The BCom is a three-year undergraduate degree. You can major in Finance, combine it with another business major (double major) or complete a double degree.
Broad business knowledge: Finance and business skills combined
Otago Finance students will receive not only an excellent education in Finance, but will also gain a broad understanding of the business environment through completion of the seven required papers.
Plan a useful degree: Combine other subjects with your Finance major
A diverse study programme adds a valuable dimension to a Commerce degree. Popular disciplines include Mathematics and Statistics, Accounting, and Economics.
Mathematics and Statistics
The study and understanding of Finance is greatly improved by confidence in Mathematics and Statistics, therefore all students majoring in Finance are required to take some Mathematics and Statistics. Employers rate analytical skills highly, as well as the ability to analyse spreadsheets.
Students may choose to include further analytical papers in their degree such as ECON 270, ECON 271, ECON 375, and papers offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
Accounting
Finance draws on Accounting records and reports, therefore Finance majors are required to complete the Accounting paper BSNS 107. Additionally, ACCT 211 and ACCT 310 are particularly useful for Finance students.
Economics
Due to a common disciplinary base it is recommended that students include Principles of Economics 2 (ECON 112) in their degree, in addition to the BCom-required paper, BSNS 104.
Microeconomic Theory (ECON 201 and/or ECON 271) is a 200-level Finance option and is recommended for students planning to proceed to postgraduate study. Students considering Honours or MBus study should note that ECON 270 is a prerequisite for FINC 301.
Students should discuss their intentions with a course advisor during course approval time or during the academic year.
Course advice
Planning your BCom in Finance
During the course approval period of each year a course advisor will assist you in planning your study programme. To help you plan your Otago studies, degree planning sheets are available from Reception for a BCom with a single or double major, and double degrees.
Students are advised to take at least one other required paper in their first year to ensure greater flexibility in their second year of study. Students are also advised to complete the 100-level requirements for at least one other BCom major to provide more options for future study.
Essential communication skills
Writing skills are an important part of both university study and later employment. The Department strongly encourages you to enhance your oral and written communication abilities. We recommend that Finance students take either ENGL 124 or LING 121.
Programme requirements
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) majoring in Finance
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BSNS 112 Interpreting Business Data BSNS 114 Financial Decision Making BSNS 115 Accounting and Information Systems FINC 102 Business Mathematics BSNS 111 Business and Society, BSNS 113 Economic Principles and Policy – must normally be taken in first year of study | 18 18 18 18 36 |
| 200-level | FINC 202 Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management FINC 203 Financial Data Analysis FINC 206 Fundamentals of Corporate Finance | 18 18 18 |
| 300-level | FINC 302 Applied Investments FINC 303 Financial Management Two further 300-level papers, (one must be a FINC paper, and the other must be a FINC, ACCT or ACFI paper) | 18 18 36 |
| Plus | 126 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Commerce. | 126 |
| Every programme must include BSNS 111-115. At least three of these papers must be passed before enrolling in any 200-level Commerce paper, and all must be passed before enrolling in any 300-level Commerce paper. For single-degree BCom students, all five must be attempted in the first year of study or equivalent. STAT 110 or STAT 115 will be accepted as an alternative to BSNS 112 as a required paper or as part of the major subject requirements or as a prerequisite when: | |
| Total | 360 |
These regulations apply to students commencing a BCom or BCom(Hons) from 2011. Separate regulations exist for BCom/BCom(Hons) students.
If you are unsure about your degree structure, contact the Department to speak to a course advisor.
