Bachelor of Commerce(Accounting) / Media

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) / Media at the University of New South Wales blends professional accounting expertise with creative and strategic media communication skills, preparing students for careers where finance, storytelling, and business strategy intersect. It is ideal for students who want strong accounting capabilities while also developing media literacy, communication, and digital content understanding for modern business environments.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build a strong foundation in business and communication through core units such as Financial Accounting, Business Decision Making, and Introduction to Media Studies. They also develop essential skills in business communication and digital media fundamentals, learning how organisations use media in professional contexts.

Year 2: The focus shifts toward technical accounting and media practice with subjects like Management Accounting, Corporate Finance, and Media, Culture and Everyday Life. Students begin combining financial analysis with media production and analysis skills through practical assignments and case-based learning.

Year 3: Students advance into specialised accounting and media strategy with units such as Auditing and Assurance, Financial Reporting, and Digital Media Industries. At this stage, students engage in applied projects that connect accounting systems with media-driven business communication strategies.

Year 4: The final year focuses on professional integration through advanced studies such as Strategic Management Accounting, Contemporary Media Practice, and capstone business projects. Students demonstrate their combined expertise by applying accounting knowledge within media, marketing, or corporate communication environments.

Focus Areas

Accounting, Financial Reporting, Media Studies, Digital Communication, Corporate Strategy, Media Industries

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop strong accounting expertise combined with advanced media and communication skills, enabling them to analyse financial data and communicate insights effectively across business and media-driven environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The accounting component aligns with professional pathways through CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), and Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), supporting recognised progression toward professional accounting certification.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of New South Wales is consistently ranked among Australia’s leading universities for business and accounting education, with strong global recognition in QS World University Rankings and high graduate employability outcomes in business disciplines.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) / Media at the University of New South Wales is designed to give students hands-on experience in both professional accounting practice and contemporary media production and communication. Throughout the degree, students learn by combining technical financial training with creative media practice, working on real-world business cases, digital storytelling projects, and industry-style assessments that reflect current professional environments in both fields.

Learning is strongly practice-oriented, with access to UNSW’s industry-connected teaching approach, digital platforms, and collaborative project environments:

Professional Accounting Systems: Students gain exposure to industry-standard accounting tools and financial reporting systems used in corporate environments through Business School coursework and simulations.
Media Production Facilities: Access to UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA) media studios for digital content creation, editing suites, and production-based learning.
Industry-Linked Projects: Students complete real-world case studies and cross-disciplinary projects combining financial analysis with media communication and storytelling.
Internship and Work-Integrated Learning Opportunities: Opportunities to engage in internships, professional placements, and industry-based learning through UNSW Business School and media/communications networks.
Digital Communication Tools: Training in modern digital media platforms, content creation tools, and communication technologies used in media industries.
Collaborative Learning Environment: Group-based projects that simulate real workplace settings across accounting teams and media production teams.
Research and Academic Resources: Access to UNSW Library facilities, business databases, financial research tools, and media research archives supporting both disciplines.
Interdisciplinary Learning Experience: Students regularly integrate financial literacy with media strategy, preparing them for roles that require both analytical and communication skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) / Media at the University of New South Wales develop a rare combination of professional accounting expertise and advanced communication, media, and storytelling skills. This interdisciplinary degree prepares students for careers where financial literacy and media understanding intersect, making graduates highly adaptable across corporate communications, finance, consulting, media, and digital industries.

Typical roles include: Accountant, Financial Analyst, Corporate Communications Officer, Media/Content Strategist.

Career Development Support: UNSW Employability and Career Discovery: Provides personalised career coaching, resume and interview workshops, mentoring programs, networking events, internship support, and access to graduate recruitment opportunities across accounting firms, media organisations, corporate communications teams, and consulting companies.
Employment Outcomes & Salary Insight: Accounting graduates in Australia typically achieve median starting salaries of approximately AUD 75,000–80,000 per year, with additional opportunities in media and communications depending on role, experience, and industry sector.
Industry Partnerships: UNSW Business School Industry Connections + UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture Networks: Students engage with major accounting firms, financial institutions, media companies, advertising agencies, digital marketing firms, and corporate partners through internships, industry projects, media production work, and professional networking opportunities.
Accreditation & Long-Term Value: Professional Accreditation: The accounting component is accredited by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), and Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), ensuring strong professional recognition for accounting careers in Australia and internationally.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates develop strong capabilities in financial reporting, auditing, taxation, communication strategy, media production, digital storytelling, and critical thinking, enabling them to work effectively across both structured business environments and creative media industries.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into Master of Professional Accounting, Master of Commerce, Master of Media, Master of Business Analytics, Master of Management, or research-focused honours and doctoral programs. Professional accounting pathways through CPA Australia, CA ANZ, and IPA provide structured certification routes, while postgraduate media study can further strengthen careers in communications, journalism, and digital media strategy.