Bachelor of Commerce

The Bachelor of Commerce prepares students for a diverse range of business-related careers. Students graduate with an evidence-based career e-portfolio along with a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experience, and learn how to apply the theoretical concepts studied in a practical and real-world setting. Over the course of the degree students have the opportunity to undertake international study tours, work integrated learning opportunities and internships in their chosen field.

Possible future job titles: Corporate Accountant, Bank Officer, Management Consultant, Economic Adviser, Financial Analyst, Human Resources Manager, Recruitment Consultant, Project Manager, Marketing/Sales Manager, Sport/Event Manager

Professional recognition

Some of the majors in this course are recognised by professional associations or bodies. When you graduate, you may be able to apply for a professional membership or practise in a particular profession.

When you apply for this degree, ECU can give you details about professional recognition.

Higher education

All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. Academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

• AQF Cert IV;
• Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
• Undergraduate Certificate;
• Special Tertiary Admissions Test;*
• University Preparation Course;*
• Indigenous University Orientation Course;*
• Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment; or*
• For international students, requirements include your secondary school results.

Secondary education

Alternatively, applicants can apply with the indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published.

Work and Life

Alternatively, applicants can apply via Experience Based Entry Scheme, subject to eligibility.

English Proficiency Requirements

Students can satisfy English competency requirements by showing any of the following: 

• Results of Year 12 English ATAR or English Literature ATAR with a grade C or better or equivalent. 
• Results of a Special Tertiary Admissions Test to ECU’s standards. 
• An IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0). 
• Completion of 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada. 
• Completion of an ECU University Preparation Course, Indigenous University Orientation Course, or Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment. 
• Completion of a Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree as described by the Australia Qualifications Framework. 
• Completion of 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or 
• Completion of other tests, courses or programs as accepted by ECU.

On campus requirements

Cross-Campus attendance

Commerce students at ECU South West will be offered six common core units and the opportunity to complete some electives on campus. In order to complete the Bachelor of Commerce, however, students should be prepared to complete the remaining units online or at ECU's Joondalup campus.

Practicum placement

Internship option

The ECU Business Placement and Internship programs provide students with a unique opportunity to gain valuable real-world experience in a public, private or not-for-profit organisation. They enable students to gain relevant work experience, allowing them to develop professional networks, practice applying theory learned during their degree, develop skills and capabilities required to succeed in their chosen profession, and gain a better understanding of the nature of employment and professional conduct in their chosen industry.

Attendance requirements

The Internship Program forms one full semester of study and enables students to gain a minimum of 16 weeks (600 hours) of full-time work experience. The Work Placement program comprises 100 hours of work experience during the academic semester. Programs can be completed in all discipline areas, as well as general business opportunities.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. For eligible students, ECU offers credit and recognition of prior learning (CRPL). There are 2 CRPL options: 

• Credit transfer to acknowledge students’ formal learning at uni or TAFE. 

• Recognition of students’ informal learning gained outside of the education system (for example workplace experience or volunteer training.)

In an ever-changing world, a Commerce degree from ECU gives you the edge to succeed for jobs of the future.

Through work integrated learning, networking opportunities, as well as learning from academics with industry backgrounds, you’ll graduate with the skills you need to forge your career. ECU’s Bachelor of Commerce offers a range of majors and minors, as well as study options including on campus and online, so you can tailor your course to your field of interest all the while studying around your life.

There are a broad range of majors to choose from that are created in consultation with industry, with many being professionally accredited and recognised by relevant industry bodies. You can choose up to two majors, a major and a minor, or a major and a range of electives.

You will gain critical skills in areas of leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, communication and problem solving, helping you to succeed in a variety of complex, competitive and dynamic global business environments. The course is structured to provide students with great flexibility in tailoring the degree to suit their individual career aspirations.

Recommended Study Pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include: 

• Foundations of Business
• Business Environments & Markets
• Introduction to Business Analytics
• Accounting I

Plus there’s a selection of majors, minors and electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you. 

Award Requirements

Students are required to complete 360 credit points.

Note: Students with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 65% or higher after their second year of study may be invited to complete an additional year of study to undertake a one-year domestic or international internship. Those students will transfer to the Bachelor of Commerce Professional for their third and fourth year of study.

Choose your subjects

Majors

Students wishing to take the Accounting major with one of the following professionally accredited majors (Project Management, Human Resource Management or Marketing) will be required to complete additional credit points/units exceeding that required for completion of the Bachelor of Commerce.