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Bachelor of Commerce (International)

Broaden your business knowledge with an understanding of international affairs and global issues – and broaden your horizons on a one-year overseas exchange.

  • Overview
  • Structure
  • Entry requirements
  • How to apply
  • Student experience
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Why choose this bachelor degree?

  • Multidisciplinary degree for those wanting to broaden and enhance their business studies with a good understanding in international affairs, and key global and development issues
  • Develop cross-cultural perspectives as well as business acumen needed for a career in the rapidly changing global environment
  • Ability to incorporate a language study such as Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Japanese, Korean or Spanish within the program
  • Additional major: Complement your business major with an international studies major, such as Development Studies, Globalisation Studies, International Relations, a language study or Politics; or study two business majors to enhance your career options
  • Professional recognition: Meet the education requirement of various professional bodies including Australian Computer Society (Information Systems), Australian Human Resources Institute (Human Resource Management), Australian Securities and Investment Commission (RG-146) (Finance), CPA Australia (Accounting), Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (Accounting), ACCA (Accounting) and Institute of Public Accountants (Accounting), depending on course selection
  • Global opportunities: Undertake a compulsory one-year overseas exchange to develop a global outlook and gain international experience

Who is this degree for?

  • You want to combine business knowledge with international studies
  • You’re seeking a career in international affairs, public policy, international business or international relations
  • You want to undertake compulsory exchange at one of UNSW’s prestigious exchange partners around the world

Job and career prospects

Combining business with international studies opens up a variety of career paths with various organisations including:

  • Consulting firms
  • Government agencies (including foreign affairs and diplomacy)
  • Media companies
  • Non-government organisations (e.g. Oxfam, Amnesty International, World Vision)
  • Private sector (including financial institutions, accounting firms, IT/IS companies)
  • United Nations; European Union

The Bachelor of Commerce (International) is a 4 year degree program consisting of 32 course courses (192 UOC). The program includes:

  • Eight core courses
  • One commerce major
  • Free electives*

International studies component:

  • Four international studies courses
  • One intercultural and cross cultural study course
  • Two studies of the region courses 
  • One capstone course

 * You can use these to complete a second major (from approved areas of study)

Core courses

Study four compulsory core courses

ACCT1501 Accounting and Financial Management 1A

The compulsory core accounting unit will have a preparer perspective. It will provide an introduction to basic concepts in accounting and their application for decision making by a wide range of potential users (eg, shareholders, investment analysts, lenders, managers etc).
 
This unit should benefit students who wish to specialise in accounting, and will also be of value to students whose primary interest lies elsewhere in the field of business. On completion, students should have a clear understanding of the accounting process and the language of accounting to enable communication with an accounting professional, understand the relevance of accounting information for informed decision making by a wide range of potential users, and have the ability to analyse and interpret accounting information.
 
Topics covered will include the accounting equation, general purpose financial reports, cash and accrual accounting, adjustments, internal control, financial statement analysis, and interpreting and preparing information for managers to use in planning, decision making and control.

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Course outline
ECON1101 Microeconomics 1

In order to understand the workings of markets and the economy, one has to take on an 'economic mindset'. This introductory course covers the fundamental principles that economists use to understand and analyse economic behaviour. Understanding these basic principles equips students for further studies in economics and business. Topics and issues covered in this course include how individuals or firms make decisions about the demand or supply of a particular product, how we can judge the relative efficiency of different types of markets, how we explain why governments may need to intervene in a particular type of market while not in others, and how different government policies are more efficient than others.

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Course outline
ECON1203 Business and Economic Statistics

This course introduces students to basic statistical concepts and methods that are widely used in economics, finance, accountancy, marketing and, more generally, business. Emphasis is placed on applying statistical methods to draw inferences from sample data as an aid to informed decision-making.  Course topics include: descriptive statistics, probability distributions, point and interval estimation of parameters, hypothesis testing, and regression models. Students will learn to solve statistical problems in an EXCEL spreadsheet environment.  This course provides the basis for further study of statistical and econometric methods.

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Course outline
MGMT1001 Managing Organisations and People

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles, practices, issues and debates associated with the management of public, business and third sector organisations. The frameworks, concepts and theories covered in the course are introduced to explain how managers deal with the diversity of issues faced in the effective management of contemporary organisations.
 
The underpinning themes of the course centre on how managers can deal with the multiple demands of complex and turbulent environments, promote and sustain competitive advantage, manage changing social, political and technological factors inside and outside the organisation, ensure ethical and social responsibility, develop global organisations and manage diversity in the workforce. How management goes about its principal tasks of managing strategy, structures, people and systems are the key focus issues of the course. The main roles of modern management - planning, leading, innovating, organising and controlling - are also examined.
 
Topics include the emergence, evolution and structure of management, conceptions of managerial work; management fads, fashion and knowledge; the task and internal environment; regulating people; the nature of organising; change and innovation; decision-making; influence processes; power and politics; ethical issues and professionalism in management; performance management: control and planning; and current trends.

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Course outline

Then choose four flexible core courses from

ACCT1511 Accounting and Financial Management 1B

During Summer Term, this course is available as General Education to students from faculties outside the UNSW Business School

All students taking this course during Summer Term will be required to pay full tuition fees. This includes Commonwealth supported students who are studying at UNSW. Please see the Business School courses - Summer Term fees for more information.

Taken together, the accounting course in the compulsory core and this accounting course form an integrated study program designed to give students an understanding of the way in which financial information is generated and used, and to provide an appropriate platform for further study in accounting.

On completion the first year accounting courses seek to develop:

  • Technical competence in recording economic events in the accounting system
  • A critical understanding of key technical terms and concepts so as to interpret accounting information and reports in the financial press
  • An ability to argue a reasoned position on key questions of accounting theory and practice
  • Familiarity with institutional structures that affect the practice of accounting

Topics covered in this course will include accounting for the major transactions cycles, cash, receivables, inventory, non-current assets and liabilities, cash flow statements, accounting policy choice, further detail on management accounting (including costing systems and budgeting), corporate governance, and professional ethics.

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Course outline
COMM1000 Creating Social Change: From Innovation to Impact

Visit the CSI website for more information about this course.

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Course outline
ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1

Macroeconomics studies the aggregate behaviour of the economy. This course provides an introduction to the economic analysis of key macroeconomic variables such as output, employment, inflation, interest rates and exchange rates. The important elements of the course include measurement of macroeconomic variables, the development of models and theories to explain the behaviour of macroeconomic variables, the use of empirical evidence in evaluating different models, and the role of government policy in seeking to influence macroeconomic outcomes. The course will provide students with a framework for understanding the workings of the whole economy and the various interactions among households, business and governments.

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FINS1613 Business Finance

This is a first level corporate finance course that looks at the essential aspects of financial decision-making. The course begins with the different ways in which companies can be structured and the differing types of ownership that exist. Thereafter, the principles and applications of financial mathematics are introduced and used to value securities and investment decisions.

Portfolio theory is used to provide a foundation for determining the relationship between expected risk and returns in financial and real asset investments. Dividend payouts and the choices between debt and equity financing, including methods of determining the cost of capital, are also covered.

Furthermore, this course includes analysis of the influence of the capital market environment, the implications of financial risk, taxation and the conflict of interest between managers and investors on the value and operation of businesses.

The course develops distinct conceptual frameworks and specialised tools for solving real-world financial problems at both the personal and corporate level. Illustrations from real-life corporate practices are used to highlight the importance and relevance of financial management to the realisation of personal and corporate financial objectives.

Examples include personal financial planning, funds management, capital raisings, portfolio selection of financial securities, private equity, public floats and the pricing of assets in the stock market.

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INFS1602 Digital Transformation in Business

This is a foundational (Level 1) Information Systems (IS) course that introduces students to the use of IS in business and society. As an overarching theme, INFS1602 examines the issues and management of IS in relation to human behaviour and its consequences. Through this course, students will learn to appreciate existing and emerging technologies affecting businesses, business relationships and their products and services. In taking this course, students will be provided with tasks and assignments that will aid in refining their professional business skills and the ability to evaluate the value of technology to businesses. This includes communication and group work skills, time management and research skills.

The topics that are covered in INFS1602 include understanding the role of Information Systems and IS Professionals in Global Business, the relationship between Information Systems, Organisations, and Strategy, the dominant Business Models enabled by the Internet and the emergence of Web 2.0 technology. The course will also explore contemporary technology-enabled phenomena that are disruptive to the current business landscape such as Sharing Economy, Blockchain and the Internet of Things. The course also touches on popular enterprise-level information systems such as Enterprise Systems, Supply Chain and Customer Relationship Management Systems and the emergence of business intelligence in supporting organisation decision making. The course also involves discussion of the considerations behind the acquisition and building of IS and the issues common to the management of IS projects. Lastly, the course addresses the need to secure the IS and the potential ethical and social issues faced by businesses in relation to their use of IS.

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MARK1012 Marketing Fundamentals

In today’s business world, marketing is viewed as central to creating and delivering value both to the organisation and to the customer. It impacts all aspects of a business organisation, shaping and directing corporate through to marketing strategy. Many companies acknowledge that their growth and survival depends on putting the customer at the centre of their planning. Thus, an understanding of marketing is essential for any business student.

This course introduces the student to the major concepts and theories, reflecting the breadth and diversity of marketing. It provides insights into where marketing fits within an organisation, its contributions to business in general, describes frameworks supporting marketing activities, and helps with challenges in the ever changing market place. It discusses the application of this understanding to consumer goods, as well as service, business-to-business, industrial and non-profit organizations, and to the growing area of e-commerce.

Topics include: marketing processes and planning, the use of market research, an understanding of consumers and customers, decision-making and the marketing mix, market segmentation, positioning and product differentiation, the changing global environment.

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MGMT1101 Global Business Environment

This course examines key global environmental factors and issues impacting on the development of international business. Major topics include:
 
  • Globalisation of business
  • National differences in the political, social and legal environment, political and country risk
  • Cultural differences and their impact on international business
  • Ethical issues in international business
  • International trade issues
  • Theory and politics of foreign direct investment
  • International competitiveness
  • The internationalisation of business activities and the development of multinational enterprises
  • Foreign exchange markets
  • The international monetary system and development of the global capital market

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TABL1710 Business and the Law

This subject deals with the Australian legal system; the Constitution and Commonwealth/State relations; Parliament and statute law; the courts and case law; the executive and administrative law; the legal process and alternative dispute resolution. Areas of substantive law relevant to commerce are examined including property law (with particular reference to intellectual property), tort law (with particular reference to negligence), contract law, competition law and consumer protection law.

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Areas of study (majors)

Commerce

  • Accounting
  • Business Economics
  • Business Law
  • Business Strategy and Economic Management
  • Finance
  • Financial Economics
  • Human Resource Management
  • Information Systems
  • International Business
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Real Estate Studies
  • Taxation

International studies

  • Asian Studies
  • Chinese Studies
  • Development Studies
  • European Studies
  • French Studies
  • German Studies
  • Globalisation Studies
  • History
  • International Relations
  • Japanese Studies
  • Korean Studies
  • Politics
  • Spanish and Latin American Studies

More information about the core courses

Program details
View full program details in the UNSW handbookThe official University guide to degree programs and courses offered at UNSW
Class timetable
View more information on the class timetable websiteThe official University class timetable website
Entry to this degree is based on your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or an equivalent rank derived from the following:
  • Australian interstate Year 12 qualifications (e.g. OP rank)
  • New Zealand NCEA Level 3
  • Equivalent overseas qualifications e.g. International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, GCE A-Levels
  • Post-secondary or tertiary qualifications
  • An alternative entry qualification

Domestic students
For further information on domestic admission requirements, see UNSW Future Students degree finder.

International students
For further information on international admission requirements, see the International Undergraduate Direct Entry Table.

The UNSW English Language requirements also apply to this degree.

Alternative entry pathways
If you did not meet the entry cut-off of this degree, you might want to consider studying a different undergraduate degree (either at UNSW or another university), achieve good marks for your first year of study, and then apply for transfer into this degree.

If you did not have the required academic qualification for admission, visit the UNSW Future Students website to find out what other options are available to you.

Domestic students

If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, you apply online through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

International students

If you are an international student, and you’re completing an Australian Year 12, or the NZ NCEA Level 3 qualification in Australia or overseas, you apply online through UAC International.

All other international students apply directly to UNSW.

Transferring students

Transferring within UNSW

Current UNSW students can apply to transfer from one UNSW degree to another (e.g. from B Arts to B Commerce) as long as the entry requirements of the new program are met.

Assessment is usually based on your high school qualification (ATAR or equivalent) and/or results from your UNSW studies. In most cases, you need to have completed a minimum of 6 courses (36 UOC) at UNSW.

You can apply for transfer to another UNSW degree by:

If you gain entry into the new program, you will then be assessed for transfer credits for courses already completed. You can see the transfer credits on myUNSW.

Transferring from outside UNSW

Students studying at another institution can apply to transfer to a UNSW business degree as long as the entry requirements of the program are met.

Assessment is usually based on your high school qualification (ATAR or equivalent) and/or results from university studies. In most cases, you need to have completed a minimum of 6 courses (36 UOC) at the other university.

You can apply for transfer to a UNSW degree by:

  • Applying through UAC (if you’re a domestic student) or directly with UNSW via Apply Online (if you’re an international student)

If you gain entry into the program at UNSW, you will need to apply for transfer credits for courses already completed. Find out more about credit transfer at UNSW.

For a list of pre-assessed business courses, visit our transfer credit guide.

Note:
  • If you’re a domestic student and have completed one semester of study, and your high school results (e.g. ATAR, IB score) met the entry requirements, you may be eligible to apply for transfer via UAC based on your high school results only.
  • If you’re an international student and have completed one semester of study, and your high school results (e.g. ATAR, IB score) met the entry requirements, you may be eligible to apply for transfer directly with UNSW via Apply Online.

Make the most of every day on campus, with UNSW Australia Business School’s dynamic learning spaces, diverse social events and extensive student support.

Have fun and build your network

As an undergraduate, you have plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make friends. Join a student club, such as Arc (the UNSW student society), AIESEC, the Marketing Club, and many other interest groups. With over 180 social, cultural, sports and professional clubs there’s bound to be at least one that’s perfect for you! Find out more

All the support you need to achieve

We’ll help you settle in to university life with orientation and mentoring programs. There are study skills workshops, as well as career services and academic advice. Find out more

Stay active on campus

Exercise boosts your mental wellbeing and can help you deal with exam or assignment pressures. It’s easy to stay fit with state of the art sporting facilities on campus, including a 50m indoor pool, fitness centre, squash courts and a range of competitive sports teams.

Everything you need in one place

The UNSW Kensington campus is like a village hub, with cafes, bars, banks, a post office, medical and dental centres, and retail outlets. It’s a short bus trip to Sydney’s CBD, many beautiful beaches, the SCG and Centennial Park, and movie theatres at Fox Studios.

Make the most of every opportunity

Your undergraduate degree is a once in a lifetime experience, and the friends you make at the Business School could be friends for life. So get involved – as well as student clubs and social activities there are internships, volunteer projects, competitions and international exchanges on offer. It’s a great way to develop and practise your new business skills.

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Quick facts for students

Program code
3558
UAC code
424050
Award
Bachelor Degree
Assumed Knowledge
Mathematics
ATAR cut-off
97.25 (2017)
Other qualifications considered
Accepted Qualifications for High School Graduates
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
192
Study Mode
Face to face
Duration
4 years full–time
Commencing semesters
Semester 1 - March
Semester 2 - July
HECS fee band
Band 3
Related programs
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​​​​​​​Area of Study

Browse the list of study areas available for undergraduate study

 
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