| AQF Level |
Level 7 Bachelor Degree |
| CRICOS Code |
088498G |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
The Bachelor of Commerce - Professional Accounting with the degree Bachelor of Business Analytics (BCom-ProfAccgBBusAnalytics) will prepare students to practice as an Accountant, while also having the specialist knowledge and skills to enable them to understand and work with big data so that they may be able to gain new and/or meaningful insights. Students will learn essential accounting knowledge and a range of business related skills. The program is accredited with the key professional accounting bodies including CPA Australia, the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, the Institute of Public Accountants and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
This degree will teach you about:
- statistics
- economics
- commercial law
- financial management
- information technology
- quantitative analysis
- business information systems
- database programming
- business management and decision making
Key features
- advance the breadth and depth of your knowledge and skill set by gaining two respected degrees with only one additional year of study
- improve your career prospects by combining expertise in accounting with strong business analytics and information system skills
- demonstrate a multi-disciplined mindset and experience
- rigorous training in problem solving, critical thinking and the development of high-level technical and analytical skills |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate integrated theoretical and technical knowledge related to the core disciplines of professional accounting (K);
2. Apply technical skills in the core disciplines of professional accounting (K);
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the use of information technology in supporting business processes (K);
4. Demonstrate knowledge of data analysis techniques and their applications (K);
5. Apply various quantitative data analysis techniques (K);
6. Apply various qualitative data analysis techniques (K);
7. Demonstrate proficiency in the application of data analysis software (K);
8. Critically analyse and evaluate professional accounting issues (T, I);
9. Apply knowledge, skills and professional judgement in solving routine accounting problems (P, J);
10. Demonstrate ability to extract pertinent information from large data sets (T, I);
11. Demonstrate ability to develop appropriate solutions to business problems (P, J);
12. Demonstrate communication skills relevant to an appropriate professional environment (C);
13. Demonstrate an awareness of contemporary issues (A);
14. Demonstrate an awareness of the role of ethical behaviour in businesses (E)
15. Demonstrate an awareness of emerging social, ethical and regulatory issues relevant to an accounting practitioner and in business (E, A);
16. Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration to achieve diverse purposes in a range of contexts (E, A).
|
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
On completion of this program you will have acquired the relevant knowledge and skills required to work as an accountant and to commence a professional accounting qualification including the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and CPA Australia programs.
All units in the program are supported by an online environment that provides access to resources such as lecture notes and recordings, readings, quizzes, discussion forums and assessment materials, and that facilitates communication between you and the teaching staff.
The learning outcomes associated with individual units have been aligned with program level learning outcomes and the Macquarie University graduate capabilities. You are expected to actively engage in your learning and work with lecturers, tutors and and fellow students to achieve the learning outcomes.
Learning styles used in the BCom-ProfAccgBBusAnalytics may include:
• Case studies, which provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge to real or simulated scenarios in individual or group situations.
• Simulations, modelled on real-life situations and providing learning experiences that promote integration of knowledge, skills and critical thinking.
• Project work, which may be independent or involve group learning. Projects assist students in developing more in-depth knowledge and skills in conducting research, communication, and in planning, organisation and time management.
• Readings taken from textbooks, journals, websites and other sources provide material to further develop concepts and knowledge referred to in individual units in the program.
• Reflective activities, such as journals, assist students in integrating the course content and in developing the ability to transfer knowledge and skills from the learning environment into the workplace.
• Self-study activities, such as questions with worked examples, (non assessed) online quizzes, and textbook questions and answers.
• Online discussion forums, in which students may be required to submit responses to a given question, and/or to participate in a set discussion topic.
Learning in the BCom-ProfAccgBBusAnalytics may be facilitated through the following teaching methods:
• Lectures: Lectures are presentations designed to communicate a body of knowledge to a group of students, often in a large lecture theatre, and provide insight into key concepts and understanding of the subject matter pertaining to a unit of study. Lectures in this program are typically delivered in the traditional face-to-face mode, although some are interactive and students may be required to participate in a learning activity during the lecture. Extensive use is also made of the Echo 360 lecture audio recording system. Lectures may also be video captured. This means that students can usually access lecture material, in some format, on an 'on demand' basis.
• Tutorials: Tutorials are classes in which a tutor facilitates interactive learning with a small group of students. In first year, tutorials tend to focus on ensuring that fundamental concepts and skills are acquired. As students progress on to units at a higher level, the focus shifts towards a more critical engagement with the discipline. Tutorials provide students with the chance to ask questions, seek clarification, resolve problems, enhance their communication skills, and develop their ability to work in a collaborative manner with their peers.
• Computer lab workshops or Practicals: The environment in which our graduates will work is one requiring high level quantitative skills. These quantitative skills are developed, in part, in computer lab workshop sessions. These sessions allow students to acquire and practice quantitative skills that are highly valued in the workplace. In addition to formal workshop sessions under the direct instruction of a lecturer or tutor, students are able to access the labs to practice skills and to complete assessment tasks in their own time.
• PAL sessions: The Faculty of Business and Economics also offers PAL (Peer Assisted Learning) workshops in a number of first and second year units. The free, weekly PAL workshops are led by trained students who have excelled in those particular units, and are open to all enrolled students in these units. The purpose of PAL is to promote improved learning and understanding of the unit's content in a group setting. PAL is for all levels of students studying the unit, not just the "I'm barely passing" students, and increases your likelihood of achieving higher grades.
PAL offers many benefits:
o Improves your grades. Statistics show PAL can increase grades by up to 15%.
o Helps you revise, stay on top of course content, and provides time to discuss those more difficult concepts.
o Encourages group work and develops team skills.
o Provides a safe environment where it's OK to ask those dumb questions, make mistakes and learn from them.
o PAL is optional and for students who genuinely want to succeed.
o Promotes independent study, autonomy, self-confidence and satisfaction in the unit.
o Improves your communication and presentation skills.
o Lecturer and tutor consultation. Academic staff are available for individual or small group consultations either in person or through a variety of online formats.
• Capstone unit: The inclusion of the Capstone unit ACCG399 Accounting in Context and MGMT321 Business Analytics Project in the BBusAnalytics provides students with opportunities to integrate their knowledge and experiences from the whole program in preparation for the next stage of their careers. |
| Assessment |
Assessment is based on the submission of individual and group coursework. You will complete a variety of assessment tasks over the duration of the program including assessed coursework, class participation, final examination, essay, class test, quiz, presentation, assignment, case study or report culminating in the preparation of a professional portfolio of your work submitted during completion of the capstone unit, ACCG399 'Accounting in Context'. Clear standards and criteria for assessments, what is assessed and how it is assessed, are contained in each unit guide.
The coursework completed in this program, including a variety of assessment tasks, are designed to develop (formative) and assess (summative) your achievement of the program learning outcomes and will require you to integrate and exhibit your skills and knowledge acquired. For each unit you will complete between 3 and 4 assessment tasks and the unit guide will indicate the relationship between the assessment tasks and program learning outcomes.
Assessment tasks across the program may include the following:
• Written assessments in traditional academic format ranging from short essays to longer, self-directed research papers, literature reviews and annotated bibliographies.
• Case studies or reports, written documents outlining the results of a detailed analysis of a situation using empirical data and research. Case studies are used to assess critical thinking, analytical and research skill.
• Assignments, in a variety of formats such as the production of an Excel spreadsheet, the analysis of a mathematical problem or data set, or a brief written response to a topic question.
• Online quizzes designed to assess knowledge, skills or capabilities, and typically consisting of a series of questions requiring brief responses.
• Class participation, including engagement in tutorial discussions or online discussions.
• Written class tests, time limited assessments designed to assess a student’s knowledge or skills.
•Individual or group oral presentations which may incorporate presentation technologies or be accompanied by handouts.
• Final examination, invigilated assessments conducted at the end of session and designed to assess a student’s body of knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Feedback on your performance in completing an assessment task will be provided in a variety of formats in units across the program. Where there is a final examination in a core accounting unit in this program, you will be required to pass that final examination to pass the unit. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit.
Domestic students
For undergraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For domestic postgraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl
International students
For RPL information visit www.mq.edu.au/international/rpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Commerce - Professional Accounting is recognised as satisfying tertiary educational requirements for entry into CPA Australia's CPA Professional program, the CAANZ's CA program, the IPA's IPA program and the ACCA Professional level exams. Accounting is the collection, measurement and communication of economic information which is used for planning, reporting and decision making. Accountants are employed in all areas of commerce, industry and government.
The Bachelor of Business Analytics is a multidisciplinary program which equips students with knowledge and skills in the areas of quantitative analysis, business information systems, database programming and business. Knowledge and skills in these areas will provide students with the tools to derive insights of value from big data sources. Technological advancements have led to an increase in the amount of consumer data generated every day, as well as improvements in the ability of organisations and governments to capture, store and use such data. The data revolution has increased the employment demand for persons with the abilities to extract value from these sources of data. Knowledge and skills in these areas will provide students with the tools to derive insights of value from big data sources.
This combination into a double degree provides an excellent foundation for a wide range of accounting and business based careers.
Examples include:
Project accountants
Business strategy (to assist organisations to reduce costs and streamline operations)
Corporate tax accountants
Credit controllers
Accounts receivable
Payroll officers
Insolvency
Management accountants
Financial accountants
Risk consulting/Internal audit
External audit
IT audit
Financial analyst
Systems accountant
Tax consulting
Business analyst
Business process improvement specialist
Business process modelling consultant
Customer insights manager
Data analyst
Management consultant
IT planning manager |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
| Accreditation |
This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification.
Accredited with the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (every 5 years), CPA Australia (every 5 years), Institute of Public Accountants (as required) and The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (as required). |
