Bachelor of Commerce(Finance)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Western Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) at the University of Western Australia is designed for students who are interested in financial markets, investment decision-making, corporate finance and business strategy. Campus Location: Perth Campus, Crawley, Western Australia, where students learn how organisations raise and manage capital, evaluate investments and make financial decisions in a globally connected economy.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in business and finance principles. Core units such as FINA1221 Introduction to Finance and ACCT1101 Financial Accounting introduce financial decision-making, accounting information and the role of finance within organisations. Students begin developing quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills that underpin advanced finance studies.

Year 2:
The second year focuses on applying finance concepts to real business situations. Through units such as FINA2222 Corporate Financial Policy, FINA2207 Business Analysis and Valuation, and FINA2205 Quantitative Methods for Finance, students learn how companies make financing decisions, assess business value and use financial data to support strategic planning.

Year 3:
In the final year, students deepen their expertise in investment and corporate finance while exploring advanced financial applications. They build sophisticated analytical capabilities, evaluate investment opportunities, examine risk management strategies and apply modern financial theory to real-world business and capital market challenges. The curriculum prepares students for professional roles in finance, banking, investment and corporate sectors.

Focus Areas: Corporate Finance, Investment Analysis, Portfolio Management, Capital Markets, Financial Planning, Business Valuation, Risk Management, Financial Decision-Making.

Learning Outcomes: Develop the ability to evaluate investment opportunities, construct and manage portfolios, apply modern financial theory, assess risk and return trade-offs, analyse financial information, and make strategic financial decisions in business environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The Bachelor of Commerce is delivered through the UWA Business School, which holds prestigious international AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, reflecting global standards in business education.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Western Australia is a member of Australia's prestigious Group of Eight universities and is internationally recognised for excellence in business education, research quality and graduate employability. UWA's strong industry connections and global reputation help graduates compete successfully in domestic and international employment markets.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) at the University of Western Australia is designed to give students practical exposure to the financial world from the beginning of their studies. Rather than focusing only on theory, students learn how financial markets operate, how investment decisions are made, how companies raise capital and how financial risks are managed. Through industry-standard technology, real market data, workplace experiences and collaborative projects, students develop the technical and professional skills employers look for in finance graduates. The learning experience is enhanced by UWA Business School's state-of-the-art facilities and strong industry connections, allowing students to apply classroom concepts in real-world financial environments:

Rosemarie Nathanson Financial Markets Trading Room: Students gain hands-on experience in one of Australia's most advanced university trading facilities, featuring 50 financial terminals and access to real-time data from more than 400 global markets, including the ASX, NYSE and LSE.
Industry-Standard Financial Software: Finance students have access to professional tools and databases used by investment banks, financial institutions and analysts, including Bloomberg Terminal, LSEG (Refinitiv Eikon DataStream), Capital IQ Global, Compustat and CRSP. These platforms allow students to analyse live market information, company performance and investment opportunities.
Student Managed Enterprise Investment Fund (SMEIF): A unique finance unit where students make investment decisions using real market data and real money, providing practical portfolio management and investment analysis experience rarely available at undergraduate level.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Students are encouraged to undertake WILG2201 Professional Placement, which provides university credit while gaining workplace experience and building professional networks before graduation.
Industry Projects and Applied Learning: Finance units include workshops, tutorials, case studies and practical activities that require students to apply financial theories to real business and investment scenarios.
Group-Based Learning: Students regularly work in teams to analyse financial problems, evaluate investment opportunities and present recommendations, helping develop collaboration, leadership and communication skills valued in the finance industry.
Business School Learning Spaces: UWA Business School provides modern lecture theatres, case-study rooms, breakout collaboration spaces and dedicated study areas that support both group projects and independent learning.
Student Investment and Finance Activities: Students can participate in student-managed investment initiatives, professional development events, networking activities and business-focused societies that enhance practical learning outside the classroom.
International Learning Opportunities: Finance students can broaden their global perspective through UWA's student exchange and study abroad programs with partner universities around the world.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from the University of Western Australia prepares students to understand how financial markets operate, evaluate investment opportunities and make strategic financial decisions in a global business environment. Graduates develop strong analytical, quantitative and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers across the banking, investment and corporate sectors. Typical career outcomes include Financial Analyst, Investment Analyst, Corporate Finance Officer, Wealth Management Adviser and Banking Professional:

University Employability Support:
UWA's Careers Centre helps students become job-ready through personalised career coaching, resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation workshops, employer presentations and networking events. Students also have access to internships, industry projects and career development programs that build practical workplace experience and professional connections.
Employment Statistics & Salary Figures:
Finance graduates are sought after across investment banking, funds management, financial consulting, corporate finance, insurance and commercial banking sectors. Graduates entering finance-related roles in Australia typically earn a median starting salary in the range of AUD $70,000–$90,000 per year, with strong earning potential as they progress into senior analytical, advisory and management positions.
University–Industry Partnerships:
The UWA Business School maintains close relationships with industry leaders through guest lectures, networking opportunities, industry-sponsored events and engagement with finance professionals. Students benefit from exposure to real-world financial challenges and industry insights that help bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice.
Long-Term Accreditation Value:
The Finance major is recognised by leading industry bodies and provides an excellent foundation for globally respected professional qualifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program. UWA Business School also holds prestigious AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, placing it among an elite group of business schools worldwide and enhancing the international recognition of the degree.
Graduation Outcomes:
Graduates leave with expertise in financial analysis, investment evaluation, risk assessment, portfolio management and corporate financial decision-making. These capabilities open opportunities across multinational corporations, investment firms, financial institutions, consulting companies and government organisations, providing strong long-term career flexibility.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), students can continue their studies through an Honours degree, the Master of Commerce, Master of Business Analytics, Master of Applied Finance, or the Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Western Australia. These postgraduate pathways allow graduates to deepen their financial expertise, develop advanced leadership capabilities, pursue specialist finance careers and strengthen their prospects for senior management, consulting, investment and research-focused roles.