University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This programme blends core business disciplines with applied subjects in innovation, entrepreneurship and strategy. Early years cover foundational business topics such as accounting, finance, marketing, organisational behaviour and business law, while specialist subjects introduce creativity and problem solving, design thinking, opportunity assessment and business modelling.

• Core business modules: principles of accounting and finance, marketing fundamentals, organisational behaviour, management and business law.
• Innovation & entrepreneurship modules: idea generation and design thinking, new venture creation, lean start‑up methods, opportunity assessment and business modelling, entrepreneurial finance and pitching.
• Strategy modules: competitive strategy, corporate strategy, strategic decision making, innovation strategy and change management.
• Practical experience: industry projects, business clinics, capstone units that require developing a viable business plan or strategic project, and opportunities for internships or collaborative projects with industry partners.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: students can choose electives to deepen expertise in digital business, social entrepreneurship, marketing analytics, international business or management, or take courses from other faculties to support interdisciplinary practice.

The course typically follows a structured workload across three years full‑time, with an option in some cases to undertake an additional honours year or cross‑disciplinary majors depending on faculty regulations. Assessment methods include case studies, group consultancy projects, venture pitches, written reports and exams.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to have completed a recognised secondary qualification equivalent to the Australian Senior Secondary Certificate, together with demonstrated competence in English. Admission can be on the basis of a competitive tertiary entrance score (or equivalent international qualification), and mature‑age applicants may be considered on the basis of work experience and other supporting evidence.

• Domestic applicants: completion of secondary school with the institution's standard entry pathway; prerequisite subjects where specified (usually English) must be met.
• International applicants: an equivalent secondary qualification from the applicant's country and evidence of English language proficiency (for example, recognised scores in IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent) where required by the university.
• Alternative entry: applicants with relevant work experience, vocational qualifications or other tertiary study may be eligible through special entry pathways or recognition of prior learning.

Specific entry thresholds, preferred prerequisite subjects and accepted English test scores are published by the university and should be checked prior to application.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of careers in industry, government and the not‑for‑profit sector where innovation and strategic thinking are valued. Common career paths include:

• Founder or co‑founder of a start‑up or small business
• Innovation or new‑product manager in corporations
• Strategy consultant or business analyst
• Business development manager or commercialisation officer
• Product manager, project manager or operations manager
• Roles in venture capital, angel investing or start‑up accelerators
• Advisory roles in government or community organisations focused on economic development and entrepreneurship

Practical elements of the programme, such as industry projects, placements and capstone work, help build a professional portfolio and employer contacts that support graduate employability.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers business education delivered by experienced academic staff with links to industry in South Australia and beyond. The business programmes emphasise applied learning, entrepreneurship education and strategic skills that prepare students to tackle real commercial and social challenges.

• Industry engagement: students benefit from partnerships with local businesses, consultancy projects and internship opportunities that provide workplace experience and professional networks.
• Experiential learning: hands‑on units, venture projects and capstone challenges give students practical skills in creating and testing business models, pitching to stakeholders and implementing strategic initiatives.
• Support for entrepreneurs: access to mentoring, workshops and start‑up support services helps students who want to launch or scale ventures while they study.
• Location and networks: based in Adelaide, the university provides connections to a diverse economy that includes technology, defence, health, agriculture and creative industries—useful contexts for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Prospective students should consult the university's official programme pages for full details on structure, elective choices and the latest enrolment information.