Finance
The Finance major within the Bachelor of Commerce prepares students for careers in asset management, investment banking, risk management, corporate strategy and regulation. The major covers critical concepts in corporate finance and investments within its core units. The major’s selectives allow students to build deep knowledge and technical skills in the key fields of industry. These include corporate valuation, derivative securities, risk management, mergers and acquisitions, portfolio theory, asset pricing and financial services. Ethical and social considerations are discussed throughout the major. Learning is supported through interactive tutorials and current content.
The Discipline of Finance has strong engagement with practitioners and regulators, locally and internationally, and has research activities spanning all areas of finance. This ensures that our student-focused curriculum remains highly relevant to students beginning their careers in finance.
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 Finance
Major in Finance
Finance is available as a Table A major option in the Bachelor of Commerce and the Bachelor of Commerce combined degrees.
The Finance major is also available to students not enrolled in a Commerce degree through the shared pool (Table S) - see the Interdisciplinary studies handbook for details
The requirements for a major in Finance can be found in the Unit of study table.
Honours in Finance
Honours study in Finance 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 Finance can be found in the Honours unit of study table.
CFA® Institute Affiliation Program
The University of Sydney is recognized as an affiliated university under the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program. The Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Finance has been acknowledged as incorporating at least 70 percent of the CFA Program candidate body of knowledge (CBOK) and placing emphasis on the CFA Institute code of ethics and standards of practice within the program. This program positions students well to obtain the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation, which has become the most respected and recognized investment credential in the world.
Entry into the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program signals to potential students, employers, and the marketplace that the University of Sydney curriculum is closely tied to professional practice and is well-suited to preparing students to sit for the CFA examinations.
For further information, please refer to CFA Institute University Affiliation Program.
Major learning outcomes
On successful completion of the Finance major students will be able to:
| Major learning outcome |
|---|
| 1. Analyse and solve business challenges by applying fundamental concepts, principles and knowledge from the finance discipline. |
| 2. Evaluate empirical data to test hypotheses and assess implications for various business contexts. |
| 3. Analyse complex and authentic financial problems by creatively using analytical tools, technologies and quantitative methods. |
| 4. Integrate knowledge of economics, accounting, quantitative analysis and finance in the process of making financial decisions and solving interdisciplinary problems. |
| 5. Explain key elements of modern financial systems, institutions, markets, management decisions and the role of financial managers. |
| 6. Critically evaluate and synthesise information from diverse financial information sources including academic research to assist financial problem-solving and decision-making. |
| 7. Effectively collaborate with others from diverse cultural backgrounds by applying professional standards of practice and ethical practice. |
| 8. Communicate professionally and effectively by constructing coherent and succinct arguments, preparing meaningful and relevant presentation materials, and applying academic writing skills. |
Further information
For further information regarding study in finance at the University of Sydney, please refer to the Study finance page.
