Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Arts - Finance

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

La Trobe University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Arts (Finance) at La Trobe University is a double degree designed for students who want strong financial expertise combined with broader arts-based analytical and communication skills. It is delivered primarily at the Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus, Victoria, Australia, giving students access to modern learning facilities, industry connections, and a vibrant university environment. This program suits students aiming for careers in finance, business strategy, consulting, or roles that require both numerical and critical thinking abilities.

Curriculum structure:
Year 1: In the first year, students build a foundation in both commerce and arts disciplines through introductory studies such as Principles of Economics, Financial Decision Making, and Academic Writing in the Humanities. This stage develops core skills in analytical thinking, communication, and basic financial literacy, preparing students for more specialised study.

Year 2: The second year deepens financial knowledge through subjects like Corporate Finance, Macroeconomic Principles, and Introduction to Financial Markets, while arts units such as Critical Thinking and Textual Analysis strengthen interpretive and research skills. Students begin to connect financial theory with real-world economic and social contexts.

Year 3: In the third year, students move into advanced finance areas including Investment Analysis, Risk Management, and Financial Institutions and Markets, alongside arts electives like Contemporary Social Issues or Research Methods in Humanities. This year emphasises applied financial problem-solving and interdisciplinary thinking.

Year 4: The final year focuses on advanced and capstone learning through subjects such as Advanced Portfolio Management, International Finance, and a Finance Capstone Project, combined with higher-level arts electives. Students consolidate their expertise and prepare for professional roles or further postgraduate study.

Focus areas: Financial analysis, investment and portfolio management, corporate finance, economic theory, critical thinking, research and communication skills, interdisciplinary problem-solving.

Learning outcomes: Graduates will be able to analyse financial data, evaluate investment decisions, apply economic theory to business contexts, and communicate complex ideas effectively across professional environments.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The program aligns with industry expectations in banking, corporate finance, consulting, and financial services sectors, supporting pathways toward roles recognised by Australian business and finance employers.

Reputation (employability rankings): La Trobe University is recognised globally in the QS World University Rankings and maintains strong graduate employability outcomes in business and commerce-related disciplines according to official university performance data.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At La Trobe University, students in the Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Arts (Finance) develop practical, job-ready skills through a strong blend of classroom learning and real-world application. You study in a professional business environment at the Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus, where finance learning is supported by industry-informed teaching, case-based projects, and access to modern business learning spaces. The program is designed to help you apply financial theory in real situations through collaborative work, digital tools, and professional exposure:

Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Structured opportunities to apply finance and business knowledge in real workplace settings through internships, industry projects, or professional placements arranged as part of La Trobe’s career-focused learning model.
Industry-Based Projects: Finance-focused case studies and group assignments where students analyse markets, investment decisions, and business performance using real-world scenarios.
Digital Finance Tools: Training in industry-relevant tools and platforms used in commerce and finance studies, including data analysis and financial modelling applications commonly used in business education.
Collaborative Learning Spaces: Access to La Trobe’s modern business learning environments designed for teamwork, presentations, and simulation-based learning activities.
Academic and Research Support Facilities: Use of university libraries, digital databases, and business research resources to support finance analysis and academic development.
Career Development Services: Dedicated employability support including resume building, interview preparation, and employer networking events aligned with finance and business careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Arts (Finance) at La Trobe University are well-prepared for dynamic careers across banking, corporate finance, consulting, and government sectors. Students build strong analytical, financial, and communication skills that open doors to both Australian and global opportunities. Typical roles include financial analyst, investment associate, business consultant, and risk analyst:

La Trobe Careers and Employability Support In bold : Dedicated career advisors, resume workshops, interview preparation sessions, and employer networking events through La Trobe Talent Connect help students transition smoothly into employment.
Employment Outcomes In bold : Graduates from finance-related commerce degrees in Australia typically achieve strong employment rates within 6 months of graduation, with median starting salaries generally ranging from AUD 65,000 – 95,000, and progressing to AUD 110,000+ with experience in corporate finance and investment roles.
University–Industry Connections In bold : Strong links with banks, financial institutions, consulting firms, and government agencies provide internship pathways, industry projects, and real-world case studies integrated into the degree.
Professional Recognition In bold : The program aligns with industry expectations in finance and commerce, supporting pathways toward professional bodies such as CPA Australia and CFA Institute (depending on subject selection).
Graduation Outcomes In bold : Graduates develop a dual advantage—financial expertise combined with arts-based analytical and communication skills—making them highly adaptable in global business environments.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, students can progress into postgraduate study such as Master of Finance, Master of Business Analytics, Master of International Business, or MBA programs to further strengthen leadership and specialist finance expertise.