Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Commerce(Finance)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Deakin University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) at Deakin University is a unique double degree that combines global perspectives with financial expertise, preparing students to work confidently across international business, government, financial services, and multinational organisations. This program is ideal for students interested in global affairs, international cultures, and financial decision-making, while developing the skills to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. Campus Location: Burwood (Melbourne) and Waterfront (Geelong).

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students begin by building foundations in both international studies and commerce. Through units such as Intercultural Communication (AIS101), Working in International Contexts (AIS102), and Fundamentals of Finance (MAF101), they develop an understanding of global cultures, international engagement, and the principles of financial decision-making. Additional units including Economic Principles (MAE101) and Accounting for Decision Making (MAA103) introduce key business and economic concepts.

Year 2:
The second year expands students' understanding of global systems and financial markets. Students explore international issues through Global Capitalism and Power (AIR200) and Gender, Globalisation and Development (AIS204) while progressing in finance with Banking and Financial Institutions (MAF202) and Business Finance (MAF203). These studies help students understand how financial systems operate within broader political, economic, and social environments.

Year 3:
Students move into more advanced and specialised learning while gaining valuable international exposure. Finance units such as International Finance and Investment (MAF306) and Equities and Investment Analysis (MAF307) provide deeper insight into global financial markets and investment strategies. During this stage, students are also encouraged to complete an approved international experience such as an overseas exchange, international internship, or study tour, enhancing their cross-cultural and professional capabilities.

Year 4:
The final year focuses on integrating global and financial knowledge in preparation for professional careers. Students complete capstone units including International Studies Capstone Portfolio (AIS303), International Futures (AIS304), and Corporate Finance and Sustainable Enterprise (MAF302). Advanced learning encourages students to evaluate international challenges, develop strategic financial solutions, and demonstrate leadership in diverse global environments.

Focus Areas: International Relations, Global Business, International Finance, Investment Analysis, Cross-Cultural Communication, Globalisation and Development, Financial Markets, Corporate Finance, International Policy, Risk Management, Global Citizenship.

Learning Outcomes: Apply financial and international studies knowledge to global challenges; analyse international political, economic, and social issues; evaluate investment opportunities and financial strategies; communicate effectively across cultures; demonstrate global citizenship and ethical decision-making; conduct research and develop solutions to complex international and business problems.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The Finance major is recognised through the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program, ensuring alignment with internationally recognised finance industry standards. The program also incorporates an international experience component, providing practical global exposure valued by employers worldwide.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Deakin University is recognised as the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, reflecting its strong focus on industry engagement, practical learning, and career readiness. Students benefit from international experiences, internships, and real-world learning opportunities that enhance graduate employability in both finance and international sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) at Deakin University is designed to provide hands-on global and business experience alongside academic learning. Students develop practical skills through international experiences, industry-connected projects, finance-focused learning, and intercultural engagement opportunities. The combination of international studies and finance ensures graduates can apply financial knowledge in global business environments while gaining first-hand exposure to international organisations, cultures, and markets. This practical approach is strengthened through Deakin’s work-integrated learning opportunities, overseas study options, internships, and industry-focused finance curriculum.

This experience-rich learning environment includes:

International Experience Requirement: Students must complete at least 2 credit points of approved international experience, which may include an overseas university exchange, study abroad program, international study tour, in-country language program, or international internship.
International Internships: Students can undertake International Internship A (AIS330) or International Internship B (AIS331), gaining professional experience with organisations operating in international contexts.
Onshore International Organisation Placements: Opportunities are available to complete approved internships with international organisations within Australia, allowing students to apply intercultural and professional skills in real workplace settings.
Overseas Exchange Programs: Students can spend a trimester studying at one of Deakin’s overseas partner universities, gaining exposure to different business environments, cultures, and global perspectives.
Finance Industry Learning: The Finance major includes industry-relevant units such as Banking and Financial Institutions (MAF202), Business Finance (MAF203), International Finance and Investment (MAF306), and Equities and Investment Analysis (MAF307), allowing students to apply financial theory to real-world business and investment scenarios.
Work-Integrated Learning Opportunities: Deakin's commerce programs incorporate practical assessments, industry engagement activities, and professional learning experiences designed to build workplace-ready skills and industry networks.
Intercultural Communication Projects: Through units such as Intercultural Communication (AIS101) and Working in International Contexts (AIS102), students engage in collaborative projects that develop cross-cultural communication and teamwork capabilities.
Global Business and Policy Analysis: Students investigate international political, economic, and social issues through authentic case studies, policy analysis, and research projects focused on global challenges.
Language and Cultural Immersion Programs: Students may complete in-country language programs in languages such as Chinese, Indonesian, Arabic, or Spanish, combining language development with cultural immersion experiences.
Library and Research Resources: Students have access to Deakin’s extensive digital and physical library collections, international studies research materials, business databases, financial market information resources, and academic support services.
Professional Finance Recognition: The Finance major is recognised through the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program, ensuring curriculum alignment with globally recognised finance industry standards.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) at Deakin University develop a unique combination of global awareness, intercultural communication skills, and advanced financial expertise. This powerful blend prepares graduates for careers that operate across international markets, government agencies, multinational corporations, and global financial institutions. Typical career pathways include Foreign Exchange Analyst, International Trade Officer, Import/Export Manager, and International Management Consultant.

Career Development & Industry Opportunities:

University Employability Services: Deakin supports students through DeakinTALENT, which provides career coaching, resume and interview support, job-search assistance, employer networking opportunities, internships, and access to graduate employment resources. Students also benefit from lifetime career support after graduation.
Employment Statistics: Deakin is recognised as the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, reflecting its strong focus on career readiness, practical learning, and industry engagement.
Median Salary Range: Graduates typically enter roles with salaries ranging from AUD $70,000 – $110,000+ per year, with higher earnings possible as they progress into senior finance, consulting, international business, and management positions.
University–Industry Partnerships: Finance students benefit from industry-informed curriculum design, access to industry advisory boards, work-integrated learning opportunities, international finance study tours, practical business projects, and exposure to industry case studies that reflect current global business practices.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The Finance major is recognised through the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program, providing strong alignment with globally recognised finance standards. In addition, Deakin Business School holds prestigious AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, demonstrating international quality and graduate employability standards.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates are equipped to work across international business, finance, trade, diplomacy, policy, consulting, and multinational corporate environments. Potential roles include Diplomat, Foreign Affairs Officer, Foreign Exchange Analyst, Trade Delegate, NGO Policy Officer, International Management Consultant, and Global Business Advisor.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate programs such as a Master of Finance, Master of International and Community Development, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of International Relations, or specialised master's degrees in economics, global business, and public policy. Students interested in research may also progress to Honours, followed by Master by Research or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs, creating pathways into academia, policy development, international organisations, and senior leadership positions.