Course Planning Guide 2012 - Faculty of Business and Economics

Course Planning Guide 2012 

Bachelor of Commerce

Message from the Dean 

Table of contents 

Welcome to the Bachelor of Commerce! This Guide outlines the various ways you 

can customise and plan your course, provides information on our unique range 

of student experiences, and helps you map the graduate pathways open to you 

on completion of your degree. You can use this Guide in conjunction with the 

university’s Handbook, www.unimelb.edu.au/handbook to construct your BCom 

study plan. 

The Faculty of Business and Economics has an international reputation for 

excellence in teaching and research, as evidenced by the University’s strong 

performance in prominent international business and economics rankings. 

The University of Melbourne is currently ranked first in Australia for business 

and economics (Academic Ranking of World Universities, Shanghai Jiao Tong 

University 2011), first in the Asia-Pacific for Accounting and Finance, and equal 

first in the Asia-Pacific for Economics and Econometrics (QS World University 

Rankings by Subject 2011). The Faculty’s connections with prestigious local and 

international universities and businesses deliver a range of very tangible student 

benefits. Our graduates, over 35,000 worldwide, have excellent career outcomes. 

So good in fact that the University of Melbourne recently ranked in the world’s 

top 10 universities for the employability of its graduates. The Faculty’s Graduate 

School of Business and Economics (GSBE) offers you the choice of undertaking a 

range of graduate study programs to further advance your career opportunities. 

To deliver the best student learning experience, the Faculty offers a wide range of 

facilities and support services to help you transition seamlessly into the University 

community. These include the Commerce Student Centre, the Teaching and 

Learning Unit (TLU) dedicated to the Faculty, the Business and Economics Careers 

Centre and the Giblin Eunson Library. 

The Commerce Student Centre offers a range of services to help students settle 

into university life and provides extra opportunities and student experiences 

designed to complement your studies and further develop the skills gained in your 

degree. I encourage you to explore the Faculty’s website, www.fbe.unimelb.edu.au 

to find out more about our Faculty and the extensive range of services we provide. 

The Faculty of Business and Economics is dedicated to building a dynamic and 

diverse community of scholars. I welcome you as part of this community and wish 

you the best of luck for your studies in 2012. 

Yours sincerely, 

Professor Margaret A. Abernethy 

Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics 

Photo by Chris Budgeon 

Top tips for BCom students ...................................................................................................................................3 

Enrolment and Orientation......................................................................................................................................4 

Course structure and requirements........................................................................................................................5 

Course structure and requirements for students who commenced before 2008.....................................................9 

Majors..................................................................................................................................................................10 

Study areas.....................................................................................................................................................11-16 

Accounting.............................................................................................................................................11 

Actuarial studies.....................................................................................................................................12 

Economics.............................................................................................................................................13 

Finance..................................................................................................................................................14 

Management..........................................................................................................................................15 

Marketing...............................................................................................................................................16 

Course plan examples.........................................................................................................................................17 

First year subject selection...................................................................................................................................25 

Teaching and Learning Unit..................................................................................................................................26 

Student Experience in the Bachelor of Commerce...............................................................................................27 

Library and IT services.........................................................................................................................................29 

University support services..................................................................................................................................30 

Honours..............................................................................................................................................................31 

Graduate study....................................................................................................................................................33 

Faculty mission....................................................................................................................................................34 

1 2

Top tips for BCom students 

Enrolment and Orientation 

How do I enrol in the Bachelor of Commerce? 

Independence is a key component of university study, and organisation is as much of an important 

trait to have as intelligence or knowledge is. 

Joshuah Wren, BCom student 

Continue to apply yourself to your work while also making the most of every opportunity that comes 

your way. Learning at university is not just something that happens in lecture theatres or tutorial 

rooms. 

Kathryn St. John, BCom student 

ÆÆ 

Accept your offer 

ÆÆ 

Complete your administrative enrolment online 

ÆÆ 

Attend Academic Advice Day (AAD) to obtain information about your 

new course and to help you choose your subjects for 2012 

What subjects should I choose? 

ÆÆ 

Refer to the Handbook (www.unimelb.edu.au/handbook) to research 

your course and subject requirements. You can search for all subjects 

here, including breadth. 

ÆÆ 

On AAD attend: 

ÆÆ 

Commerce Course Information Session 

ÆÆ 

Subject and Discipline Information Sessions 

ÆÆ 

Information about the structure of the BCom is on pages 5 - 8, and page 

25 of this Guide will help you choose your subjects. 

ÆÆ 

If you require further assistance or advice in choosing your subjects, you 

can make a course advice appointment at www.csc.unimelb.edu.au. 

How do I enrol in my subjects? 

ÆÆ 

Complete your academic enrolment by enrolling in your subjects online 

What’s next? 

The academic demands you’ll face at uni can be very different to those you’ve experienced at 

school. These include managing the intense pace of the academic year, developing study strategies 

to help you become a more independent learner, referencing your work correctly, and getting 

the most out of your preparation for mid and end of semester exams. Find out more about what 

study skills are important to succeed in the Bachelor of Commerce by attending the Transition to 

Commerce (T2C) Program, run by staff of the Faculty’s Teaching and Learning Unit and the Giblin 

Eunson (Business and Economics) Library. You can get more information about T2C on Academic 

Advice Day, or by visiting www.tlu.fbe.unimelb.edu.au/students/undergraduate/T2C 

Tim Beaumont, Teaching and Learning Unit 

ÆÆ 

Attend Orientation for an introduction to campus life 

ÆÆ 

Semester begins! 

More information for enrolling students is at 

http://www.csc.unimelb.edu.au/planning/new_students.html 

3 

4

Course structure and requirements 

The information in this section is for students who commenced their Bachelor of Commerce in 2008 or later. The Bachelor 

of Commerce is a flexible degree and will expose you to a variety of business disciplines before you choose a major. 

Students usually choose their major at the beginning of the second year. 

If you are pursuing actuarial studies, accounting or an approved engineering or psychology breadth studies sequence, you need to 

choose specific subjects from first year (refer to pages 17 - 24). 

Points need to be completed from two groups of subjects – the commerce component and the breadth (non-commerce) 

component. 

Commerce component 

Breadth component 

What you need to do to complete your BCom 

To satisfy the requirements of the Bachelor of Commerce degree you need to: 

ÆÆSatisfy points requirements (see table below) 

ÆÆComplete the compulsory subjects 

ÆÆSatisfy the quantitative requirement 

ÆÆComplete at least one major from the commerce discipline areas 

ÆÆMeet prerequisite/corequisite(s) required for subjects 

If you commenced your BCom in 2008, 2009 or 2010, also see “Special breadth rules” on page 8. 

These are subjects across the business discipline areas: 

accounting, actuarial studies, economics, finance, management 

and marketing. 

The degree’s five compulsory subjects are: 

ÆÆ 

ECON10004 Introductory Microeconomics 

ÆÆ 

ECON10003 Introductory Macroeconomics 

ÆÆ 

MGMT20001 Organisational Behaviour 

ÆÆ 

ECON10005 Quantitative Methods 1* 

ÆÆ 

One of these level-2 quantitative subjects*: 

ÆÆ 

ECON20003 Quantitative Methods 2 

ÆÆ 

ECOM20001 Introductory Econometrics 

ÆÆ 

MGMT20005 Business Decision Analysis 

ÆÆ 

MKTG20004 Market and Business Research 

Majors and Accreditation 

Advice on which subjects to take to obtain a major 

(compulsory) and accreditation in a particular area of study is 

available on pages 11 - 16 of this Guide. 

ÆÆ 

Breadth studies are those subjects chosen from outside 

the Faculty of Business and Economics. Breadth helps you 

develop expertise outside the core program and allows you 

to explore other areas of interest. You can select subjects 

of your choice, or follow a breadth track: a set of subjects 

that develops knowledge and skills relevant to some theme, 

topic or issue. For further information, and a full list of 

breadth studies subjects and breadth tracks available, 

please go to http://breadth.unimelb.edu.au/breadth/info/ 

Commerce.html 

ÆÆ 

Certain breadth studies subjects in law or mathematics 

must be taken to gain accounting accreditation (see pages 

11 and 17) or actuarial accreditation (see pages 12 and 18). 

ÆÆ 

Approved sequences of breadth studies can lead to 

graduate courses in areas including engineering 

(see “Special breadth rules” on page 8) or psychology (see 

page 22). 

ÆÆ 

Certain breadth studies subjects may be cross-credited 

toward a concurrent diploma (see page 7 for diplomas 

offered). 

Points requirements 

LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3 TOTAL 

COMMERCE minimum 50 minimum 62.5* minimum 50 at the 

University of 

Melbourne 

BREADTH maximum 37.5 no special 

requirements 

TOTAL 

no special 

requirements 

minimum 200; 

maximum 250 

minimum 50; 

maximum 100 

minimum 87.5 

maximum 125 minimum 62.5* minimum 75 300 

*These quantitative subjects are compulsory unless you take the “mathematics path” to meet the quantitative requirement of the course – see “Passionate about maths?” 

on page 7 for more information. 

*This requirement applies only to students who commenced the BCom from 2011 onward 

5 

6

Which quantitative subjects? 

ÆÆ 

The choice of quantitative subjects will depend on your 

chosen field/s of study, your level of ability and interest in 

mathematics and the subjects in which you wish to enrol 

later in your degree. 

ÆÆ 

When choosing your quantitative subjects, check the 

prerequisites of the level-2 and level-3 subjects you wish to 

take to ensure you make the most appropriate choice. 

ÆÆ 

It is possible to satisfy the quantitative requirement of the 

course by taking mathematics subjects as breadth. This 

option is suitable for students who enjoy mathematics 

and have strong mathematical skills. See “Passionate about 

maths?” 

Passionate about maths? 

There are two ways to satisfy the quantitative requirement of 

the course: 

Option 1 - The standard path 

ÆÆ 

ECON10005 Quantitative Methods 1; and 

ÆÆ 

One of ECON20003 Quantitative Methods 2, 

ECOM20001 Introductory Econometrics, MGMT20005 

Business Decision Analysis or MKTG20004 Market and 

Business Research 

Option 2 – The mathematics path 

If you enjoy maths, and you’re good at it, you can consider this 

option instead of the standard path: 

Two level-2 subjects are taken in second year: 

ÆÆ 

EITHER MAST20006 Probability for Statistics (for 

students not pursuing actuarial studies) OR MAST20004 

Probability (for students pursuing actuarial studies); and 

ÆÆ 

MAST20005 Statistics 

The level-1 prerequisites for the mathematics path subjects are: 

Prerequisites for students with a study score of 25 or 

above in units 3 and 4 VCE Mathematical Methods (or 

equivalent): 

ÆÆ 

MAST10005 Calculus 1 

ÆÆ 


ÆÆ 

MAST10007 Linear Algebra 

Prerequisites for students with a study score of 27* or 

above in units 3 and 4 VCE Specialist Mathematics (or 

equivalent): 

ÆÆ 


ÆÆ 


Prerequisites for students with a study score of 38 or 

above in units 3 and 4 VCE Specialist Mathematics (or 

equivalent): 

ÆÆ 

MAST10008 Accelerated Mathematics 1 

ÆÆ 

MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2 

*Students with a study score of less than 30 are, however, 

strongly encouraged to take MAST10005 Calculus 1 before 

proceeding to MAST10006 Calculus 2. 

It is recommended that students not pursuing actuarial studies 

meet the prerequisites for MAST20006 Probability for Statistics 

and MAST20005 Statistics by enrolling in MAST10006 

Calculus 2 and MAST10007 Linear Algebra, even if they meet 

prerequisites for MAST10008 Accelerated Mathematics 1 and 

MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2. Students intending to 

pursue actuarial studies must take the mathematics path and 

enrol in MAST20004 Probability. Note that all of the subjects in 

option 2 are breadth subjects. 

Concurrent diplomas 

You can enrich your degree by completing one of the following 

concurrent diplomas alongside your bachelors degree: 

ÆÆ 

Diploma in Informatics 

ÆÆ 

Diploma in Languages 

ÆÆ 

Diploma in Mathematical Sciences 

ÆÆ 

Diploma in Music (Practical) 

For further information, see 

www.bcom.unimelb.edu.au/bachelor/enrich/concurrent.html 

Special breadth rules 

For students who started their BCom in 2008, 2009 or 2010 

ÆÆ 

Prior to 2011 the breadth rules for the BCom were the completion of: 75-100 breadth points, of which 12.5 must be at 

level-3. 

ÆÆ 

From 2011 onward the breadth rules for the BCom are the completion of: 50-100 breadth points, with no more than 37.5 

breadth points at level-1. 

ÆÆ 

If you started your BCom before 2011, you can choose to follow the new rules but only if you haven’t completed more than 

37.5 level-1 breadth points. 

For students majoring in actuarial studies 

ÆÆ 

Students pursuing accreditation in actuarial studies (defined as those students who successfully complete ACTL30001 

Actuarial Modelling I) must take between 75 and 87.5 breadth points, including two breadth subjects that are not 

mathematics or statistics. 

For students taking engineering as breadth 

ÆÆ 

Students commencing in 2010, 2011 or 2012 pursuing an approved engineering breadth sequence in the civil, electrical, 

mechanical or software streams will undertake 112.5 points of breadth and 187.5 commerce points. Students who have 

not completed VCE Specialist Mathematics should seek advice from the Commerce Student Centre as to which 

mathematics to undertake. Students who wish to complete an engineering breadth sequence will not also be able to 

complete accreditation requirements for accounting or actuarial studies within the Bachelor of Commerce. 

Students who commenced in 2008 or 2009 and are taking an approved engineering breadth sequence must complete 200 

commerce points. 

For further information on studying engineering sequences within the Bachelor of Commerce please go to 

www.eng.unimelb.edu.au/Undergrad/commerce.html or contact the Commerce Student Centre. 

Useful information for course planning 

ÆÆ 

Most subjects are worth 12.5 points. 

ÆÆ 

Students normally take four subjects per semester – this is required to finish the course within three years. 

ÆÆ 

Students must normally complete 50 points of study at one year level (e.g. level-1) before proceeding to subjects at the next 

year level (e.g. level-2). 

ÆÆ 

You should enrol in subjects for both semesters in each year. 

Check www.csc.unimelb.edu.au/planning for the final dates to change subjects for each semester. 

ÆÆ 

If you believe your subject selection complies with course requirements, but there is no space for your subjects on your 

online Study Plan, contact the Commerce Student Centre for assistance. 

ÆÆ 

Subjects offered during the Summer Semester are taught in intensive mode. Students should be aware of the demanding 

workload involved, particularly those considering taking two subjects. 

7 

8

Course structure and requirements for students who 

commenced before 2008 

COURSE 

Bachelor of 

Commerce 

POINTS FOR 

OTHER DEGREE 

FREE POINTS 

Bachelor of Commerce with… (No new enrolments) 

COMMERCE 

POINTS 

MINIMUM 

LEVEL-1 POINTS 

– 100 200 50 commerce, 

87.5 overall 

MINIMUM 

LEVEL-3 POINTS 

50 commerce, 

75 overall 

Bachelor of Arts 225 75 200 50 commerce 50 commerce 

Bachelor of Arts 

225 75 200 50 commerce 50 commerce 

(Media and 

Communications) 


300 - 200 50 commerce 50 commerce 

Engineering 

Bachelor of Laws 300 - 200 50 commerce 50 commerce 


Science 

237.5 62.5 200 50 commerce 50 commerce 

Course requirements* 

ÆÆ 

Complete the compulsory subjects: 

ÆÆ 

ECON10004 Introductory Microeconomics 

ÆÆ 

ECON10003 Introductory Macroeconomics 

ÆÆ 


ÆÆ 

MGMT20001 Organisational Behaviour** 

ÆÆ 

one level-2 quantitative subject from the list below: 

ÆÆ 

ECON20003 Quantitative Methods 2 or 

ÆÆ 

ECOM20001 Introductory Econometrics or 

ÆÆ 

MGMT20005 Business Decision Analysis or 

ÆÆ 

MKTG20004 Market and Business Research 

ÆÆ 

Complete 50 level-3 commerce points at the University of Melbourne; 

ÆÆ 

Meet prerequisite/corequisite(s) required for subjects. 

Majors 

A major is a sequence of subjects in a particular discipline from an introductory level through to an advanced level. 

Students must complete three specified level-3 subjects (these are usually subjects that students would study in the third and final 

year of their degree) to complete a major in a commerce discipline area. Level-3 subjects require students to have completed the 

relevant level-1 and level-2 (i.e. first and second year) prerequisite subjects. 

Majors are available across the six discipline areas: 

ÆÆ 

accounting 

ÆÆ 

actuarial studies 

ÆÆ 

economics 

ÆÆ 

finance 

ÆÆ 

management 

ÆÆ 

marketing 

Major in Business 

A business major consists of six level-3 subjects from three or more fields of study within the commerce program. Students should 

note that subjects included for a major in business cannot be included in any other major. A student would need to complete six 

level-3 subjects in addition to the three required for a specified major if they wish to combine business with another major. 

Double majors 

Students are able to combine: 

FIRST MAJOR 

SECOND MAJOR (OPTIONAL) 

Accounting 

Economics Finance Management Marketing 

(including accreditation) 

Economics Accounting Finance Management Marketing 

Finance Accounting Economics Management Marketing 

Management Accounting Economics Finance Marketing 

Marketing Accounting Economics Finance Management 

*Check the 2012 Handbook for specific course requirements and remember to check the course requirements of the non-commerce degree with your other faculty. 

**Students who commenced the Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Commerce double degrees prior to 2005 are not required to complete this subject. 

Actuarial studies with accreditation cannot be combined with any other major. 

Subjects required for each major are listed on pages 11 - 16 of this Guide. 

9 

10

Study areas 

Accounting 

Accounting in today’s business world is extremely sophisticated. An accountant is a strategic adviser and business partner 

who must have a good understanding of business issues and processes, as well as the skills necessary for sound decision 

making. 

Accounting studies will equip you to understand the financial structure of an organisation and produce and analyse financial 

information. Accounting graduates usually focus on one or more of the following areas: 

ÆÆ 

Financial Accounting is about the external reporting of a company’s financial position and performance. Financial accounting 

information is used in making investment decisions and is widely used to value businesses and predict corporate success 

and failure. 

ÆÆ 

Management Accounting provides information to managers to help them measure and control processes within their 

business in a successful and profitable manner. It aids managers in strategy implementation, costing of new products and 

services, evaluation of the value added by different areas within a business and managing their performance. 

ÆÆ 

Auditing and Assurance Services is about monitoring and adding credibility to the external reporting disclosures made by 

companies. In addition, assurance services add credibility to non-financial information e.g. environmental reporting, 

customer-satisfaction surveys, internet reporting and even the Oscar count. 

Accreditation 

To practise as a professional accountant in Australia, graduates are required to become a member of one of the three professional 

accounting bodies: Certified Practising Accountants Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia or the Institute 

of Public Accountants (IPA). Holders of the Bachelor of Commerce degree may apply for membership to professional accounting 

bodies. Accreditation requirements can vary from year to year and you are strongly advised to check the websites of the respective 

professional accounting body for information on the requirements for the year in which you commenced your BCom. Further 

information about accounting accreditation is available at www.accounting.unimelb.edu.au/teach/proff.html 

Major in Accounting 

To obtain a major in accounting you will need to complete the following level-3 accounting subjects: 

Actuarial studies 

Actuaries work in the assessment, evaluation and management of the financial risks faced by insurance companies, 

superannuation funds and other entities. These risks include illness, disability or death of individuals, risks to property, 

and also major catastrophes or economic changes. The actuary’s work is based on a multi-disciplinary background in 

mathematics, statistics, demography, finance and economics. 

These subjects, plus actuarial modelling for life insurance, superannuation and general insurance, form the basis of the actuarial 

stream in the BCom degree. Students learn a variety of skills, foremost amongst which are mathematical modelling and computing, 

which enable them to move into a variety of industry positions in the insurance and finance sectors, and elsewhere. 

In Australia, there are currently 2700 actuaries (partly or fully qualified). About 21% of these actuaries work in life insurance, 9% 

work in superannuation, 19% work in general insurance, and the remainder are employed in finance and investment, management, 

government service and universities. Many Australian qualified actuaries work overseas. 

Accreditation 

The Centre for Actuarial Studies is accredited by the Institute of Actuaries of Australia, which is the professional actuarial body 

in Australia. This accreditation means that students who complete certain subjects at the University of Melbourne, and achieve 

a sufficiently high standard, will be recommended for exemption from the corresponding subjects of the Institute of Actuaries of 

Australia. Further details are available in the Students’ Guide 2012 on the Centre for Actuarial Studies website: 

www.economics.unimelb.edu.au/actwww/ugradCurrent.shtml 

Major in Actuarial Studies 

To obtain a major in actuarial studies you will need to complete 37.5 level-3 points chosen from the following subjects: 

ÆÆ 

ACTL30001 Actuarial Modelling I 

ÆÆ 

ACTL30002 Actuarial Modelling II 

ÆÆ 

ACTL30003 Contingencies 

ÆÆ 

ACTL30004 Actuarial Statistics 

ÆÆ 

ACTL30005 Models for Insurance and Finance 

ÆÆ 

ACTL30006 Financial Mathematics III 

Please check the prerequisites for these subjects at www.unimelb.edu.au/handbook 

ÆÆ 

ACCT30001 Financial Accounting 

ÆÆ 

ACCT30002 Enterprise Performance Management 

ÆÆ 

ACCT30004 Auditing and Assurance Services 


11 

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Economics 

Economics provides skills in problem solving and decision making for business and government. It teaches ways to 

understand what happens in markets and how to understand the performance of national economies, the global economy, 

approaches for analysing and interpreting data, and how to make decisions about key problems you will confront in a job 

in either the private, public or not for profit sectors. 

The skills that you learn in studying economics can lead to a career as a professional economist; for example, working as a business 

consultant or economic analyst, or part of a team of economists working at a financial institution or government department or 

agency such as Treasury, Foreign Affairs and Trade, or the ACCC. Economics skills are also a very important part of the knowledge 

you will need to be successful in other careers such as an accountant or manager. 

At each year level, you can study subjects in economics and econometrics. Core subjects in macroeconomics, microeconomics 

and econometrics develop knowledge of general skills and concepts, while elective subjects present applications to a variety of 

topics relevant to business and government. Teaching and development of knowledge in economics has a ‘building block’ format: 

to undertake level-2 subjects upwards in economics, you will need to have done one (or sometimes two) of the core subjects at the 

previous level. 

Major in Economics 

To obtain a major in economics you will need to complete the following level-3 economics subjects: 

ÆÆ 

ECON30009 Macroeconomics 

ÆÆ 

ECON30010 Microeconomics 

ÆÆ 

ECOM30001 Basic Econometrics or ECOM30002 Econometrics 


Finance 

Finance is the study of how individuals, businesses and institutions raise funds, and how they allocate these funds to 

projects of differing risk and payoff dates. 

The discipline of finance covers three key areas: 

ÆÆ 

Capital markets and financial institutions considers the operations and decisions of banks and other financial institutions, 

such as managed funds, and includes the optimal design of securities; 

ÆÆ 

Investments and financial planning investigates financial decision making by investors; i.e., the valuation and risk 

characteristics of securities; the optimal construction and management of investment portfolios; and the role of financial 

markets in trading these securities. This area also includes derivative securities. 

ÆÆ 

Corporate finance studies financial decision making by companies and investigates project evaluation, capital structure 

(the mix of debt and equity to fund investment projects), and dividend decisions (how much profit should be returned to 

shareholders). 

These core subject areas may be supplemented with more specialised subjects in financial planning (personal finance), real estate 

finance, banking, international finance, derivative securities, entrepreneurial finance, ethics in finance and Asian capital markets. 

Studying finance prepares students for a career in the finance sector and as finance specialists in industry and government. Possible 

careers include those of investment banker, securities broker, financial planner, financial analyst, commercial banker, finance 

manager, financial risk manager, financial regulator and financial marketer. Studies in finance complement the curriculum for students 

whose main study interests lie elsewhere, in areas such as accounting, econometrics, marketing and business law. 

Professional Recognition 

The Finance and Treasury Association (www.finance-treasury.com) gives recognition to finance subjects in the BCom as part of 

their membership and accreditation requirements. The Finance Department’s Introductory Personal Finance subject appears on 

the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) Training Register (www.asic.gov.au). The University of Melbourne is a 

CFA Program Partner of the CFA Institute, the global association for investment professionals that awards the prestigious CFA® 

designation (see www.cfainstitute.org). The partnership implies that the finance major in the BCom covers at least 70 percent of the 

Level I Candidate Body of Knowledge topics including the CFA Institute ethical and professional standards. 

Major in Finance 

To obtain a major in finance you will need to complete the following level-3 finance subjects: 

ÆÆ 

FNCE30001 Investments 

ÆÆ 

FNCE30002 Corporate Finance 

ÆÆ 

FNCE30007 Derivative Securities 


13 

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Management 

Effective management enables businesses and organisations to achieve their goals and also provides them with an 

important source of competitive advantage. As such, management is more than just the leadership and control exercised 

by senior executives; management skills are practised by people in all roles and are valuable at every stage of your career. 

Managers need to know what makes organisations successful and how to analyse, manage and improve performance in a range 

of organisational areas. Studying management equips you with the skills you need to be an effective manager and makes you very 

attractive to potential employers. 

Specialist management areas available for study are human resource management, international business, operations management 

and managing businesses and organisations. 

Career options are many and varied, including management consultant, strategy specialist, production manager, equity and diversity 

officer, international human resources manager, project manager, change analyst, recruitment consultant, manager of business 

process improvement, industrial relations specialist and many others. 

Information about our specialist areas can be found at www.managementmarketing.unimelb.edu.au/teach 

Major in Management 

To obtain a major in management you will need to complete 37.5 level-3 points. Level-3 management subjects available in 2012 are: 

ÆÆ 

MGMT30002 Managing in Contemporary Organisations 

ÆÆ 

MGMT30004 International Human Resource Management 

ÆÆ 

MGMT30005 Managing Strategic Change 

ÆÆ 

MGMT30006 Managing Entrepreneurship and Innovation 

ÆÆ 

MGMT30008 Organisations, Ethics and Society 

ÆÆ 

MGMT30011 Supply Chain Management 

ÆÆ 

MGMT30012 Business Consulting 

ÆÆ 

MGMT30013 Strategic Management 

ÆÆ 

MGMT30015 Career Management 

ÆÆ 

MGMT30017 Global Consulting Project 

ÆÆ 

IBUS30002 International Corporate Governance 

ÆÆ 

IBUS30003 Managing Conflict in Global Workplaces 

ÆÆ 

IBUS30004 Chinese Business and Economy 


Marketing 

Marketing is an activity in which every organisation engages, including corporate firms, not-for-profit and government 

organisations. 

Marketing enables organisations to respond to market needs and maximise profitability. Key marketing responsibilities include: 

ÆÆ 

Finding out what goods and services customers need and want 

ÆÆ 

Positioning the organisation strategically in the market to meet customer needs and wants 

ÆÆ 

Determining the best ways to advertise, price and distribute goods and services that customers desire. 

Our teaching spans the breadth of marketing education including advertising, product and brand management, strategic marketing, 

market research, relationship marketing, global marketing, electronic marketing and buyer behaviour. Specialist marketing areas 

available for study are communications and customer strategy and marketing management. 

Career options include marketing consultant, marketing manager, market researcher, advertising manager, communications 

manager, event manager and market analyst. 

Information about our specialist areas can be found at: www.managementmarketing.unimelb.edu.au/teach 

Professional Recognition 

All students graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in marketing become Associate Members of the Australian 

Marketing Institute (AMI). Combined with some years of work experience and professional development, marketers may then be 

eligible to attain Certified Practicing Marketer status. 

Major in Marketing 

To obtain a major in marketing you will need to complete 37.5 level-3 points. Level-3 marketing subjects available in 2012 are: 

ÆÆ 

MKTG30003 Service and Relationship Marketing 

ÆÆ 

MKTG30006 Retail Management 

ÆÆ 

MKTG30007 Marketing and Society 

ÆÆ 

MKTG30008 Neuromarketing 

ÆÆ 

MKTG30009 Marketing Channels 

ÆÆ 

MKTG30010 Advertising and Promotions 

ÆÆ 

MKTG30011 Product Management 


15 

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Course plan examples 

The following pages provide some examples of how you could structure your Bachelor of Commerce degree. These are but a few 

suggestions for combining studies across discipline areas in the commerce component and breadth component. The flexibility of 

the course is such that there are many options in terms of subject choice. We encourage you to explore these thoroughly by using 

other resources in combination with this Guide, such as the 2012 Handbook which is online at www.unimelb.edu.au/handbook, or 

by discussing your options with a Student Adviser. 

Accounting major and accreditation + Finance major 

ECON10004 Introductory 

Microeconomics 

ECON10005 Quantitative 

Methods 1 

ACCT10001 Accounting 

Reports and Analysis 

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 


Methods 2 or ECOM20001 

Introductory Econometrics 

MGMT20001 Organisational 

Behaviour 

ACCT20001 Cost Management 

ACCT30002 Enterprise 

Performance Management 

ACCT30001 Financial 

Accounting 

Commerce elective e.g. 

ECOM30001 Basic 

Econometrics or ECOM30002 

Econometrics or breadth 

Breadth Breadth or commerce elective FNCE30001 Investments 

ECON10003 Introductory FNCE20001 Business Finance FNCE30007 Derivative 

Macroeconomics 

Securities 


Transactions and Analysis 


Processes and Analysis 

BLAW10001 Principles of 

Business Law 

ACCT20002 Intermediate 

Financial Accounting 

Breadth or commerce elective 

BLAW20001 Corporate Law 

FNCE30002 Corporate 

Finance 

ACCT30004 Auditing and 

Assurance Services 

BLAW30002 Taxation Law 

Key / Legend 

Compulsory subjects 

Finance subjects 

Commerce elective 

or breadth 

Accounting subjects 

Breadth subjects 

Actuarial Studies major and accreditation 






ACTL20001 Financial 

Mathematics I 

FNCE20001 Business Finance 

ACTL30001 Actuarial 

Modelling I 


Modelling II 

Breadth (non mathematics) MAST20004 Probability ACTL30006 Financial 

Mathematics III 

MAST10008 Accelerated 

Mathematics 1 





ACTL10001 Introduction to 

Actuarial Studies 

MAST10009 Accelerated 

Mathematics 2 


Behaviour 

ACTL20002 Financial 

Mathematics II 

ECON20001 Intermediate 


MAST20005 Statistics 

Breadth (non mathematics) 

Commerce elective or 

breadth 

ACTL30003 Contingencies 

(capstone subject – 25 

points) 


Statistics 

ACTL30005 Models for 

Insurance and Finance 

Key / Legend 


(including quantitative 

subjects counting as 

breadth) 

Commerce subjects, 

consisting of 

actuarial, accounting, 

economics and 

finance subjects 

required for the 

actuarial field of study 


breadth 


The above example shows how you can major in actuarial studies and meet Honours entry and professional accreditation 

requirements. Students pursuing accreditation in actuarial studies (defined as those students who successfully complete 

ACTL30001 Actuarial Modelling I) must take 75 non-commerce points including two mathematics subjects, MAST20004 Probability 

and MAST20005 Statistics and two breadth subjects that are not mathematics or statistics. 

Note: Mid-year commencing students who have not completed VCE Specialist Maths 3 and 4 or equivalent cannot complete a 

major in actuarial studies within three years. 

There are requirements for the maximum and minimum number of commerce and breadth points students must complete at certain 

levels. You must account for these when selecting your subjects. See page 6 for more information. 

The above example shows how you can major in accounting and finance as well as meet accounting professional 

accreditation requirements. Students wishing to undertake Honours in either discipline must also include ECOM30001 Basic 

Econometrics or ECOM30002 Econometrics in their course plan. Students pursuing an accounting major and accreditation but not 

the finance major need not complete the level-3 finance subjects, but must otherwise follow the example. 



DISCLAIMER: This information was true and correct at the time of printing. Please check the 2012 Handbook at www.unimelb.edu.au/handbook for specific course 

requirements including subject prerequisites and availability. 



17 

18

Economics major + Management or Marketing majors 

Economics major + Finance major + breadth in Mathematics 







ECON30010 Microeconomics 


Methods 1 


MGMT10002 Managing and 

Leading Organisations 



Commerce elective or breadth 

ECOM30001 Basic 

Econometrics or ECOM30002 

Econometrics 

Level-3 management or 

marketing elective 

Breadth Breadth Commerce elective or breadth 

ECON10003 Introductory MGMT20001 Organisational ECON30009 Macroeconomics 


Behaviour 


MKTG10001 Principles of 

Marketing 



Breadth 





Breadth Commerce elective or breadth Commerce elective or breadth 

Key / Legend 



or breadth 

Management or 

Marketing subjects 

Economics subjects 



The above example shows how you can complete a major in economics as well as a management or marketing major. This 

example also meets entry requirements into Honours for economics, management and marketing. Subjects which can be taken 

in these majors are listed on page 15 (management major) and page 16 (marketing major). 






FNCE10001 Finance 1 



MAST20006 Probability for 

Statistics 

ECON30010 


ECOM30002 

Econometrics 

MAST10005 Calculus 1 FNCE20001 Business Finance FNCE30007 Derivative 

Securities 


Commerce elective or breadth e.g. 

MAST20026 Real Analysis with 

Applications 






ECON30009 


MAST10006 Calculus 2 MAST20005 Statistics FNCE30002 Corporate 

Finance 



Commerce elective or breadth e.g. 

MAST20018 Discrete Maths & 

Operations Research 


Behaviour 


breadth e.g. MAST30022 

Decision Making 


breadth 

Key / Legend 


(including quantitative 

subjects counting as 

breadth) 






breadth 

The above example illustrates how students can pursue a double major in economics and finance, meet entry requirements 

to Honours in either discipline, take mathematics as breadth, and follow the mathematics path for satisfying the quantitative 

requirement of the Bachelor of Commerce. Course plans such as this one should be considered by students who have an aptitude 

for and enjoy mathematics, and who wish to study valuable complementary subjects in mathematics as part of their breadth 

component. 







19 

20

Finance major + breadth in Civil Engineering 

(For students commencing in the Bachelor of Commerce in 2010, 2011 or 2012) 


ECON10004 Introductory FNCE20001 Business Finance FNCE30001 Investments 



Methods 1 




Level-3 commerce 

elective e.g. ECOM30001 

Basic Econometrics or 

ECOM30002 Econometrics 

Commerce elective Commerce elective FNCE30007 Derivative 

Securities 

MAST10006 Calculus 2* 



FNCE10001 Finance 1 

ENGR10003 Engineering 

Systems Design 2 


MAST20029 Engineering 

Mathematics 



Behaviour 


Mechanics 


Materials 

ENGR30001 Fluid 

Mechanics and 

Thermodynamics 

FNCE30002 Corporate 

Finance 


ENEN20002 Earth 

Processes for Engineering 

CVEN30009 Structural 

Theory and Design 

Key / Legend 



Commerce electives 


The above example shows how you can complete a major in finance with breadth in civil engineering. Students wishing to 

undertake Honours in finance must include Basic Econometrics or Econometrics in their course plan. For information on taking 

engineering as breadth within the Bachelor of Commerce, see “Special breadth rules” on page 8. 

Note: *Students who have not completed VCE Specialist Mathematics should seek advice from a Student Adviser as to which 

mathematics to undertake. 



Marketing major + breadth in Psychology 


ECON10004 Introductory MGMT20001 

Level-3 marketing elective 

Microeconomics Organisational Behaviour 


Methods 1 




Level-3 marketing elective 

Commerce elective Commerce elective PSYC20008 Developmental Psychology 

PSYC10003 Mind, Brain PSYC20006 Biological Level-3 commerce elective 

and Behaviour 1 Psychology 

ECON10003 Introductory Commerce elective Level-3 marketing elective 


MKTG10001 Principles of 

Marketing 

Commerce elective Commerce elective 


e.g. MGMT10002 

Managing and Leading 

Organisations 

PSYC10004 Mind, Brain 

and Behaviour 2 

PSYC20009 Personality 

and Social Psychology 

PSYC20007 Cognitive 

Psychology 

PSYC30021 Psychological Science: 

Theory & Practice 

One of these electives (check the 2012 

Handbook for availability): 

PSYC30017 Advanced Studies of Human 

Cognition 

PSYC30019 Development of the Thinking 

Child 

PSYC30015 Organisational Psychology 

PSYC30020 Psychology of Sleep and 

Emotions 

PSYC30014 The Psychopathology of 

Everyday Life 

PSYC30022 Advanced Personality and 

Social Psychology 

PSYC30016 Developing Persons in Social 

Worlds 

PSYC30018 Neuroscience and the Mind 

PSYC30012 The Unconscious Mind 

Key / Legend 


Marketing subjects 



The above example shows how you can complete a major in marketing, completing subjects necessary for entry into Honours. 

The breadth sequence in psychology is APAC accredited and satisfies requirements for entry into the Postgraduate Diploma in 

Psychology. 







21 

22

Finance major + breadth in Information Technology in Organisations 

Business major 





Methods 1 



COMP10001 Foundations of 

Computing 






Processes and Analysis 

ISYS10001 Foundations 

of Information Systems or 

COMP10001 Foundations of 

Computing 

MGMT20001 

Organisational Behaviour 




FNCE20001 Business 

Finance 

ISYS20006 Shaping the 

Enterprise with ICT 


FNCE20002 Management 

of Financial Institutions 



breadth 

ISYS20007 eCommerce 

(from 2013) 


Level-3 commerce elective, e.g. 

ECOM30001 Basic Econometrics 

or ECOM30002 Econometrics 


ISYS30007 Creating Business 

Value with ICT (from 2013) 

FNCE30007 Derivative Securities 

FNCE30002 Corporate Finance 

Commerce elective or breadth 

ISYS30008 Business Analytics 

Key / Legend 


Accounting subjects 





or breadth 

The above example shows how you can complete a major in finance, completing breadth studies in Information Technology 

in Organisations. Students wishing to undertake Honours in finance must include Basic Econometrics or Econometrics in their 

course plan. 


ECON10004 Introductory MGMT20001 Organisational Level-3 economics elective 


Behaviour 


Methods 1 

FNCE20001 Business Finance Level-3 finance elective 

MGMT10002 Managing and 

Leading Organisations 



Level-3 management elective 

Breadth Breadth Breadth 



ECON20003 Quantitative Methods 

2 or ECOM20001 Introductory 

Econometrics 

Level-3 economics elective 


breadth 



Level-3 finance elective 

FNCE10001 Finance 1 Commerce elective or breadth Level-3 management elective 

Breadth Commerce elective or breadth Commerce elective or 

breadth 

Key / Legend 



breadth 

Management subjects 




The above example shows how you can complete a business major. A business major consists of six level-3 subjects from three 

or more fields of study within the commerce program. In this example the six level-3 subjects making up the major have been taken 

from the economics, finance and management fields of study. 



This sequence of breadth subjects will ensure you have a strong understanding of how Information and Communications 

Technology (ICT) can be used to add value to business. You will examine everything from the latest in e-commerce, to business 

analytics and the ways in which firms create value through the use of IT. Subjects in the Information Technology in Organisations 

sequence will examine many current issues, including the role of technology in contemporary commerce, in supporting evidence 

based management, and in managing customer relationships. Commerce graduates with Information Technology in Organisations 

breadth can look forward to a myriad of exciting career options in commercial and government organisations, including banking and 

finance, health, and IT consulting. 







23 

24

First year subject selection 

Subject selection is an online process. Most students will plan the first year of their Bachelor of Commerce as follows: 

Semester 1 (March) Commencement * 

Semester 1 

Semester 2 

Semester 2 (July) Commencement * 

Semester 2 


Microeconomics (compulsory) 

ECON10005 Quantitative Methods 

1 (compulsory*) 


Macroeconomics (compulsory) 


Microeconomics (compulsory) 


(compulsory*) 

Accounting and actuarial studies sequences 

commerce subject 

breadth subject 






Handbook terminology 

You will need to refer to the Handbook 

throughout your course to check subject 

requirements and availability. You are 

likely to encounter the following terms: 

Prerequisite = a subject or group of 

subjects that needs to be successfully 

completed before enrolling in another 

subject. 

Corequisite = like a prerequisite, but 

may be studied at the same time as the 

subject that requires it, not necessarily 

before. 

Students wishing to pursue studies in accounting or actuarial studies must start these sequences from first year and should select 

their subjects accordingly. See page 17 for information on accounting subjects and page 18 for information on actuarial studies 

subjects. 

* ECON10005 Quantitative Methods 1 is compulsory for all students undertaking the standard path to fulfil the quantitative requirement of the Bachelor of Commerce. 

For information on how to undertake the “mathematics path” to fulfil the quantitative requirement of the Bachelor of Commerce see page 7. ECON10005 Quantitative 

Methods 1 can be taken in Semester 1 or 2. 

Teaching and Learning Unit 

The Teaching and Learning Unit (TLU) provides services for students of the 

Bachelor of Commerce that can increase skills, efficiency and performance. 

Effective assignment writing, referencing, research, study skills, study networks, 

and maths and statistics are just some of the areas the TLU can help you develop. 

Visit the TLU on Level 5 of 198 Berkeley Street (the Spot), call the TLU on 8344 

4465, or check out the website at www.tlu.fbe.unimelb.edu.au to learn how the 

TLU can help you achieve your academic goals. 

Transition to Commerce 

A lecture series for all first year BCom students that provides an essential 

introduction to academic expectations in the Faculty, referencing conventions, 

assignments, academic writing, research and exam preparation. 

First-Year Peer Mentor Program 

Mentoring for new students by existing students. Build friends, networks, 

knowledge and skills. 

Academic Skills Workshops 

Targeted, interactive sessions that support BCom students to build academic 

writing skills, referencing, grammar, critical thinking and more. Workshops cover 

skills that are essential for completion of assessment tasks such as reports and 

essays. Bring your work-in-progress and any questions you may have to get the 

most out of these sessions. See our website for the workshop timetable. 

Peer Writing Tutor 

Opportunities to talk with an experienced student about your writing. Bookings 

not essential. 

Individual Maths and Statistics Consultations 

Individualised assistance to build maths and statistics knowledge and skills 

essential for all BCom students. 

TLU Helpsheets 

Over 60 helpsheets that provide advice on writing skills, study skills, citing and 

referencing, text types, and maths and statistics. 

Learn more and get involved: www.tlu.fbe.unimelb.edu.au/students/undergraduate/ 

25 

26

Student Experience in the Bachelor of Commerce 

What is Student Experience? 

Being a Bachelor of Commerce student is not just about attending lectures and tutorials and completing assignments. 

Student Experience is also about getting involved in the many different programs and activities that are available to you in 

addition to your degree program. These opportunities have been specifically designed for you to gain the most out of your 

degree and your experience at the University of Melbourne. 

Developing your leadership and teamwork skills, expanding your global perspective and tapping into professional networks can 

give you the tools you need to set yourself apart from other graduates. The Commerce Student Centre encourages you to take 

advantage of these opportunities and enrich your educational experience. What will you choose? 

Get involved in 

ÆÆ 

Academic enrichment opportunities 

ÆÆ 

Global opportunities 

ÆÆ 

Community leadership and volunteering opportunities 

ÆÆ 

Professional enhancement opportunities 

Community leadership and volunteering 

opportunities 

Become involved in a variety of leadership, community 

engagement and volunteering activities to develop your 

leadership and communication skills and enhance your 

social and professional networks. 

Add value to your degree through: 

ÆÆ 

Student clubs and societies 

ÆÆ 

First Year Peer Mentoring Program 

ÆÆ 

comMExchange Program 

ÆÆ 

Student Ambassador Leadership Program 

(SALP) 

ÆÆ 

Leadership, Involvement and Volunteering 

Experience (LIVE) 

For further information visit: 

www.csc.unimelb.edu.au/experience/community 

Professional enhancement opportunities 

Develop your professional skills in preparation for life beyond 

your Bachelor of Commerce degree. Identify your career goals 

and professional development plans through a wide range of 

programs throughout your degree. 


ÆÆ 

Capstone studies – Business Consulting, 

Global Consulting Project, International 

Accounting Study Program 

ÆÆ 

Case study competitions 

ÆÆ 

KickStart Your Career 

ÆÆ 

Career development and opportunities 

ÆÆ 

Professional memberships 

ÆÆ 

Career Mentoring Program 

ÆÆ 

First Year Leadership Forum 

ÆÆ 

Future Leaders Forum 


www.csc.unimelb.edu.au/experience/professional 

Academic enrichment opportunities 


ÆÆ 

Learning and support services 

ÆÆ 

Transition to Commerce (T2C) 

ÆÆ 

Peer Assisted Study Scheme (PASS) 

ÆÆ 

Diagnostic English Language Assessment 

(DELA) 

ÆÆ 

E3 Expo, showcasing a variety of Student 

Experience opportunities 

For further information visit 

www.csc.unimelb.edu.au/experience/academic 

Global opportunities 

Participate in international programs and increase your 

international learning and cross-cultural exposure whilst adding 

diversity to your Bachelor of Commerce degree. 


ÆÆ 

Student Exchange 

ÆÆ 

Study Abroad 

ÆÆ 

Universitas 21 (U21) programs 

ÆÆ 

International capstone studies subjects - 

Global Consulting Project, International 

Accounting Study Program 


www.csc.unimelb.edu.au/experience/global 

Keeping up to date 

Take advantage of the opportunities the University has to offer. There are so many amazing trips, 

case competitions, career programs, clubs and teams for students to get involved in and the 

insights you gain and the people you meet through them are invaluable. 

Giulia Mastroianni, BCom 

(Honours) student 

Don’t forget to keep up to date with the latest information about Student Experience programs for Bachelor of Commerce students. 

The BCom News email newsletter will ensure you don’t miss out on any of the news and events taking place at the University of 

Melbourne. You can also join the BCom community and follow us on Facebook. 

www.facebook.com/BComUniMelb 

27 

28

Library and IT services 

Student computing 

Faculty of Business and Economics students can access computing spaces at 233 Bouverie Street. Printing is also available here. 

Openings hours: 

During teaching periods: 9.00 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. weekdays, 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. weekends 

During non-teaching periods: 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. weekdays 

Out of semester: 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. weekdays, closed on university holidays 

Other University computing facilities across campus, including the libraries, are available to all students. Many offer collaborative 

learning spaces. For further information about student IT and e-learning support, including computer locations and availability, see 

www.studentit.unimelb.edu.au 

The Giblin Eunson Library 

This library includes collections supporting the teaching, learning and research activities of the Faculty of Business and Economics. 

It is located at 111 Barry Street. Its facilities include bookable project rooms for group study, printing and photocopying services and 

computers for student use. There are comfortable spaces for studying alone or with others. 

Find out more about University library facilities and services, including opening hours, at www.library.unimelb.edu.au 

University support services 

A range of services are available to address the various needs of the university community. Further information on the following 

services is available at www.services.unimelb.edu.au. 

Academic Skills 

Academic Skills helps students with academic writing, time 

and task management, oral presentations, exam preparation, 

English language development and more. Academic Skills 

conducts workshops and individual tutorials and provides the 

resources that all students need to be successful at university. 

Visit www.services.unimelb.edu.au/asu to access online 

resources and the Academic Skills workshops calendar. To 

book an individual tutorial, drop into the Commerce Student 

Centre or call 13MELB (13 6352). 

Careers and Employment 

This unit provides expert, up-to-date careers assistance and 

information, including individual careers counselling. 

Disability Liaison 

Disability Liaison facilitates the participation of students with 

temporary or ongoing physical or psychological disabilities at 

university. 

Counselling Service 

The Counselling Service provides free counselling services 

and workshops to students and staff of the University. There 

are male and female counsellors available with extensive 

experience in psychological counselling and life skills. 

Health Service 

The Health Service is a general practitioner service. There are 

male and female doctors available, and you may also see a 

nurse. The Health Service also refers to outside specialists 

where necessary. 

Student Housing and Financial Aid 

Student Housing provides a range of information and advice 

about accommodation and tenancy issues. It also coordinates 

special accommodation services which assist with providing 

transitional housing for disadvantaged students. 

Financial Aid provides advice and information on student loans 

and bursaries, government student assistance initiatives, 

budgeting, and on a range of matters related to student 

finances. If a student is having trouble coping with a lack of 

money, they can make an appointment for an interview with an 

adviser. 

Chaplaincy 

The University Chaplaincy Service is a multifaith unit which 

assists with spiritual counselling for students, staff and the 

wider community. Chaplains actively assist in personal and 

spiritual growth via prayer groups and other activities. Students 

from all faiths (or none) are welcome to visit. 

Children’s Services 

Children’s Services provides quality childcare facilities and 

programs to students and staff of the University of Melbourne 

from a range of sites. 

International Student Services 

International students can visit International Student Services 

(ISS) for visa-related matters, welfare and general support. 

Photo by Ben Kreunen 

29 

30

Honours 

What is Honours? 

The Honours year is an additional (fourth) year of specialised study in one or two of the following disciplines: accounting, finance, 

actuarial studies, economics, management and marketing. It is an integrated program with small classes and an emphasis on 

research and achieving advanced understanding of a discipline and its specialised subject areas. 

Honours will provide you with a wonderful opportunity to complement, expand and draw together the theory and practical skills 

gained in your previous undergraduate studies. The additional year will enable you to develop new research and professional skills 

and gain in-depth knowledge in a particular discipline. 

How will an Honours year help me? 

Honours gives you an opportunity to draw together your early years of study and add considerable value to your resume. Being 

selected into Honours demonstrates that you are part of an elite group of students who have excelled in their studies. The Honours 

year also indicates to employers that you have achieved a depth of knowledge and expertise in a discipline unobtainable in a 

three-year degree. The Honours year differs from your earlier undergraduate years in that it allows and requires a greater degree of 

independence and flexibility from you. The year will help you to develop the maturity and skills required for transition to employment 

in a range of occupations and industries or a research higher degree. 

The Honours year is your first chance to engage in significant research, but the process itself will develop a variety of transferable 

skills that go beyond those learned earlier in your university career. By managing a research project you will develop time and 

project-management skills as well as negotiation and communication skills. 

Accounting 

Actuarial studies 


Finance 

Management 

Marketing 

ÆÆA grade of at least H2B (70%) in each of the level-3 subjects required for 

the major and successful completion of Basic Econometrics or Econometrics 

or equivalent quantitative studies such as advanced studies in multivariate 

statistics or similar; 

ÆÆSubject to the approval of the Head of Department, part time honours may 

be offered to suitable candidates who meet the criteria for appointment to 

Senior Tutor within the Department of Accounting 

ÆÆA grade of H2B (70%) or better in any four level-3 actuarial studies subjects 

(note: a subject worth 25 points is treated as the equivalent of two 12.5 point 

subjects in the assessment of applications for honours). 

ÆÆAn average grade of at least H2B (70%) across the third year subjects that 

constitute the major. 

ÆÆA grade of at least H2B (70%) in each of the level-3 subjects required for 

the major, and successful completion of either of the level-3 subjects Basic 

Econometrics or Econometrics. 

ÆÆA grade of at least H2B (70%) in the best three level-3 management or 

marketing subjects. 

ÆÆA grade of at least H2B (70%) in the best three level-3 management or 

marketing subjects. 

ÆÆCompletion of a major (or equivalent) in both disciplines; 

The Honours year allows the development of more specialist professional skills and exposes you to cutting edge research literature, 

with application of those skills to a research project. 

The Honours degree is an entry qualification for some Masters degrees and a PhD within Australia or overseas. A student with a 

good Honours degree can often proceed directly to a PhD. Possession of a good Honours degree also assists students in obtaining 

scholarships or other forms of financial support to undertake higher degrees. Career advancement has also tended to be more rapid 

for Honours graduates. 

Quotas may be imposed for some programs. 

Entry requirements 

Joint honours program in any pair of the 

disciplines (1) Accounting (2) Economics 

and (3) Finance 

ÆÆA grade of at least H2B (70%) in each of the level-3 subjects for each major; 

Æ Æ Any additional prerequisite subjects or other requirements as specified 

above for each program 

Full details of the Honours program including prerequisites for entry, how to apply and the structure and grading of the Honours 

year are available in the 2012 Handbook and www.bcom.unimelb.edu.au/pathways/honours/degrees. Please be aware that level-3 

Honours prerequisite subjects often also have prerequisites at level-2. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with these when 

choosing your second year subjects. 

ÆÆ 

A completed Bachelor of Commerce or double degree (from the University of Melbourne) or cognate degree from another 

institution within the last two years; and 

ÆÆ 

Completion of a major (or equivalent) in the particular discipline/s with the appropriate standard across the major/s; and 

ÆÆ 

Any additional prerequisite subjects or other requirements as specified on the next page for each program. 

31 

32

Graduate study 

Graduate degrees offer the opportunity for graduates to obtain a professional qualification or develop their expertise in an 

individual field. 

Graduate Programs in Business and 


The Graduate School of Business and Economics (GSBE) 

within the Faculty of Business and Economics offers a range of 

programs suited to recent graduates as well as those who are 

already in the workforce. 

The GSBE has programs for graduates whose undergraduate 

degree is from a non-business related discipline as well as 

programs for Bachelor of Commerce graduates who want to 

deepen their knowledge in their area of interest or to focus on 

a different business discipline to that studied at undergraduate 

level. 

Graduates who wish to gain further expertise in the business 

discipline studied at undergraduate level can undertake 

a graduate coursework program, or carry out sustained 

independent enquiry through a Research Higher Degree. 

See www.gsbe.unimelb.edu.au/courses for details on the 

GSBE’s offerings. 

Graduate Professional Entry Degrees in 

non-business disciplines 

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Commerce, graduates may 

be eligible for a range of graduate professional entry courses. 

Professional entry courses are those which qualify graduates for 

employment in a specific profession. 

Courses are available in areas as diverse as law, medicine, 

teaching, urban planning, social work, psychology, information 

systems, engineering, and forest ecosystem science. Some 

graduate professional entry degrees have additional entry 

requirements which you should check when choosing subjects 

in your undergraduate degree. 

Further information on the range of graduate professional entry 

degrees offered, including entry requirements, is available from 

www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/courses/graduate/ 

professional-entry-programs. 

Photo by David B Simmonds 

Faculty mission 

The Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Melbourne aims to provide world class business and economics 

undergraduate, graduate and executive education and to be renowned for scholarly teaching, excellence in research and the 

productive exchange of knowledge. 

Mission 

The leadership of the Faculty of Business and Economics at the 

University of Melbourne will be indicated by: 

1. a ranking in the top 50 business and economics schools 

worldwide 

2. achieving the highest ranking nationally among schools 

of business and economics 

3. attracting the most talented students and staff to study 

and work in the Faculty 

4. being employers’ first choice for graduates 

5. being an organisation’s first choice for executive 

education 

6. providing expert advice on issues critical to the 

economic and social well-being of communities, 

enterprises and societies. 

Teaching and Learning 

ÆÆ 

The Faculty will provide the highest quality 

undergraduate, graduate and executive education 

learning experiences which are built on strong 

pedagogy, a variety of learning opportunities and are 

inspired by exceptional scholars. 

ÆÆ 

Graduates will have a depth of knowledge of the 

disciplines of the Faculty. 

ÆÆ 

Graduates will have an appreciation of the 

interdisciplinary approach to problem solving. 

ÆÆ 

Graduates will be well prepared for employment, 

leadership and further study. 

ÆÆ 

The curriculum will appropriately embed global and 

cultural perspectives. 

Research 

ÆÆ 

The Faculty will conduct and disseminate research of 

high international standing in the disciplines of the 

Faculty. 

ÆÆ 

The Faculty will emulate the highest international 

standards in the provision of research higher degrees. 

ÆÆ 

Students will variously experience research, research 

methodologies and research projects. 

Knowledge Transfer 

ÆÆ 

Knowledge exchange will be fostered between the 

Faculty and the public and private sectors both 

nationally and internationally. 

ÆÆ 

Our academic staff, through research and leadership in 

their disciplines, will contribute to and stimulate debate 

on society’s critical issues. 

Keystone perspectives 

ÆÆ 

Research inquiry and academic freedom. 

ÆÆ 

Ethical behaviour and integrity. 

ÆÆ 

Equity and access. 

ÆÆ 

Awareness of and an engagement in issues of national 

and international importance 

ÆÆ 

Collegiality and involvement in decision-making to build 

an open, transparent organisational culture. 

ÆÆ 

Interdisciplinary thinking 

ÆÆ 

Diversity and cultural awareness as pathways to 

the establishment of a learning community that is 

non-discriminatory and that promotes academic 

freedom. 

33 

34

Got a question about your course? 

You may find the answer: 

ÆÆ 

in this Guide! 

ÆÆ 

on the Commerce Student Centre website: www.csc.unimelb.edu.au 

ÆÆ 

via your Student Portal: www.portal.unimelb.edu.au 

ÆÆ 

in the Student Information Directory: www.studentadmin.unimelb.edu.au 

ÆÆ 

in the Handbook: www.unimelb.edu.au/handbook 

ÆÆ 

with the help of the Commerce Student Centre: 

Call the University Contact Centre on 13MELB (13 6352) 

Visit the Commerce Student Centre at Upper Ground Level, ICT Building, 111 Barry Street, Carlton 

Email (general enquiries): 13melb@unimelb.edu.au 

Email (course related enquiries): commerce-courseadvice@unimelb.edu.au 

Make a course advice appointment at www.csc.unimelb.edu.au/planning/course_advice.html * 

* Note: New students can make an appointment via this link from week 3 of semester – prior to this, you can attend a course advice appointment following 

Academic Advice Day. See page 4 for further information. 

Faculty of Business and Economics Bachelor of Commerce Course Planning Guide 

Authorised by: Provost 

Published by: The Faculty of Business and Economics 

Copyright: The University of Melbourne, October 2011 

CRICOS Provider code: 00116K 

Intellectual Property: For further information refer to www.unimelb.edu.au/Statutes 

Copyright: Copyright University of Melbourne 2011. 

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Course Planning Guide 2012 - Faculty of Business and Economics

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