Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Banking and Finance

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Adelaide

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Banking and Finance at the University of Adelaide – Adelaide City Campus, Adelaide, South Australia is designed for students who are interested in financial markets, banking systems, investment management, and corporate finance. This three-year degree combines strong business foundations with specialised finance knowledge, helping students develop the analytical, technical, and decision-making skills needed for careers in banking, investment, financial services, and corporate finance.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build a strong understanding of business and financial fundamentals through courses such as Accounting for Decision Makers (ACCT1000), Business Finance (BAFI1001), and Principles of Economics (ECON1000). During this year, they learn how businesses operate, how financial decisions are made, and how economic forces influence markets and organisations.

Year 2: The second year introduces more specialised banking and finance concepts through subjects including Foundations of Business Analytics (BUSI2600), Options, Futures and Risk Management (BAFI2004), and Predictive and Visual Analytics for Managers and Consultants (BUSI1009). Students develop quantitative and analytical skills while exploring financial instruments, risk management strategies, and data-driven decision-making. Work-integrated learning begins through the Business Practicum (BUSI1900), providing practical industry exposure.

Year 3: In the final year, students focus on advanced finance topics through courses such as Corporate Regulations and Ethics in Finance (BAFI2008), Portfolio Theory and Management (BAFI2007), and Business Applications for Artificial Intelligence (ARTI3000). Students also complete the Business Clinic (BUSI2902) and can choose specialist finance electives such as International Banking and Finance, Financial Institutions Management, or FinTech and Disruptions in Financial Services, allowing them to tailor their studies to specific career interests.

Focus Areas: Banking systems, financial markets, investment analysis, portfolio management, business valuation, risk management, financial institutions, international finance, corporate finance, financial technologies (FinTech), and financial regulation and ethics.

Learning Outcomes: Develop expertise in analysing financial problems, evaluating investment opportunities, managing financial risk, understanding banking operations, applying analytical tools to business decisions, interpreting financial data, and making strategic financial recommendations in a rapidly evolving global financial environment.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The curriculum is designed to provide knowledge and skills relevant to the finance and banking industry and prepares students for professional pathways such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program. The degree also incorporates extensive Work Integrated Learning experiences to strengthen professional readiness.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Adelaide is a member of Australia's prestigious Group of Eight and is internationally recognised for excellence in business education and graduate employability. Students benefit from industry-connected learning, state-of-the-art facilities, and practical workplace experiences that enhance career prospects in the global finance sector.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Banking and Finance at the University of Adelaide is designed to combine financial theory with extensive real-world application. Students develop practical analytical, investment, and risk management skills while working with industry-standard financial data and analytical tools used by finance professionals. Throughout the degree, learning extends beyond the classroom through Work Integrated Learning (WIL), industry engagement, practical business projects, and exposure to contemporary financial technologies. Students also study in state-of-the-art facilities and gain experience solving real business and financial challenges in professional environments:

Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Students complete more than 300 hours of Work Integrated Learning during the degree, gaining professional experience alongside finance professionals and industry organisations.
Business Practicum: The compulsory BUSI1900 Business Practicum course allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real business and financial challenges while developing professional workplace skills.
Business Clinic: Through BUSI2902 Business Clinic, students work on industry-focused projects, gaining practical consulting and problem-solving experience with real organisations.
Financial Markets Trading Lab: Finance students can access the Adelaide Business School’s Financial Markets Trading Lab, a state-of-the-art stock exchange trading simulation facility that provides hands-on experience with financial market analysis and trading environments.
Industry-Standard Data & Analytical Tools: The program provides access to professional financial data and analytical tools used in banking, investment, and financial services sectors, helping students develop workplace-ready technical capabilities.
Artificial Intelligence Applications: Students undertake Business Applications for Artificial Intelligence, developing skills in emerging digital technologies and their application within business and financial decision-making environments.
Finance-Focused Projects: Assessment throughout the degree includes case studies, financial reports, presentations, research projects, professional simulations, and group projects that mirror industry practice.
Internship Opportunities: Students can undertake internships through Adelaide University's Work Integrated Learning program, gaining experience with corporations, government organisations, start-ups, and not-for-profit organisations in both physical and virtual workplace settings.
Global Learning Opportunities: Students can participate in international study tours and overseas exchange programs, building global business knowledge and international professional networks.
Industry Networking: The Adelaide Business School regularly connects students with guest speakers, networking events, industry professionals, and employer engagement activities that strengthen career readiness and industry connections.
Libraries & Learning Resources: Students have access to modern university libraries, collaborative learning spaces, technology-enabled study areas, and a 24/7 online learning platform that supports both academic study and industry-focused research.
Professional Finance Preparation: The curriculum covers portfolio management, corporate finance, derivative markets, risk management, business valuation, international banking and finance, and investment analysis, while also preparing students for the pathway toward becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Banking and Finance develop the analytical, technical, and strategic skills needed to make informed financial decisions in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. With expertise in investment analysis, risk management, financial markets, and corporate finance, graduates are well prepared for roles such as Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Portfolio Manager, and Business Adviser across banking, financial services, consulting, and corporate sectors: they also gain practical industry experience that strengthens their employability from day one.

University Services for Employability: Adelaide University supports career success through dedicated career advice and mentoring services, internship and work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with industry guest speakers, and access to a student support hub. Students also complete more than 300 hours of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) through Business Practicum and Business Clinic courses, gaining valuable professional experience alongside finance industry professionals before graduation.
Employment Statistics & Salary: The financial and insurance services sector is projected to employ more than 600,000 people across Australia by 2033, with strong demand for qualified finance professionals. Graduates entering banking and finance-related careers can typically expect median starting salaries in the range of AUD $60,000–$80,000 per year, with opportunities for significant salary growth as they gain experience and professional credentials.
University–Industry Partnerships: The program integrates extensive industry engagement through Work Integrated Learning placements, Business Practicum projects, and Business Clinic experiences. Students gain access to industry-standard financial data and analytical tools used in professional practice while working alongside finance professionals, helping them build practical skills and valuable industry networks.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The curriculum has been designed to align with industry expectations and provides preparation for the pathway toward becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder, one of the most respected professional qualifications in global finance and investment management. This gives graduates a strong foundation for long-term career advancement in banking, investment, and financial services.
Graduation Outcomes: Upon graduation, students will have developed expertise in corporate finance, portfolio management, derivative markets, securities valuation, financial institutions management, risk analysis, and financial regulations. These skills enable graduates to evaluate investment opportunities, assess financial risks, support strategic business decisions, and contribute effectively across a wide range of financial and commercial environments. Career pathways include Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Portfolio Manager, Business Adviser, and Data Analyst.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, students can continue their studies through postgraduate qualifications such as a Graduate Certificate in Commerce, Graduate Diploma programs, a Master of Finance, Master of Commerce, Master of Business Analytics, MBA, or other specialised business and finance-related master's degrees. Graduates may also pursue professional qualifications such as the CFA Program to further enhance their expertise and career opportunities in the global financial sector.