Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)

Ranked in the top one per cent worldwide1, we are one of the largest leading providers of accounting and finance education in Australia and Asia.

This industry-accredited degree will provide you with a strong foundation of knowledge in accounting combined with business, taxation, auditing, finance and sustainability.

You will also learn about the current economic, legal and political influences affecting global business as well as develop critical problem solving, reporting, decision-making, communication and teamwork skills.

We know that employers value graduates with industry experience so there are opportunities to embed an internship, mentoring or work-integrated learning into your degree.

You could even work on a business project overseas.

Advanced Accounting Grant Receive a $1,000 study grant towards a professional industry development or global study experience, plus a course substitution, when you complete Stage 2 Accounting in Year 12.

Learn more.

1UniSA Business is one of just ten institutions in Australia and 189 globally to be accredited by EQUIS (from over 16,500 worldwide).

EFMD, February.

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent AND

• Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
• Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
• Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR Higher education study

• Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
• Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above

OR Vocational Education and Training (VET)

• Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above

OR Work and life experience

• Qualify for Special Entry, or
• Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
• Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

Assumed Knowledge

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

You will start with core courses in business. These will give you a solid grounding in important areas including accounting and quantitative methods for business, business law, finance, business intelligence, data analysis, economics and management.

You’ll then branch out into your accounting specialisation, learning cutting edge knowledge and skills in:

• financial and management accounting
• taxation and company law
• auditing
• sustainability accounting
• global and contemporary accounting issues
• strategic financial analysis

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

In addition to learning from teachers with professional experience as part of your studies, we offer opportunities for you to connect with industry outside the classroom:

• Complete an internship or industry project
• Become a global citizen with our overseas exchange program – we have more than 60 partner universities worldwide, and study options that range from two weeks to one year
• Build your network and career by participating in our Business Career Mentor Program which pairs you with an experienced business professional

We also host regular University-wide , and in Australia and overseas.

Your career

As we are the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers in Business and Management1, our quality teaching and experiences beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career ready.

Between now and 2020 the availability of accounting-related roles in Australia is expected to increase by:

• 17.1 per cent (accountants, auditors and company secretaries)
• 16.6 per cent (accountants)
• 22.3 per cent (auditors, company secretaries and corporate treasurers)2

Careers to consider:

• Auditor/Risk consultant: ensuring financial and operational integrity and compliance; evaluating and reporting on financial, operational and managerial processes and systems; working on business process reviews and risk assessments
• Business adviser: working with new or established businesses; analysing business plans and financial statements; advising on investments, marketing, funding and financial trends; understanding consumer needs and how to improve profitability; problem solving with clients
• Forensic accountant: working in a corporate or regulatory environment to investigate fraud and similar crimes; researching and preparing forensic reports for courts; providing expert evidence
• Insolvency and reconstruction adviser: working with and achieving the best possible results for stakeholders in cases of personal and business financial distress; administrations and liquidations; restructuring under performing businesses and turnarounds
• Management accountant: assisting senior management make critical business decisions; preparing forecasts, budgets and risk analysis; advising managers about the financial implications of business decisions
• Practising accountant: working for private sector, government or individuals; preparing tax returns; keeping accounting systems up-to-date; maintaining financial records; advising on business structures
• Tax accountant/Corporate tax consultant: compiling company and other business tax returns, and individual tax returns; providing tax planning advice and strategies

1ComparED (QILT): Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-19 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). Public SA-founded universities only. 2Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015.

Applying to study with us:

• go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
• you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

The Business Student Hub is a convenient, central support service for business students, from first year through to graduation. The team provides expert advice on study options, elective choices and any academic difficulties. It also helps with referrals to support services across the University. The Business Student Hub is there to facilitate your life at university, so you get the most out of your UniSA experience.

Our student support services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help, we're here to assist. We provide a full range of support services, including:

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.