Study Bachelor of Accounting (Pathway to Master of Finance (Global Investment and Trade)) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 70.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
View full entry requirements

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR
Higher education study
- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Essential requirements for admission
Achieve a GPA of 4.0 or above on completion of their second year of study to be eligible.
Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

Enquire Compare 0 Compare Degrees Apply

This program pathway is no longer offered please see Bachelor of Accounting (Pathway to Master of Finance)

Degree overview

Complete a commerce undergraduate and postgraduate finance degree in just four years through our Fast-track to Masters program.
Graduate with a highly diverse skill-set and broader career opportunities.
Gain real-world experience through an industry internship, a mentorship opportunity or an overseas study tour.
Both on campus and mixed mode study options are available, providing you with flexibility throughout your studies.
Develop strong problem solving, reporting, decision-making, communication and teamwork skills, and learn about the economic, legal and political influences that impact global business.
Develop the knowledge for a successful and rewarding career in accounting and business advisory with an industry-accredited degree.
Develop career-ready skills employers are looking for once you graduate, with enterprise skills embedded in all business courses.
Receive a $1,000 grant towards a professional development opportunity plus a course substitution when you achieve a B+ or higher in SACE Stage 2 Accounting in Year 12.
Apply advanced concepts to global financial challenges and expand your career potential across international borders.
Gain experience on the intricacies of international trade using state-of-the-art market simulation programs in our Iress Trading Room on campus – the same technology used by the world's leading banks and investment firms.
Examine developments in FinTech and Blockchain technologies and the implications for international financial markets and the global economy.
Explore global opportunities by completing 150 hours of industry placement with a local or international organisation.
Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Accounting and Finance¹.
Study at a university recognised globally in Business. UniSA Business is in the top one per cent world wide and has been awarded an overall five stars for excellence².
UniSA Business is accredited by both AACSB International and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies.
Study at the No.1 Business School in SA, and Top 5 business school in Australia for quality³.

¹2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). ²UniSA Business is one of just 13 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS accredited. EFMD, March 2024. 2023 QS Stars Business School Ratings. ³Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Business Schools List 2023.

Snapshot

This Fast-track to Masters program allows you to fast-track your career by completing an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in just four years. You will be able to diversify your skill set, increase your earning potential with a more advanced qualification, and expand your career opportunities across a range of fields.

Ranked in the top one per cent worldwide¹, we are one of the largest leading providers of accounting and finance education in Australia and Asia.

This industry-accredited degree will provide you with a strong foundation of knowledge in accounting combined with business, taxation, auditing, finance and sustainability. You will also learn about the current economic, legal and political influences affecting global business as well as develop critical problem solving, reporting, decision-making, communication and teamwork skills.

Your postgraduate degree will equip you with the skills to manage critical issues facing global trade, and international business and finance. You will develop an in-depth understanding of the interconnections between institutions and global financial markets, as well as the implications of changing regulation and policy.

You will also be immersed in other real-world challenges including industry internships and our entrepreneur-based course Startup Studio, which teaches you how to bring a business concept to life. You will also benefit from other experience-based learning opportunities, including overseas study and business mentoring. Our summer and winter schools also offer exciting study and learning opportunities.

Want to look at other options available to you? UniSA offer a wide range of other Fast-track to Masters programs.

Accounting Career Grant

Year 12 students interested in accounting can receive a $1,000 grant towards a professional industry development or global study experience, plus a course substitution through our Accounting Career Grant. To be eligible, you must achieve a B+ or higher in SACE Stage 2 Accounting in Year 12.

¹UniSA Business is one of just 13 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally (from over 25,000 universities) to be EQUIS
accredited. EFMD, March 2024.

What you'll learn

You will start with core courses in business. These will give you a solid grounding in important areas including accounting and quantitative methods for business, business law, finance, business intelligence, data analysis, economics and management.

You’ll then branch out into your accounting specialisation, learning cutting edge knowledge and skills in:

financial and management accounting
taxation and company law
auditing
sustainability accounting
global and contemporary accounting issues
strategic financial analysis.

In your postgraduate degree, you will study core courses in business and global investment and trade. Using state-of-the-art market simulation programs in our Iress Trading Room on campus, you will gain hands-on experience and further understand the intricacies behind international investment.

Tertiary Transfer

If you have a Pass average or above from another eligible degree, you may be eligible to use this as entry into this program. Learn more.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL)

If you have undertaken related Higher Education, TAFE, VET, Professional body or work experience, you may be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) and reduce the duration of the degree. Learn more.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Quantitative Methods for Business	MATH 1053	4.5
Accounting for Business	ACCT 1008	4.5	Note(s): 1
Career Development in Business	BUSS 1060	4.5
Marketing Principles: Trading and Exchange	MARK 1010	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Financial Accounting 1	ACCT 1006	4.5
Business and Society	BUSS 1057	4.5
OR
International Study Tour		4.5	Note(s): 3
OR
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 2
Principles of Economics	ECON 1008	4.5
Business Law	LAWS 1018	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Financial Accounting 2	ACCT 2005	4.5
Management Accounting	ACCT 2006	4.5
Management and Organisation	BUSS 2068	4.5
Business Intelligence	INFS 2036	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Companies and Partnership Law	COML 2005	4.5
Cost Management and Control Systems	ACCT 2013	4.5
OR
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 2
Auditing Theory and Practice	ACCT 3005	4.5
Financial Accounting 3	ACCT 3007	4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Financial Theory and Financial Markets	BANK 5014	4.5
Taxation Law 1	ACCT 3002	4.5
Sustainability Accounting and Reporting	ACCT 3010	4.5
Corporate Finance	BUSS 5233	4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
International Finance	BANK 5028	4.5
Contemporary Issues in Accounting	ACCT 3003	4.5
Strategic Financial Analysis	BUSS 3083	4.5
Investment Management	BANK 5013	4.5

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
Experiential Electives
Business Internship 30 Days	BUSS 3010	9
Business Decision Making Simulation	BUSS 3074	4.5
Business Practicum	BUSS 3080	4.5
International Business Project	BUSS 2063	4.5
Social Enterprise Case Competition	BUSS 2087	4.5
Tax Clinic	ACCT 3017	4.5
Virtual Industry Internship	BUSS 3100	4.5
Suggested Electives
Entrepreneurship for Social and Market Impact	BUSS 2085	4.5
International Business Environments	BUSS 3103	4.5
Negotiated Project	BUSS 3112	4.5
Ethics and Financial Advice	BANK 2012	4.5
Creativity and Innovation	BUSS 2066	4.5
Business Virtual Study Tour - Undergraduate	BUSS 2070	4.5
CPA Ethics and Governance	BUSS 3099	4.5
Project Management: Principles and Strategies	INFS 2022	4.5
Community Service Learning Project 1	EDUC 4186	4.5
Strategic Management	BUSS 3023	4.5
Studies in Small Enterprise	BUSS 3001	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Students who have received 36 units block credit are not eligible for this program.

Notes

1. Students who have received an Accounting Career Grant (ACG) for completion of SACE Stage 2 Accounting* with a B+ or higher do not need to complete this course but may undertake a professional development elective approved by their program director within three years of commencement of their program, as outlined in their grant letter of offer. *Or interstate equivalent to be determined by UniSA Business.

2. Electives may be used to: complete an Experiential Elective (refer to Experiential Electives listing); undertake an international student exchange up to 18 units; to study other courses of interest offered by UniSA Business including the options provided in the Suggested Electives list; or complete a language study option. One elective may be chosen from outside UniSA Business unless otherwise approved by the Program Director. Course pre-requisites must be satisfied. In completing any elective identified as a "CPA subject" you will not qualify as a CPA. To qualify as a CPA, you must meet ALL the requirements of the CPA Program as set by CPA Australia. Students completing "CPA subjects" will incur additional fees from CPA Australia in order to sit CPA Australia's exam.

3. View available Overseas Study Opportunities at https://www.unisa.edu.au/global-experiences/study-overseas/ or contact short.programs@unisa.edu.au

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

reports, project documentation, case studies and presentations
essays and assignments
examinations
industry-relevant, research-based projects
practicals and team-based projects
participation in the workplace and in class

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Bachelor of Accounting (Pathway to Master of Finance (Global Investment and Trade))

This Fast-track to Masters program enables you to commence a 3-year Bachelor of Accounting and secure a place in a 1-year Master of Management (Global Investment and Trade) degree (typically 1.5 years) in just four years of study.

You will fast track your progression into the master’s qualification by substituting four selected courses or electives in your bachelor's degree to complete master’s-level courses.

This is a globally competitive degree respected for its quality and relevance to industry. As a student, you'll benefit from our strong links with the accounting profession and professional industry bodies, as well as gain practical skills with computer simulation software using state-of-the-art technologies. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in a study tour learning about business practices, as well as political and cultural influences in other regions.

Your postgraduate studies will focus on advanced financial theory and its application to critical issues and policy challenges facing the world's institutions, global finance and international financial markets.

You will develop the skills and expertise to analyse critical financial data and make informed decisions in a global context. You will study courses in international finance and trade and graduate with the knowledge and practical skills required for employment in a modern globalised financial sector.

Under the guidance of our highly-experienced research professionals, you will strengthen your research and analytical skills.

You will also have the opportunity to learn in our state-of-the-art Iress Trading Room on campus, which includes a market data feed and financial analysis tools – the same technology used by the world's leading banks and investment firms.

As a graduate, you will be eligible for membership with leading industry bodies such as CPA Australia, and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

UniSA Business is the only business school in South Australia accredited by both AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EFMD (EQUIS) – the world’s leading accreditation bodies recognising excellence in business education and research at a global level. These dual accreditations demonstrate the high standards we hold across all areas such as teaching, student learning and research, as well as our commitment to continually improving the quality of our programs.

An enriching student experience

Our flexible delivery and extra-curricular opportunities are designed to suit your lifestyle, preferred way of learning and career interests. You can benefit from a blend of online and on-campus study, part-time or full-time learning, Summer and Winter School intensive courses, mentoring and networking opportunities with industry, and leadership skill development. You can also explore accelerated learning pathways and seek program support from our Business Student Hub.

Real-world connections

In addition to learning from teachers with professional experience as part of your studies, we also offer opportunities for you to connect with industry outside the classroom. There are a range of engagement opportunities available to you, including:

Build your networks and career options by participating in the Business Career Mentor Program, which pairs you with an experienced business professional
Undertake a Business Internship or complete an industry project, and apply the skills and knowledge gained from your studies in a real workplace setting
Become a global citizen through our international exchange programs– we have more than 80 partner institutions worldwide, and study options that range from two weeks to one year
Meet one-to-one with a senior business executive through our Executive in Residence program. You’ll receive expert guidance and gain workplace insights that will support your career development.

We host regular University-wide careers events and workshops, expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Our teaching staff are industry experienced and maintain close working links with leading professional bodies such as Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute. This collaboration ensures the knowledge you take into your career will meet the dynamic needs of industry, and your qualification remains relevant and applicable.

While you study you can get valuable industry experience through industry placements in Australia, or an international study experience through more than 60 exchange partners across Asia, Europe, North America and South America. Our links to UniSA’s research facilities ensure your learning is connected to the latest technologies, theories and applications of finance knowledge.

Placements and internships bridge the gap between study and work. Our connections to industry create opportunities for you to grow. These experiences build confidence in the business world and give you a competitive edge.

Online study

Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:

study online, including accessing videos and course resources
participate in an interactive online learning environment
submit your assignments and get feedback online
use discussion forums for team work and communication

Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.

Career outcomes

Your career

Our quality teaching and experiences beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career ready.

Careers to consider:

Trade finance specialist: developing and reviewing trade finance guidelines and policies; identifying risk and developing models to safeguard against losses.
Economic adviser: understanding and interpreting public policy issues; undertaking research, analysing data and identifying trends and wider consumer impacts.
Auditor/Risk consultant: ensuring financial and operational integrity and compliance; evaluating and reporting on financial, operational and managerial processes and systems; working on business process reviews and risk assessments.
Business adviser: working with new or established businesses; analysing business plans and financial statements; advising on investments, marketing, funding and financial trends; understanding consumer needs and how to improve profitability; problem solving with clients.
Forensic accountant: working in a corporate or regulatory environment to investigate fraud and similar crimes; researching and preparing forensic reports for courts; providing expert evidence.
Insolvency and reconstruction adviser: working with and achieving the best possible results for stakeholders in cases of personal and business financial distress; administrations and liquidations; restructuring under performing businesses and turnarounds.
Management accountant: assisting senior management make critical business decisions; preparing forecasts, budgets and risk analysis; advising managers about the financial implications of business decisions.
Practising accountant: working for private sector, government or individuals; preparing tax returns; keeping accounting systems up-to-date; maintaining financial records; advising on business structures.
Tax accountant/Corporate tax consultant: compiling company and other business tax returns, and individual tax returns; providing tax planning advice and strategies.

Industry facts

By 2023 employment for financial brokers in Australia is projected to increase by 7,200 (19.7 per cent).

Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business, 2018 Occupational Projections.

The financial services sector is currently Australia’s largest industry contributing $161 billion to the economy every year.

Financial Services Council State of the Industry Report 2019.

Employment for Accountants is expected to increase by 9.2 per cent by November 2026.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Labour Markets Insight, Employment Projections 2021.

UniStart - your 100% online pathway to a degree

Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.

Apply now

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

UniSA College Diploma in Business
UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Business)
SAIBT Diploma of Business - if you complete this two year Diploma, you can apply to enter the 2nd year of this degree
see the full list of entry pathways that may apply

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

SAIBT Diploma of Business - if you complete this two year Diploma, you can apply to enter the 2nd year of this degree
see the full list of entry pathways that may apply

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
career services and mentoring
Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your program director

Studying accounting at UniSA provided me with diverse and rewarding professional opportunities I never dreamed possible. It is a profession that touches on every business, in every industry in the world – so the opportunities for a successful career are vast and wide. But importantly, UniSA accounting graduates are respected and trusted in practice and commerce, and their opinions matter in decision-making that affects our economy, community and environment.

Mr Scott Copeland

Program Director

Enquire

Mr Scott Copeland

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Undergraduate

The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

Postgraduate

Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

More FAQs

What others are saying

UniSA was the only university that offered the program I really wanted to study. I loved the idea that I could study an undergraduate and postgraduate degree together in such a short time, excel at it, still partake in the culture and events, and meet amazing people! Since the start of my degree, I have seen positive impacts on my personality and confidence, as well as my interpersonal, presentation and leadership skills. My university experience has been a great opportunity to grow and develop by combining two of my interests – business and people.

Anet Varghese

Bachelor of Business, Master of Management (Marketing)