Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)

Learn advanced skills in problem solving, critical analysis and communication – areas of expertise that are highly sought after by employers in consultancy, industry, government and academia. This is an opportunity to join our rich and diverse student research community to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of issues facing the commercial world. At the end of your honours program, you could continue your research with further postgraduate study or a higher research degree.

In this program you will:

  • Develop advanced skills in theoretical inquiry, empirical analysis, and communication
  • Learn research methods such as literature reviews and in-depth information analysis
  • Hone your communication skills

Location

Duration

1 year 1 year Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.

Indicative fees

Indicative 2025 fees (A$)

A$14,835 - 2024 Fees CSP
CSP

QTAC code

Direct application to USC

Start

  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2

Career opportunities

  • Academic
  • Accountancy
  • Business research
  • Consultancy
  • Corporate positions
  • Government positions

Start
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
Delivery mode
Total units
96
Duration
1 year 1 year
UniSC program code
BU402
Program coordinator
Program structure

The Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) structure is as follows:

  • a 48-unit coursework component (consisting of four 12-unit courses), and
  • a 48-unit thesis component

Students are required to complete a literature review and detailed methodology by the end of the first semester for full-time students. Where part-time study has been approved in consultation with the Program Coordinator the literature review and detailed methodology is required to be completed by the end of the second semester.

Coursework component (4) 48 units

BUS512 Introduction to Research Concepts and Design
BUS513 The Literature Review
BUS514 Qualitative Research Methods
BUS515 Applied Quantitative Research Methods

Thesis component 48 units

HNB402F Thesis (48 units)

The nature and topic of the thesis is determined by the student's interests, the interests of potential supervisors and the availability of appropriate supervision.

Note: Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.

Student profile

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N/A - Students not accepted in this category
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Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.

• Students must have completed a Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business, from a recognised higher education institution, with a major in accounting, finance or financial planning.

• Potential applicants should have sustained a minimum GPA of 5.0 over the final two years of their undergraduate degree.

• A high level of achievement in the intended area of study must be demonstrated. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Importantly, enrolment is contingent upon the School’s capacity to provide appropriate supervision in the intended field of research

Recommended prior study
General Maths, Maths Methods or Specialist Maths
Program requirements
Program requirements and notes
Dissertation

This is a research thesis conducted over the full length of enrolment (e.g. full year year of enrolment for full time students). Length is normally 15,000 to 18,000 words excluding references and appendices. The required length is determined by the precise nature of the research in consultation with the supervisor and subject to the approval of the Dean and Head of School, School of Business and Creative Industries.

Supervision and research

The Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) is supervised by a staff member with relevant research interests and expertise. Students are encouraged to attend the research seminars, 3-minute presentations, research conversation series, and research discussion groups with other research students online.

Oral presentations

Oral presentation is embedded in the supervision process. For example, the students will be asked by the supervisors to make an informal presentation of what they have done since their last meeting, whether they have any problem in the process of making a progress and so forth. This practice applies in their regular meetings with the supervisors online.

Program notes
  • Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester.
  • Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa. Please refer to the English language requirements .
Enrolment and fees
  • In any semester, standard full-time enrolment comprises 0.500 EFTSL *
  • In any semester, standard part-time enrolment comprises 0.250 EFTSL *
  • The census date for withdrawal without financial penalty or academic penalty is the Semester 1 or 2 census date
  • Commonwealth supported students pay student contributions
  • Students who are not Commonwealth supported pay full tuition fees

* EFTSL - Equivalent Full-Time Student Load. One year of full-time study equates to 1.000 EFTSL.

Classes of Honours

The degree will be awarded in one of the three classes:

  • Class 1
  • Class 2 (awarded as Division 1 or Division 2)
  • Class 3

The class of honours awarded may not be more than one grade higher than the grade for the thesis. For example, if you receive a ‘Credit’ grade for your thesis, you may not be awarded the honours degree at a higher level than Class 2 Division 1, regardless of the average mark.

Inherent academic requirements

Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.

Refer to Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and Master of Professional Accounting - Inherent Academic Requirements

UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.

What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?

The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.

Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.

UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.

Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.

Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.

Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?

IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.

How does this affect you?

To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.

If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.

If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.

Headstart Program - Years 10 to 12

The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.

Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12

The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at UniSC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.

Prior study or work experience

If you:

  • have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
  • have a TAFE/VET qualification
  • have relevant work experience, or
  • have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)

You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.

Tertiary Preparation Pathway

If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.

If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.

It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.

Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)

You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.

High-school leavers completing year 12 are not eligible, and must apply through QTAC.

CSP estimate
A$14,835 - 2024 Fees

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.

If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.

Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:

  • meet the citizenship and residency requirements
  • complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
  • meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.

Domestic applicants apply for admission direct to UniSC.

Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.

QTAC code

Location QTAC code
Online Direct
Supervision from experienced mentors
Complete a thesis that contributes to industry knowledge
Specialise in a business area of your interest
Need advice on what to study or how to apply? 
Our Student Central team can help.

Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.

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