Accounting

Accounting is the language of business. A study in accounting provides capability and credibility across a broad spectrum of careers. It opens the door to many other markets and professions where the ability to understand and interpret financial information is the key capability. Students are provided with the opportunity to develop strong, technical, analytical and problem-solving skills, whilst keeping abreast of contemporary issues in accounting practice. A feature of the Business School's program is that it takes an analytical perspective of how accounting is practised and how it should be practised. These and other questions are explored in an atmosphere that encourages a sense of enquiry.

Mathematics prerequisites and Mathematics Learning Support

In 2024, some mathematics prerequisites  for undergraduate students commencing in Semester 1 2025 were removed.

It has been identified that this curriculum component (Program, Major or Minor) has been affected. To ensure success, make sure you are aware of the required level of mathematics (assumed knowledge) for this curriculum component. Visit the mathematics learning support webpage, to understand your pathway to success, including the sequence of units you should complete and the support services available.

Options for studying Accounting

Major and minor in Accounting

Accounting is available as Table A major and minor options in the Bachelor of Commerce and the Bachelor of Commerce combined degrees. 

The Accounting major and minor are also available to students not enrolled in a Commerce degree through the shared pool (Table S) - see the Interdisciplinary Studies Handbook for details.

Please note. Students cannot complete both a major and a minor in Accounting for their degree.

Students wishing to pursue professional accounting accreditation can complete the Professional Accounting program instead of the Accounting major – please refer to Accounting (Professional) subject area for details.

The Professional Accounting program is not available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce degrees in Arts, Science, Law and Engineering. Students in these combined degrees who wish to seek professional accreditation can still achieve this by completing the requirements outlined in the Professional Accreditation section in this handbook. Students cannot complete a major and a minor in the same subject area.

The requirements for a major and a minor in Accounting can be found in the Unit of study table.

Honours in Accounting

Honours study in Accounting is available to eligible students. For eligibility requirements and details of the admissions application process, students should refer to the Current Students Honours page.

The units of study required for Honours in Accounting can be found in the Honours unit of study table.

Further information

For further information regarding study in accounting at the University of Sydney, please refer to the Study accounting page.