Bachelor of Business (Accounting)

3 Years Blended Bachelors Program

University of Canberra

Program Overview

Study the Bachelor of Business (Accounting) at University of Canberra, Bruce Campus, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia, through a flexible blended learning format that combines online study with on-campus experiences. Designed for students who want to build expertise in accounting and business decision-making, this degree develops practical skills in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, management accounting, and business finance while preparing graduates for professional accounting careers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in business and accounting principles while developing professional and analytical skills. Through units such as Business Decision Making (11009), Introduction to Management (11174), and Accounting Systems and Practices (11212), students learn how organisations operate, how accounting information supports business decisions, and how financial data is recorded and interpreted. Additional studies in Business Law (11220) and Introduction to Economics (11175) provide essential knowledge of the business environment.

Year 2:
The second year focuses on developing technical accounting expertise and understanding the legal and financial frameworks that influence organisations. Students undertake units such as Business Finance (11215), Accounting and Decision Support Systems (11216), and Corporate Accounting (11214), gaining practical knowledge of financial management, corporate reporting, and accounting technologies. Studies in Revenue Law (11221) and Law of Business Associations (11222) further strengthen professional accounting competencies.

Year 3:
In the final year, students explore advanced accounting concepts and professional practice requirements. Through units including Advanced Management Accounting (11219), Advanced Issues in Accounting (11767), and Auditing and Assurance (11762), students learn to evaluate complex financial issues, conduct audits, and provide strategic business advice. The degree concludes with Professional Evidence (Business) (11173), allowing students to showcase the skills and experience developed throughout their studies.

Focus Areas: Financial Accounting, Corporate Accounting, Management Accounting, Auditing and Assurance, Business Finance, Revenue Law, Business Law, Accounting Information Systems, Decision Support Systems, Professional Accounting Practice.

Learning Outcomes: Develop expertise in financial reporting and analysis; apply accounting principles to business decision-making; understand taxation, auditing, and corporate governance requirements; utilise accounting technologies and decision support systems; evaluate complex financial issues; and communicate professional accounting advice ethically and effectively.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The accounting major is designed to provide the academic foundation required for professional accounting careers and includes studies in accounting, auditing, taxation, finance, and business law. The curriculum aligns with the knowledge areas expected by major professional accounting bodies, supporting pathways towards professional recognition and membership.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Canberra is recognised for its strong focus on work-integrated learning, industry engagement, and career-ready graduates. The Bachelor of Business incorporates practical learning experiences, professional portfolio development, and industry-connected projects that help students build relevant workplace skills and enhance employability outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Business (Accounting) at the University of Canberra is designed to develop practical accounting expertise through real-world learning experiences that mirror professional practice. Throughout the degree, students apply accounting, finance, auditing, taxation, and decision-support concepts to authentic business scenarios while building communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills valued by employers. The blended delivery format combines flexible online learning with interactive learning experiences, ensuring students develop both technical accounting knowledge and workplace-ready capabilities:

Industry Projects: Students have opportunities to participate in industry projects that allow them to apply accounting knowledge to real organisational challenges and gain practical business experience before graduation.
Internships and Work Placements: The program provides access to internships and work placements through the university’s Work Integrated Learning opportunities, helping students gain professional exposure and build industry networks while studying.
Professional Evidence Portfolio: Students complete Professional Evidence (Business), where they develop a professional portfolio showcasing their skills, achievements, and workplace readiness for future employers.
Accounting Systems and Digital Tools: Through units such as Accounting Systems and Practices and Accounting and Decision Support Systems, students learn to use contemporary accounting information systems and technology-enabled decision-making tools relevant to modern accounting environments.
Case Studies and Business Simulations: The curriculum incorporates business simulations, case studies, and interactive workshops that reflect real organisational operations, enabling students to apply accounting and financial concepts in practical contexts.
Guest Speakers and Industry Engagement: Students benefit from guest speakers and industry engagement activities that provide insights into current accounting practices, emerging industry trends, and professional expectations.
Competitions and Professional Development Activities: The Faculty offers opportunities for students to participate in competitions, exhibitions, and professional learning activities that strengthen analytical, presentation, and teamwork skills.
Study Tours and Virtual Real-World Experiences: Students may engage in study tours and virtual workplace experiences that broaden their understanding of accounting and business environments beyond the classroom.
Library and Learning Resources: Students have access to the University of Canberra Library's extensive digital databases, accounting and business resources, research materials, academic support services, and collaborative learning spaces.
Careers UC Support: Dedicated career services assist students with internship applications, resume preparation, interview coaching, networking opportunities, and graduate employment pathways throughout their studies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from the University of Canberra prepares graduates with practical accounting, financial reporting, taxation, and business analysis skills that are highly valued across a wide range of industries. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers as Accountants, Auditors, Tax Consultants, Financial Analysts, and Management Accountants, with strong pathways into both the private and public sectors. This career-focused degree combines professional accreditation, industry engagement, and practical learning experiences to support long-term employability:

University Services: The University of Canberra supports student employability through Careers UC, offering personalised career coaching, resume and interview support, networking events, employer presentations, internship opportunities, and access to CareerHub, where students can find part-time work, internships, and graduate positions. Students also benefit from Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities that provide valuable workplace experience before graduation.
Employment Stats and Salary Figures: Accounting graduates in Australia enjoy strong employment prospects across business, government, and financial services sectors. Graduates entering accounting-related roles typically earn a median salary ranging from AUD 65,000 to AUD 85,000 per year, with earning potential increasing significantly after gaining professional accreditation and industry experience.
University–Industry Partnerships: The University of Canberra maintains strong connections with industry and professional bodies. Students have benefited from placement and internship opportunities with organisations such as National Australia Bank (NAB), Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), Legal Aid ACT, the US Embassy, Boyce Chartered Accountants, Maxim Chartered Accountants, International IDEA, and eChoice, providing practical experience and professional networking opportunities.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The accounting major within the Bachelor of Business is professionally accredited by CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ). These accreditations satisfy the educational requirements for professional accounting pathways and enhance graduate credibility, mobility, and career advancement opportunities both in Australia and internationally.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates leave with strong technical accounting knowledge, business problem-solving abilities, analytical skills, and professional communication capabilities. Combined with industry exposure and recognised professional accreditation, these attributes help graduates transition confidently into accounting, finance, consulting, taxation, and business advisory careers.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Bachelor of Business (Accounting), graduates can continue their studies through the University of Canberra's postgraduate programs, including the Master of Professional Accounting, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Finance, or other specialised business master's degrees. Graduates may also pursue professional qualifications such as CPA Australia or Chartered Accountant (CA ANZ) programs, further strengthening their expertise, professional standing, and long-term career prospects.