Why Bachelor of Commerce?
Money shapes the choices people make every day. The right advice can shape an entire future.
From buying a first home and growing a business to planning for retirement, financial decisions influence every stage of life.
Behind those decisions are professionals who can interpret complex information, build trust and help people navigate uncertainty with confidence.
If you're analytical, people-focused and motivated by helping others achieve their goals, this is a field where you can make a meaningful difference. Turn insight into opportunity. Create financial confidence and shape better futures.
Overview
Help organisations and people make confident financial decisions across every stage of life.
Combine technical accounting expertise with specialist financial planning skills in the Bachelor of Commerce with a double major in Accounting and Financial Planning at Adelaide University.
This program focuses on turning financial information into practical advice that supports long-term success and financial wellbeing.
You’ll build expertise in financial reporting, taxation and performance analysis alongside investment planning, retirement strategy, superannuation, insurance and estate planning.
Learn how financial data translates into advice that supports real-world financial goals.
By the end of your three-year double major, you'll have the professional capability and industry knowledge that financial services and advisory employers actively look for.
Career opportunities may include:
- financial adviser or planner
- taxation specialist or tax accountant
- superannuation specialist
- retirement planning consultant
- insurance and risk adviser.
Key features
Combine accounting expertise with specialist financial planning knowledge.- Gain 400+ hours of industry experience through placements and real-world projects.
- Explore investing, superannuation, retirement and estate planning strategies.
- Learn to turn financial information into practical client advice.
- Build expertise across taxation, risk management and insurance planning.
- Prepare for careers across accounting, advisory and financial services
What you'll learn
The Bachelor of Commerce with a double major in Accounting and Financial Planning at Adelaide University develops capability across financial reporting, organisational performance and personal financial advice, preparing you to support clients in making informed financial decisions.
Your studies integrate financial and management accounting, auditing and taxation with investment planning, superannuation, retirement planning, insurance, estate planning and risk management. Alongside core commerce courses, you’ll build knowledge of economics, business strategy, ethics and professional practice.
Apply your learning through more than 400 hours of work integrated learning, working on industry projects and real-world financial scenarios. You'll use industry-standard financial tools and practise solving real financial challenges.
This double major combination supports professional accreditation pathways and broadens career opportunities across financial services.
Majors
The Bachelor of Commerce is also available with a single major in the following:
Or with a double major in these complementary combinations:
Degree Structure: Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting and Financial Planning
Program code: BCOMM
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 66 units for Core courses, and
- 48 to 54 units for one Major from Majors, and
- 12 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 12 to 18 units for Electives
Courses
Listed here are all the courses that contribute to your program, including elective options that can be chosen. These courses come together to form your study plan. Courses fall into different categories, each of which have specific unit values that need to be met under the program rules.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 66 units for Core courses, and
- 48 to 54 units for one Major from Majors, and
- 12 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 12 to 18 units for Electives
Complete 66 units comprising:
- 18 units from Common core, and
- 48 units for all Program core
Common core description
Common core courses are interdisciplinary courses that build key graduate capabilities.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Transforming Learning through First Nations Knowledges
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Building Belonging: Navigating Cultural Complexities
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Business Applications for Artificial Intelligence
|
Course code
ARTI3000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Accounting for Decision Makers
|
Course code
ACCT1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Business Finance
|
Course code
BAFI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Business Law
|
Course code
BUSI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Management, Organisations and Leadership
|
Course code
BUSI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Data Analytics
|
Course code
ECON1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Predictive and Visual Analytics for Managers and Consultants
|
Course code
BUSI1009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Principles of Economics
|
Course code
ECON1000
|
Units
6
|
Complete 90 units comprising:
- 90 units for all Double major courses
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Financial Accounting 1
|
Course code
ACCT1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Accounting Systems and Analytics
|
Course code
ACCT2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Financial Accounting 2
|
Course code
ACCT2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Management Accounting
|
Course code
ACCT2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Issues in Accounting
|
Course code
ACCT3000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Corporate Accounting and Analysis
|
Course code
ACCT3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Auditing Theory and Practice
|
Course code
ACCT3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Financial Planning
|
Course code
BAFI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Superannuation
|
Course code
BAFI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Risk Management and Insurance
|
Course code
BAFI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Portfolio Theory and Management
|
Course code
BAFI2007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Regulations, Ethics and Financial Advice
|
Course code
BAFI2011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Applied Financial Planning
|
Course code
BAFI3000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Estate Planning
|
Course code
BUSI3011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Taxation Law
|
Course code
BUSI3046
|
Units
6
|
Work Integrated Learning description
WIL courses give you real‑world experience as part of your degree.
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Business Practicum
|
Course code
BUSI1900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Business Clinic
|
Course code
BUSI2902
|
Units
6
|
Electives description
A flexible course choice within your degree.
Complete 12 to 18 units for either of the following:
- 12 to 18 units from University-wide electives, or
- 12 to 18 units from Program electives
A full list of university-wide elective options can be accessed below.
University-wide elective options| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Personal Finance
|
Course code
BAFI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Financial Modelling
|
Course code
BAFI2009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Behavioural Finance
|
Course code
BAFI2010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Strategic Financial Analysis
|
Course code
BAFI2012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Alternative Investments
|
Course code
BAFI3006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Global Wealth Management
|
Course code
BAFI3007
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Help people make life-changing financial decisions.
Professionals who can combine financial expertise with practical advice play an important role in helping individuals, families and organisations navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape.
With this double major combination you might become a financial adviser, helping clients develop strategies to achieve their personal and financial goals. You may work as a taxation specialist, guiding individuals and businesses through changing tax requirements. You could become a retirement planning consultant, helping people build confidence and security for the future. Or you might work in superannuation or insurance, supporting clients to manage risk and protect what matters most.
With expertise across accounting and financial planning, you may also explore careers in:
- wealth management
- estate planning
- risk and compliance
- financial coaching
- business advisory
- client relationship management.
Industry trends
Financial planning is evolving as artificial intelligence and digital technologies reshape how advice is delivered and client relationships are managed.
Research from the Financial Planning Standards Board found that two-thirds of financial planning firms are already using AI or plan to within the next 12 months, while 78% of financial planners believe it will help them better serve clients.
At the same time, employers increasingly value analytical, data and technology skills. The World Economic Forum identifies AI and big data among the fastest-growing skills for the future workforce, while Jobs and Skills Australia reports that accounting occupations employ more than 128,400 people nationally.
Adelaide University prepares graduates to combine financial expertise, strategic insight and human judgement in a profession where trusted advice remains essential.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
