University of Western Australia

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Commerce provides a foundation in core business disciplines before allowing you to specialise through a choice of majors and elective units. Early study typically covers fundamentals such as financial and management accounting, micro- and macro-economics, quantitative methods and statistics, business law and principles of marketing and management. As you progress you choose one or more majors from areas including Accounting, Finance, Economics, Marketing, Management, Human Resource Management, Business Analytics, Agribusiness and Actuarial Studies (availability of specific majors may vary).

Advanced and specialist units delve into topics relevant to each major: corporate finance and investment analysis for Finance; auditing, taxation and financial reporting for Accounting; consumer behaviour and digital marketing for Marketing; econometrics and policy analysis for Economics; data analytics and forecasting for Business Analytics; and risk modelling for Actuarial Studies. Practical learning is emphasised via case studies, group projects, industry consulting briefs and optional work-integrated learning or internships.

Entry requirements

Admission is based on completion of an approved secondary qualification or an equivalent tertiary pathway. Domestic applicants are normally assessed by their senior secondary achievement (such as an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank or state-equivalent) while international applicants present an equivalent secondary credential. Entry is competitive and may be influenced by the chosen major (for example, numeracy or mathematical background is recommended for Finance, Economics, Business Analytics and Actuarial Studies).

All applicants must meet the University’s English-language proficiency requirements; international students typically demonstrate this via an approved academic English test or an equivalent exemption. Additional admission pathways and alternative entry schemes are available for mature-age applicants and those with relevant work or community experience.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Bachelor of Commerce enter a broad range of careers across private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Common graduate roles include accountant, financial analyst, marketing coordinator, management consultant, human resources adviser, business analyst, and roles in banking and corporate finance. With suitable majors and further professional accreditation or postgraduate study, graduates may progress to specialised careers such as auditor, tax advisor, actuary, investment analyst or agribusiness manager.

The degree also provides a pathway to professional qualifications (for example in accounting, financial planning or actuarial practice) and to postgraduate study such as master’s degrees in business, finance, economics or management, which can further enhance career mobility and seniority.

Why study at University of Western Australia

The University of Western Australia offers a commerce degree with research-informed teaching and strong links to industry, particularly in Western Australia’s prominent sectors such as resources, agribusiness and finance. The Business School supports student development through industry engagement, internships, mentoring programs and opportunities for international study exchanges with partner universities.

Students benefit from small-group learning in many advanced units, access to student clubs and professional development activities, and support services including career guidance and placement assistance. The flexible structure of the degree allows students to combine business study with minors or elective study in complementary disciplines to suit individual career goals.