| AQF Level |
Level 9 Masters by Coursework Degree |
| CRICOS Code |
083782M |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
The Master of Commerce (MCom) degree delivers a flexible, career-oriented and relevant postgraduate business education in a range of disciplines. It is designed to meet employer needs and provides graduates with the capabilities for careers in the business professions.
Choose either one or two specialisations from Accounting, Business Management and Organisations, Economics, Finance, Financial Crime and Governance, Human Resource Management or Marketing. A wide range of electives is available to broaden and deepen knowledge. |
| 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 an advanced level of theoretical knowledge in their chosen specialisation(s) (K);
2. demonstrate the ability to apply advanced technical skills, and where relevant, professional technical competence and standards in their chosen specialisation(s) (K);
3. demonstrate an ability to identify relevant research method and principles applicable in their chosen specialisation(s) (K);
4. demonstrate the ability to apply creative and innovative strategies to appraise and synthesise complex problems in a discipline (T);
5. demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research to recommend appropriate solutions to complex business problems (P, J);
6. demonstrate an understanding of recent developments and issues in a discipline and professional practice (E);
7. demonstrate an awareness for the need for corporate social responsibility and ethical behaviour (E);
8. demonstrate effective communication of complex ideas and business challenges to specialist audience (C);
9. demonstrate effective communication of complex ideas and business challenges to non-specialist audience (C);
10. apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration to achieve diverse purposes in a range of contexts (E).
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| Learning and Teaching Methods |
The Master of Commerce (MCom) assists students to develop a range of analytical, evaluative and communications skills and to critically apply their knowledge and skills to real world situations. Throughout the MCom program, students will participate in a range of traditional and innovative learning activities designed to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and techniques required for successful participation in employment.
Learning activities are varied and include both formal and informal experiences. Many 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 teaching staff and students.
The learning outcomes associated with individual units in the MCom have been aligned with program level learning outcomes and the Macquarie University graduate capabilities. Students are expected to actively engage in their learning and work with their teaching staff and fellow students to achieve these learning outcomes.
Learning styles used in the MCom may include:
o Case studies, which provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge to real or simulated scenarios in individual or group situations.
o Simulations, modelled on real-life situations and providing learning experiences that promote integration of knowledge, skills and critical thinking.
o 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 energy and time management.
o 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.
o 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.
o Self-study activities, such as questions with worked examples, (non assessed) online quizzes, and textbook questions and answers.
o Online discussion forums, in which students may be required to submit responses to a given question, and/or to participate in a set discussion topics.
Learning in the MCom may be facilitated through the following teaching methods:
o Lectures or Seminars: lectures and seminars are presentations designed to communicate a body of knowledge to a group of students and provide insight into key concepts and understanding of the subject matter relating to the unit of study. Lectures and seminars in this program are typically delivered in the traditional face-to-face mode and are generally interactive, with students participating in discussions or other learning activities during the session. They may be recorded using the Echo 360 lecture audio recording system, enabling students to access lecture material on an 'on demand' basis.
o Computer lab workshops or practicals: the environment in which our graduates will work is one requiring 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. |
| Assessment |
Assessment in the MCom is carefully aligned with the program's learning outcomes, and is both formative and summative. Formative assessment provides students with feedback on their learning, but is sometimes not graded, or makes a small contribution to the final grade. Summative assessment gives students a judgement on their learning, for grading purposes.
The types of assessment tasks employed in the MCom are diverse.
o Essays: an essay requires the systematic investigation of a topic and the development of a written argument. In addition to assessing the acquisition of discipline specific knowledge and skills, essays are also used to assess other program objectives relating to cognitive, communication and research skills. Essays in the MCom tend to be between 1500 and 3000 words in length.
o Independent Research Projects: some units in the MCom include a substantial independent research project.
o Assignments: an assignment may take a variety of formats ranging from the production of an Excel spreadsheet, the analysis of data, a written response to a topic question, or presenting a solution to an analytical problem.
o Quizzes: a quiz is an offline or online assessment. In the MCom, quizzes are typically used to assess discipline specific knowledge and skills. Quizzes usually consist of a short series of questions requiring a brief response. They also commonly take the form of multiple choice questions. Quizzes are used widely across the program. They provide timely, formative feedback to students.
o Presentations: presentations may be conducted on an individual or group basis. They involve the oral description of an area of investigation and may utilise a range of presentation technologies and supplementary materials such as handouts. Presentations typically provide the audience with the opportunity to ask questions. The presenter(s) is expected to provide an informed response. This form of assessment is crucial in the development of the important program objectives relating to communication. Feedback is typically (but not always) provided verbally and in writing. Feedback from peers is also sometimes provided.
o Class participation: class participation is assessed by a student's engagement in discussions facilitated by a lecturer, contributions to online discussion forums, or general questions asked during lectures and seminars. Participation is expected to be well considered and relevant to the topic. Participation is also linked to attendance – it a student is not present, they can not participate.
o Final examination: the final examination is designed to assess a student's body of knowledge and critical thinking skills. Examinations consist of questions requiring written responses. These questions may be in a multiple choice format, or require short answers or short essay responses. Most units in the MCom have a final examination. The final examination is typically given the heaviest weighting in the assessment scheme.
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| 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 undefined |
| 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/wellbeing |
| 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 |
Master of Commerce graduates can expect career opportunities in diverse industries. Roles can include:
o Brand manager
o Financial Crime Analyst
o Finance Manager
o General Manager
o Management Accountant
o Management Consultant
o Market Analyst
o Marketing Manager and many other marketing roles
o Product Development Manager
Employers may include:
o accounting and consulting firms
o large and small businesses
o business analyst firms
o financial institutions
o marketing and PR firms
o government organisations
o merchant bankers
o multinationals
o stockbrokers
o management consultancy firms
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| 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. |
