University of Sydney Handbooks - 2016 Archive

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Bachelor of Commerce (Liberal Studies) – Degree structure

Degree structure

To be awarded the Bachelor of Commerce (Liberal Studies), students complete units of study with a total value of 192 credit points, comprising:

  • 18 credit points in core units of study, comprising two junior core units (12 credit points); and one senior six credit point capstone unit of study;
  • a minimum of 24 credit points in units of study from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (Table A subject areas);
  • a minimum of 12 credit points in units of study from the Faculty of Science (Table 1 subject areas);
  • two compulsory majors: one selected from the 'Major I' subject areas ' and one from the 'Major II' subject areas;
  • a maximum of 96 credit points in junior units of study (1000 level units of study); and
  • a minimum of 108 credit points in units of study from the University of Sydney Business School (a maximum of 84 credit points from non-Business School subject areas).

Requirements for the degree with honours

For the award of the Bachelor of Commerce (Liberal Studies) with Honours, meritorious students must complete an additional honours year of study (48 credit points) after the completion of the requirements for the Bachelor of Commerce (Liberal Studies). Honours study is offered in most of the subject areas available to students in the Bachelor of Commerce (Liberal Studies). The requirements for entry into and for the completion of the honours year can be found at sydney.edu.au/business/honours.

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Core units of study

Students must complete the following three core units of study for their degree:

(1) Junior units of study (12 credit points)

  • BUSS1001 Understanding Business
  • BUSS1002 The Business Environment

(2) Senior (capstone) unit of study (six credit points)

  • BUSS3500 Integrated Business Applications
Progression sequence for completing core units

Students are required to complete all junior core units of study within the first year of enrolment in the sequence set out in the Degree progression table.

Students must complete BUSS1001 in their first semester of enrolment and BUSS1002 in their second semester of enrolment. The senior capstone unit, BUSS3500, must be completed in a student's final semester of enrolment.

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Compulsory Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Faculty of Science units of study


(1) Arts and Social Sciences units of study

Students must complete a minimum of 24 credit points in units of study from the Table A subject areas in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Handbook. Students can meet this requirement by completing a major from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (as a Major II option).

Further information on units of study within these subject areas can be found in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Handbook.


(2) Science units of study

Students must complete a minimum of 12 credit points in units of study from the Table 1 subject areas in the Faculty of Science Handbook. Students can meet this requirement by completing a major from the Faculty of Science (as a Major II option).

Unit of study options within these subject areas are outlined in the Faculty of Science Handbook.

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Majors and electives

Compulsory majors

Students in the Bachelor of Commerce (Liberal Studies) are required to complete two majors. One from the subject areas listed under 'Major I' and one from those listed under 'Major II'.

In most cases, a major consists of 36 credit points in senior units of study (usually six units) in a single subject area. Junior units of study (1000 level) may be used to meet the prerequisite requirements for more than one major. Senior (or in some cases intermediate and senior) units of study (2000 and 3000 level), however can only be used to meet the requirements for one major.

Major I subject areas


Major II subject areas

* These options are subject to any restrictions that the offering faculty may impose and credit point limits on non-Business School units of study for the degree. The requirements for these majors are determined by the offering faculty. Students should refer to the relevant faculty handbook for details (sydney.edu.au/handbooks/).

If a major is chosen in a subject area offered by the Faculties of Agriculture and Environment, Arts and Social Sciences, or Science then in most cases, a minimum of 36 credit points in senior units of study (or senior and intermediate units) must be completed in that subject area. Junior units of study (1000 level) may be used to meet the prerequisite requirements for more than one major. Senior (or in some cases intermediate and senior) units of study (2000 and 3000 level), however can only be used to meet the requirements for one major.

A maximum of 84 credit points can be taken in units of study (junior, intermediate and senior) from faculties other than the Business School (this includes the compulsory Science and Arts and Social Sciences units). Students need to be mindful that it is not always possible to choose a major from outside of the Business School and still complete the 108 credit points required in Business School units. For example, some Table 1 Faculty of Science majors (such as Neuroscience) require the completion of more than 60 credit points in Science units which, with the required 24 credit points in Arts and Social Sciences units, would exceed the maximum credit points allowed in units from outside the Business School.

Additional majors and electives

Students may select additional major/s and/or electives offered by the Business School or from any other faculty of the University of Sydney, subject to approval by the offering faculty and degree requirements.

For details on majors from other faculties, students should consult the handbook for the relevant faculty.

Industry Placement Program (IPP) electives

Students who achieve a WAM of 65%+ across two semesters of full-time study (a minimum of eight units of study – 48 credit points) may apply for an assessable work integrated learning placement unit. Access to these units is subject to the availability of suitable placements, with available placements offered on a competitive basis, subject to WAM performance and interview.

The Business School's Industry Placement Program (IPP) offers placement opportunities across the following categories:

  • Sydney – placements with Sydney based organisations
  • Canberra – placements in government and not-for-profit agencies
  • Regional NSW – placements with regional organisations
  • International – placements in Asia, Europe and the USA

Note: This placement unit cannot be counted towards a major.

Further information on the Industry Placement Program (IPP) can be found at: sydney.edu.au/business/study/opportunities/industry_placement_program.

Community Placement Program (CPP) elective

The Community Placement Program (CPP) provides students with the opportunity to work with a diverse range of social businesses. Students who achieve a WAM of 65%+ across two semesters of full-time study (a minimum of eight units of study - 48 credit points) may apply for an assessable placement unit.

The Business School’s Community Placement Program (CPP) offers placement opportunities in the following areas:

  • Local – Sydney based social business projects
  • Rural – social enterprise projects in regional areas
  • International – social enterprise placements with CPP partners overseas

Note: This placement unit cannot be counted towards a major.

Further information on the Community Placement Program (CPP) can be found at: sydney.edu.au/business/study/opportunities/community_placement_program.

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