Frequently asked questions
Entry requirements
View
I don't meet the requirements for direct entry into Monash, what can I do?
If you don't meet the study credit and admissions eligibility or the entry requirements, there are still options for joining Monash Business School through a pathway program.
I didn’t do the required Maths? Can I still do this course?
Yes. One way around this is to enrol in another course that has the prerequisite maths subjects you need. Once you’ve completed the appropriate Monash maths unit in that course, you can apply to transfer to your preferred course. You’ll just need to keep in mind that your first year results will have a bearing on whether your transfer application is successful.
Learn more about the the options available to you based on the the level of maths you've completed (or will complete) in Year 12.
Will I be disadvantaged if I didn’t study any commerce subjects in Year 12?
The short answer? No.
We know that not all students study commerce in high school. In fact, we teach our units with no expectation of prior knowledge – and there aren't pre-requisite commerce subjects for our courses. But some courses will award subject bonuses for particular areas of study.
Course information
View
What's the difference between business and commerce?
As a very general rule, business has a stronger focus on people-based topics like marketing, management, business law, and HR. You’ll develop a genuine insight into how organisations work across all business functions, and you’ll also gain the knowledge and skills to run your own business, if that’s something you’d like to do down the track.
Commerce is more analytical, with a bigger emphasis on mathematical topics like business analytics, econometrics and behavioural science.
Both courses offer industry placements, double degrees, a strong foundation in core business units and an excellent mix of majors to choose from, but they have different combinations of double degree options and majors. There's also a difference in the ATAR and maths prerequisites for both courses.
How are undergraduate courses structured?
Monash Business School offers a rich and broad range of courses, meaning that you can tailor your degree to your interests and goals. There are two types of undergraduate courses: comprehensive degrees (e.g. Bachelor of Business ) and specialist degrees (e.g. Bachelor of Accounting).
Comprehensive degrees are structured into three parts over three years consisting of core units, a major of your choice and a number of electves. Specialist degrees are made up of core units, a specialisation and a number of electives. You can use electives to take up a second major from within business or from another faculty, study abroad, or complete an industry placement.
What are credit points?
A credit point is a unit of value which goes towards the requirements of your degree.
For example, to graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce, you’ll need 144 credit points. You earn credit points for each unit you finish (most units are worth six credit points, some are worth more).
What is a capstone unit?
A capstone unit is a final year unit that brings together what you’ve learnt in your degree. There are three types of capstone units – coursework, industry experience and international experience
Check the handbook to find out what capstone units are available for your course.
What are the main differences between a specialist and a comprehensive degree?
If you already know what area of business or commerce you want to study, we have a range of specialist courses that allow you to study your area of interest from day one. With these courses, you will develop genuine depth of study across that field.
If you’re not quite sure which area is best for you, our comprehensive courses (Business, Commerce and Business Administration) provide you with flexibility and allow you to discover what areas of business interest you most before choosing your major. In a comprehensive degree, you’ll take core and elective units in your first year before you commit to your major. You can also use your elective units to undertake a second major.
What is a major?
A major is a sequence of eight units that makes up the area of specialisation in your degree. Within each major there’s usually a mix of units you can pick and choose from, based on your interests and career goals.
We offer more than 20 majors across our undergraduate program.
How long until I need to select a major?
You have the option to select your major immediately or later in your degree. In all of our comprehensive degrees you will get a taste of key business areas through first year core units, narrowing your focus in the second year (while still having the opportunity to try new things) before committing to a major.
You can also use your elective units to complete a second major.
Can I do a second major outside of the Monash Business School?
If you have sufficient elective units you can complete a major from another faculty. It’s important to be aware of any necessary prerequisite or co-requisite subjects.
We recommend speaking with a course advisor to help map out your study plan.
What is the difference between a double major and a double degree?
A double major means you can cover two different areas within the one degree.
For example, you could study a double major in business and choose two business or commerce disciplines, such as accounting and marketing, or economics and actuarial studies. Or, for something really varied, you can study one business or commerce discipline and one discipline from another faculty within the University, like accounting and a language or economics and politics.
A double degree allows you to study two separate degrees at the same time. It’s structured so that you graduate with both degrees in a much shorter time than it would take to finish them individually, and you’ll have a similar workload as a single degree course.
Does a double degree have a higher workload?
No. A double degree allows you to focus on two different areas at the same time, using the electives from one degree to make up the required units from the other. Generally a double degree only adds one additional year than if you were to complete a single degree.
Employers value interdisciplinary skills and a double degree is a great way to combine your interests and gain an added advantage on the job market.
Can I study a language as part of my degree?
Yes, you can. You have a couple of options here:
- Include a language as your second major in many of our degrees (as a double with Arts)
- Complete a Diploma of Languages in addition to your degree. You can take it at the same time – it usually adds an extra year to your time at university (sometimes less). You can also still go on the intensive in-country programs as part of your study.
Are the courses professionally accredited?
Many of our degrees meet the criteria for entry into professional membership bodies. It’s a good idea to contact professional bodies directly to talk about membership and entrance requirements. Some double degrees may enable you to be eligible for membership of more than one professional body.
Global study experience, internship and employability skills
View
What is work integrated learning?
Employers are increasingly looking for graduates with industry experience, which is why the Work Integrated Learning program (WIL) is really valuable. Through WIL, you’ll get practical experience in a workplace and academic credit towards your degree too.
WIL consists of industry placements (sometimes called internships) and industry consulting projects. Industry consulting projects involve teams working with industry partners to solve real business problems, which mirrors the kind of work graduates would be doing as business consultants in their professional careers. Students work directly with each organisation and are supported by an academic supervisor to complete their project.
Can I complete an internship?
All of our degrees have the opportunity to complete work integrated learning either through your capstone or elective units. Students can complete 20, 30 or 55 day placements for credit both within Australia or overseas.
The Business School has connections with a large range of employers across all sectors to help provide you with a placement. As part of this process, you’ll be asked to submit a CV and sit an interview with the employer to mimic real-life job seeking. Students also have the option of sourcing their own internships.
Can I travel overseas with my degree?
The Monash Business School has many opportunities for our students to travel and gain a deeper understanding of business around the globe. Students can complete an exchange at any of our partner universities.
We also offer short term study tours, which usually run for 2-3 weeks. A study tour involves a group of Monash students and academics travelling together during the winter or summer semester break.
Due to current restrictions imposed by the Australian Government, all international travel is banned indefinitely to stop the spread of COVID-19. As a result, all international travel opportunities are suspended until further notice. For more information, please see the Australian Government website.
