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 (e.g.BSNS 112 and FINC 102). 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 210, 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 115. Additionally, ACCT 211, ACCT 310 and ACCT 260 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 113.
ECON 210 is also excellent preparation for postgraduate study.
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
Whether you are looking to study for a single major, double major, or even a double degree, you can receive individual help planning your course of study from staff in the Department of Accountancy and Finance, or from a course adviser in Student Development.
Make an appointment with a Student Development course adviser
Contact the Department of Accountancy and Finance
Essential communication skills
Communication 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 Accountancy and Finance students take either:
Alternatively, students can engage in writing workshops through the Higher Education Development Centre:
HEDC Student workshop programme
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 |
