Australian Business Degree Specialisations

Wednesday 12 April 2023

Australia is known for its diverse and dynamic economy, which has created a high demand for skilled business professionals. Australian universities offer a range of business disciplines to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for success in various industries both globally and in Australia.

Australian Business Degree Specialisations

Here are some of the different business disciplines available in Australia:

1. Accounting & Commerce

Accounting is a fundamental discipline in the world of business. It involves recording, summarising, analysing, and interpreting financial transactions of a business. Students can study accounting at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Graduates of accounting programs can work in various industries, including banking, finance, and accounting firms.

Commerce studies, on the other hand, is a broader scope business discipline that covers a range of business-related subject areas. It generally encompasses the study of business management, economics, marketing, finance and accounting. Commerce studies aims to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of business operations, including how to manage people, systems, and processes to achieve set business objectives.

In summary, accounting studies focus specifically on the financial aspects of business, while commerce studies cover a broader range of business-related subjects. Accounting is a subset of commerce, and students who pursue a commerce degree may choose to specialise in accounting as one of their major subjects.

Here are some of the best universities for Accounting and Commerce in Australia:

The University of New South Wales - UNSW Business School
The University of Melbourne - Melbourne Business School
The University of Sydney - The University of Sydney Business School
Monash University - Monash Business School
Australian National University - ANU College of Business and Economics
The University of Queensland - UQ Business School
University of Technology Sydney - UTS Business School
Macquarie University - Macquarie Business School
Deakin University - Deakin Business School
RMIT University - RMIT Business School

These universities offer a range of Accounting programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Graduates of these universities are highly sought after by employers in the accounting industry.

2. Banking & Finance

Banking and Finance is a discipline in a Business degree that focuses on the functioning and management of financial institutions such as banks, credit unions, and other lending institutions. The Banking and Finance discipline covers topics related to financial markets, financial instruments, credit risk, interest rates, financial regulations, and the management of financial institutions.

In a Banking and Finance program, students will study different types of financial products, such as loans, savings accounts, and credit cards, as well as the regulations that govern these products. They will also learn about investment banking, corporate finance, and financial analysis. The Banking discipline also covers topics related to the management of financial institutions, such as risk management, asset-liability management, and financial planning.

A degree in Banking and Finance can lead to a career in various areas of finance, such as commercial banking, investment banking, financial analysis, asset management, and financial consulting. Graduates of a Banking degree may work in various roles in the financial industry, including bank management, financial planning, risk management, and investment analysis.

Here are some of the top universities in Australia for Banking and Finance:

The University of New South Wales - UNSW Business School
Monash University - Faculty of Business and Economics
The University of Sydney - Business School
The University of Melbourne - Melbourne Business School
Australian National University - ANU College of Business and Economics
The University of Western Australia - UWA Business School
The University of Queensland - UQ Business School
RMIT University - College of Business
University of Technology Sydney - UTS Business School
Deakin University - Deakin Business School

Each of these universities has its own unique strengths and advantages when it comes to Banking and Finance studies. It is recommended that you research each university in detail and choose the one that best suits your needs.

3. Economics

Economics programs are about understanding and analysing the production, consumption, and allocation of goods and services.

They cover topics such as:

Microeconomics: This branch of economics deals with the behaviour of individuals, households, and firms in the market. It includes topics like supply and demand, consumer theory, producer theory, pricing, and market structures.
Macroeconomics: This branch of economics deals with the overall performance of the economy, including topics such as gross domestic product (GDP), inflation, unemployment rate, monetary and fiscal policies, and international trade.
Business Economics: This covers economics principles and models that apply to businesses, including market analysis, competitive strategy, pricing, and cost management.
Economic Policy: This focuses on the role of government in the economy, including fiscal and monetary policies, trade policies, and international cooperation.
Econometrics: This field of study involves the application of statistical methods to the analysis of economic data.
International Economics: This branch of economics deals with the study of trade between nations, global finance, and globalization.
Development Economics: This field of study looks at economic growth, income inequality, poverty, and development strategies in emerging and developing economies.
Economics programs can lead to careers in areas such as banking, finance, consulting, and government policy making.

Here are some of the best universities for Economics in Australia:

Monash University - Monash Business School
Australian National University - ANU College of Business and Economics
The University of Melbourne - Melbourne Business School
The University of New South Wales - UNSW Business School
The University of Sydney - The University of Sydney Business School
The University of Queensland - UQ Business School
University of Technology Sydney - UTS Business School
Deakin University - Deakin Business School
The University of Adelaide - UoA Business School
The University of Western Australia - UWA Business School

Graduates of these universities are highly sought after by employers in the human resource management industry.

4. Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Entrepreneurship and Innovation involves starting and managing a business venture. It includes identifying business opportunities, developing business plans, and securing financing. Entrepreneurship and Innovation programs are offered at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Graduates of Entrepreneurship and Innovation programs can start their own businesses or work in startup companies.

Here are some of the top universities in Australia for Entrepreneurship and Innovation:

Queensland University of Technology – Faculty of Business and Law
The University of Queensland - UQ Business School
Swinburne University – School of Business Law & Entrepreneurship
RMIT University - College of Business
University of Western Australia - UWA Business School
The University of New South Wales - UNSW Business School
Deakin University - Deakin Business School
Griffith University - Griffith Business School
Monash University - Monash Business School
The University of Melbourne - Melbourne Business School

Each of these universities has its own unique strengths and advantages when it comes to Entrepreneurship and Innovation studies. It is recommended that you research each university in detail and choose the one that best suits your needs.

5. Human Resource Management

Human Resource Management (HRM) involves managing employees in an organisation. It includes recruitment, training, performance management, and employee relations. HRM programs are offered at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Graduates of HRM programs can work in human resources departments of various organisations.

Here are some of the best universities for HRM in Australia:

Griffith University - Griffith Business School
Monash University - Monash Business School
The University of Melbourne - Melbourne Business School
The University of New South Wales - UNSW Business School
The University of Queensland - UQ Business School
Queensland University of Technology – Faculty of Business and Law
The University of Sydney - The University of Sydney Business School
RMIT University - College of Business
University of Technology Sydney - UTS Business School
Macquarie University - Macquarie Business School

These universities offer a range of human resource management programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Graduates of these universities are highly sought after by employers in the human resource management industry.

6. International Business

International Business involves conducting business activities across national borders. It includes international trade, foreign investment, and global logistics. International business programs are offered at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Graduates of international business programs can work in multinational corporations, trade organisations, and government agencies.

Here are some of the top universities in Australia for International Business:

Australian National University - ANU College of Business and Economics
University of Melbourne - Melbourne Business School
University of Sydney - Business School
University of New South Wales - UNSW Business School
The University of Adelaide - UoA Business School
Monash University - Faculty of Business and Economics
University of Queensland - UQ Business School
University of Western Australia - UWA Business School
Griffith University - Griffith Business School
University of Wollongong – UOW Business School

Each of these universities has its own unique strengths and advantages when it comes to International Business studies. It is recommended that you research each university in detail and choose the one that best suits your needs.

7. Logistics Operations Management

Logistics Operations Management involves managing the production and delivery of goods and services. It includes supply chain management, quality control, and process improvement. Logistics Operations Management programs are offered at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Graduates of logistics operations management programs can work in manufacturing, logistics, and service industries.

Here are some of the top universities in Australia for Logistics Operations Management:

The University of Sydney - Business School
RMIT University - College of Business
The University of Melbourne - Melbourne Business School
The University of New South Wales - UNSW Business School
The University of Queensland - UQ Business School
University of Wollongong – UOW Business School
University of South Australia – UniSA Business School
Monash University - Monash Business School
Curtin University - Faculty of Business and Law
Griffith University - Griffith Business School

Each of these universities has its own unique strengths and advantages when it comes to Logistics Operations Management studies. It is recommended that you research each university in detail and choose the one that best suits your needs.

8. Management

Management is a discipline within a business degree that focuses on organising, planning, and controlling resources to achieve organisational goals. It involves managing people, processes, and systems to facilitate the efficient and effective functioning of an organisation. Key topics covered in management programs include organisational behaviour, leadership, strategy formulation and implementation, project management, operations management, human resource management and entrepreneurship. The main objective of management studies is to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to manage businesses successfully.

Some of the best universities in Australia for Management programs are:

Monash University - Monash Business School
The University of Melbourne - Melbourne Business School
The University of New South Wales - UNSW Business School
The University of Sydney - The University of Sydney Business School
The University of Queensland - UQ Business School
RMIT University - College of Business
Queensland University of Technology – Faculty of Business and Law
University of South Australia – UniSA Business School
University of Technology Sydney - UTS Business School
University of Western Australia - UWA Business School

These universities offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate management programs, including Bachelor of Business, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Management, and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). They also provide students with opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, industry placements, and networking events.

9. Marketing

Marketing involves identifying and satisfying customer needs through the creation, promotion, and distribution of products and services. Marketing programs are offered at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Graduates of marketing programs can work in advertising, public relations, market research, and brand management.

Australia is home to many excellent universities that offer marketing programs. Here are some of the best universities for marketing in Australia:

The University of Melbourne - Melbourne Business School
Griffith University - Griffith Business School
The University of Queensland - UQ Business School
Monash University - Monash Business School
The University of New South Wales - UNSW Business School
The University of Western Australia - UWA Business School
Queensland University of Technology – Faculty of Business and Law
Curtin University - Faculty of Business and Law
University of South Australia – UniSA Business School
University of Wollongong – UOW Business School

These universities offer a range of marketing programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Graduates of these universities are highly sought after by employers in the marketing industry.

10. Tourism & Hospitality

Tourism and Hospitality programs in Australia cover a wide range of topics related to the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry, including:

Tourism and travel management which covers topics like tours and travel planning, management of tourism resources, and development of tourism products and services.
Accommodation management which covers topics like hotel operations, revenue management, housekeeping, front office operations, and food and beverage services.
Event management which covers the planning, management, and execution of events, including conferences, meetings, festivals, and weddings.
Food and beverage management which covers hospitality operations, restaurant and bar management, menu design, kitchen management, and wine and beverage selection.
Tourism and hospitality marketing which covers the principles of marketing and advertising in the tourism and hospitality industry, including digital marketing, branding, and promotions.
Ecotourism which covers the principles of ecotourism, management of natural resources, sustainable tourism practices, and community-based tourism.
Hospitality law: This course covers the legal aspects of the hospitality industry, including employment law, health and safety regulations, and liability issues.

Here are some of the best universities for Tourism and Hospitality in Australia:

Griffith University - Griffith Business School
The University of Queensland - UQ Business School
James Cook University – College of Business Law and Governance
Victoria University – Business School
University of Wollongong – UOW Business School
Southern Cross University – SCU Business School
University of South Australia – UniSA Business School
Monash University - Monash Business School
The University of New South Wales - UNSW Business School
The University of Western Australia - UWA Business School

Graduates of these universities are highly sought after by employers in the Tourism and Hospitality industry.

There are also a range of other Business disciplines available to study in Australia. They range from Actuarial Studies, Business Information Systems, Business Analytics, Digital Business, Leadership & Management and Statistics.

In summary, Australian universities offer a wide range of business disciplines to cater to the diverse needs of the business world. Students can choose from various undergraduate and postgraduate programs to pursue their career aspirations.

If you’re looking to launch your career in Business ask us at Study in Australia TV for advice on which Business discipline to study in Australia. There are many choices that provide different career paths so it's not easy to decide. Fill in a contact enquiry form and a Study Assessment Form we’ll help you to find the right program that suits you and your career aspirations. We'll also apply on your behalf and help you with the whole process.