Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This combined degree brings together core business disciplines with study of global politics, development and cross‑cultural issues. You will complete foundational commerce subjects such as accounting, economics, marketing, management, quantitative methods and business law alongside global studies units in international relations, global governance, development studies, human rights, and contemporary global challenges.

• Commerce core: introductory and intermediate accounting, micro‑ and macroeconomics, organisational behaviour and management, marketing principles, business analytics/quantitative methods, finance basics, business law and ethics.
• Global Studies core: theories of international relations, global political economy, development policy and practice, global governance and institutions, human rights and humanitarianism, and contemporary global issues such as migration, security and sustainability.
• Integrative and capstone experiences: interdisciplinary capstone projects or research units that require application of business tools to global problems, such as sustainable supply chains, international trade strategies or development project planning.
• Work‑integrated and international opportunities: industry placements, internships, work projects, and opportunities for overseas study or fieldwork (subject to availability), plus language study and elective streams to specialise your profile.
• Electives and specialisations: you can usually choose electives or majors within commerce (for example accounting, finance, marketing, enterprise) and pick regionally focused or topical electives in global studies.

Entry requirements

Admission is generally based on satisfactory completion of secondary school or an equivalent qualification. Domestic applicants are assessed using the relevant tertiary admission rank or guaranteed entry criteria for Australian high school graduates; alternative pathways include recognised vocational qualifications or previous tertiary study.

• Academic prerequisites: completion of secondary studies with sufficient achievement to meet the university’s admission threshold. Background in mathematics or quantitative subjects is recommended for commerce units.
• English proficiency: all applicants must demonstrate adequate English language ability. International applicants normally meet this through recognised tests or equivalent formal qualifications.
• Alternative entry: mature‑age applicants, those with vocational education and training (VET) or prior university study, and applicants with relevant work experience may be eligible for entry through pathway or recognition of prior learning procedures.
• Selection considerations: some places may be competitive and preferences can be given for relevant experience, personal statements or interview outcomes where applicable.

Career prospects

Graduates of this combined degree are equipped to work where business intersects with global issues. The degree produces versatile candidates for roles that require both commercial acumen and understanding of international contexts.

• Typical roles include business analyst, marketing or product manager for international markets, trade and export coordinator, supply chain analyst, and financial or management roles in multinational firms.
• Public sector and policy careers such as policy officer, international development practitioner, trade policy analyst or roles in foreign affairs and consular services.
• Non‑government and community sectors including program officer for NGOs, humanitarian agencies, and organisations focused on development, human rights or sustainability.
• Further study pathways: honours, postgraduate coursework or research degrees in business, international relations, development studies, public policy, or professional accounting qualifications where appropriate.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University offers a values‑focused education emphasising ethical practice, social justice and community engagement alongside vocationally relevant skills. The university provides a mix of small‑group teaching and practical learning opportunities, including industry placements and projects that connect students with employers and community partners.

• Interdisciplinary approach that integrates business training with real‑world global perspectives and opportunities for international experience.
• Support services including career development, internships and assistance with placement searches to help transition from study to work.
• Options for professional recognition: selected commerce majors prepare students for further professional accreditation pathways and meet academic requirements for industry bodies, subject to completing required subjects and any additional professional criteria.
• Focus on applied learning: case studies, client projects and capstone units give practical experience in addressing commercial problems with global implications.