Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Commerce

Course information for - 2024 entry

Offered at 3 locations

Duration
4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
QTAC code
112611
ATAR
58.50 for Brisbane
Fees (first year)*

$13554 CSP

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Not available
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2024
Applications open April 2024

Overview

Launch a bright future with a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Commerce that blends professional business skills with studies in the humanities.

As you follow your passions, you will receive a world-class education and develop highly valued skills that are at the heart of the new economy: creative thinking, problem-solving, communication, and critical analysis. And upon graduating you'll be ready to launch straight into your career thanks to our Future Ready employability program, designed to systematically build each of the elements of your personal brand: your professional identity; experience; job-ready skills; and networks.

Learn to think outside the box and thrive in the modern workplace, and benefit from a huge array of specialisations across both arts and business – so you can truly tailor a degree that matches your interests.

To begin your degree, you’ll benefit from our unique Business Foundation Program, co-created with industry and integrated across all our business courses, which assists you as you transition to university study and provides a solid foundation of business skills. All our business units are embedded with the United Nations sustainable goals. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, data analytics, cloud skills and cloud data services are also wired into your studies so you can tick Microsoft certification off your to-do list and get an edge in the job market.

In today’s world, you need professional, technical and cross-cultural skills. Our intercultural communication module is designed to build cultural awareness and communication skills which are vital in the global workplace. You can further extend your intercultural experience by taking part in a Global Virtual Classroom, studying at our Rome Campus or participating in an international study tour.

  • Top 2% universities worldwide

  • Top 10 Catholic universities globally

  • Top 40 young universities worldwide

Professional experience

During the degree you’ll gain up to 175 hours of workplace and community experience before you even graduate.

Work placement

As part of our Work Integrated Learning program you’ll gain 105 hours of industry placement in your area of specialisation. We have embedded employability into your degree with our Future Ready program where we build on your professional skills each year, supporting you every step of the way. These placements will give you the confidence, knowledge and skills to prepare for your future profession. You’ll learn to apply what you learn in the classroom to real life scenarios.

Community engagement

As part of your degree you’ll have the opportunity to work with not-for-profit organisations with 35 to 70 hours of community engagement experience. You’ll foster knowledge and understanding and its application within communities experiencing marginalisation and disadvantage while applying ethical personal and professional skills developed during your studies at ACU.

Accreditation

Our commerce specialisations come with a range of relevant credentials, such as the prestigious EFMD international accreditation from the European Foundation for Management Development. If you graduate with a major or a minor in accounting you may be eligible for membership with CPA AustraliaChartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and the Institute of Public Accountants. Choose human resource management and you can become a member of the Australian Human Resources Institute. Marketing graduates, meanwhile, can become graduate members with the Australian Marketing Institute and this accreditation is also recognised by the UK's Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).

Read more about these professional organisations

Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • accounting firms
  • advertising
  • digital marketing
  • employment relations
  • brand management
  • human resource management
  • international trade and investment
  • marketing research
  • personal investment
  • policy administration
  • retailing and wholesaling

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Accounting Major (Non Accredited) - Commencing Semester 1

  • Major - Bachelor of Arts Arts Major Unit 1 (100-level unit)10 cp
  • Bachelor of Commerce Specified Business UnitsBUSN104Money Matters

    (Inc: ACCT100, BUSD104)

    10 cp
  • Bachelor of Commerce Specified Business UnitsITEC100Information Technology in Action

    (Inc: BUSN111, ITED100)

    10 cp
  • Bachelor of Commerce Specified Business UnitsBUSN113Managing People and Organisations

    (Inc: MGMT100, BUSD113)

    10 cp
  • Major - Bachelor of Arts Arts Major Unit 2 (100/200-level unit)10 cp
  • Minor - Bachelor of Arts Arts Minor Unit 1 (100-level unit)ORElectives from the Schedule of Unit Offerings for the Bachelor of ArtsArts Elective10 cp
  • Bachelor of Commerce Major - ACCT - Accounting - Major Units: AccountingLEGL101Introduction to Business Law: Legal Frameworks for Businesses10 cp
  • Core Curriculum UnitsCore Curriculum Unit 1See the ACU Core Curriculum page for details10 cp

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Human Resource Management Major - Commencing Semester 1

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Marketing Major - Commencing Semester 1

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in the unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Double Bachelor - Bachelor/Bachelor - AQF Level 7

Additional course information

In keeping with the Mission of the University, several units within the Bachelor of Commerce degree focus on business ethics and personal values. One compulsory unit of Community Engagement is also incorporated in the degree and is designed to assist with personal development. Students will have the opportunity to engage with the community in a tangible way through voluntary work in a not-for-profit organisation.

An additional elective Professional Experience unit involves placement in a related business organisation and is designed to assist students to apply their studies to the real working environment, and to gain employment in their chosen career after graduating.

Entry requirements

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12, or equivalent:

StatePrerequisites

New South Wales

Prerequisites: English (Standard) (Band 2), EAL (Band 3)

Assumed knowledge: For Mathematics major or minor: Mathematics (not Mathematics General 2).

Recommended studies: For Visual Arts minor: Visual Arts.

Queensland

Prerequisites: English (Units 3 & 4, C)

Victoria

Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 - a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English.

Assumed knowledge: For Mathematics major or minor: Satisfactory completion of Math Methods Unit 3 & 4.

International applicants need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy .

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2024 Admission.

View transparency admission information

Applicants with recent secondary education

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.  

If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process.  

Learn more about access schemes 

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

For current year 12 students 

If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above. 

For non-school leavers 

If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements. 

ACU has partnerships with TAFE and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners or with ACU College, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.

Applicants with higher education study

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, you’ll be assigned a selection rank based on your study level, duration and grade point average that will be applied during the admission process. 

If your previous study has equipped you with knowledge, skills or experiences that align with the learning outcomes of units in your new course you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning and you may be able to complete your course sooner. 

Learn more about recognition of prior learning 

Applicants with work and life experience

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.

If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.

  • If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
  • If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
  • You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
  • If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.

Find your path into study

Adjustment factors

If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.

Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.

Learn more about adjustment factors

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Pathways

Pathways into course for current or recent Year 12 students

If you can’t meet the ATAR requirement for your choice of course and you’re currently completing Year 12 or finished Year 12 in the two years previously, we have entry programs to get you where you want to be. 

Alternatively, you may be able to complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.

Understand your pathway options 

Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience

Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver?  

By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals. 

If you’re over 21, you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.  

  • Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
  • Work experience - A Selection Rank can be calculated based on your work experience - you need to document all of your experience and provide supporting documentation

Explore the pathways to your future 

Further study

An honours degree in arts is available for high-achieving students.

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$13554 CSP

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • the number of units studied per semester;
  • the choice of major or specialisation; and
  • elective units.

The University reviews fees annually.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support. 

Explore your options

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.  

Search our scholarships

How to apply

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.

Staff Profile

Dr Sugumar Mariappanadar

Senior Lecturer, Peter Faber Business School

Dr Sugumar Mariappanadar is a senior lecturer in management and human resource management at the Peter Faber School of Business in Melbourne. His teaching and publications cover sustainable human resource management, human resource measurement, organisational behaviour, and culturally indigenous management practices.

Dr Marzena Baker

Lecturer, Peter Faber Business School

Dr. Marzena Baker is an accomplished Senior Lecturer at the Peter Faber Business School. With a keen interest in promoting workplace equity, diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing she focuses her research and publications on effective workplace diversity policies, and practices. Her expertise lies in supporting women to occupy leadership roles in project-based organisations.

Dr. Baker is an alumna of Queensland University of Technology, where she obtained a PhD and Master of Business degrees. She also holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Auckland University. Before joining ACU, she was a Lecturer in Project Management at the University of Sydney. Dr. Baker's professional experience spans over 25 years in senior corporate positions, where she has managed consumer research, marketing, and communication projects in fast-moving consumer goods, construction, and property development industry sectors. Her research has resulted in multiple conference papers and industry presentations, further demonstrating her expertise and dedication to the field.

 

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