Business school fostering a world class education for Future leaders
The UWA Business School has a proud history of excellence in teaching, learning and research. We are renowned for providing a high quality education for some of the brightest students from around the globe. In 2012, the University will introduce a new generation of undergraduate degrees in business, the sciences, arts, and design along with a new four-year, research-focused Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) degree. These new degrees are designed to provide you with a varied and inspirational start to your career. Business at UWA offers you the flexibility to engage with a broad range of disciplines while delivering a strong and relevant education, preparing you to solve the greatest business challenges across the corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors. We hope you choose to further your education with us and look forward to welcoming you to the Business School. International accreditation The UWA Business School is the only business school in Western Australia to have accreditation through the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). EQUIS and AACSB are both leading international systems of quality assessment, improvement, and accreditation of higher education institutions in management and business administration. 02 www.studyat.uwa.edu.au
at UWA Studying at UWA is a strong step towards a successful career. From 2012, we are building on our solid history of education excellence and delivering improved flexible course structures that provide you with more choices, in-depth knowledge and greater opportunities for success. You will have the freedom to sample a wide range of subjects in both the accounting field and your own personal areas of interest, more opportunities to study abroad, and you will graduate with the comprehensive skills, knowledge and experience that are highly regarded in the workplace. The UWA advantage: Knowledge for a changing world UWA has introduced a new course structure to give you the flexibility and opportunity to develop the wide-ranging skills and abilities highly prized by employers in today s global economy. As an undergraduate student at UWA you have the choice to study within any of our five new bachelor s degrees: Bachelor of Commerce (BCom): 3 years Bachelor of Arts (BA): 3 years Bachelor of Design (BDes): 3 years Bachelor of Science (BSc): 3 years Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) (BPhil[Hons]): 4 years The UWA Business School advantage The UWA Business School is one of the premier business schools in the Asia Pacific region. We are recognised for producing some of the highest quality graduates in Australia and are committed to ensuring our programs are relevant and valuable to industry. You will study in a state-ofthe-art facility that offers a stimulating learning environment where you can interact with other students and staff. Our location in Western Australia gives you access to some of the world s most influential business institutions. These connections with industry allow you to engage with key representatives and develop networks with future employers while gaining a greater understanding of the real world. Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) is one of the majors offered within the Bachelor of Commerce. The Bachelor of Commerce is a three-year business degree that develops your analytical, communication and problem solving skills, all of which apply to a wide range of career paths. You can choose to complete one or two majors within your degree, plus additional broadening units from one or more other degrees. Your broadening units or second major can be chosen from any area of study across the University such as Arts, Science or Design, allowing you to try something new, add to your knowledge base and study areas of particular interest to you. Studying within a degree other than Commerce? Some of the information in this brochure is only relevant to students completing as part of a Bachelor of Commerce. can also be taken within all other undergraduate degrees. For more information about studying please contact the Business School or visit www.studyat.uwa.edu.au The University of Western Australia 03
Overview: major focuses on the preparation, interpretation and communication of financial information essential to effective decision making within an organisation. On graduation, you will understand the principles of financial accounting reports; be able to analyse accounting information to evaluate and form a judgement about business performance; prepare optimal resource allocation within an organisation; and effectively communicate the results of financial findings. You may also select units leading to entry of a professional membership program. Fast 1Fact 5 Stars The 2011 edition of the Good Universities Guide gives UWA five stars for student/staff ratio, staff qualifications, and all three graduate outcomes getting a job, positive graduate outcomes, and graduate starting salary. 04 www.studyat.uwa.edu.au
Kate Campbell Student I made my decision on what to study based on what I was good at and the opportunities that were available in that area. As I m pretty good with numbers I chose. There are many professional bodies that seek employees with an accounting background. Even if you do not intend to become an accountant, learning the structure and foundations of accounting will provide you with sound business knowledge you might need for the future. Kate is currently studying a combined BCom/ BA (Communication Studies) course, majoring in, Finance and German, with a minor in Business Law. Professional accreditation The Bachelor of Commerce major is recognised by Australian and international professional bodies. With appropriate unit selections, you can seek accreditation with CPA Australia, Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA), and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). The University of Western Australia 05
Course structure: major To graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce you will need to complete 24 units of study. Eight of these units will form part of your major. major units: LEVEL 1 core units Financial Introduction to Finance LEVEL 2 core units Corporate Optional: Taxation LEVEL 3 options choose 3 or 4 Advanced Corporate Auditing Contemporary Managerial Financial Statement Analysis Financial : Theory and Practice Performance Measurement and Evaluation Strategic You must include one of Financial : Theory and Practice, or Strategic. In addition to the units which form your major, you will need to complete four complementary units as part of your Bachelor of Commerce degree. These complementary units provide you with an introductory knowledge of core areas within the Bachelor of Commerce. Complementary units Students nominating as their degree-specific major in the Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) course must also study: Economic and Business Statistics Marketing Microeconomics: Prices and Markets Organisational Behaviour A degree-specific major is one chosen from the list of majors attached to a particular degree. You must also choose four broadening units taught in a subject area (or areas) outside of the Bachelor of Commerce. You are able to choose from Arts, Science or Design units, and at least one of these units must have an international or cultural focus. For more information on broadening units visit: www.studyat.uwa.edu.au Your final eight units can be chosen from any subject area either within the Bachelor of Commerce or from another degree. If you decide to undertake two majors, these eight units would make up your second major. Specialist focus While studying the major, you can choose to gain an overall understanding of the accounting field or select units that provide you with a specialist focus in either Financial or. Financial Financial will provide you with an understanding of how to prepare financial accounting reports, develop your skills in using accounting information for problem solving and decision making, and develop your awareness of key issues in related professional disciplines such as taxation, auditing and management services. This combination of skills is a cornerstone for effective decision making in business. Units of study include: Advanced Corporate Auditing Financial : Theory and Practice Financial Statement Analysis Taxation focuses on the effective allocation of resources within an organisation. It will give you an understanding of how much various activities cost and the profit margin derived from each product or service provided. It is also concerned with performance evaluation and development and has close links with disciplines such as organisational behaviour, marketing, and economics. Units of study include: Auditing Performance Measurement and Evaluation Strategic Taxation 06 www.studyat.uwa.edu.au
Fast 2Fact Combine your interests Choose two majors Scholars UWA has produced almost 100 Rhodes Scholars. UWA s new undergraduate course structure allows you to take two majors within your three or four year degree. Studying two majors can increase your employability and allow you to choose from a wider range of career paths. If you are enrolled in a Bachelor of Commerce you can choose to increase your knowledge in business by selecting a second major from within the BCom. Alternatively, you can widen your skill base and take a second major from fields within arts, sciences or design. Your choice of major(s) can prepare you for further studies, including a professional postgraduate degree (see page 10). Bachelor of Commerce students + second major from the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Popular combinations with within the Bachelor of Commerce degree include: Business Law Finance + a second major from another degree You can choose to combine the major with a major from another undergraduate degree: Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Design The following are a selection of popular majors to take with : Chinese Engineering Science Law and Society Natural Resource Studying a degree other than Commerce If you choose to study a BA, BDes or BSc you can select as your second major. When taken as a second major, you are not required to complete the four complementary units. A sound knowledge of the principles and practice of business is highly regarded in every profession and will equip you for career success. As a student enrolled in the BPhil (Hons) you can nominate as either your degree-specific major or as a second major. The University of Western Australia 07
Combine your interests Choose two majors Year 1 Level 1 Level 1 core core Year 2 Level 2 Level 2 core core Year 3 Level 3 Level 3 core option Accredited Law unit Level 2 option Level 3 option Complementary Commerce unit Accredited Law unit unit Complementary Commerce unit Accredited unit Complementary Commerce unit Complementary Commerce unit Major 2 Major 2 Major 2 Major 2 Major 2 Major 2 Major 2 Major 2 Key: Major 2 Complementary Commerce unit unit and Finance (Professional Membership) Sample Year 1 Year 2 Financial Microeconomics: Prices and Markets Corporate Financial Policy Organisational Behaviour Taxation Business Analysis and Valuation Introduction to Finance Corporate Marketing Financial Planning Economic and Business Statistics Company Law Australian Legal Principles and Institutions or Introduction to Law Information Systems Year 3 Investment Analysis Financial : Theory and Practice International Finance Advanced Corporate Auditing Banking: Theory and Practice Key: Finance Complementary major major Commerce unit unit ECON1111 Quantitative Methods for Business and Economics is to be taken by students who have completed Math 2C and 2D or equivalent. Students who have completed Math 3A or 3B or higher can enrol into a broadening unit. and Business Law (Professional Membership ) Sample Year 1 Financial Microeconomics: Prices and Markets Organisational Behaviour Introduction to Finance Marketing Economic and Business Statistics Introduction to Law Year 2 Legal Framework of Business Taxation Corporate Company Law Year 3 Finance Law International Commercial Law Strategic Financial Statement Analysis Auditing Marketing. and the Law Key: Business Complementary major Law major Commerce unit unit ECON1111 Quantitative Methods for Business and Economics is to be taken by students who have completed Math 2C and 2D or equivalent. Students who have completed Math 3A or 3B or higher can enrol into a broadening unit. 08 www.studyat.uwa.edu.au
Start your career Graduating with an major from UWA, you will have the skills, knowledge and practical experience to apply for a wide range of jobs in the public sector, public accounting firms, small businesses and government departments. What sort of jobs can I apply for? A major in will prepare you for a wide variety of accounting positions, including: Auditor Budget accountant Finance manager Forensic accountant Investment analyst Treasurer What will I do? Working in the field of accounting, you may be required to: Formulate budgetary and accounting policies Prepare financial statements Undertake audits Advise on matters such as the purchase and sale of businesses, mergers, financing, and taxation Examine income and expenditure Appraise cash flow and financial risk of investment projects Employers of UWA graduates firms such as Ernst & Young, Deloitte Australia, PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian Taxation Office Banks such as Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac Consultants Government departments such as Treasury, Department of Health Small businesses Careers Centre As a UWA student you can access our online careers portal that will allow you to search for jobs, prepare your CV and register for workshops that will help you get the job you want. For more information visit www.careers.uwa.edu.au Catherine Mah Student The Business School is renowned for producing many of Australia s brightest minds. UWA graduates are consistently the best at gaining full-time employment across the state. In addition, the opportunities I have been given to apply my skills in a practical setting and to form networks with industry leaders have been invaluable. I secured a work placement via the Chartered Accountants Young Achievers Program and I was subsequently offered casual work at a medium sized accounting and finance firm. I currently work as an undergraduate accountant and admin clerk at a private company and as a research assistant at the UWA Business School. Catherine is studying a combined BCom/ LLB course, with majors in Finance and. She is the president of SIFE UWA, and has led projects to address hunger and reduce carbon emissions. Fast 3Fact Top talent In 2010, UWA enrolled 4 out of 5 of the state s top 5% of school leavers. The University of Western Australia 09
Further study After finishing your bachelor s degree you have a range of exciting options. You can choose to start your new career by directly entering the workforce, or you can undertake additional university studies. Further studies will increase your knowledge and skills and increase your employability. At UWA, after completing your undergraduate degree, you will have a range of further study options to choose from. Honours If you perform well in the first three years of your undergraduate degree, you can apply to undertake honours. This is an additional oneyear program where you complete focused study in a specialist field of your choice, allowing you to draw on the skills and knowledge you gained in your bachelor s degree to conduct further research. Completing an honours degree demonstrates you have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in your studies and that you are able to undertake individual research projects. Honours studies will help you develop the skills you need for easy transition from study to employment or a higher research degree. Honours is available in all Commerce majors excluding Business Law. Fast 4Fact Group of Eight member UWA is a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) network, as well as the World Universities Network and the Matariki Network of Universities. Postgraduate courses At UWA we offer a wide range of postgraduate qualifications including graduate diplomas and master s degrees that will allow you to increase your expertise in your chosen field. By undertaking an additional one to two years of study you will increase your knowledge base through coursework and/or research. For more information on the range of postgraduate degrees available, visit www.studyat.uwa.edu.au/ postgrad Professional courses From 2012, UWA will offer professional postgraduate degrees in law, medicine, engineering, architecture, audiology, dentistry, landscape architecture, music teaching, nursing science, pharmacy, podiatric medicine, psychology, social work and teaching. By studying a Bachelor of Commerce and selecting the appropriate prerequisite units you can progress to the professional postgraduate degree of your choice. As a result, you will then be able to graduate with a solid business foundation that will be applicable to any career you choose. For more information about professional degrees at UWA in 2012, visit www.studyat.uwa.edu.au Scott Molloy Graduate There is now no area of pursuit that is not influenced by the commercial or economic sector, and for that reason, an understanding of business is enormously beneficial. Whether you ultimately intend to pursue a career in law, engineering, fine arts, genetics, or any other area, the UWA Business School can teach you the analytical skills you need to succeed in the real world. Scott completed his BCom (Hons)/ LLB (Hons) in 2010, majoring in Finance. Scott was involved in the SIFE UWA team, FAWA, and the UBS Investment Banking competition, and is now working as an Equities Research Analyst at J.P. Morgan in Sydney. 10 www.studyat.uwa.edu.au
Fast 5Fact Exchange programs UWA has exchange agreements with over 100 universities around the world. Admission UWA entry requirements To be considered for entry to the BCom, BA, BDes or BSc you must achieve the University s minimum entry score (ATAR of 80 or equivalent), and demonstrate English language competence (visit www. studyat.uwa.edu.au/elc). To be eligible for consideration for entry to the BPhil(Hons) you must achieve an ATAR of 98 (or equivalent) in addition to meeting the University s English language competence requirements and any prerequisites for your chosen major(s). Prerequisites If you are studying as part of the Bachelor of Commerce you will need at least Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) Mathematics 2C/2D (or equivalent). If you have a secondary qualification, other than a Western Australian school leaving qualification visit www.studyat.uwa.edu.au/ undergraduate/admission Credit for prior learning Applicants with prior tertiary studies are welcomed. Some credit may be given depending on grades achieved and areas of study covered. International students International students should also visit www.international.uwa.edu.au/ students/esos for more information about the study environment, course fees and refund policy, support services and schooling obligations for dependent children. Contact us Australian students UWA Business School Undergraduate Student Centre Tel: +61 8 6488 2780 Fax: +61 8 6477 1086 Email: undergrads-business@uwa.edu.au www.business.uwa.edu.au International students International Student Officer (Undergraduate) International Centre Tel: +61 8 6488 3939 Fax: +61 8 9382 4071 Online enquiries: www.ask.uwa.edu.au www.studyat.uwa.edu.au Recommended courses: WACE Mathematics 3A/3B (or equivalent) is strongly recommended. Prerequisites and recommended courses may not apply to students completing this major in a degree other than the Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours). The University of Western Australia 11
The University of Western Australia UWA Business School Australian Students UWA Business School Undergraduate Student Centre Tel: +61 8 6488 2780 Fax: +61 8 6488 1086 Email: undergrads-business@uwa.edu.au Web: www.business.uwa.edu.au International Students International Student Officer (Undergraduate) International Centre Tel: +61 8 6488 3939 Fax: +61 8 9382 4071 Online enquiries: www.ask.uwa.edu.au Web: www.studyat.uwa.edu.au While the UWA Business School has made every effort to ensure that information contained in this brochure is accurate, courses may be subject to change. For up-to-date information, please contact us or visit www.business.uwa.edu.au CRICOS Provider Code: 00126G UniPrint 85404