Bachelor of Property and Real Estate/Bachelor of Commerce(Accounting)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Deakin University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Property and Real Estate / Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) at Deakin University combines specialist property expertise with professional accounting knowledge, preparing graduates for careers across the real estate, property development, valuation, investment, and accounting sectors. This double degree is ideal for students who are interested in the financial and commercial aspects of property while developing strong accounting, analytical, and business skills. Campus Location: Burwood (Melbourne).

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students develop a foundation in both accounting and property studies while gaining an understanding of the broader business environment. Core units such as Accounting for Decision Making (MAA103), Economic Principles (MAE101), and Fundamentals of Finance (MAF101) introduce financial reporting, economics, and business finance concepts. Alongside these studies, students begin exploring the fundamentals of property markets, real estate operations, and the role of property within the economy.

Year 2:
The second year focuses on building technical accounting knowledge and property industry expertise. Students undertake units such as Financial Accounting (MAA203), Management Accounting (MAA262), and Property Law and Practice, developing an understanding of accounting systems, business reporting, and legal aspects of property ownership and transactions. Students also examine how financial information supports property investment and development decisions.

Year 3:
Students progress into more specialised areas of accounting and property. Units including Corporate Auditing (MAA303), Corporate Reporting (MAA310), and Property Investment strengthen expertise in financial reporting, auditing practices, and property asset evaluation. Students learn how accounting principles influence property valuation, investment analysis, and strategic decision-making within the real estate sector.

Year 4:
The final year integrates advanced property and accounting knowledge through industry-focused learning. Students complete units such as Accounting Theory (MAA716), Strategic Management Accounting (MAA703), and advanced property-related studies focusing on development, valuation, and investment strategy. This year prepares graduates to solve complex commercial problems and make informed decisions across property and financial markets.

Focus Areas: Property Valuation, Real Estate Markets, Property Investment, Property Development, Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Auditing, Corporate Reporting, Taxation, Business Analytics, Asset Management, Commercial Property.

Learning Outcomes: Develop expertise in accounting and property management principles; analyse financial statements and property investments; evaluate real estate opportunities using financial and market data; apply accounting standards and professional judgement; communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders; demonstrate ethical, analytical, and strategic decision-making skills in business and property environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The Accounting major is professionally accredited by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), and the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). The property component is designed in consultation with industry and aligns with the knowledge and skills sought by property and real estate employers.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Deakin University is recognised as the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, reflecting its strong industry connections, practical learning opportunities, and focus on career-ready graduates. The combination of accounting and property expertise provides graduates with a competitive advantage in both financial and real estate sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Property and Real Estate / Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) at Deakin University is designed to provide practical, industry-focused learning that reflects the needs of the property, real estate, and accounting sectors. Students gain hands-on experience through industry projects, professional practice opportunities, and Work Integrated Learning (WIL), while developing technical skills in property valuation, investment analysis, accounting, and business decision-making. Throughout the degree, students engage with real-world property case studies, market analysis projects, and professional accounting applications, ensuring they graduate with skills that are immediately relevant to employers:

Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Students can complete approved Work Integrated Learning units that provide industry experience and academic credit, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in professional property, real estate, or business environments.
Industry-Based Property Projects: Property-focused units such as Property Investment (MMP212), Advanced Property Analysis (MMP321), and Advanced Property Valuation (MMP311) involve analysing real property markets, investment opportunities, valuation scenarios, and development proposals.
Professional Accounting Applications: Through accounting units including Accounting for Decision Making (MAA103) and commerce core studies, students develop practical skills in financial reporting, business analysis, and decision-making using contemporary business data and accounting frameworks.
Business Analytics and Digital Skills: Students complete Business Analytics (MIS171), where they learn to analyse business data, interpret trends, and support evidence-based decision-making using digital analytical tools.
Property Valuation and Market Analysis Training: The program develops technical expertise in statutory valuation, property economics, investment assessment, and market forecasting through authentic property-industry scenarios and analytical methodologies.
Collaborative Group Projects: Students work in teams to evaluate property developments, assess investment opportunities, prepare valuation reports, and solve business challenges, mirroring professional practice in both property and accounting industries.
International Learning Opportunities: Students may undertake approved international learning experiences, including overseas study opportunities that provide exposure to global business and property markets.
Deakin Library Resources: Students have access to extensive digital databases, property research resources, financial information platforms, academic journals, and professional publications that support both accounting and property studies.
Industry-Connected Learning Environment: The program is delivered through Deakin Business School, which holds prestigious AACSB and EQUIS accreditations and maintains strong industry links that support career development and professional networking opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Property and Real Estate/Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) are well positioned to build careers across the property, real estate, accounting, finance, and business sectors. By combining expertise in property valuation, development, investment, and accounting, graduates gain a versatile skill set that is highly valued by employers. Typical career pathways include Property Valuer, Property Developer, Accountant, Asset Manager, Portfolio Manager, Business Analyst, Financial Planner, and Property Adviser.

Career Development Support:

Deakin's DeakinTALENT service provides personalised career coaching, resume and interview preparation, networking opportunities, employer events, and graduate recruitment support.
Students gain practical industry experience through Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units, internships, placements, and industry projects that strengthen employability before graduation.

Employment Statistics and Salary Figures:

Deakin is recognised as the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, reflecting strong graduate outcomes and employer confidence in Deakin graduates.
Graduates entering accounting, property, and real estate professions typically commence with salaries ranging from AUD $60,000–$85,000 per year, with experienced professionals in valuation, development, asset management, and accounting often earning AUD $100,000–$180,000+ per year depending on role and seniority.

University–Industry Partnerships:

The program provides opportunities to build connections with industry partners through internships, professional projects, networking events, and practical learning experiences.
Students learn from academics who are active within the property and business sectors and benefit from Deakin's strong links with professional bodies and industry organisations.

Long-Term Accreditation Value:

The Bachelor of Property and Real Estate is professionally accredited by the Australian Property Institute (API) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), providing graduates with eligibility pathways towards becoming a Certified Practising Valuer (CPV).
The Accounting major enables graduates to apply for professional pathways with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), CPA Australia, Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Deakin Business School also holds the prestigious AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, recognised globally for business education excellence.

Graduation Outcomes:

Graduate with two professionally recognised qualifications in property and commerce.
Develop expertise across property valuation, development, investment, accounting, financial analysis, and business strategy.
Access career opportunities in Australia's largest property industry as well as the broader accounting and finance sectors.
Benefit from strong industry recognition and professional accreditation pathways that support long-term career growth.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this double degree, graduates can pursue advanced study through programs such as the Master of Property, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Professional Accounting, Master of Finance, or specialised postgraduate qualifications in property development, valuation, investment, and business analytics. Graduates may also continue toward professional certification programs offered by CA ANZ, CPA Australia, IPA, ACCA, API, and RICS, further enhancing professional standing and career opportunities.