Why Study / Key Benefits

• The BCom(Hons) is an advanced commerce qualification for high-achieving students who already hold a relevant bachelor's degree.
• It provides deeper study in a chosen commerce discipline than a standard bachelor's degree.
• Students develop in-depth knowledge of current theoretical concepts and frameworks within their major discipline.
• The programme develops logical, analytical and critical thinking skills through engagement with academic literature.
• A significant component is supervised academic research, including understanding and applying ethical research practices.
• Students learn to synthesise academic and professional literature and communicate research effectively in written and oral formats.
• The qualification can provide a pathway to master's-level study and eventually doctoral research.
• UC Business School has international accreditation and strong connections with business and industry through its wider commerce programmes.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The BCom(Hons) requires at least 120 points and normally consists of six to nine courses.

The programme combines:

• Advanced subject-specific coursework
• Research methods
• Advanced theoretical study
• Academic literature review
• Supervised research
• Research dissertation/project
• Oral and written communication of research findings.

The exact courses depend on the selected subject.

Examples from current UC course information include:

Accounting: Advanced accounting theory, research and specialist accounting topics.

Economics: Advanced economic theory, quantitative/econometric analysis and economic research.

Finance: Advanced finance theory, financial analysis and research.

Information Systems: Advanced information systems/business technology topics and research.

Management: Advanced management theory, organisational/business research and strategic topics.

Marketing:

• Advanced Consumer Behaviour
• Advanced Strategic Marketing
• Research Methods for Marketing
• Marketing Dissertation
• Approved advanced Marketing options.

Taxation and Accounting:

Advanced taxation/accounting study combined with research.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The BCom(Hons) can currently be awarded in seven subjects:

1. Accounting
2. Economics
3. Finance
4. Information Systems
5. Management
6. Marketing
7. Taxation and Accounting.

Programme Highlights

• 120-point advanced commerce qualification.
• One year full-time.
• Up to four years part-time.
• February and July starts.
• Designed for students who already hold a relevant bachelor's degree.
• Seven subject/specialisation options.
• Strong emphasis on advanced academic study.
• Supervised research component.
• Development of analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Research ethics incorporated into the research process.
• Possibility of Combined Honours in two commerce subjects.
• Pathway to master's and potentially PhD study.

Career Outcomes

The BCom(Hons) can support advanced professional and analytical careers in the student's chosen commerce discipline.

Potential areas include:

• Accounting
• Economics
• Financial analysis
• Finance
• Information systems
• Management
• Marketing
• Taxation
• Business analysis
• Consulting
• Research
• Policy and economic analysis
• Academic/research careers.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current UC regulations confirm the BCom(Hons) as a 120-point qualification with seven approved majors/subjects.

The current regulations also specify a maximum qualification period of 48 months.

Important academic requirement:

A student who fails more than one course will be withdrawn from the degree under the current qualification regulations.

Students entering from an overseas bachelor's degree should not assume that their previous degree automatically qualifies them for any BCom(Hons) subject. The relevant department must confirm equivalence and subject prerequisites.

Programme-specific supervisor requirement:

Not publicly specified on the main programme page – please confirm with IPU/UC.

Programme-specific minimum GPA for each of the seven subjects:

Not publicly specified on the main programme page – please confirm with IPU/UC.

Programme-specific dissertation length:

Varies by subject and course; not publicly specified in one consolidated programme page – please confirm with IPU/UC.

International Student Visa Requirements

For an international student studying the BCom(Hons) in New Zealand, the normal visa route is the Fee Paying Student Visa.

Immigration New Zealand currently requires applicants to:

• Have an offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Have enough money to pay tuition fees, or have an appropriate scholarship.
• Have sufficient funds for living costs or an acceptable sponsor.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Have genuine intentions to study in New Zealand.
• Hold acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Demonstrate that they can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.