fostering a world-class education for future leaders

Bachelor of Commerce

Business school

achieve international excellence

The UWA Business School has a proud history of excellence in teaching, learning and research. We are renowned for providing a high quality education for some of the brightest students from around the globe.

In 2012, the University will introduce a new generation of degrees. The new Bachelor of Commerce is one of these, and is designed to provide you with an inspirational start to your career. The course offers you the flexibility to engage with a

broad range of disciplines while delivering a strong, effective education that prepares you to solve the greatest business challenges across the corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors.

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The UWA Business School is the only business school in Western Australia to have accreditation through the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS). EQUIS is a leading international system of quality assessment, improvement, and accreditation of higher education institutions in management and business administration.

The University is a member of the prestigious ‘Group of Eight’ (Go8) network, which comprises Australia’s leading research-intensive universities, as well as a member of the World Universities Network (WUN) and a founding member of the Matariki Network of Universities.

UWA’s undergraduate students consistently perform above both the state and national averages in graduate employment rates and graduate salaries. The 2011 edition of the Good Universities Guide gives UWA five stars for student/staff ratio, staff qualifications, and all three graduate outcomes – getting a job, positive graduate outcomes, and graduate starting salary.

We are building on our solid history of educational excellence and delivering improved flexible course structures that provide you with more choices, in-depth knowledge and greater opportunities for success. You will have the freedom to sample a diverse

range of subjects, opportunities to study abroad, and you will graduate with the comprehensive skills, knowledge and experience that are highly regarded in the workplace.

The UWA Business School advantageUWA’s new Bachelor of Commerce will be delivered through the Business School – one of the premier business schools in the Asia Pacific region. The Business School is recognised for producing some of the highest quality graduates in Australia and we are committed to ensuring our programs are relevant and valuable to industry. The School is positioned in a state-of-the-art building that offers a stimulating learning environment where you can interact with other students and staff. Our location in Western Australia gives you access to some of the world’s most influential business institutions. Connections with industry allow you to interact with potential employers while gaining new insights and a greater understanding of the real world.

Achieve with UWA

Fast factsUWA has produced almost 100 Rhodes Scholars.

UWA academic Barry Marshall was awarded a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his joint discovery of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which causes stomach ulcers

UWA has exchange agreements with over 100 universities around the world.

In 2010, UWA enrolled 4 out of 5 of the state’s top 5% of school leavers.

UWA Business School is the only business school in WA to hold EQUIS accreditation.

Choosing to study your Commerce degree at The University of Western Australia is the first step towards a successful career. Established in 1911, UWA has shaped the future of over 100,000 graduates to date and continues to attract some of the highest quality undergraduate students of any university in Australia.

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At the UWA Business School we are dedicated to making your study experience as memorable and productive as possible. We are located just five kilometres from the central business district (CBD), and offer a vibrant and stimulating learning environment with supportive academic and professional staff. You will have access to a range of additional benefits including scholarships and awards, career support, international exchange, and social and networking events.

Experience excellence

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Opportunities include:• Boardroom lunches with company

CEOs and executives• Career presentations and

recruitment activities• A number of external social

activities for students• Student and alumni association

events • Public lectures with national and

international business leaders.

Study overseasThroughout your degree you will have opportunities to gain an international business perspective by choosing to live and study at leading business schools throughout the world. This is a great way to broaden your understanding of global business trends and to develop networks with people from across the globe.

Achievement in a different academic and cultural environment will show employers that you are a self-starter, flexible and adventurous. For more information visit www.international.uwa.edu.au

Experience moreWhile studying at the Business School, you will have opportunities to engage in various extra-curricular activities that will heighten your business knowledge, provide you with opportunities to network and gain valuable business connections, and further develop the skills you have learnt throughout your degree.

You will have access to opportunities such as:• Participating in global competitions

such as Google Online Marketing Challenge, DCM Blue Lake Portfolio Competition, USB Investment Bank Challenge, and Students in Free Enterprise competition

• Volunteering as a leader in Peer Assisted Study Sessions

• Undertaking a practicum with a company and gaining hands-on experience

• Joining one or more of the many student associations and clubs to participate in social, academic and cultural activities.

Student supportDuring your study not only will you receive support from our dedicated staff, you will also have the opportunity to participate in the Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS). This student-to-student peer learning program gives you the opportunity to work collaboratively in small groups with the help of competent, approachable, subject-experienced student peers.

Careers CentreAs a UWA student you can access our online careers portal that will allow you to search for jobs, prepare your CV and register for workshops that will help you get the job you want. For more information visit www.careers.uwa.edu.au

Where are they now?Our graduates are now employed by leading organisations from around the world, including:• Azure Capital• BHP Billiton• Ernst & Young • Reserve Bank of Australia• Silverchain• United Nations• World Bank.

Bachelor of Commerce GraduatesWe’re proud of the accomplishments of all of our graduates, many of whom have progressed in their careers and made significant achievements. Our Bachelor of Commerce graduates include:• Richard Goyder, Managing

Director, Wesfarmers• Mark Barnaba, Executive

Chairman of Azure Capital, Chairman of Western Power and Edge Employment Solutions

• Loretta Tomasi, CEO, English National Opera, UK

• Patricia Dechow, Professor in Public Accounting, Hass Business School, University of California Berkeley

• John Willinge, CEO, Alverstoke Group

• Richard Sloan, L.H. Penney Chair in Accounting, Haas Business School, University of California Berkeley.

Create networks with industryThe UWA Business School has developed extensive relationships with business and the broader community and offers a number of opportunities for you to meet, interact with and learn from leading industry representatives during your studies.

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Course DescriptionThe Bachelor of Commerce is a three-year business degree that develops your analytical, communication and problem solving skills. You will choose to complete one or two majors, plus additional broadening units in subjects outside your main field of focus. You can choose your broadening units or second major from any area of study across the University such as Arts, Science or Design, allowing you to try something new, add to your knowledge base and complete studies in areas of interest to you.

Course goalsStudents will:1. Demonstrate specialised

knowledge and skills acquired in their chosen discipline specific business major(s)

2. Communicate clearly, effectively and appropriately in a range of business contexts

3. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively independently and in a team situation

4. Develop disciplinary knowledge and skills through study and research-based enquiry

5. Develop personal, social, and ethical awareness in an international context

Majors There are eight majors offered in the Bachelor of Commerce. You can choose from: • Accounting• Business Law • Economics• Economics (double major)• Finance• Human Resource Management• Management• Marketing.

A double major is an extended sequence of 14 units/subjects. All other majors comprise 8 units.

Bachelor of CommerceThe Bachelor of Commerce delivers a global perspective on business, providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to pursue a career within the corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors. From developing marketing strategies, delivering professional accounting advice and managing business teams, to understanding the stock market and the economy, the Bachelor of Commerce provides you with the scope to enter a wide range of business fields.

Duration3 years full-time or equivalent part-time4 years with honours

Intake periodsFebruary, July

Weekly First Year Time Commitment12-15 contact hours and at least twice as many hours private study

FeesFor up to date fee information, visit www.unitcosts.uwa.edu.au

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Bachelor of Commerce – MajorsThe Bachelor of Commerce offers a simple, flexible course structure that allows you to move from a broad range of subjects in first year to a more focused approach as you progress. Within the Bachelor of Commerce you can choose from eight majors:

AccountingThe Accounting major focuses on the preparation, interpretation and communication of accounting information essential to effective decision making within an organisation. You can choose to undertake focused study in either financial or management accounting, or complete a more generalised program of study covering a wide range of accounting subjects. The major is designed to meet the accreditation requirements of the main professional accounting bodies, preparing you for entry into the workforce.

What jobs will my Accounting major lead to? • Assurance Manager• Auditor• Banker• Business Analyst• Chartered Accountant• Chief Financial Officer (CFO)• Financial Reporting Accountant• Investment Analyst• Management Accountant• Management Consultant• Revenue Officer• Tax Auditor

Where will I work? You will have the opportunity to gain work all over the world. Our accounting graduates are now employed by accounting firms including Ernst and Young, Deloitte, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers, as well as government departments, and companies such as Wesfarmers and BHP Billiton.

Business LawThe Business Law major focuses on the fundamental relationship between law and business. It covers areas such as fiduciary obligations, corporate governance and organisational structure, the management of commercial risk and the law relating to employment and industrial relations, contracts, torts and trade practices.

In light of the growing accountability and personal liability of professionals, business managers and public servants, a strong grounding in these important areas of business law is becoming an increasingly attractive attribute for potential employers. This major is therefore ideal, not just as a ‘pre-law’ preparation for those students who plan to go on to professional postgraduate studies in law, but also for those who are planning careers in professional accounting, business management, international trade, industrial relations and the public service.

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Where will I work? Our economics graduates are now employed by institutions including the Reserve Bank of Australia, Australian Stock Exchange, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, United Nations, and various banking and finance institutions.

FinanceThe Finance major builds on the foundations of finance from the perspective of a functioning organisation, and includes corporate finance issues such as the appropriate mix of equity and debt to finance projects, identifying the optimal dividend policy, and the resourceful selection of business projects. You can also learn aspects of investment finance including risk and return tradeoffs, workings of the capital markets, investment products and investment portfolios, and appropriate risk management techniques. For those who wish to pursue a career as a financial economist, the Finance major could be combined with a major in economics.

What jobs will my Finance major lead to? • Actuary• Auditor• Banker• Certified Financial Planner (CFP)• Credit Products Officer• Equity Research Analyst• Financial Advisor• Financial Trader• Investment Analyst• Operational Risk Analyst• Planning Analyst• Stockbroker.

Where will I work? The Business Law major will complement a range of other majors, including those within the Bachelor of Commerce. When combined with another major, it can lead to a variety of jobs with organisations such as:• Chamber of Commerce and

Industry• Department of Consumer and

Employment Protection• Ernst and Young• Fair Work Australia• WA Industrial Relations

Commission• Woodside.

EconomicsThe Economics major prepares students for work in financial institutions, government, international agencies and the private sector as forecasters, analysts and consultants. The major includes core subjects in both microeconomics and macroeconomics. Microeconomics provides the framework for analysing issues in taxation, trade and the competitive structure of markets, while macroeconomics focuses on the forces that influence long-term economic growth, inflation, unemployment and balance-of-payments. For those who wish to have a career as a financial economist, the Economics major could be combined with a major in finance.

Economics (double major)The Economics double major allows you to complete a more concentrated program of study in economics and is designed for students seeking to become professional economists and pursue careers as specialist economists in government or business, economic consultants, economic analysts and policy advisors. You will study microeconomic and macroeconomic frameworks to rationally analyse general economic problems, establish conclusions and communicate the results of economic research to fellow economists, business professionals and policy makers. You will develop the capacity to analyse economic activities and issues both domestically and globally.

What jobs will my Economics major lead to? • Central Banker• Economic Analyst• Economic Consultant• Economic Development Specialist• Economic Forecaster• Environmental Economist• Finance Trader• Forensic Economist• Health Researcher• Investment Banker• Project Economist• Research Analyst• Revenue Research Analyst• Stockbroker.

Bachelor of Commerce – Majors

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Where will I work? Our finance graduates are now employed by commercial and investment banks, the Reserve Bank of Australia, accounting firms, and major companies such as Wesfarmers and BHP Billiton.

Human Resource ManagementThe Human Resource Management major provides you with thorough theoretical and practical grounding in the management of people and employment in Australia and overseas. You will complete study in areas including organisational behaviour, employment relations systems and processes, human resource planning, recruitment and selection, performance management, training and development, occupational health and safety, work organisation, negotiation and conflict resolution.

What jobs will my Human Resource Management major lead to? • Corporate Trainer• Employee Benefits Manager• Employee Relations Manager• Equal Opportunities Officer• Human Resources Manager • Job Analyst• Management Development

Specialist• Training and Development Officer• Workplace Relations Advisor.

Where will I work? Our graduates are now employed by companies including BHP Billiton, Woodside, Ernst and Young, various government departments and not-for-profit organisations.

ManagementThe Management major provides you with a comprehensive understanding of managing organisations effectively within different economic, social, political and legal contexts. You will develop conceptual and practical skills in the areas of organisational behaviour; leadership; operations and project management; information systems management; learning and

innovation; management in local and international environments; small business management; entrepreneurship; and strategic management. Following completion of foundational units, the major broadens into three study pathways: Managing Organisations; Managing Operations and Business Processes; and Managing International Business.

Where will I work?The Management major will complement a range of other majors, including Accounting, Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing, and Work and Employment Relations. When combined with a second major, it can lead to a variety of jobs within government departments, family and small business, government departments, not-for-profit sector and organisations such as:• Alcoa• BHP Billiton• Deloitte• Silverchain• Woodside.

MarketingThe Marketing major provides you with the understanding and skills required to align customer needs to an organisation’s output of goods, services or information. A strong

understanding of marketing principles is essential for any marketing position, as customer sales ultimately determine the success of an organisation. You will consider how a customer-centric focus ensures the demand for an organisation’s output continues to grow in a globally competitive environment. You will complete studies in areas such as consumer behaviour, promotion, advertising, market research, project and channel management and strategic marketing.

What jobs will my Marketing major lead to? • Advertising Account Executive• Advertising Consultant• Advertising Sales Representative• Creative Executive• Marketing Consultant• Marketing Co-ordinator• Market Research Analyst• Media Planner• Public Relations Specialist• Sales Representative.

Where will I work? Our graduates are now employed by companies including ANZ, BHP Billiton, Wesfarmers, Westpac and various not-for-profit organisations.

“ I think there is a really great atmosphere at UWA, especially amongst like-minded students who are all eager to help each other and share their experiences.”

Tijana Mirkovic Bachelor of Commerce (Majoring in Finance and Economics)

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elective units – you can choose these from any

subject area, either from within your major area of study or from another discipline. If you wish, you can choose to use these units to complete a second major from within the Bachelor of Commerce or another degree.

units specific to your chosen first major

complementary units – these provide you with

a basic knowledge of core areas within the Bachelor of Commerce

broadening units – these must be selected from

a subject area outside the Commerce field

Course StructureYou need to complete 24 units in order to graduate with the Bachelor of Commerce. These units will be made up of:

Single Majors

Year 1 Major Major Comp Comp Comp Elective Broad Broad

Year 2 Major Major Comp Elective Elective Elective Broad Broad

Year 3 Major Major Major Major Elective Elective Elective Elective

Two Majors

Year 1 Major 1 Major 1 Major 2 Major 2 Broad Comp Comp Comp

Year 2 Major 1 Major 1 Major 2 Major 2 Broad Broad Broad Comp

Year 3 Major 1 Major 1 Major 1 Major 1 Major 2 Major 2 Major 2 Major 2

Comp = ComplementaryBroad = Broadening

Sample structure

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4

4

8

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UWA’s new undergraduate course structure allows you to complete two majors within your three-year degree. This can increase your employability and allow you to choose from a wider range of career paths. You can choose to increase your knowledge in the commerce field by selecting your second major from within the Bachelor of Commerce. Alternatively you can widen your skill base and study a second major from another faculty. This could allow you to continue on to complete a Professional Postgraduate degree (see page 13).

Interested? Here are some popular examples.

Two Commerce Majors:Accounting + FinanceAccounting + Business Law Economics + Finance Management + Human Resource Management Marketing + Management

Commerce Major with Arts, Design or Science Major:

Accounting: Asian Studies; Engineering Science; Law and Society; Natural Resource Management

Business Law: Law and Society; Work and Employment Relations

Economics: Agricultural Science; Conservation Biology; Law and Society; Mathematics and Statistics; Natural Resource Management; Philosophy; Political Science and International Relations; Population Health

Finance: Asian Studies; Engineering Science; Human Geography and Planning; Natural Resource Management

Human Resource Management: Anthropology and Sociology; Neuropsychology and Cognitive Science; Political Science and International Relations

Management: Engineering Science; History of Art; Law and Society; Population Health; Social and Applied Psychology; Work and Employment Relations

Marketing: Communications and Media Studies; Quantitative Methods; Social and Applied Psychology

Combine your interests – Choose two majors

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“ My favourite thing about the UWA Business School is their understanding that learning does not just come from the classroom. I have been encouraged (and supported) to undertake an array of opportunities both around Australia and overseas, and as an experiential learner this flexibility on the part of the Business School has enhanced both my enjoyment and my educational experience ten-fold.”

Holly RansomBachelor of Law/Arts (Majoring in Economics)

Honours If you perform well in the first three years of your Bachelor of Commerce degree, you may be eligible to apply for entry to the honours course. This is an additional one-year program where you complete focused study in a specialist field of your choice, allowing you to draw on the skills and knowledge you gained in your bachelor’s degree to conduct further research. Completing an honours degree demonstrates you have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in your studies and that you are able to undertake individual research projects. Honours studies will help you develop the skills you

need for easy transition from study to employment or a higher research degree. Honours is available in all Commerce majors apart from Business Law.

Postgraduate CoursesAt UWA we offer a wide range of postgraduate degrees including graduate diplomas and masters courses that will allow you to increase your expertise in your chosen field. Through undertaking an additional one to two years of study you will increase your knowledge base through both coursework and research studies. For more information on the range of postgraduate degrees available, visit www.studyat.uwa.edu.au/postgrad

After finishing your Bachelor’s degree you have a range of options for your next steps. You can choose to apply for jobs and start your new career or you can undertake additional university studies. Further studies will increase your knowledge and skills in your field and increase your employability in the workplace. At UWA, after completing a Bachelor of Commerce, you will have a range of further study options to choose from.

Further Study

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Study Commerce and become…From 2012, UWA will be offering a range of professional postgraduate degrees that you can choose to complete after studying your undergraduate degree.

These professional degrees lead to careers as:

An engineerA sound business knowledge is vital to many aspects of an engineering career. A business degree can provide you with the skills to manage ground-breaking projects and be part of the decision making processes. Through undertaking your core major as part of a Bachelor of Commerce with a second major in Engineering Science you will be able to progress into the Master of Engineering. You will graduate with the skills you need to be successful in the wider engineering field.

A lawyerThe combination of business and law offers you the knowledge and skills you need to succeed. You will be able to successfully manage a law firm and have the business know-how to be a leader in your field.

A doctorA background in business will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to successfully manage your own medical practice. It will provide you with an additional level of qualification that will be highly practical in your future career.

Anything you want to be…Architecture, audiology, education, nursing, pharmacy, psychology and social work are already studied as professional qualifications at postgraduate level and will continue to be offered in this way.

The Master of Professional Engineering will commence in 2012, followed by the Doctor of Dental Medicine, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Juris Doctor (Law) in 2013. 2014 will see the introduction of the new Doctor of Medicine program, with new master of Architecture, Master of Landscape Architecture and Master of Music Education courses commencing in 2015.

For more information about professional degrees at UWA in 2012, visit www.newcourses2012.uwa.edu.au

Engineering

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5

Undergraduate: Bachelor of Commerce with second major in Engineering Science

Postgraduate: Master of Engineering

Notes: First intake in February 2012.

Law

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6

Undergraduate: Bachelor of Commerce

Postgraduate: Juris Doctor (JD)

Notes: First intake in 2013.

Medicine

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7

Undergraduate: Bachelor of Commerce

Postgraduate: Doctor of Medicine (MD)

Notes: First intake in February 2014.

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“ There is now no area of pursuit that is not influenced by the commercial or economic sector, and for that reason, an understanding of business is enormously beneficial. Whether you ultimately intend to pursue a career in law, engineering, fine arts, genetics, or any other area, the UWA Business School can teach you the analytical skills you need to succeed in the real world.”

Scott MolloyBachelor of Commerce (Finance) (Honours) and Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

Equities Research Analyst, J.P. Morgan, Sydney

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Entry requirementsTo be considered for this course you must achieve the University’s minimum entry score (ATAR of 80 or equivalent), and demonstrate English language competence. www.studyat.uwa.edu.au/elc

PrerequisitesAt least Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) Mathematics 2C/2D

Recommended courses: WACE Mathematics 3A/3B is strongly recommended.

You must also satisfy any other prerequisites for your chosen major.

If you have completed a different secondary qualification, you will need to determine which subjects are acceptable in place of the WACE courses listed above. See www.studyat.uwa.edu.au/10130

Credit for Prior LearningApplicants with prior tertiary studies are welcomed. Some credit may be given depending on grades achieved and areas of study covered.

International StudentsInternational students should also visit www.international.uwa.edu.au/students/esos for more information about the study environment, course fees and refund policy, support services and schooling obligations for dependent children.

Contact UsAustralian StudentsUWA Business School Undergraduate Student CentreTel: +61 8 6488 2780Fax: +61 8 6477 1086Email: undergrads-business@uwa.edu.auwww.business.uwa.edu.au

International StudentsInternational Student Officer (Undergraduate)International CentreTel: +61 8 6488 3939Fax: +61 8 9382 4071Online enquiries: www.ask.uwa.edu.auwww.studyat.uwa.edu.au

Admission requirements

“ The UWA Business School degrees are world renowned, which places us as some of the most sought after graduates in Australia and the world. The partners and supporters of the Business School are a constant source of encouragement and support, which has definitely helped me to create lifelong contacts for future employment so early in my degree.”

Hannah BerdalBachelor of Commerce (Majoring in Finance and Economics)

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Australian StudentsUWA Business School Undergraduate Student CentreTel: +61 8 6488 2780Fax: +61 8 6488 1086Email: undergrads-business@uwa.edu.auWeb: www.business.uwa.edu.au

International StudentsInternational Student Officer (Undergraduate)International CentreTel: +61 8 6488 3939Fax: +61 8 9382 4071Online enquiries: www.ask.uwa.edu.auWeb: www.studyat.uwa.edu.au

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While the UWA Business School has made every effort to ensure that information contained in this brochure is accurate, courses may be subject to change. For up-to-date information, please contact us or visit www.business.uwa.edu.au.