Bachelor of Commerce(Finance)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Australian National University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) at Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Australia is a flexible business degree designed for students who want to develop strong expertise in financial markets, investment analysis, corporate finance, and business decision-making. The program suits students interested in finance, banking, investment management, and corporate strategy, while providing a broad commercial foundation that prepares graduates for careers across the global business sector.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in business and economics while developing the quantitative skills required for finance. Core courses such as BUSN1001 Business Reporting and Analysis, ECON1101 Microeconomics 1, and STAT1008 Quantitative Research Methods introduce students to business reporting, economic decision-making, and data analysis. Students also commence their finance studies through FINM1001 Foundations of Finance, gaining an understanding of financial markets and investment principles.

Year 2

During the second year, students deepen their understanding of financial decision-making and economic environments. Courses such as FINM2001 Corporate Finance, ECON1102 Macroeconomics 1, and intermediate finance major courses develop expertise in corporate valuation, financial management, and the broader economic factors that influence financial markets. Students also continue building analytical and problem-solving capabilities through specialised finance coursework.

Year 3

The final year focuses on advanced financial concepts and professional application. Students undertake higher-level finance subjects such as FINM2002 Derivatives, advanced Finance Major courses, and MGMT2100 Communication for Business, strengthening their ability to analyse investment opportunities, manage financial risk, and communicate complex financial information effectively. The program's flexibility also allows students to tailor their studies through electives aligned with their career goals.

Focus Areas:

Financial Markets, Corporate Finance, Investment Analysis, Portfolio Management, Risk Management, Derivatives, Corporate Valuation, Financial Consulting, Financial Planning, Funds Management, Investment Banking.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop a strong understanding of financial instruments and markets; analyse investment and financing decisions; apply quantitative techniques to financial problems; evaluate risk and return in financial decision-making; communicate financial insights effectively; and develop the professional capabilities required for careers in finance, banking, investment, and corporate management.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Finance major is designed to provide industry-relevant financial knowledge and professional preparation for careers in financial services, investment management, financial consulting, corporate finance, and related sectors. The curriculum aligns closely with the skills sought by employers across the finance industry.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

ANU is consistently recognised as one of Australia's leading universities and is internationally respected for business and economics education. The ANU College of Business and Economics is known for producing highly employable graduates who possess strong analytical, quantitative, and professional skills valued by employers globally.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) at Australian National University combines strong theoretical foundations with practical financial analysis, investment decision-making, and real-world business problem solving. Throughout the degree, students apply finance concepts to areas such as capital markets, portfolio management, corporate valuation, derivatives, and risk management while developing both analytical and collaborative skills. Learning is enhanced through industry-engaged opportunities, quantitative modelling, applied finance projects, and access to ANU's world-class business and economics facilities. Students are encouraged to translate classroom knowledge into professional practice through experiential learning opportunities offered by the ANU College of Business and Economics:

Student Managed Fund (SMF): High-achieving finance students can participate in the ANU Student Managed Fund, where they help manage an investment portfolio valued at more than A$700,000. Students conduct investment research, make recommendations, and present to an Investment Advisory Committee, gaining hands-on asset management experience.
Finance Industry Projects: Students can undertake the College of Business and Economics Special Industry Project (CBEA3001), working on real business and finance challenges with industry partners.
Internship Opportunities: The ANU College of Business and Economics Internship Program (CBEA3070) enables students to gain workplace experience while earning academic credit and building professional networks.
Global Business Immersion: Students may participate in the Global Business Immersion (CBEA3066) program, gaining international business exposure and insights into global financial markets and business environments.
Applied Quantitative and Financial Modelling: Finance students develop practical skills using quantitative research methods, economic and financial models, statistical techniques, and financial mathematics that are widely used in professional finance careers.
Collaborative Group Projects: Finance courses require students to work both independently and collaboratively to analyse financial problems, interpret market information, evaluate investment opportunities, and communicate professional recommendations.
Research-Led Learning Environment: Students learn from academics within the ANU College of Business and Economics, one of Australia's leading business schools, where contemporary research informs teaching and classroom discussions.
Specialised Finance Curriculum: The Finance major covers practical areas including investment analysis, portfolio construction, corporate valuation, debt markets, derivatives, risk management, and financial decision-making, ensuring graduates develop industry-relevant capabilities.
Libraries and Learning Resources: Students have access to ANU's extensive library network, digital databases, financial research resources, collaborative learning spaces, and academic support services that enhance both coursework and research activities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Future Progression & Opportunities:

A Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from the Australian National University equips students with the analytical, quantitative, and strategic skills needed to succeed in today's global financial markets. Graduates gain a strong understanding of investment management, corporate finance, financial markets, and risk analysis, making them highly attractive to employers across banking, investment, consulting, and corporate sectors. As financial expertise continues to be in demand worldwide, ANU finance graduates are well positioned for rewarding careers and long-term professional growth.

Typical career outcomes include:

Financial Analyst
Investment Analyst
Corporate Finance Officer
Risk Management Consultant
Banking Professional
Wealth Management Adviser
Treasury Analyst
Financial Consultant

This strong career preparation is supported by:

Dedicated Career Services: ANU Careers and Employability offers personalised career coaching, resume and interview preparation, networking events, employer presentations, internship support, career fairs, and professional development workshops to help students transition successfully into the workforce.
Graduate Employment Outcomes: ANU is consistently recognised as one of Australia's leading universities for graduate employability, with graduates benefiting from strong employment outcomes and global employer recognition.
Median Graduate Salary: Finance graduates in Australia typically earn a median starting salary of approximately AUD $70,000–$85,000 per year, with salaries often increasing rapidly as graduates gain industry experience and professional qualifications.
Industry Connections: Through the ANU College of Business and Economics, students benefit from engagement with leading employers across banking, investment management, financial services, consulting, government, and corporate sectors through networking events, industry seminars, guest lectures, and recruitment programs.
Professional Recognition and Long-Term Value: The finance major provides valuable preparation for globally recognised professional qualifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program and other finance-related professional certifications, enhancing graduates' long-term career prospects.
Practical Financial Skills: Students develop expertise in financial modelling, investment analysis, portfolio management, valuation, and financial decision-making—skills highly valued by employers across multiple industries.
Strong Graduation Outcomes: Graduates pursue careers in investment banking, corporate finance, financial planning, funds management, consulting, risk management, government finance, and international financial markets.
Global Alumni Network: ANU's extensive alumni network includes influential leaders across finance, government, business, and international organisations, providing valuable networking and career development opportunities throughout graduates' careers.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), students can continue their studies through postgraduate programs such as the Master of Finance, Master of Applied Finance, Master of Commerce, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Financial Management, or other specialised business and economics degrees. Students interested in research may pursue Honours, a Master by Research, or a PhD. The degree also provides a strong foundation for professional qualifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program and other internationally recognised finance certifications, supporting advancement into senior finance, investment, consulting, and executive leadership roles.