• Program summary
• Program overview
• Professional recognition
• Career opportunities
• Special features
• Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and articulation
• Program structure
• Program requirements and notes
• Enquiries

Program summary

QTAC code: 015401
OP/Rank for 2009 entry: OP-16 / Rank-68
Award abbreviation: BBus/BCom(FinPlan)
Degree type: undergraduate
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fee type 2010: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Total units: 384
Recommended prior study: English and Maths
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
USC program code: BU358
CRICOS code: 065675G

Program overview

The Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning) enables you to gain broad business knowledge alongside advanced skills in financial planning.

A 2008 survey by Australia’s peak professional financial planning body, the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA), found that demand for financial planners is set to increase by 55 percent within the next five years.

In the financial planning major, you will study courses in business finance, insurance and risk management, retirement and superannuation, investment management, taxation law and practice, tax and estate planning, and financial plan construction.

A second business major will develop advanced skills in one of the following areas:

• Human Resource Management
• Information Systems
• International Business
• Management
• Marketing
• Tourism, Leisure and Event Management

A series of business and commerce foundation courses provide fundamental knowledge in the disciplines of accounting, economics, information and communications technology, management, and marketing.

Other more advanced courses provide knowledge in business law and ethics, business research methods, and strategic management. A capstone course develops in-depth understanding in corporate governance and corporate social responsibility.

The Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning) allows you to earn two degrees in a shorter amount of time than if you were to study the programs separately. You will receive two testamurs (degree certificates) on completion.

Professional recognition

This program is a pathway to the Financial Planning Association’s Certified Financial Planner designation. Graduates meet the competency and skill requirements outlined by the regulator, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, in Regulatory Guide RG146 for Financial Advisers.

Career opportunities

For information on careers in the different areas of study, refer to the program descriptions for the Bachelor of Business, and the Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning).

Special features

• gain skills and knowledge in business, commerce and financial planning
• earn two degrees in four years of full-time study

Program structure

Core courses

COR109 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics *
Plus select 1 course from:
COR110 K'gari-Fraser Island Field Studies
COR111 Special Field Studies Topic

15 courses from Bachelor of Business degree program

7 required courses:
BUS101 Special Research Project
BUS102 Workplace Learning I
BUS103 Communication and Thought
BUS104 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship
BUS105 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
BUS211 Applied Research Methods
BUS320 Economics for Business

• Applied Marketing (plus 1 elective *)
• Human Resource Management (plus 1 elective *)
• Information Systems (plus 1 elective *)
• International Business (plus 1 elective *)
• Management  (plus 2 electives *)
• Marketing Research (plus 1 elective *)
• Tourism, Leisure and Event Management (plus 1 elective *)

* Students may apply to complete BUS331 Business Law and Ethics

15 courses from Bachelor of Commerce degree program

Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program

1. Refer to the Academic Rules.
2. Refer to the explanation of terms.
3. Refer to the recommended enrolment patterns. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
4. International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
5. Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
6. Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including, for example, essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, and examinations.