Bachelor of Finance (Pathway to Master of Professional Accounting)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
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You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 70.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
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2024 Cut-Offs
TAFE/RTO: Dip
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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.
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
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
Degree overview
- Complete a business undergraduate and postgraduate accounting 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.
- Gain the knowledge and confidence to succeed in the fast-paced financial sector with South Australia's most established finance degree.
- Both on campus and mixed mode study options are available, providing you with flexibility throughout your studies.
- Develop career-ready skills employers are looking for once you graduate, with enterprise skills embedded in all business courses.
- 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.
- 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 Specialist Mathematics/Mathematical Methods in Year 12.
- Focus on on making decisions about money (finance), including borrowing, lending, investing, and managing risk.
- One of only five Australian universities to offer professional CPA elective courses within an accounting degree.
- Develop crucial analytical, business management, problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills.
- Focus on key areas such as accounting, tax, law, auditing, financial management and public practice.
- Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Finance1.
- Study at a university recognised globally in Business. UniSA Business is in the top one per cent worldwide 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.
Prepare to succeed in the fast-paced financial sector with South Australia’s most established finance degree.
With a focus on the borrowing, lending and investing of money, you will develop a dynamic understanding of the complex finance industry as part of your degree. You will gain knowledge in areas such as investment banking and fund management, and have the chance to learn in our state-of-the-art Iress Trading Room on campus.
We know that employers value graduates with industry experience so there are opportunities to embed an internship, mentoring, overseas exchange or work-integrated learning into your degree.
The Master of Professional Accounting will prepare you for practice as a professional accountant. You will develop analytical, general business management and critical problem-solving skills, and gain a comprehensive understanding of accounting practice.
Your studies will focus on financial and management accounting, finance, commercial law, taxation law and auditing. You’ll study contemporary research and real-life case studies and graduate well-equipped for a global career, knowledgeable in areas such as accounting, tax, financial management, and public practice.
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.
Finance 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 Finance Career Grant. To be eligible, you must achieve a B+ or higher in SACE Stage 2 Specialist Mathematics or Mathematical Methods in Year 12.
What you'll learn
You will start with core courses in areas such as analytics, accounting and economic theory. These will give you a solid grasp of business fundamentals that you can apply to a range of careers.
In your specialisation you will focus on finance and financial markets. Specific areas include financial markets and institutions; international currency and banking markets; portfolio and fund management; macroeconomics; corporate valuation; and financial risk analysis and management.
In the Master of Professional Accounting you will eight specialist accounting courses. You will gain a solid grounding in the latest accounting methods by studying areas in auditing, taxation, financial and management accounting and corporate finance. You will also study two electives as part of your studies.
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
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 Finance (Pathway to Master of Professional Accounting)
This Fast-track to Masters program enables you to commence a 3-year Bachelor of Finance and secure a place in a 1-year Master of Professional Accounting (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.
As part of this degree, you will develop the analytical skills to interpret the economic factors driving global economy, trade and exchange, and financial markets. You will gain practical skills with our state-of-the-art Iress Trading Room, which includes a market data feed and financial analysis tools.
This degree is dynamic and its program structure is informed by industry and the latest practical research in the field. Therefore, as a graduate you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required by industry.
As part of this degree, you will develop the analytical skills to interpret the economic factors driving global economy, trade and exchange, and financial markets.
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 online and on-campus study, part-time or full-time learning, Summer and Winter School intensive courses, mentoring and networking opportunities with industry, and accelerated learning pathways. Plus, you can make the most of professional development courses endorsed by industry, build leadership skills employers value through UniSA+ and seek support at our on-campus 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.
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.
This could be you
At UniSA, you'll learn invaluable transferable employability skills to future-proof your career.
Your career
As the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers in Business and Management1, our quality teaching and experiences beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career-ready.
You could consider careers such as:
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Trader: executing trades (stocks, bonds, derivatives) at a trading desk of an investment fund for their funds or institutional clients
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Equity/research analyst: studying and analysing financial information and trends for clients; advising on share buying; reviews stocks, bonds and other financial instruments for reporting
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Financial Analyst (corporate Finance): reviewing cash flow, revenue and overall finances and financial risks of an organization.
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Investment banker: raising capital for companies, governments and other entities; assisting with large, complicated financial transactions; providing advice in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, regulatory environments, and risk assessment
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Investment fund manager: providing financial advice about investment matters such as buying and selling of trusts, shares and bonds; analysing data and available information to make decisions.
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Portfolio manager: constructing and managing investment portfolios for clients based on their risk and risk preferences, return expectations on investment as well as market conditions.
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Asset allocation consultant: helping the portfolio manager to allocate clients’ money in different asset classes (shares, bonds, cash, etc.) and monitor their performance.
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Stockbroker: buying and selling securities on a stock exchange on behalf of retail clients
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Commercial banker: providing financial advice to corporate clients; promoting banks' financial services; building relationships with banking customers to create more accounts; coordinating different bank departments to ensure smooth operations
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Corporate loan manager: liaising between institutions and clients to find suitable corporate loan arrangements; soliciting loans; representing creditors to borrowers and vice versa
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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
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Tax accountant/Corporate tax consultant: compiling company and other business tax returns, and individual tax returns; providing tax planning advice and strategies
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Senior Accountant: preparing accurate, timely financial statements; analysing financial statements; coordinating and conducting company audits; managing regular ledger maintenance; developing reporting tools to interpret financial information for wider business decision-making.
1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities.
Industry facts
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.
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.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
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.
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 program director
I am Program Director: Finance and Financial Planning in UniSA Business and Lecturer in Financial Planning and Finance. I have worked at the University of Greenwich (London) and have consulted both national and international organisations in economics, finance, and financial planning.
I teach in the areas of banking, finance, and financial planning, including personal financial planning, and personal risk management and insurance. My current research focuses on aspects of corporate social responsibility (CSR), environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) factors, green finance, financial system governance and institutional reform, market spillovers, and the cost and provision of financial advice to lower socio-economic groups.
I am also a member of key industry professional bodies, and serve on relevant industry committees, enabling me to deliver the latest industry-informed knowledge to students. I believe my extensive experience helps me to understand and support students as they develop the necessary academic and practical skills to address real-world industry challenges, becoming experts in their area of interest.
Ask UniSA
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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.
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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.
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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.
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)
