Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This online Bachelor of Commerce gives a broad foundation in core business disciplines and allows you to specialise through major streams and electives. Core topics typically include accounting principles, micro- and macro-economics, business law and ethics, organisational behaviour and management, marketing, corporate finance, quantitative methods and introductory business analytics. Learning also emphasises professional skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving and ethical decision-making.

The degree structure combines compulsory core units with a choice of majors or specialisations. Common majors available online include Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management, Human Resource Management, Business Analytics and Project Management. You can usually tailor your program with electives or a minor in complementary areas, and many students undertake a capstone or industry project unit that integrates knowledge from across the degree.

Typical learning formats

• Fully online lectures and tutorials, with a mix of recorded and live sessions.
• Assessment through written assignments, case studies, online quizzes, group work and final projects.
• Opportunities for work-integrated learning or professional placements where available and appropriate to the major.

Entry requirements

Entry is open to applicants who have completed secondary school or an equivalent qualification, and to those with vocational education and training credentials or prior tertiary study. Mature-age applicants with substantial work experience are also considered. International applicants must meet ACU's English language requirements and provide recognised secondary or tertiary qualifications.

Specific entry pathways and admission criteria can vary by applicant background (school leavers, TAFE/VET graduates, those with previous university study or work experience). Some specialisations may recommend prior study in mathematics or related subjects but there are typically no strict subject prerequisites for the general commerce intake.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Bachelor of Commerce Online move into a wide range of roles across private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Career paths depend on chosen majors and electives but commonly include:

• Accounting roles (entry accounting assistant/bookkeeper) or progression towards professional accounting studies when accounting majors follow the required sequence.
• Finance and banking roles such as financial analyst or credit officer.
• Marketing and communications roles including marketing coordinator, digital marketing or brand assistant.
• Human resources and people management roles such as HR officer or recruitment consultant.
• Business analyst, project coordinator, operations or supply chain positions.
• Small business management, consulting or entrepreneurship for graduates who pursue their own ventures.

The degree provides practical skills valued by employers—analytical literacy, data interpretation, financial understanding and managerial capability—and can be a stepping stone to postgraduate professional qualifications or specialised masters degrees.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

Studying commerce online at ACU offers flexibility to learn around work or family commitments, while drawing on the university's emphasis on ethical practice and social responsibility. ACU provides personalised student support, including online academic assistance, career services and study skills resources tailored to distance learners.

The program is designed with industry relevance in mind and aims to equip graduates with workplace-ready skills. Where relevant, completing specified sequences within the degree can position students for professional accreditation pathways or further professional study. ACU's smaller class sizes and accessible teaching staff help maintain student engagement in an online environment.