Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning)/Bachelor of Business (Accountancy)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Part-time may be available, Full-time 4 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, July
Entry score
ATAR 75.75
Duration
Full-time 4 years Location
Melbourne City
Overview
The only degree of its kind in Australia
This unique course combines financial planning and accounting to develop your ability to provide business, finance and wealth advice to individuals and organisations.
Why study this double degree?
This course is designed to produce graduates with the knowledge and skills to launch a professional career, specifically in the provision of business, financial and wealth advisory services.
What will you learn?
This degree will introduce you to the regulatory influences of industry, and build your understanding of accounting, financial planning and products, wealth management, risk management and investment strategies that are essential to providing financial and accounting services to clients.
The changing face of accounting
What do organisations and individuals expect from today’s accountant, and how is RMIT nurturing a new generation of professionals with a range of modern skills?
Details
Classes will mostly be delivered in RMIT's Swanston Academic Building which features innovative learning spaces interspersed with retail and social spaces resulting in a stimulating environment for students.
RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, class presentations and student-led discussions, role plays, case study analysis and participating in managing a company in a computer-based business simulation.
Through RMIT University’s online learning portal, myRMIT, you will be able to view online resources and learning activities created by lecturers, access course materials via Blackboard, collaborate with lecturers and fellow students, and access your student email account. Educational software, the Learning Hub, resources and printers are accessible on campus via the RMIT wireless network using your own laptop, tablet or smart phone or via computer facilities on-campus. You will be able to access the same software from home using myDesktop.
Find out more about student computing at RMIT.
Assessment throughout the semester may include examinations, in-class tests, essays, reports, individual and group research projects.
In this program you will study specialist work-integrated learning courses to contextualise and bring theory to life and have the option to undertake a six month full-time internship.
The internship embeds you in industry and is designed to enhance your technical or theoretical knowledge by seeing its application in a work environment, and will develop your overall professional and soft skills to increase your overall employability.
If you elect not to undertake a six month internship (48 credit points), you may wish to consider enrolling in the Fastrack Innovation Program. In this elective course you will work in a student team with mentors to develop and present a solution to a real problem. This form of fast-prototyping is designed to tap into fresh thinking from RMIT students.
The work-integrated learning courses in this double degree include:
- Superannuation and Retirement. This course provides a comprehensive study of processes, regulatory frameworks and taxation issues and is listed on the ASIC Register of Compliant Training as meeting the requirements for superannuation specialist knowledge under Regulatory Guide 146. It is also worth 15 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for membership of professional bodies such as the Financial Planning Association.
- Financial Accounting Theory. This final year course requires you to apply accounting theories to a contemporary workplace situation. You will explore the role of financial accounting in decision making as well as issues relating to regulation of financial reporting and disclosure of financial information in the absence of complete regulation.
- Financial Advisory Practice. This final year course requires you to demonstrate your accumulated knowledge from the program by preparing, presenting, implementing and reviewing a personal financial plan for a client. You will also explore practical issues in relation to the financial planning industry in general, and practice management specifically.
Completing a global mobility program can help you to stand out in the job market.
In most cases you can gain credit points towards your studies while experiencing another culture and teaching style overseas.
Global mobility options available for this program include:
- Study tours
- First Year Study Tour
- Student exchange
- RMIT International Industry Experience and Research Program (RIIERP)
- Global Entrepreneurship and Internship Program (GEIP).
Find out more about international opportunities in the College of Business.
The program consists of 32 courses (each 12 credit points, or equivalent) and includes:
- 8 compulsory common business core courses
- 8 accountancy major courses
- 8 financial planning major courses
- 4 specialist courses
- 4 electives.
When planning your studies, you are advised to check which electives are offered each year, as well as general information about professional practice requirements.
You are encouraged to complete a six month internship (48 credit points) as part of this program.
Other elective study options include:
- undertaking an internship with fewer industry contact hours
- studying general electives
- including a global mobility experience
- learning about starting up your own business by enrolling in BUSM4599 Business Skills for Start Ups.
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP313
Career
The flexibility to blend classroom learning with courses that apply those learnings to a work context, plus practical experience in your chosen field will distinguish you in the employment market.
This competitive differentiation will set you up for a successful career as a professional financial planner or accountant, and for a wide range of roles in professional advisory services, financial and management accounting, auditing, assurance and taxation, for commercial and government organisations, including:
- family and personal wealth advisory services
- superannuation
- insurance
- taxation
- banking and financial services
- investment and portfolio management
- organisational governance and accountability
- auditing and assurance
- cost and management accounting
- business and financial management
- funds management
- risk management.
Accreditation
This double degree is accredited by the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA), CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), the Singapore Accountancy Commission (SAC), the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Association of International Accountants (AIA).
It is recognised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
Membership
Professional bodies may offer students and/or graduates membership, opportunities for entry into professional qualification programs and other career enhancing benefits.
For further details about accreditation and information about membership and opportunities for students and graduates, please visit our accreditation and membership page.
Admissions
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
You must meet the minimum academic entry requirements for this program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee you entry due to the competitive nature of this program. Overseas qualifications will be assessed for Australian equivalence.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent year 12 applicants.
RMIT’s selection criteria, outlined below according to your highest completed level of education, will provide you with a better understanding of the minimum admissions requirements needed for this program.
Selection criteria
This information is for applicants who are currently undertaking an Australian Year 12 or equivalent or whose highest qualification is a completed secondary education within the last two years (2017, 2018).
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
ATAR profile
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in 2019.
This information is for applicants who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of any Australian diploma or advanced diploma (or equivalent)
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education program.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian higher education diploma (or equivalent overseas qualification); or
- successful completion of an associate degree; or
- successful completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or equivalent) and no double-fail in any required course of the receiving degree; or
- successful completion of two Open Universities Australia higher education units with a GPA of 2.0. Scored or graded results are required
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) more than two years ago, including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
Available only to current or recent Year 12 applicants
Subject adjustments
A study score of 25 in Accounting, Business Management, Economics, Geography, any Information Technology, Legal Studies, any Mathematics or Psychology equals 1 aggregate point per study. A study score of 35 in any English equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 5 points.
Regional adjustments
RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to Year 12 applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all certificate IV, diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree and degree level programs that select primarily on ATAR. Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
Available to all applicants
Equity access schemes
Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, higher education study or work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
- have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
The STAT overall score will be competitively ranked for selection.
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English and Year 11 Mathematics prerequisites. You must meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum average of 75% (check calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, there may be other RMIT programs you are eligible for that can lead you to your preferred program. Explore your pathway options.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
When you successfully complete this program you may be eligible for entry into the Bachelor of Business (Honours).
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT honours or other postgraduate programs.
Fees
2020 indicative fees
In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308 maximum fee for 2020.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2020
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2020 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,684 per standard year $835 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,527 per standard year |
|
$11,155 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
SA-HELP Loans
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2020 is $308.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2020 is AU$34,560.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$149,760.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living ;in Melbourne.