Bachelors of Computer Science / Commerce(Finance)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Computer Science / Commerce (Finance) at University of Queensland combines cutting-edge computing knowledge with a strong foundation in finance, preparing students for careers at the intersection of technology, business, and financial services. This program is ideal for students who enjoy problem-solving, data analysis, and financial decision-making while developing the technical skills needed in today's digital economy.
Campus Location: St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
In the first year, students establish core foundations in both computer science and commerce. You will study introductory units such as CSSE1001 Introduction to Software Engineering, CSSE1000 Introduction to Computer Systems, and FINM1416 Introduction to Finance, developing essential programming, systems thinking, and financial literacy skills.

Year 2:
The second year expands your technical and financial capabilities through units such as CSSE2010 Introduction to Computer Systems Principles and Programming, INFS2200 Relational Database Systems, and FINM2411 Intermediate Corporate Finance. You will learn how data, technology, and financial decision-making interact within modern organisations.

Year 3:
In Year 3, students focus on more advanced topics in computing and finance. Units such as CSSE3002 Software Engineering Project, COMP3506 Algorithms and Data Structures, and FINM3405 Investments and Portfolio Management help develop expertise in software development, investment analysis, and business problem-solving.

Year 4:
The final year emphasises specialisation and professional application. Students complete advanced finance and computer science electives, potentially including Machine Learning, Financial Risk Management, and industry-focused project work. This year strengthens leadership, analytical, and strategic decision-making skills while preparing graduates for professional careers.

Focus Areas:

Software development, financial analysis, investment management, data analytics, algorithms, database systems, fintech, corporate finance, cybersecurity, and digital innovation.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates develop the ability to design and develop software solutions, analyse financial markets, evaluate investment opportunities, manage data-driven business decisions, and apply technical expertise to complex commercial challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The commerce (finance) component aligns with industry-recognised finance competencies and supports pathways toward professional qualifications such as the CFA Program. The computer science component provides globally recognised technical expertise sought by employers across technology and financial services sectors.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

The University of Queensland is consistently ranked among the world's leading universities in the QS World University Rankings and is recognised globally for excellence in both business and computer science education. UQ graduates are highly regarded by employers for their strong technical, analytical, and professional capabilities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Computer Science / Commerce (Finance) at University of Queensland is designed to give students hands-on experience across both technology and finance disciplines. Throughout the degree, students apply theoretical concepts through practical programming projects, financial analysis tasks, collaborative assignments, and industry-focused learning experiences. Access to advanced computing facilities, digital technologies, research environments, and extensive library resources helps students develop the technical and professional skills sought by employers in both sectors.

As students progress through the program, they gain experience using industry-relevant tools and facilities that support real-world problem-solving and innovation:

Advanced Computing Facilities: Students have access to modern computer laboratories equipped for software development, programming, data analysis, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity activities.
Programming and Development Tools: Computer Science students work with industry-standard programming languages and development environments used in software engineering, database systems, algorithms, and application development projects.
Finance and Business Analytics Applications: Finance courses provide practical exposure to financial modelling, quantitative analysis, investment evaluation, and business decision-making tools used within the finance industry.
Team-Based Industry Projects: Many courses incorporate collaborative projects where students work in teams to design software solutions, analyse business problems, and develop technology-enabled financial strategies.
Research Institutes and Innovation Ecosystem: Students benefit from UQ's strong research environment through exposure to leading computing, data science, business, and technology research initiatives across the university.
Work-Integrated Learning Opportunities: Students can engage with internships, industry placements, networking programs, and employer engagement activities facilitated through the university and industry partners.
UQ Library Network: Access to one of Australia's largest academic library systems provides extensive collections of computing, finance, economics, business, and technology resources, including specialised databases and digital research tools.
Digital Learning Platforms: Students utilise advanced online learning systems, cloud-based collaboration tools, coding environments, and digital resources that mirror contemporary workplace practices.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Opportunities: Through UQ's innovation and startup ecosystem, students can participate in entrepreneurship programs, industry challenges, and innovation-focused activities that encourage the development of technology-driven business solutions.
Capstone and Applied Learning Experiences: Senior-level courses often involve substantial projects where students integrate computing and finance knowledge to solve complex real-world business and technology challenges.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Computer Science / Commerce (Finance) from University of Queensland are highly sought after for their unique combination of technical computing expertise and financial knowledge. This degree prepares students to work in fast-growing sectors such as financial technology (FinTech), investment analysis, data analytics, and digital business transformation, where organisations increasingly require professionals who understand both technology and finance.

Typical job roles include: Financial Analyst, FinTech Consultant, Data Analyst, Technology Risk Consultant

University Services: UQ Career Services provides career planning support, one-on-one career consultations, internship and placement assistance, employer networking events, graduate recruitment programs, career expos, and workshops focused on employability skills, interview preparation, and professional networking.
Employment Stats and Salary Figures: Graduates with combined expertise in computer science and finance benefit from strong employment outcomes across both technology and financial sectors. The median starting salary range is approximately AUD 78,000 – 100,000 per year, depending on the role, employer, and industry.
University–Industry Partnerships: UQ collaborates with leading organisations including Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, and other major financial and technology employers. These partnerships support internships, industry projects, mentoring opportunities, and graduate employment pathways.
Long-term Accreditation Value: The finance major provides a strong foundation for professional pathways such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program and other finance-related certifications. Combined with globally recognised computer science expertise, graduates possess skills that remain highly relevant in rapidly evolving digital and financial industries.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates develop advanced capabilities in programming, data analytics, financial modelling, business intelligence, and digital innovation. This multidisciplinary skill set enables them to contribute to technology-driven financial services, investment analysis, consulting, and strategic business decision-making.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can pursue postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Computer Science, Master of Information Technology, Master of Finance, Master of Business Analytics, Master of Commerce, or an MBA. These pathways can lead to advanced specialist, consulting, research, and leadership opportunities within the technology and financial sectors.