Finance
The Discipline of Finance in the University of Sydney Business School is a leading research group consistently ranked among the top finance groups in the Asia-Pacific region. Discipline members are actively engaged with industry both nationally and internationally, which means students are exposed to high-level, market-specific knowledge that mixes theory with current relevant practice. This major takes an applied approach, teaching students how capital markets work and what they need to know to work in them.
Options for studying Finance
Finance is available as a Table A major option in the Bachelor of Commerce, the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Advanced Studies, Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws, the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce and the Bachelor of Advanced Computing and Bachelor of Commerce.
The Finance major is also available to students not enrolled in a Commerce degree through the shared pool (Table S) - see the Interdisciplinary Studies Handbook for details.
Pathway through the major
The requirements for a major in Finance are spread out over three years of the degree (four years if students are completing a combined Bachelor of Advanced Studies degree).
To achieve a major in Finance, students must complete 48 credit points comprising:
- 12 credit points of 1000-level core units of study;
- 12 credit points of 2000-level core units of study;
- 12 credit points of 3000-level core units of study; and
- 12 credit points of 3000-level selective units of study.
A sample pathway for the Finance major (over three years of a degree) is listed below.
Note: All units listed are worth 6 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
Please Note. This sample progression is meant as an example only. Depending on unit prerequisites, students may be able to complete these units in a different sequence to that displayed in the table.
| Year | Session | Units of study | |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | Semester 1 | Core: BUSS1020 Quantitative Business Analysis * | |
| Semester 2 | Core: BUSS1040 Economics for Business Decision Making | ||
| Second | Semester 1 | Core: FINC2011 Corporate Finance I | |
| Semester 2 | Core: FINC2012 Corporate Finance II | ||
| Third | Semester 1 | Core: FINC3017 Investment and Portfolio Management | Selective: 3000-level unit listed for major |
| Semester 2 | Core: FINC3600 Finance in Practice ** | Selective: 3000-level unit listed for major | |
* This unit is also degree core for the Bachelor of Commerce and related combined degrees.
** Capstone unit for major – completed in the final semester of study for that major. This unit of study must be completed at the University of Sydney Business School.
For details of the core and selective units of study required for the major or minor please refer to the Finance section of the unit of study table, Table A, in this handbook.
Students can also refer to the University's Current Students website for progression examples for specific major/minor combinations for their degree.
Bachelor of Advanced Studies with Honours in Finance
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Advanced studies who complete a major in Finance with a weighted average mark of 70% (within the first three years of their degree) may be eligible to complete honours in Finance as their fourth year of study in this combined degree program. Students will need to have completed any requirements of their degree not satisfied with the completion of honours (including both majors, all core units, all Open Learning Environment units, and any elective units as necessary to ensure they meet degree requirements) by the end of their third year of study to proceed to honours in their fourth year of study. The available units of study for Honours in Finance are listed in Table A Honours units of study.
For details of the requirements for admission, completion and the criteria for the awarding of honours, please refer to the Degree and Faculty resolutions.
A sample pathway for the Honours in Finance (final year of the combined Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Advanced Studies OR Bachelor of Advanced Studies) is listed below.
Note: All units listed are worth 6 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Year | Session | Units of study | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fourth / First | Semester 1 | Core: BUSS4001 Business Honours Research Methods (12 credit points) | Core: BUSS4412 Finance Honours A | Core: BUSS4413 Finance Honours B | |
| Semester 2 | Core: BUSS4104 Business Honours Thesis (24 credit points) | ||||
For details of the units of study required for honours please refer to the Finance Honours section of Table A in this handbook.
CFA® Institute Affiliation Program
The University of Sydney is recognized as an affiliated university under the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program. The Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Finance has been acknowledged as incorporating at least 70 percent of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge (CBOK) and placing emphasis on the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice within the program. This program positions students well to obtain the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation, which has become the most respected and recognized investment credential in the world.
Entry into the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program signals to potential students, employers, and the marketplace that The University of Sydney curriculum is closely tied to professional practice and is well-suited to preparing students to sit for the CFA examinations.
For further information, please refer to CFA Institute University Affiliation Program.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the Finance major students will be able to:
| No. | Mid-Level Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| 1 | Analyse and solve business challenges by applying fundamental concepts, principles and knowledge from the finance discipline. |
| 2 | Evaluate empirical data to test hypotheses and assess implications for various business contexts. |
| 3 | Analyse complex and authentic financial problems by creatively using analytical tools, technologies and quantitative methods. |
| 4 | Integrate knowledge of economics, accounting, quantitative analysis and finance in the process of making financial decisions and solving interdisciplinary problems. |
| 5 | Explain key elements of modern financial systems, institutions, markets, management decisions and the role of financial managers. |
| 6 | Critically evaluate and synthesise information from diverse financial information sources including academic research to assist financial problem-solving and decision-making. |
| 7 | Effectively collaborate with others from diverse cultural backgrounds by applying Professional Standards of Practice and ethical practice. |
| 8 | Communicate professionally and effectively by constructing convincing and succinct arguments, preparing meaningful and relevant presentation materials, and applying academic writing skills. |
Further information
For further information regarding study in finance at the University of Sydney, please refer to the Discipline of Finance website.