Bachelor of Commerce/Advanced Science (Honours)

Combine scientific thinking with business know-how.

Students working on experiments in the Chemical Science building UNSW.

Develop highly analytical and creative scientific methodology skills with astute business knowledge. Graduate career-ready with two highly regarded degrees.

Faculty

UNSW Business School

Award

Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)

Commencing Terms

Term 1, Term 2, Term 3

Duration (Full Time)

5 Year(s)

Overview

Do you like problem-solving, researching and experimenting? Boost your future science career with business acumen. This double degree provides an essential understanding of business and science, with the ability to specialise in fields within both disciplines. You’ll also begin building expertise with research projects in a scientific field of your choice. Graduate career-ready with professional experiences built into your studies.

Key features

Integrated First Year
First year courses in the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) are designed to reflect the nature of real-world business, and we call it the Integrated First Year. Traditionally, first year business courses are a series of ‘introduction to’ or ‘fundamentals of’ courses, which are separate introductions to different business disciplines. However we know that in reality, business problems are complex, multi-layered and span several disciplines. Our integrated curriculum reflects this. You'll gain a breadth of experience and nuance of understanding across a range of disciplines, preparing you to tackle real challenges in the workplace.

MyBCom portfolio
MyBCom portfolio is an award winning interactive platform and assessment tool. You'll use MyBCom throughout your degree to guide your studies, develop a tailored career plan, and collate a portfolio of professional experiences to showcase future employers.

Guaranteed work experience
Work experience is built into the BCom and the Bachelor of Advanced Science, meaning you can undertake internships and work integrated learing experience as part of your degree.

Many of these experiences are offered through UNSW Business School's industry partners, including Accenture, Suncorp, Grant Thornton, Flight Centre Travel Group, Tata Group, Synpulse. Science work placement students have interned with IT companies, start-ups, government departments and large biomedical and biotechnology companies.

Research internship course
The SCIF2041 Research Internship course gives you the opportunity to complete a short theoretical or experimental research project in a world-leading research team supervised by a member of academic staff.

Supervised research project
Your honours year is an integral part of your science qualification. It involves a supervised research project and, in some cases, advanced coursework. You’ll conduct original scientific investigations and analysis while developing your critical and integrative thinking.

Why study this degree at UNSW?

UNSW Business School is ranked the #1 business school in Australia by AFR BOSS*. That means our business education leads the way in career impact, quality and reputation.

This double degree from UNSW Business School and UNSW Science enables you to design a degree that suits your interests and career goals. Choose from more than 10 Commerce majors, and more than 20 Science majors - then take a one-year deep-dive into research project in the area of science that interests you most. High-performing Science students may be eligible to join UNSW Science’s Talented Students Program, to discover and get involved with our cutting-edge, world-class research.

This future-focused program will train you to identify opportunities and adapt to challenges in preparation for careers that may not even exist yet. You’ll make connections among our global alumni network and get real work experience. Career Accelerator provides a portfolio of professional development opportunities that are exclusive to UNSW Business School students and embedded within our degrees.

^{*AFR BOSS 2022 Best Business School Rankings}

Program Code

3593

CRICOS Code

088854D

Campus

Kensington

UAC Code

424100

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

240

Indicative Enrolments

138

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Entry requirements

Entry to this degree is based on your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or an equivalent rank derived from the following:

Australian interstate Year 12 qualifications (e.g., OP rank)
New Zealand NCEA Level 3
Equivalent overseas qualifications e.g., International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, GCE A-Levels
Post-secondary or tertiary qualifications
An alternative entry qualification

2023 Lowest Selection Rank

2023 A levels

2023 IB Diploma

2023 Lowest ATAR

81.2*

The 2022 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022.

The 2022 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.

The 2022 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2022. It is to be used as a guide only.

The 2022 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

See more

Assumed knowledge

Mathematics Advanced. For Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Science(Honours): Mathematics Advanced or Mathematics Extension 1 (depending on chosen area of study) plus one or more of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Physics.

Adjustment Factors

We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.

HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.

Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways

Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.

Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.

Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.

Progression requirements

Entry into the Honours program in Science is subject to academic performance and progression requirements. Students may exit the Advanced Science (Honours) program with a B Science award if they are unsuccessful in applying for entry into Honours.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

International direct entry

I studied in:

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Admission pathways

If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence. 

Progression requirements

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Select from the options below

Which applies to you?

Program structure

The Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Advance Science (Hons) is a five year double degree program consisting of a number of courses to make up 240 Units of Credit (UOC). You’ll complete 16 courses for Commerce (making 96 UOC). The number of courses for the Advanced Science component depends on the major, minor, and Honours year subjects that you choose, but will make up 144 UOC.

The program includes:

Commerce Integrated First Year Courses
One Commerce major, and an optional minor
Business electives
Advanced Science major
Advance Science minor
Advanced Science core courses and electives
Advanced Science supervised research courses

Professional development courses and experiences:

Mandatory Work Integrated Learning – You must complete at least one course credit with a work integrated learning focus such as an internship or business practicum
Final Year Synthesis – Synthesise your learning by applying and integrating the knowledge and skills gained throughout your Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
COMM3999 myBCom Graduate Portfolio

Mathematics (Advanced Science)

Neuroscience (Advanced Science)

Accounting

Psychology

Pharmacology (Advanced Science)

Molecular and Cell Biology (Advanced Science)

Immunology (Advanced Science)

Marine and Coastal Science (Advanced Science)

Statistics (Advanced Science)

International Business

Marketing Analytics

Biotechnology (Advanced Science)

Geography (Advanced Science)

Pathology (Advanced Science)

Marketing

Earth Science (Advanced Science)

Climate Systems Science (Advanced Science)

Chemistry (Advanced Science)

Financial Technology

Physiology (Advanced Science)

Bioinformatics (Advanced Science)

Physical Oceanography (Advanced Science)

Materials Science (Advanced Science)

Biology and Biodiversity (Advanced Science)

Business Analytics

Business Economics

Finance

Physics (Advanced Science)

Human Resource Management

Information Systems

Microbiology (Advanced Science)

Anatomy (Advanced Science)

Ecology and Conservation (Advanced Science)

Genetics (Advanced Science)

Cybersecurity Management

Taxation

Innovation, Strategy and Entrepreneurship

Behavioural Economics
Molecular Biology

Biology and Biodiversity

Psychology

International Business

Chinese Studies

Physiology

Marine and Coastal Science

Spanish Studies

Advanced French Studies

Politics and International Relations

Business Analytics

Human Resource Management

Information Systems

Anatomy

Environmental Humanities

Professional Workplace Practice

Ecology and Conservation

Pathology

Chemistry

Korean Studies

Climate Systems Science

Taxation

Innovation, Strategy and Entrepreneurship

Advanced Korean Studies

German Studies

Accounting

French Studies

Advanced Chinese Studies

Mathematics

Marketing

Immunology

Policy, Power and Government

Financial Technology

Advanced Japanese Studies

Marketing Analytics

Global Development

Business Law

Japanese Studies

Communication and Journalism

Cybersecurity Management

Geology

Business Economics

Finance

Physical Geography

Vision Science

Pharmacology

Management

Statistics

Physics

Data Analysis

Behavioural Economics

Astronomy
Accounting

Behavioural Economics

Business Analytics

Business Economics

Finance

FinTech

Human Resources Management

Information Systems

Innovation, Strategy and Entrepreneurship

International Business

Marketing

Taxation

Full program structure

This is a flexible degree that allows you to explore a variety of interests. Your study options are full-time or part-time. Each university year has three terms and an optional summer study period. Depending on how you plan your study load, you can fit two or three courses into a term and one course in a summer term. Some courses need to be studied in your first and second year, so you’re prepared for courses that can only be studied in later years.

Below is an example of what you could study in five years full-time.

First year

myBCom Blueprint*
4 Integrated First-Year Commerce courses
1 Advanced Science core course
3 Advanced Science courses in your chosen major

Second Year

MyBCom First Year Portfolio*^
4 Integrated First-Year Commerce courses
4 Advanced Science courses in your chosen major

Third Year

Work-Integrated Learning internship or practicum^**
3 Commerce courses in your chosen major
1 Advanced Science course in your chosen major
3 Advanced Science electives

Fourth Year

MyBCom Graduation Portfolio^*
Final Year Synthesis
4 Commerce courses in your chosen major
4 Advanced Science electives

Fifth Year

2 Advanced Science Honours core courses
3 Advanced Science Honours supervised research courses

*Bachelor of Commerce credit-free courses dedicated to career planning and employability.
^Pre-requisite: COMM0999 AND completed 30 UOC of Integrated First Year Core
**Mandatory work experience.

Download Sample Program

Go to the handbook

Future careers

The combination of business knowledge and investigative analysis skills can open up many interesting career opportunities in business and science fields. Find yourself influencing key decisions with research-heavy roles in business or your chosen scientific area of expertise. UNSW Business School's Career Accelerator provides work experiences and professional development opportunities to help get you started.

Potential careers

Anthropologist
Accountant/Auditor
Business Analyst
Chemist
Consultant
Customer Experience Officer
Cyber Security Analyst
Data Analyst
Digital Innovation Officer
Economist
Field Biologist
Financial Adviser
Forensic Scientist
Geologist
Human Resource Consultant
Investment Banker
Life Scientist
Marketing/Brand Manager
Medical Scientist
Oceanographer
Physicist
Product Analyst
Tax Adviser
Strategist
Zoologist

Honours

Take your Commerce studies to the next level with an additional one-year Honours degree, where you'll gain advanced knowledge and research skills in your chosen area of business. You'll have the opportunity to be mentored by top-tier researchers and work on industry relevant projects while undertaking a significant research thesis. Graduate with advanced knowledge, analytical, problem-solving and research skills that are highly sought after in business and government. Learn more about BCom Honours.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Commerce can give you professional recognition and accreditation in industry governing bodies, including the Australian Human Resources Institute, Australian Securities and Investment Commission, CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, ACCA, Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) and Institute of Public Accountants.

How to apply

To apply for this double degree combined with the Bachelor of Commerce, you will need to apply for Double Commerce (424100) through the UAC application portal. Upon receiving an offer to for this degree, you will choose the second degree to pair with Commerce during the acceptance process.

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

Ready to apply?

Apply now

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.

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Fees & Scholarships

2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee

$12,145*

Commonwealth Supported Place multiple Student Contribution Bands may apply for this double degree. See single degrees for the applicable fee bands.*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included.

2023 Indicative First Year Fee

$47,680*

2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree

$252,490*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships

At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.