas of Specialisation

    Bachelor of Commerce students may choose to graduate with one of six majors:

    • Accounting
    • Accounting and Corporate Finance (double major)
    • Corporate Finance
    • International Business
    • Management
    • Marketing.

    Students also have the option of pursuing a minor in Entrepreneurship.

    Example Study Plan

    Please refer to relevant major for indicative study plan
    Level 1 (Common Core)

    Assessment

    Assessment may include, but is not limited to: examinations, group assignments, individual assignments, consulting projects, presentations, quizzes, tests, tutorial work as prescribed within each course.

  • Related Degrees

    Confused about our different business degrees? Compare them all here right now!

  • Further Information

    Further enquiries
    Phone: +61 8 8313 7335 (toll free 1800 061 459)

    The annual Open Day provides an excellent opportunity to see our campus, meet with academics, and discuss your study options.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Wednesday, 10 Jul 2019