Bachelor of Commerce

The Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Notre Dame Australia is a three-year degree for students who want to understand how businesses, markets and organisations work. You'll study core areas like accounting, economics, finance, management and marketing, then choose a major or specialisation that suits your interests. The degree is built around units of study, each with a credit point value, and you'll need to complete a set number of credit points to graduate. Most Australian universities run two semesters a year, with some offering a trimester option, and Notre Dame follows a similar structure. You'll typically take four units per semester, with exams and assignments at the end of each.

What you'll study

Your first year covers the basics: accounting, business statistics, economics, and management principles. After that, you'll pick a major, options often include accounting, finance, marketing, human resource management, or economics. Some students combine two majors. You'll also take electives from outside the business school, which is a chance to broaden your skills. In your final year, you might do a capstone unit where you work on a real business problem for a client, or a research project if you're thinking about honours. Notre Dame is known for its strong industry connections, and many students do an internship or professional placement as part of their degree. That counts as credit towards your course.

How it's structured

The degree is made up of units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. You'll need to pass all core units plus your major and electives. Assessment is a mix of exams, essays, group projects, presentations and practical work. Some units have a work-integrated learning component, where you spend time in a workplace and reflect on it academically. If you do well, you can apply for an honours year, which adds a fourth year and involves a research thesis. That's the standard path if you want to go on to a master's or PhD.

Who it suits

This degree suits students who are curious about how businesses operate and want a qualification that opens doors in many industries. You don't need to have studied commerce at school. If you're organised, enjoy working with numbers and people, and want a degree that combines theory with practical experience, this could be a good fit. It's also a solid choice if you're planning to work in Australia after graduation, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets you stay and work for a period after you finish, and while you're studying you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. English requirements for international students are typically IELTS 6.0–6.5 overall, but check the official page for the exact score and accepted equivalents. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register. Always confirm details like unit offerings, majors and placement options on the university's official page.

• Accountant, working in public practice, corporate finance, or government; many graduates go on to become CPAs or chartered accountants.
• Financial analyst, in banking, investment firms, or treasury departments, analysing investments and preparing reports.
• Marketing coordinator, in retail, technology, or not-for-profits, running campaigns and analysing market data.
• Human resources officer, in large organisations, handling recruitment, training, and employee relations.
• Business consultant, in consulting firms, helping clients improve operations and strategy.
• Management trainee, in graduate programs at banks, retailers, and government agencies.
• Economist, in government, think tanks, or financial institutions, researching and interpreting economic trends.
• Entrepreneur, starting your own business or working in a startup, using skills in finance, marketing, and management.

Australian industries that hire commerce graduates include banking and financial services, accounting firms, retail, technology, healthcare management, government, and education. The degree also gives you a foundation for further study, like a master's in finance or an MBA.