Commerce (Accounting)

The Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Accounting at the University of Otago offers students a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of accounting, finance, and business management. This programme is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in financial reporting, managerial accounting, taxation, auditing, and financial analysis, preparing them for diverse careers within the corporate sector, accounting firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Throughout the programme, students gain practical skills through case studies, industry projects, and internships, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world settings. The curriculum emphasizes ethical standards, regulatory frameworks, and technological advancements in accounting, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the dynamic demands of the profession. Students also have the opportunity to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are essential for effective business decision-making. The university’s strong links with the accounting industry facilitate networking opportunities, internships, and employment prospects for graduates. The programme adheres to the professional standards required for certification by accounting bodies, supporting students in achieving future accreditation. With dedicated faculty members who are experts in their fields, students benefit from innovative teaching methods and a vibrant academic community. Upon completion of the BCom in Accounting, graduates are equipped not only with technical expertise but also with the ethical considerations and professional competencies needed to succeed in the global business environment. This programme prepares students for a range of career paths including forensic accounting, management consulting, financial analysis, taxation advisory, and internal auditing, among others, providing a pathway towards continuous professional development and advanced postgraduate study.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 3191 Year (National)
• EUR 15772 Year (International)

International: 24,530NZ$. National:4,963.00NZ$

• English

Course Content

Every degree programme

* Note: These papers should normally be completed before enrolling in 300-level Commerce papers.

100-level

• BSNS 102 Quantitative Analysis for Business
• BSNS 107 Understanding Accounting
• BSNS 108 Business Finance
• ACCT 102 Principles of Accounting

Grades of at least C+ are normally needed in order to proceed to 200-level ACCT and ACFI papers.

BSNS 103 Marketing and Consumption, BSNS 104 Principles of Economics 1, BSNS 105 Management and Organisations, BSNS 106 Information and Communication in Organisations, must normally be taken before enrolling in 300-level Commerce papers

200-level

• ACCT 211 Financial Accounting and Reporting
• ACCT 222 Cost and Management Accounting
• ACFI 201 Corporate Financial Decisions

300-level

• ACCT 302 Accounting Performance Management, or ACCT 307 Management Accounting
• ACCT 310 Issues in Financial Reporting, or ACCT 315 Advanced Financial Accounting
• One further 300-level ACCT paper
• One further 300-level ACCT, ACFI or FINC paper

Plus

• 90 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above.
• May be taken from outside Commerce

Every BCom programme must include BSNS 102-108. 100-level BSNS papers need not all be taken in the first year of study; all 100-level BSNS papers must normally be passed before enrolling in 300-level Commerce papers.

STAT 110 or STAT 115 will be accepted as an alternative to BSNS 102 as a required paper or as part of the major subject requirements or as a prerequisite when:
(a) the paper has been passed before the student has enrolled for a BCom degree; or
(b) a student is enrolling for both a BCom and another degree for which STAT 110 or STAT 115 is required.

Total 360 points

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 58 TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test : 80

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

NCEA National Certificate in Educational Achievement

• 10 Level 2 credits in approved literacy (5 in reading, 5 in writing)

CIE Cambridge International Examinations

• Grade E or better in AS English

IB International Baccalaureate

• English at Higher or Standard level in Language A: literature, or Language A: language and literature; or at Higher level in Language B

NZUEBS New Zealand University Entrance Bursaries and Scholarships

• English mark of 46% or higher

IELTS International English Language Testing System

• 6.0 in academic module (with no individual band below 6.0)

TOEFL (paper based) Test of English as a Foreign Language

• 550 Test of Written English 4.5

TOEFL (internet based) Test of English as a Foreign Language

• 80 (with a Writing score of 20)

CPE Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English

• Minimum of 50

CAE Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English

• Minimum of 58

APIEL Advanced Placement International English Language Examination

• Grade 3 or higher

University of Otago Foundation Studies Ltd

• Successful completion of ‘English for Undergraduate Academic Purposes’ paper

Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic

• Overall score of 58 with no communicative skills score below 50

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

The Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) at the University of Otago is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a solid foundation in accounting principles, financial management, and business practices. The program aims to develop a strong understanding of accounting standards, auditing, taxation, and financial reporting, which are essential skills for a successful career in accounting and related fields. Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to learn from experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective areas, ensuring a high-quality education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. The curriculum includes core courses in accounting, finance, economics, business law, and information systems, equipping students with a well-rounded business acumen. Additionally, the program offers elective courses that allow students to specialise in areas such as forensic accounting, international accounting, and managerial accounting, catering to diverse career interests. The University of Otago places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, providing students with internships, industry projects, and opportunities for real-world engagement, which helps enhance their employability upon graduation. Graduates from the program can pursue various career paths, including roles as auditors, financial analysts, tax consultants, or management accountants. The university's strong links with industry partners and professional bodies like CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand support students in achieving professional recognition and accreditations. The program is designed to be flexible, enabling students to undertake part-time study or combine their studies with part-time work through the university’s supportive learning environment. By completing the Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) at Otago, students gain not only technical skills but also critical thinking, communication, and ethical decision-making abilities, preparing them for the complexities of modern business environments. The program's curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure relevance with current industry standards and global economic developments, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the evolving demands of the accounting profession.