Bachelor of Business with a Major in Finance

Financial Management

Make informed corporate finance decisions and master risk analysis.

Economic Principles

Understand market trends and their impact on business strategy.

Fixed Income & Debt Markets

Assess credit risk, interest rates, and ethical considerations.

International Trade & Finance

Develop strategies to navigate global financial markets.

Investment Portfolio Management

Build and manage portfolios in emerging and established markets.

On successful completion of this Course students will be able to:

1. Master the art of smart investing and financial management
2. Stay ahead of the game with emerging trends like cryptocurrency
3. Graduate with CFA-recognized credentials and industry-ready expertise

The Bachelor of Business – Finance teaches you the skills and knowledge to become an essential player in any business, from global corporations to innovative startups. Whether you’re analysing investments, managing risk, or exploring the future of finance, this degree gives you the tools to succeed.

• Master financial management and learn how to make strategic business decisions.
• Explore emerging trends like cryptocurrency, fintech, and ethical investing.
• Get hands-on experience using industry-leading platforms like Python.
• Work on real-world consulting projects with companies like Acrodyne, Build Pass, and the Epilepsy Foundation.
• Develop a global mindset by tackling real financial challenges in international markets.

This major is recognised under the CFA Institute Affiliated University, covering over 70% of Level 1 CFA program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK), emphasising the CFA Institute Codes of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Graduates will gain a leading edge with employers, and strong preparation for the workforce or the CFA examination. You may be eligible for CFA Program Student Scholarships.

Recommended study pattern

A total of 24 units are taken to complete the Bachelor of Business with a major in Finance, including seven core business units, the choice of one of two core business practice units, eight Finance major units and eight electives.

Core Business Fundamental 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)

Business Practice units

You must complete one (1) of the following units:

Planning for Career Success (CAR10001)

Sustainable Business Practice (BUS30031)

Finance Major units

Business for Sustainability, Social Change and Impact (BUS10014)

Financial Statistics (FIN10002)

Financial Management (FIN20014)

Ethics and International Finance (FIN20016)

Alternative Investments (FIN30020)

Financial Risk Management (FIN30014)

Management of Investment Portfolios (FIN30016)

Fixed Income and Debt Markets (FIN30021)

Recommended electives

Planning for Career Success (CAR10001)

Law of Commerce (LAW20019)

Financial Information Systems (ACC10008)

International Politics (POL10002)

Other Elective options can be viewed on the Swinburne Online website.

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Business (Finance) students must complete 300 credit points comprising of:

• Eight [8] core units of Study (100 credit points).
• Eight [8] units of study from the Finance discipline major (100 credit points).
• Eight [8] units of study (100 credit points) comprising of electives.

Students have the opportunity to undertake a WIL Professional Placement. 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 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.

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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.