Bachelor of Business with a Major in Accounting and Finance
Undergraduate
SWI-BAF-DEG 2025- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 24
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Business with a Major in Accounting and Finance
About this degree
Financial Management
Gain a deep understanding of corporate finance and how financial strategies contribute to business success.
Management Accounting
Develop technical skills to analyse financial data that supports strategic decision-making and creates value for both customers and shareholders.
Ethics & International Finance
Navigate the complex world of global finance while adhering to ethical standards and principles.
Management of Investment Portfolios
Learn how to effectively allocate and manage assets within investment portfolios, with real-world applications in mind.
On successful completion of this Course students will be able to:
- Get on the pathway to professional accreditations
- Work in sectors like banking, investment, insurance, and government
- Master financial software that helps organisations and individuals thrive
- Understand global finance trends like cryptocurrency and blockchain
The Bachelor of Business – Accounting and Finance is designed to help you gain expertise in managing risks and advocating for clients by staying ahead of emerging financial trends, including cryptocurrency and blockchain analysis.
You’ll dive into the important foundations for both Accounting and Finance majors, get to collaborate on real consulting projects with live clients and use cutting-edge software like Python and Tableau, equipping you to make key decisions that shape businesses and financial strategies.
Broaden your understanding of core business functions and learn from recent clients including Build Pass, Inception Point, Inclusion Melbourne, Acorro, Height Safety Insurance Brokers, and Springvale Toy Library.
This degree opens the door to becoming a qualified accountant, with pathways to CPA Australia (CPAA), Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), or the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).
Once you complete this Bachelor’s, you’ll be primed to take the next step in becoming a fully qualified accountant.
Recommended study pattern
A total of 24 units are taken to complete the Bachelor of Business with a major in Accounting and Finance, including seven business fundamental units, the choice of one of two core business practice units, and 16 Accounting and Finance major units. You'll collaborate with your peers and solve real business problems, giving you the confidence to step into the workforce with practical experience.
Core Business units
Learning and Communicating for Innovative Business Practice (COM10011)
Contemporary Management Principles (MGT10001)
Marketing and the Consumer Experience (MKT10009)
Financial Information for Decision-Making (ACC10007)
Economics for Business Decision-Making (ECO10005)
Business Digitalisation (INF10024)
Business Consulting Project (BUS30032)
Core Practice Business units
And a choice of one unit from:
Planning for Career Success (CAR10001)
Sustainable Business Practice (BUS30031)
Accounting & Finance Major units
Business for Sustainability, Social Change and Impact (BUS10014)
Financial Information Systems (ACC10008)
Financial Statistics (FIN10002)
Management Accounting for Planning and Control (ACC20007)
Financial Management (FIN20014)
Company Accounting (ACC20013)
Taxation (ACC30005)
Auditing (ACC30010)
Accounting Theory (ACC30008)
Law of Commerce (ACC30008)
Ethics and International Finance (FIN20016)
Financial Crime Analysis (ACC30003)
Alternative Investments (FIN30020)
Financial Risk Management (FIN30014)
Management of Investment Portfolios (FIN30016)
Fixed Income and Debt Markets (FIN30021)
Award requirements
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Finance) students must complete 300 credit points comprising of:
- Eight [8] core units of study (100 credit points)
- Sixteen [16] units of study from the Accounting and the Finance discipline major (200 credit points).
A unit of study can only be counted once. Where there are overlaps between majors and/or minors, students in the first instance choose another unit from the list of units available in the major/minor.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$16,992
Indicative total fee $50,976
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
Swinburne University of Technology leads the way with innovative and new ways of teaching, learning and thinking. It offers a wide range of study options, from pre-apprenticeships, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhDs, including online degrees with Open Universities Australia. Swinburne is known for career-oriented education and encouraging lifelong learning.
Learn more about Swinburne.
Explore Swinburne courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 19
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 17
How to apply
Swinburne University of Technology manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Swinburne University of Technology who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
If you’re applying to Swinburne but haven’t completed Year 12, don’t worry! You can still apply if you have:
- Completed or partially completed an approved tertiary qualification (like a diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree, or degree).
- Relevant work experience and English language skills, or a STAT result (Special Tertiary Admissions Test), may also be considered.
- All students need to demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.
Diploma entry pathways
Some students start their journey with a Diploma, which can help them progress to a degree.
- Pathways allow you to move from one qualification to another.
- You could receive credit, depending on your chosen major. Our course consultants can help guide you through your pathway options.
If you have completed Year 12 (the Victorian Certificate of Education – VCE, or an equivalent qualification from interstate or internationally), you can apply based on that.
- Minimum ATAR requirements may apply for some courses.
If you’ve already studied you may be able to get advanced standing (credit transfer).
- Case-by-case assessment: Every applicant is assessed individually.
- If you’ve completed a Diploma in a related field, you may be eligible for credit.
- Previous tertiary studies: If your past studies meet part of the academic requirements for the course, you may get credit.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) lets you gain credit based on skills and knowledge from your work experience, life experience, or formal training.
- Like credit transfer, this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for credit.
Applicants who have completed a Diploma in a related discipline may be eligible for credit of up to 8 units; the equivalent of a third of the course. Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit of up to 16 units.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for RPL.
Career opportunities
Accountant
Help clients from businesses to individuals manage their finances. Provide expert advice on financial reporting, forecasting, and analysis.
Financial Accountant
Manage the accounting and financial activities of an organisation. Ensure accurate reporting and provide financial information to management.
Private Equity
Bankers in this area raise money for non-public enterprises and companies, keeping a portion of any profits they generate through deals.
Portfolio Manager
Oversee institutional and retail client investments. Recommend personalised investment strategies and specific investment decisions to clients and have discretionary power in executing those strategies to fulfill the clients' goals.
Securities Traders
Securities traders work at commercial banks, investment banks, asset management firms, hedge funds, and more. Wherever they work, traders buy and sell securities on behalf of the assets managed by that firm. Traders work in different markets (e.g., stocks, commodities, or crypto) and may specialise in one type of asset class or investment.
International Business Consultant
Develop strategies for large companies and clients all over the world. You’ll use outstanding problem-solving skills to create solutions to problems your clients might not have even anticipated.
Investor Relations Associate
Connect your company to its’ investors. Not only will you compile information from potential investors, but you’ll also analyse internal and external data to create reports. You’ll be a key part of ensuring your company keeps up with the rapidly changing business world.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), and Certified Practicing Accounts (CPA) Australia.
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International
Swinburne business degrees are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, and are a part of the five per cent of business schools worldwide accredited by AACSB. The alumni of AACSB accredited business schools are among the world’s most influential leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs impacting business, government, and non-profit sectors.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
---|---|---|
Finance Managers | Over $120K | Up 24.7% |
Financial Brokers | Over $120K | Up 47.5% |
Financial Dealers | Over $120K | Up 4.8% |
Financial Investment Advisers and Managers | Over $120K | Up 25.4% |