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Bachelor of Business – Accounting & Finance

Step into a high demand career

  • Get on the pathway to professional accreditations
  • Work in sectors like banking, investment, insurance, and government
  • Master financial software that helps  organisations and individuals thrive
  • Understand global finance trends like cryptocurrency and blockchain
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100% Online

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Icon Qualification

Undergraduate

Qualification

Icon Duration

3 years full-time

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Icon Start Dates

Mar, Jul, Nov

Start Dates

Icon Units

24

Units

Icon Fees

$2,124*

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OVERVIEW

Become a financial expert.

The Bachelor of Business – Accounting and Finance is designed to help you gain expertise in managing risks and advocating for clients by staying ahead of emerging financial trends, including cryptocurrency and blockchain analysis.

You’ll dive into the important foundations for both Accounting and Finance majors, get to collaborate on real consulting projects with live clients and use cutting-edge software like Python and Tableau, equipping you to make key decisions that shape businesses and financial strategies.

Broaden your understanding of core business functions and learn from recent clients including Build Pass, Inception Point, Inclusion Melbourne, Acorro, Height Safety Insurance Brokers, and Springvale Toy Library.

This degree opens the door to becoming a qualified accountant, with pathways to CPA Australia (CPAA), Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), or the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).

Once you complete this Bachelor’s, you’ll be primed to take the next step in becoming a fully qualified accountant.

Key Learnings Include

  • Financial Management: Gain a deep understanding of corporate finance and how financial strategies contribute to business success.
  • Management Accounting: Develop technical skills to analyse financial data that supports strategic decision-making and creates value for both customers and shareholders.
  • Ethics & International Finance: Navigate the complex world of global finance while adhering to ethical standards and principles.
  • Management of Investment Portfolios: Learn how to effectively allocate and manage assets within investment portfolios, with real-world applications in mind.

Professional accreditations

Corey-BW

‘The online flexibility has been a game changer for me. I have no idea where I would be without the ability to study when and how I need to. I have taken my work interstate, overseas, anywhere you can think of.’

Corey, Swinburne Online graduate

9.2% ▴

As an accountant, you’ll never go out of business. There’s an expected increase of 9.2% for jobs over the next 5 years.

Our Business courses have been ranked in the Top 200 by THE World Universities Rankings for 2025.

‘The online flexibility has been a game changer for me. I have no idea where I would be without the ability to study when and how I need to. I have taken my work interstate, overseas, anywhere you can think of.’

Corey, Swinburne Online graduate

9.2% ▴

As an accountant, you’ll never go out of business. There’s an expected increase of 9.2% for jobs over the next 5 years.

Our Business courses have been ranked in the Top 200 by THE World Universities Rankings for 2025.

Swinburne Online

Your Pathway to the career of your dreams

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Structure

Your course breakdown:

To be awarded the Bachelor of Business in Accounting & Finance you must complete 24 units in total made up of:

  • 7 Core Business Units
  • 1 Core Business Practice Units (choose from 2 options)
  • 16 Accounting & Finance Major Units

Each year is split into 3 Teaching Periods (14 weeks per Teaching Period). You can choose to study full-time or part-time depending on your preference.

What you'll study:

These are foundational units in major business study areas:

Learning and Communicating for Innovative Business Practice

Contemporary Management Principles

Marketing and the Consumer Experience

Financial Information for Decision-Making

Economics for Business Decision-Making

Business Digitalisation

Business Consulting Project

You must complete one of the following:

Planning for Career Success

Sustainable Business Practice

Accounting and Finance major units are designed to dive into practical, future-focused study:

Business for Sustainability, Social Change and Impact

Financial Information Systems

Financial Statistics

Management Accounting and Business Intelligence

Financial Management

Company Accounting

Taxation

Auditing

Accounting Theory

Law of Commerce

Ethics and International Finance

Financial Crime Analysis

Alternative Investments

Financial Risk Management

Management of Investment Portfolios

Fixed Income and Debt Markets

On successful completion of this Course students will be able to:

  • Define and integrate theoretical principles applicable to accounting and finance and apply those principles in a range of practices
  • Systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources in order to make informed judgements on options for innovatively solving a range of problems that arise in business contexts
  • Formulate creative solutions that are fit for purpose and demonstrate cognisance of the impact of business decisions on the triple bottom line
  • Coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas
  • Communicate a range of business arguments by evaluating and implementing alternative communication strategies as appropriate to the audience
  • Build on and continuously develop the intellectual independence to be critical and reflective learners, cognisant of new technologies
  • Work collaboratively in diverse groups

Course Rules

To qualify for the Bachelor of Business – Accounting & Finance students must complete 300 credit points comprising of:

  • Seven [7] core business fundamental units (87.5 credit points)
  • One [1] business practice core units (125 credit points)
  • Sixteen [16] units of study from the Accounting and the Finance discipline major (200 credit points)

A unit of study can only be counted once. Where there are overlaps between majors and/or minors, students in the first instance choose another unit from the list of units available in the major/minor.

Volume of Learning

The Bachelor of Business – Accounting & Finance consists of 300 credit points. Units normally carry 12.5 credit points (cps). In each year eight (8) units normally constitute a full-time load of 100 credit points and four (4) units normally constitute a part-time load of 50 credit points. The volume of learning of the Bachelor of Business is typically 3 years.

The full Course Information Set and Whole of Institution Set are available for reference.

Entry Requirements

Non-Year 12 entry

If you’re applying to Swinburne but haven’t completed Year 12, don’t worry! You can still apply if you have:

  • Completed or partially completed an approved tertiary qualification (like a diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree, or degree).
  • Relevant work experience and English language skills, or a STAT result (Special Tertiary Admissions Test), may also be considered.
  • All students need to demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.
  • Read our applying and enrolling FAQs

Year 12 entry

If you have completed Year 12 (the Victorian Certificate of Education – VCE, or an equivalent qualification from interstate or internationally), you can apply based on that.

  • Minimum ATAR requirements may apply for some courses.

Credit arrangements

If you’ve already studied you may be able to get advanced standing (credit transfer).

  • Case-by-case assessment: Every applicant is assessed individually.
  • If you’ve completed a Diploma in a related field, you may be eligible for credit.
  • Previous tertiary studies: If your past studies meet part of the academic requirements for the course, you may get credit.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) lets you gain credit based on skills and knowledge from your work experience, life experience, or formal training.
  • Like credit transfer, this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

To learn more, reach out to a Course Consultant to discuss applying for credit.

Diploma entry pathways

Some students start their journey with a Diploma, which can help them progress to a degree.

  • Pathways allow you to move from one qualification to another.
  • You could receive credit, depending on your chosen major. Our course consultants can help guide you through your pathway options.

Need more info?

  • We have plenty of resources to help you! Visit our Applying and Enrolling FAQs or chat with a Course Consultant for advice on your specific situation.

Fees & Scholarship

  • The estimated fee per unit is $2,124*.
  • There are 24 units in this course, each unit is worth 12.5 credit point units.

*Note: Unit fees may change each year.

There are several ways to help manage your course fees:

  • Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP): Available to Australian Citizens and eligible Permanent Residents, and this will help reduce your course fees.
  • HECS – HELP Loans: Available to Australian Citizens, which will help you defer your fees.
  • Learn more about HELP Loans

Please contact our Course Consultant to find out if you’re eligible for financial support.

There are a variety of Swinburne Scholarships to help reduce your costs.

  • University-funded scholarships
  • Government-funded scholarships
  • Private scholarships and prizes

Scholarships are available for both new and current students.

Please contact our Course Consultant to find out if you’re eligible for Swinburne Scholarships.

Credit for prior study:

  • Good news — if you’re awarded academic credit for prior study, your course fees could be lower! This means a cheaper degree!

Services & amenities fee:

For more details on scholarships and financial support, visit the Swinburne website or speak with a Course Consultant!

Career Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Let’s take a look at the wide range of roles you can pursue with a Bachelor of Business Accounting & Finance (average annual salaries via SEEK):

$75,000 to $90,000 Average Salary

Help clients from businesses to individuals manage their finances. Provide expert advice on financial reporting, forecasting, and analysis.

Help clients from businesses to individuals manage their finances. Provide expert advice on financial reporting, forecasting, and analysis.

$90,000 to $110,000 Average Salary

Manage the accounting and financial activities of an organisation. Ensure accurate reporting and provide financial information to management.

Manage the accounting and financial activities of an organisation. Ensure accurate reporting and provide financial information to management.

Varies Average Salary

Bankers in this area raise money for non-public enterprises and companies, keeping a portion of any profits they generate through deals.

Bankers in this area raise money for non-public enterprises and companies, keeping a portion of any profits they generate through deals.

$140,000 to $160,000 Average Salary

Oversee institutional and retail client investments. Recommend personalized investment strategies and specific investment decisions to clients and have discretionary power in executing those strategies to fulfill the clients' goals.

Oversee institutional and retail client investments. Recommend personalized investment strategies and specific investment decisions to clients and have discretionary power in executing those strategies to fulfill the clients' goals.

Varies Average Salary

Securities traders work at commercial banks, investment banks, asset management firms, hedge funds, and more. Wherever they work, traders buy and sell securities on behalf of the assets managed by that firm. Traders work in different markets (e.g., stocks, commodities, or crypto) and may specialize in one type of asset class or investment.

Securities traders work at commercial banks, investment banks, asset management firms, hedge funds, and more. Wherever they work, traders buy and sell securities on behalf of the assets managed by that firm. Traders work in different markets (e.g., stocks, commodities, or crypto) and may specialize in one type of asset class or investment.

$115,000 to $135,000 Average Salary

Develop strategies for large companies and clients all over the world. You’ll use outstanding problem-solving skills to create solutions to problems your clients might not have even anticipated.

Develop strategies for large companies and clients all over the world. You’ll use outstanding problem-solving skills to create solutions to problems your clients might not have even anticipated.

Varies Average Salary

Connect your company to its’ investors. Not only will you compile information from potential investors, but you’ll analyse internal and external data to create reports. You’ll be a key part of ensuring your company keeps up with the rapidly changing business world.

Connect your company to its’ investors. Not only will you compile information from potential investors, but you’ll analyse internal and external data to create reports. You’ll be a key part of ensuring your company keeps up with the rapidly changing business world.

Young man standing with a smile in a suit.

Your pathway to a successful career!

The Bachelor of Business with majors in both Accounting and Finance prioritises your readiness to succeed come graduation:

  • Projects: Work on an industry consulting project, solidifying your knowledge and giving you highly employable skills.
  • Software: You’ll get to use industry standard software, such as Python.
  • Teaching: Your learning advisors work in the industry themselves, helping you to stay connected to your career goals.
  • Guest Speakers: You’ll hear from a range of industry experts, giving you the opportunity to collaborate with professionals in your field.

Online Study

An online study experience designed for you

Each degree is thoughtfully designed for online learning, ensuring your experience is fulfilling and supported. At Swinburne Online, we want to ensure that your journey with us is a success. Our team of academic and online experts have developed engaging, media-rich course materials using cutting-edge digital technology and advanced teaching resources.

Your online study journey

 

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Here’s what you can expect

  • Personalise your study journey with full-time or part-time options — 100% online, no travel needed.
  • Start when it suits you with multiple intake dates.
  • Study on your terms, balancing life, family, and work — anytime, anywhere.
  • Stay connected with students and industry experts through discussion boards and virtual classrooms.
  • Get support 7 days a week for general help whenever you need it.
  • Learn with confidence with dedicated online tutors for each unit, ready to answer all your academic questions.

 

 

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Your online classroom - Canvas

Canvas is where all your classwork will take place. You’ll experience engaging lectures, tackle assignments, and connect with others on lively discussion boards. All within an easy-to-use platform. Stay on top of your progress, plan your studies with ease, and set your own pace — whether you want to fast-track your degree with up to 12 units a year or take it slow with part-time study. It’s all about balancing your studies with the rest of your life!

FLEXIBLE STUDY AT SWINBURNE ONLINE

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Your Online Campus: The Student Hub

  • The Student Hub is your one-stop online university campus where you’ll have access to course management tools, technical support, library resources, and more!
  • Find everything you need to manage your studies and university services.
  • Stay connected and empowered throughout your learning journey all from one easy to use location.
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Dedicated student support

We’re there for you each step of the way. Our dedicated Student Advisors are your go-to guides. They’ll help you through your enrolment, course planning, technical support and other questions you might have.

    • Our Online Learning Advisors (OLAs) will assist you with unit information, learning material, assignments, and referencing.
    • We strive to support you from enrolment to graduation, ensuring your success.
    • With continuous access to guidance and resources for a smooth study experience, you’re never alone with Swinburne Online.

Learn more about units, fees, entry criteria, career outcomes and more.

Download a course guide

The Swinburne Online-SEEK connection

The suite of Swinburne Online Business degrees provides students with the opportunity to forge connections within the industry. Students hear from industry leaders and work with real-life clients with demonstrated experience within their respective fields, such as SEEK.