Finance major
Finance professionals are concerned with the management of assets to create wealth for investors or companies. The finance discipline examines how individuals, businesses and institutions raise funds to implement investment strategies and how they allocate these funds to a variety of investment opportunities. When dealing with investments, finance professionals consider the time between investment and future payoff and the risks attached to these future payoffs.
The finance major covers three key areas:
- Capital markets and financial institutions
- Investments and financial planning
- Corporate finance
During your degree, you will have the option to study each of these areas, as well as personal finance and real estate finance.
Learn more about the Department of Finance.
The University clearly has a passion for educational excellence – this is evident in the stimulating lectures, committed tutors and lecturers, world-class facilities, and numerous support services available. The combination of these features make studying here a very satisfying experience. I have especially benefited from participating in the FMAA, a finance student society, which has helped me expand my professional network, make friends and understand the career options available to me when I graduate.
Dean Pagonis
Bachelor of Commerce student
Professional accreditation
The University of Melbourne is a CFA Program Partner of the CFA Institute, the world's largest association of investment professionals. The CFA Institute administers the CFA Program and awards the prestigious CFA designation, the best known and most respected investment credential in the world.
This program partnership means that the finance major in
the Bachelor of Commerce covers 70 per cent
of the Level I CBOK topics, including the CFA
Institute ethical and professional standards.
Recognition as a CFA Program Partner
confirms that the University curriculum ties
closely to professional practice and suitably
prepares you for the CFA exams. Participating
in the partnering programs entitles you to
apply for scholarships and have access to
CFA Institute curriculums, journals, webcasts,
and other educational resources. You will also
have access to a specially prepared online
Level I sample exam.
The Finance & Treasury Association gives recognition to finance subjects in the Bachelor of Commerce as part of their membership and accreditation requirements.
The Level-2 subject Introductory Personal Finance appears on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Training Register.
It was my dream to come to the University of Melbourne, and my interest for Commerce led me here. The fact that it is the best university in Australia for Commerce also affected my choice. Uni has been an amazing experience. The challenge of learning in a new way is one that I am determined to overcome! The incredible people I meet makes me excited to go to class everyday. I am loving the interactive and team approach of the tutorials, especially those where we learn from other students.
Dung Lam
Bachelor of Commerce student
Majoring in finance
The minimum subject requirements for a major in finance are listed below. Click on a subject to view the subject listing in the University Handbook, including information about prerequisite studies and assessment.
These subjects are included in the sample course plan below.
First year subjects
Second year subjects
Third year subjects
Sample course plan#
Double major in finance and marketing. Click on the subjects below to see the relevant description in the University Handbook. Each subject is worth 12.5 points unless otherwise specified.
| Year 1 | Sem 1 | Introductory Microeconomics (compulsory) | Principles of Marketing | Core program elective e.g. Accounting Reports and Analysis | Breadth e.g. Italian 1 |
| Sem 2 | Introductory Macroeconomics (compulsory) | Quantitative Methods 1 (compulsory) | Finance 1 | Breadth e.g. Italian 2 | |
| Year 2 | Sem 1 | Organisational Behaviour (compulsory) | Quantitative Methods 2 / Introductory Econometrics (compulsory) | Introductory Personal Finance | Breadth e.g. Italian 3 |
| Sem 2 | Entrepreneurial Marketing | Strategic Marketing | Business Finance | Breadth e.g. Italian 4 | |
| Year 3 | Sem 1 | Service and Relationship Marketing | Business Consulting | Investments | Core program elective, e.g. Basic Econometrics |
| Sem 2 | Advertising and Promotions | Corporate Finance | Derivative Securities | Intermediate Personal Finance |
#This is a sample course plan only. Subjects offered may change from year to year.
Key
| Compulsory subjects | Finance subjects | Accounting subjects |
| Breadth component | Marketing subjects | Economics subjects |