Bachelor of Commerce(Accounting)/Bachelor of Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Deakin University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) / Bachelor of Science at Deakin University is a unique double degree that combines professional accounting expertise with scientific knowledge, helping students develop strong analytical, problem-solving, and commercial skills for a wide range of industries. It is ideal for students who enjoy both business and science and want to explore careers that bridge scientific innovation with financial and strategic decision-making. Campus Location: Melbourne Burwood Campus.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students establish foundations in both commerce and science through core units such as Accounting for Decision Making (MAA103), Economic Principles (MAE101), and Fundamentals of Finance (MAF101). Alongside these business fundamentals, science studies introduce key scientific concepts, laboratory techniques, and research skills, helping students understand how scientific knowledge can be applied to real-world challenges.

Year 2:
In the second year, students deepen their understanding of accounting principles while building expertise in their chosen science major. Accounting studies focus on financial reporting, management accounting, and business analysis, while science units provide practical laboratory experience and scientific investigation. Students begin connecting scientific discoveries with business and commercial applications.

Year 3:
Students progress into advanced accounting and specialised science studies. Accounting subjects focus on areas such as auditing, taxation, and corporate reporting, while science majors allow students to specialise in fields such as Environmental Science, Human Biology, Chemistry, or Food Science. This combination develops strong analytical and evidence-based decision-making skills that are highly valued across industries.

Year 4:
The final year emphasises professional practice, strategic thinking, and industry engagement. Students complete advanced accounting studies, apply scientific methodologies to complex problems, and participate in practical learning opportunities such as community science projects or industry-based experiences. Graduates emerge with the ability to evaluate scientific information while making informed commercial and financial decisions.

Focus Areas: Accounting, Financial Reporting, Auditing, Taxation, Business Analysis, Scientific Research, Laboratory Practice, Data Analysis, Environmental Science, Human Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, Scientific Innovation, Commercial Strategy.

Learning Outcomes: Apply accounting principles to business decision-making; analyse and interpret financial information; conduct scientific investigations using appropriate methodologies; evaluate scientific and commercial data critically; communicate effectively with both scientific and business audiences; develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges using interdisciplinary knowledge.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The Accounting major is professionally recognised by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), CPA Australia, the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), providing graduates with pathways towards professional accounting certification.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Deakin University is recognised as the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, supported by strong industry connections, practical learning experiences, career development programs, and work-integrated learning opportunities that enhance graduate employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) / Bachelor of Science at Deakin University is designed to give students practical experience across both business and scientific disciplines. Throughout the degree, students apply accounting concepts to real business challenges while developing scientific investigation, laboratory, analytical, and research skills in professional learning environments. The combination of commerce and science allows students to work with industry-relevant technologies, undertake practical projects, and gain experience that reflects real workplace expectations. Students also benefit from Deakin's strong focus on employability through work-integrated learning opportunities, modern laboratories, industry engagement, and career development programs. To support this hands-on learning experience, students have access to a range of facilities, projects, tools, and professional experiences including:

Modern Science Laboratories: Students undertake extensive laboratory-based learning through the science component, gaining practical experience in scientific experimentation, data collection, analysis, laboratory procedures, and research techniques.
Laboratory and Fieldwork Training: The compulsory SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program prepares students for safe professional practice in laboratory and field environments before undertaking practical scientific activities.
Industry-Based Placements: Students have opportunities to complete industry-based placements that provide exposure to professional scientific and business environments, helping them apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations.
Community Science Projects: The science component includes opportunities to participate in community science projects, allowing students to solve real-world challenges while building professional and research skills.
International Internship Opportunities: Students may broaden their professional experience through international internship opportunities that enhance global industry exposure and intercultural competencies.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): Commerce students can undertake Work Integrated Learning experiences that connect academic study with professional workplace environments and industry projects.
Professional Accounting Training: Accounting students develop practical skills using industry-relevant business tools, case studies, financial reporting exercises, decision-making activities, and applied accounting projects aligned with professional accreditation requirements.
Industry-Relevant Software and Digital Tools: Students utilise professional business technologies, digital research tools, financial analysis resources, data management systems, and discipline-specific technologies throughout their studies.
Career Development Resources: The compulsory STP010 Career Tools for Employability module helps students develop career planning, professional networking, employability skills, and workplace readiness.
Collaborative Group Projects: Students work in multidisciplinary teams on scientific investigations, business case studies, research activities, and problem-solving projects that mirror professional workplace collaboration.
Research Facilities: Depending on their chosen science major, students gain access to specialised teaching and research laboratories supporting studies in areas such as chemistry, environmental science, human biology, genomics, food science, mathematical modelling, animal biology, and plant biology.
Deakin Library Services: Students have access to extensive digital databases, scientific journals, accounting resources, financial datasets, research support services, study spaces, and academic skills programs across the university library network.
AACSB and EQUIS Accredited Business School Environment: Students learn within Deakin Business School, which holds internationally recognised AACSB and EQUIS accreditation, ensuring exposure to globally recognised business education standards.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) / Bachelor of Science at Deakin University develop a rare combination of accounting expertise, scientific knowledge, analytical thinking, and commercial awareness. This versatile skill set allows graduates to pursue careers across business, finance, scientific industries, consulting, government agencies, and research-driven organisations. Typical career pathways include Accountant, Financial Analyst, Research Scientist, Environmental Consultant, Business Analyst, Audit Associate, Scientific Project Coordinator, and Management Consultant.

Career Development & Graduate Success:

University Services That Support Employability: Deakin provides lifetime career support through DeakinTALENT, career coaching, resume and interview preparation, networking opportunities, industry mentoring, graduate recruitment events, and employability-focused programs. Students also complete STP010 Career Tools for Employability and can undertake professional practice and industry-based learning experiences.
Employment Statistics & Salary Figures: Deakin is recognised as the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, reflecting strong graduate outcomes and employer demand for its graduates. Accounting and science graduates typically enter professional roles with a median salary range of AUD $65,000–$95,000 per year, with experienced professionals progressing beyond AUD $120,000 depending on industry and specialisation.
University–Industry Partnerships: The program is designed with strong industry engagement and practical learning opportunities. Students benefit from industry-relevant projects, professional placements, work-integrated learning experiences, and exposure to employer networks across business, finance, environmental science, research, and technology sectors.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The Accounting major enables graduates to pursue professional recognition with CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Deakin Business School also holds the prestigious AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, recognised globally for business education excellence. Depending on the chosen science major, additional professional recognition opportunities may also be available.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates are equipped to work across commercial, scientific, government, consulting, environmental, and research sectors. The combination of accounting expertise and scientific problem-solving creates opportunities in organisations seeking professionals who can interpret complex data, manage finances, support innovation, and contribute to evidence-based decision-making.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, graduates can continue their studies through a variety of postgraduate pathways depending on their career goals. Students may pursue Bachelor of Science (Honours), specialised Master’s degrees in Accounting, Professional Accounting, Finance, Business Analytics, Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Data Science, or Management, or progress into research-focused qualifications such as a Master by Research or PhD. The program also provides a strong academic foundation for professional certification programs offered by accounting bodies such as CPA Australia, CA ANZ, and ACCA, supporting long-term career advancement and specialist expertise.