Courses, Subjects and Qualifications

Courses, Subjects and Qualifications

Courses



Year 2009 2010


Subjects

Qualifications

Bachelor of Commerce BCom

Introduction

UC's Bachelor of Commerce opens doors to the world of business, finance and marketing. You can study either a general degree or a more specialised endorsed degree.

Features of the BCom at UC

  • Flexible, broad or specialised three-year degree
  • A choice of 13 endorsements or 6 major subjects
  • High employment rates into stimulating, diverse careers
  • World-class teaching and research facilities
  • Internationally renowned College with strong links to business communities
  • Opportunities to gain real-world experience through internships
  • Potential to qualify as a chartered accountant through the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA) and/or Certified Practising Accountants (CPA) Australia

Endorsements and majors

Endorsements

Major subjects

To enrol in a Bachelor of Commerce at UC you have to fulfil University Entrance requirements.

No prior experience or knowledge is required or assumed for those beginning a BCom which means that no matter what background you come from, be it educational or employment, you are in a position to enter into 100-level UC Commerce classes. However it can be advantageous to have an interest in or understanding of certain subjects.

See the relevent subject page above for more information.

Degree structure (2010)

The Bachelor of Commerce degree requires a minimum total of 360 points.

  • At least 255 points must be from Commerce courses (up to 60 points of Mathematics and/or Statistics at 100 or 200-level may be included in the 255 points).
  • The remaining 105 points can be from Commerce courses or courses from other degrees.
  • At least 225 points must be from courses above 100-level, with at least 90 points at 300-level, of which at least 60 must be in a single Commerce subject – this is your major. For a double major you must complete 60 points in each of two Commerce subjects.

If you are studying towards a general degree you must also complete five compulsory 100-level courses (a total of 75 points selected from seven 'core' courses) as shown in the diagram. It is desirable to complete these courses in your first year of study as they are prerequisites for 200 and 300-level Commerce courses, however it is possible to complete some of these courses in your second and third years depending on the requirements of your major.

If you are studying towards an endorsed degree you must complete specified courses as set out in the Enrolment Handbook. See the BCom endorsed structure page for example diagrams.

A minimum of 105 points needs to be completed in your first year to finish your BCom within three years. Most students will take 120 points in their first year.

BCom degree structure diagram

What is the difference between an endorsement and a major?

An endorsement is an area of specialisation within a degree. To gain an endorsement you must pass certain required courses, in addition to the general requirements of the degree.

A major is the subject that you decide to study in-depth or specialise in within a general degree. You will study courses to 300-level in this subject. Unlike an endorsed degree, a general degree gives you most specialisation in your final year. An endorsed degree gives you a full degree specialisation from 100-level onwards and the endorsement will be noted on your certificate when you graduate.

Change to 15-point courses

The University of Canterbury is moving to a common course size of 15 points (or multiples of 15 points) for all undergraduate courses from 2011, with some courses in some subjects changing to the new points values in 2010. For more information refer to the Common course sizes webpage. Points values for all courses for 2010 are available from the Course Information System (CIS).

How does this affect the BCom?

Many Commerce courses will be changing to the new points values in 2010. All 100-level Commerce courses will change from 18 points to 15 points. Some 200-level Commerce courses will change from 11 or 22 points to 15 points (or multiples of 15 points) and some 300-level Commerce courses will change from 14 or 28 points to 30 points.

The BCom degree requirements will change to reflect the new course sizes in 2011. If you have started your BCom prior to 2011 and your programme of study will not match the new requirements exactly see a College of Business and Economics Student Advisor.

Double degrees

Many students study for a second degree in addition to a BCom. In particular, a BCom and Bachelor of Laws is a highly marketable combination. The BCom also combines well with degrees in Arts, Science, Forestry Science and Engineering. It is normally possible to complete the two degrees in five years (some degree combinations may take longer). Students considering a double degree should seek advice from a College of Business and Economics Student Advisor.

Further study

Postgraduate and graduate options include:

Contact

For more information email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone in NZ 0800 VARSITY (827 748).

For assistance with planning your programme of study contact a College of Business and Economics Student Advisor (advancing students) or the Liaison Team (new students) or visit the Liaison Team’s course planning page (new students).