Associate Degree of Applied Business

Upon successful completion of this degree, students should be able to:

• Identify, source and analyse information relevant to business and social challenges
• Evaluate a range of alternate solutions to business and social challenges and account for potentially competing economic, ethical, social and commercial perspectives in a responsible manner
• Communicate professionally and effectively with a range of stakeholders, using a variety of modes of communications and appropriate tools
• Devise innovative recommendations to business and social challenges based on the identification of the elements of a problem and the application and evaluation of problem solving approaches
• Engage professionally and effectively to the success of a multicultural team in a manner which is respectful of the needs, values, personalities and capabilities of others
• Utilise digital technologies to identify, source, analyse and communicate information relevant to business and social challenges
• Meet the disciplinary knowledge and skill requirements for graduates seeking to commence a career in business

This qualification opens doors if you are returning to study, trying out business for the first time or looking for an alternative entry into higher education. Studying business will introduce you to the workings of organisations and their structure, increase your commercial awareness and allow you to build practical knowledge that will be useful for life. This applied associate degree will also enable you to establish a strong foundation in leadership and entrepreneurial skills.

To undertake your studies, you will be enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Business. After completing Year 2 of your degree, you will be awarded an associate degree, should you decide to exit your degree at this point.

Recommended study pattern

As a full-time student, each year of your course must be completed within 12 months. You will then achieve your associate degree by studying 16 subjects over a 2 year timeframe.* Undertaking 30 hours of study per week should see you successfully complete your qualification within this timeframe. Each subject has specific deadlines based around your study plan which you must meet.

You may undertake your studies part-time instead, however, this will extend the duration of your course. Feel free to ask the La Trobe Student Admissions Team about this option.

Year 1

Core subjects:

• BUS1OPX Office Professional
• BUS1BFX Business Fundamentals
• BUS1AFX Accounting and Finance Fundamentals
• MKT1MDX Marketing: Stand and Deliver
• MGT1OBX Working with Others
• CSE1SPX Sustainability Practices

Elective subjects (choose 2):

• CSE1ITX Information Technology Fundamentals
• BUS2WDX Manage Diversity
• BUS2PMX Project Management
• MKT1ADX Advertising in a Digital Age
• MGT1FOX Foundations of Management

Year 2

Core subjects:

• BUS1ABX Analysing Business Data
• BUS2BIX Business Innovation
• LST2BSX Introduction to Business Law and Ethics
• BUS1BUX Investigating Economic Issues
• MGT2IMX Managing Across Borders

Elective subjects (choose 3):

• BUS2WDX Manage Diversity
• BUS2PMX Project Management
• MKT2MRX Market, Audience and Social Research
• MKT2BBX Digital Branding and Retailing
• MKT2CBX Consumer Behaviour
• MGT2BEX Business Ethics
• MGT2HRX Human Resource Management

*Minimum timeframe for the associate degree is 24 months. This can vary according to:

• Your progress in the course
• Leave of absence, such as holidays
• Advanced standing granted
• Changes between part-time and full-time
• Availability of subjects (for preferred elective options)

Award requirements

Completion of 16 subjects as per the recommended study pattern.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $29,000

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

The third university established in Victoria, La Trobe University has a diverse community of more than 38,000 students and staff. Its commitment to excellence in teaching and research prepares students to make a bold and positive impact in today's global community. La Trobe provides Open Universities Australia with its core tenets, entrepreneurship and sustainability.

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An equivalent academic level achievement

Completion of Year 12, with a score in English of at least 25. An ATAR score of at least 50.0 or equivalent is required.

Completion of a minimum of Certificate IV

Students may apply based on at least one year work experience after leaving school

Students who have studied at tertiary level elsewhere, or who have relevant studies or work experience, may be eligible for advanced standing (credit) towards a La Trobe University qualification. Advanced standing enables you to complete your degree earlier, reduce your study load and/or take on additional qualifications. We can provide you with more details about the process for advanced standing at enrolment (advanced standing is similar to recognised prior learning).