Boost your employability with JCU Commerce. Get a head start with tailored industry experience and build your network through practical learning opportunities. In assisting individuals at tax time or navigating trade with international businesses, your studies will equip you with the knowledge and skills to drive success in a diverse career.
From economics to financial management, the areas within commerce influence every industry. As you build your understanding of the foundational concepts of commerce, youâll develop the ability to recognise financial patterns, trends in financial markets and the drivers of economic growth. With the option to specialise your studies in the area of your passion, you can graduate with confidence in your ability to apply your knowledge and skills to multiple industry contexts.
In the Bachelor of Commerce, youâll study core subjects that will build your foundational knowledge of the concepts relevant to all areas of commerce. This commerce degree has several majors to choose from, with the option to select either a second major or elective subjects. Your selected major/s allow you to specialise in the areas that you want to pursue in your future career while electives allow you to broaden your knowledge and skills base.
No matter which major you choose, your studies in the Bachelor of Commerce will equip you to critically evaluate and communicate market insights. Youâll learn the importance of making data-driven decisions and develop skills in interpreting quantitative and qualitative data. As you study the key areas of commerce, youâll develop an in-depth understanding of the factors that influence domestic and global economies and financial systems. Learn to effectively analyse market trends, the financial needs of professional and private clients, and ethical and sustainable methods of business.
Develop essential job-ready skills through the work integrated learning (WIL) capstone program. Within the program, youâll work alongside leading commerce professionals and the network connections youâll make have the potential to lead to further opportunities post-graduation.
Students in Townsville will have the opportunity to in the Townsville Chamber of Commerce â James Cook University Mentoring Program. In your final year, you can apply to join the program and be connected to an industry professional from the Townsville Chamber of Commerce (a JCU Alumni, where possible) who will mentor you through one-on-one sessions, virtual check-ins and mentoring events. You can look to your mentor for guidance relating to career planning, skill development, networking and job search techniques. Youâll build and strengthen your network and gain the skills and confidence necessary to excel.
Townsville-based students who have completed at least one year of their degree can also consider applying for an Australian Public Service Academy Campus position. With opportunities in the Digital and Data spheres, you can align your studies to part-time work, that may translate into a full-time job offer upon graduation. Explore the APS Data and Digital Programs page for more information.
Broaden your horizons and gain a global perspective by completing one semester at JCU Singapore or at one of our 52 partnering universities around the world.
Additional information
Study Bachelor of Commerce at JCU
One of the most popular programs at James Cook University is the Bachelor of Commerce. One aspect that sets this degree program apart from others is the designated Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program, which allows students to gain industry experience and create a network of contacts within the commerce sector. This may prove invaluable when it comes to getting your first industry job, or later along in your career when networking can bring you employment opportunities you never thought possible.
JCUâs commerce degree in Queensland is available at three campuses and online. Choose to study at Townsville, Cairns, Brisbane or online, and there are three intakes for entry every year for each â February, May and September meaning you can accelerate your way through your Bachelor of Commerce degree without wasting time.
Taking JCUâs Bachelor of Commerce in Queensland is a time commitment of three years full time (with part-time options also available).
How is JCUâs Bachelor Degree in Commerce Structured?
JCUâs Bachelor of Commerce is a versatile choice for undergraduates who do not want to limit themselves by specialising too soon. Students will get a comprehensive foundation in the theory of commerce and through these and other core subjects, they will find their degree can be applied to a wide range of industry jobs. There are several majors to choose from, with electives to ensure students keep their breadth of knowledge relevant for multiple sectors within the finance industry.
The key skills undergraduates will learn are critical thinking and analytical skills, ensuring that graduates can accurately analyse patterns and make data-driven decisions. The course will look at assessing qualitative and quantitative data and give students an in-depth understanding of the markets and how local and global economies can be influenced.
Theory is only half the battle â practical experience is what many firms are looking for, which is why JCU has implemented Work Integrated Learning, so that along with a Bachelor of Commerce, graduates can show real industry work experience. It is also worth mentioning that JCU has launched a special mentoring program for students in Townsville that links a student with an industry professional in the Townsville Chamber of Commerce.
For those who are hankering after some international experience, JCU has an exchange program, allowing Bachelor of Commerce undergraduates to study for one semester at JCU Singapore or at one of the 52 other universities partnered with James Cook University.
Career Opportunities with a Commerce Degree
Whether you aim to go into economics or whether international trade is much more your thing, your Bachelor degree in Commerce will have you well-prepared for the workplace. Visit the main course page to discover more about the majors and electives that are offered as part of this degree.
On the main course page, you will also find information on the prerequisites for entry onto this course, whether you are a local student or an international student. For those who may not be automatically eligible, there is also information on alternative pathways that JCU can offer to bridge the gap between the qualifications you hold and those you need. Visit the main course page now.
Hide additional information
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the Universityâs learning, assessment,and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Bachelor of Commerce.
Majors
You can choose from six majors. A major is your chosen area of specialisation. While all majors are available Online (or externally), not all majors are available face-to-face at all campuses. The handbook provides details about the subjects you can study within each major and the campus availability for each major.
Accounting
As an accountant, you will contribute to the most critical function of all businesses and organisations â their financial viability. You will learn how to recognise financial patterns and be an efficient problem solver for businesses in various industries.
Core subjects will give you foundational skills in decision making, analysis, and interpreting data for businesses. You will gain an in-depth understanding of financial management, company accounting, taxation, and auditing.
Banking and Finance
Study funds management, financial markets, and risk management. You will learn the different approaches to managing financial institutions, including commercial banks, rural cooperatives, and microfinance institutions.
Develop the skills to help businesses develop and thrive, whether they're government, non-government, private, or not-for-profit organisations. With an understanding of international finance and sustainable economic growth, employers will value your theoretical and practical knowledge.
Economics
Develop the skills to predict the behaviour of market participants, including governments, competing businesses, and consumers.
Explore drivers of economic growth and government policy options to shape that growth, as well as decision-making tools for managers and how to conduct cost-benefit analysis. You will gain knowledge of economics at the individual level by exploring consumer decision-making and the behavioural foundations of those decisions.
Financial Advising
Expand your decision making and analytical skills with Financial Advising through the Bachelor of Commerce at JCU. Youâll be equipped to recognize financial information and assist people to achieve their financial goals. Learn to identify potential issues for a client, viable investment opportunities, and practical strategies ensure their financial stability.
You can choose from a variety of specialisations and focuses as a financial advisor, giving you flexibility in a career with job security.
Financial Management
Understand different approaches to managing the finances of businesses effectively and efficiently. You will learn business modelling, investment portfolio management, financial risk management and multinational business finance.
With financial management skills that are transferable to most industries, you can forge your own career path. Combine this major with Accounting, Economics, or Business Intelligence and Information Systems to strengthen your skill set.
International Trade
Gain a global perspective and develop analytical, communication and critical thinking skills to pursue a career that crosses borders.
Build a strong understanding of the fundamentals of finance and international trade law. Take your place in the global boardroom with skills to explain strategic, interpersonal and psychological aspects of business negotiation. Learn how to network and influence stakeholders with creative and innovative thinking in the communication of complex business analyses.
In an increasingly globalised world, your ability to evaluate and analyse opportunities in international trade will make you a valued employee around the world.
This major is only offered at the Singapore campus.
Honours
Honours is available in each discipline as additional 24 credit points of study. Please refer to the Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Handbook for eligibility information.