Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Economics
Undergraduate
TAS-BEC-DEG 2025Course information for 2025 intake View information for 2024 course intake
Double your success in business and economics
This double degree empowers you to launch your career in business and economics with a dual skillset. Gain valuable exposure to Tasmania's leading minds. Explore how people, societies and businesses make decisions.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 16 Feb 2025,
- 13 July 2025
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 4 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 32
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Economics
About this degree
Bachelor of Business
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Acquire and apply discipline specific knowledge and skills related to business and organisations (Discipline Knowledge).
- Communicate information effectively in written and oral forms with a diverse range of stakeholders (Communication Skills).
- Apply critical and analytical skills to the identification and evaluation of complex business problems and draw logical conclusions (Critical Skills).
- Work both independently and collaboratively to achieve agreed team outcomes (Teamwork).
Bachelor of Economics
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Collect, analyse and interpret data combined with the application of a broad theoretical and practical knowledge of economics to make evidence-based decisions.
- Communicate economic reasoning, knowledge, ideas and empirical evidence in ways appropriate to the audience, purpose and context.
- Critically evaluate economic problems and assess policy issues, using a broad range of economic tools.
- Collaboratively interact with peers to reflect on ethical issues and the potential differential impacts of economic policies across local, national or international economies.
Double degrees allow you to deepen your knowledge and expertise within two separate study areas. This means you can choose from our range of exciting, diverse courses and embark on a journey as unique as you are.
Bachelor of Business
Get a real-world advantage with our Bachelor of Business. As the only university in the state, we’ve formed close connections with local industry.
In our Bachelor of Business you will:
- Get a hands-on experience with corporate internships, guest lectures from local business leaders, and current case studies from businesses in Tasmania and around the world.
- Learn from the best with industry experts and teaching staff recognised as international leaders in their field.
- Gain a qualification recognised by all the major professional bodies in business and economics.
In our Bachelor of Business you can follow your passion, with the opportunity to build a degree from your choice of majors. You’ll also be able to cross-skill by undertaking electives from the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics or another area of the University.
Bachelor of Economics
Economics explores how people and societies make decisions, use important resources, and respond to incentives. Studying with us, you can follow your passion and shape the world. You’ll learn to solve economic and financial challenges faced by industry, government, and society.
Our applied Economics program focuses on current issues in Tasmania and beyond. Your studies will explore a range of topics such as international trade, conservation and management of natural resources, sustainable energy, contemporary business strategy as well as social issues such as crime, housing, and health. You’ll also develop a deep understanding of how decisions are made by individuals, firms, and governments.
Recommended study pattern
In a 4 year double degree you will complete a total of 400 credit points comprising 200 credit points from each program.
The requirements of each program, such as majors and core subjects, are specified below.
For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended:
Year 1. 8 subjects in the first year including:
Bachelor of Business:
- TAS-BAA111 People and Organisations
- TAS-BEA111 Introduction to Markets and the Economy
- TAS-BEA140 Data Analysis for Business
- TAS-BFA103 Accountability and Accounting
Bachelor of Economics:
- TAS-BEA106 Introduction to Behavioural Economics
- TAS-BEA121 Economic Policy in Action
- 2 UTAS Electives
Year 2. 8 subjects in the second year including:
Bachelor of Business:
- TAS-BAA211 Entrepreneurship
- TAS-BAA215 Business and Corporate Law
- TAS-BMA202 Business Strategy
- TAS-BMA250 Managerial Social Responsibility
Bachelor of Economics:
- TAS-BEA200 Public Policy and Welfare
- TAS-BEA206 Evaluating Alternatives
- TAS-BEA220 Growth and Development
- TAS-BEA242 Introduction to Econometrics
Year 3 & 4. 8 subjects in the third and fourth year including:
Bachelor of Business:
Choose from the following major options:
- Accounting
- Business Analytics
- Finance
- Managing People and Organisations
- Marketing
Bachelor of Economics:
Choose from the following major options:
- Society and Environment
- Industry, Policy and Business Strategy
Award requirements
Satisfactory completion of 32 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 4-9 years from commencement.
Choose your subjects
Majors
Bachelor of Business Majors
Accounting
- Introductory (100) level subjects:
- TAS-BFA112 Preparing Carbon Accounts
- TAS-BFA109 Applied Accounting Systems
- Intermediate (200) level subjects:
- TAS-BEA213 Data Analytics for Accounting
- TAS-BFA203 Financial Accounting and Reporting
- Advanced (300) level subjects:
- TAS-BFA303 Auditing and Assurance Services
- TAS-BFA312 Management Accountability and Accounting
- TAS-BFA391 Applied Taxation
- TAS-BFA392 Accounting Futures
Business Analytics
- Introductory (100) level subjects:
- Choose 1 major subject from the following:
- TAS-KIT101 Programming Fundamentals
- TAS-ZAT113 Programming Principles
- Choose 1 major subject from the following:
- TAS-KIT119 Database Fundamentals
- TAS-ZAT119 Data Analytics for Cyber Security
- Choose 1 major subject from the following:
- Intermediate (200) level subjects:
- TAS-BEA212 Fundamentals of Business Analytics
- TAS-BEA213 Data Analytics for Accounting
- Advanced (300) level subjects:
- TAS-BEA318 Business Analytics for Strategic Decision-Making
- TAS-BEA319 Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Applications for Business
- TAS-BEA342 Forecasting for Economic Decision-Making
- TAS-BFA315 Information Systems for Business
Finance
- Introductory (100) level subjects:
- TAS-BEA112 Fundamentals of Financial Markets and Institutions
- TAS-BFA107 Financial Management
- Intermediate (200) level subjects:
- TAS-BEA286 Investment Analysis
- TAS-BFA204 Financial Planning
- Advanced (300) level subjects:
- TAS-BEA309 International Finance
- TAS-BEA321 Banking and Financial Institutions
- TAS-BEA343 Corporate Finance
- TAS-BEA380 Derivative Securities
Managing People and Organisations
- Introductory (100) level subjects:
- TAS-BMA101 Introduction to Management
- TAS-BMA121 Foundations of Human Resource Management
- Intermediate (200) level subjects;
- TAS-BMA206 Management Communications
- TAS-BMA220 Human Resource Management in Action
- Advanced (300) level subjects:
- TAS-BMA314 Organisational Change and Development
- TAS-BMA328 Leadership in Organisations
- TAS-BMA341 Employment Relations
- TAS-BMA357 Freelancing and Small Business
Marketing
- Introductory (100) level subjects:
- TAS-BMA101 Introduction to Management
- TAS-BMA151 Principles of Marketing
- Intermediate (200) level subjects;
- TAS-BMA258 Services Marketing
- TAS-BMA262 Consumer Behaviour
- Advanced (300) level subjects:
- TAS-BMA329 Retail Marketing
- TAS-BMA331 Marketing Research
- TAS-BMA343 Digital and Social Media Marketing
- TAS-BMA351 Marketing Management
Bachelor of Economics Majors
Industry, Policy and Business Strategy
Understand contemporary economics and develop the analytical and problem-solving skills required to be a successful professional. Students are prepared for success in business and industry including key growth industries in Tasmania and beyond: energy, agriculture, and business strategy. You’ll be equipped with in-demand skills from businesses, Local, State, and Commonwealth government agencies as well as a range of consulting firms and non-government industry organisations.
- Introductory (100) level subjects:
- TAS-BEA104 Game Theory for Business and Social Sciences
- TAS-BEA105 International Economics
- Intermediate (200) level subjects:
- TAS-BEA203 Behavioural and Experimental Economics
- TAS-BEA205 Economics of Business Strategy
- Advanced (300) level subjects:
- TAS-BEA310 Agriculture and Food Economics
- TAS-BEA313 Energy Economics and Policy
- TAS-BEA320 Monetary and Fiscal Policy
- TAS-BEA342 Forecasting for Economic Decision-Making
Society and Environment
Are you interested in finding economic solutions to make a positive impact on society and the environment? This major teaches you about contemporary economics with an applied focus on social and public policy. You will learn about issues facing the world today, including environmental management and resource economics, the economics of social issues including crime and education, regional development, and other issues in public policy. Graduates gain a set of skills and experiences valued by businesses, consulting firms, government, and non-government agencies.
- Introductory (100) level subjects:
- TAS-BEA102 Economics of Social Issues
- TAS-BEA103 Ecosystem Services
- Intermediate (200) level subjects:
- TAS-BEA203 Behavioural and Experimental Economics
- TAS-BEA207 Natural Resource Economics
- Advanced (300) level subjects:
- TAS-BEA311 Economics of Health and Wellbeing
- TAS-BEA313 Energy Economics and Policy
- TAS-BEA316 Economics of Place: Culture, Communities and Opportunities
- TAS-BEA317 Regional Development in a Global Context
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Transition arrangements are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.
Students admitted prior to 2025 will be required to study BFA112 Preparing Carbon Accounts, in replacement of BFA107 Financial Accountability and Management within the Accounting Major. Student can still chose to study this subject as an elective.
If you have already studied BFA107, you will not be required to enrol into BFA112, as part of the Accounting Major.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$14,010
Indicative total fee $64,990
The amounts shown here are 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.
Wherever you are, the University of Tasmania brings its island campus to you through a growing range of online programs across art and design, business, education, health, science, sustainability, technology, and more. It’s never too late to switch things up. Kickstart that career you’ve been dreaming about, or upskill for the one you’re in. You’ll also become a part of the world's leading university on climate action.
Learn more about UTAS.
Explore UTAS courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 20
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 19
Entry requirements
- Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two subjects of study (equivalent to 25 University of Tasmania credit points). If an applicant has failed any subjects, the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made;
OR
- Completed the University of Tasmania University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian university).
Successful completion of any two (2) OUA open access subjects of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points) at the equivalent AQF level, unless otherwise specified
Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers are made based on the number of places available. In 2024, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 66.90 The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.
Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.
Completed Certificate IV or higher (or equivalent) in any discipline.
If you’ve completed one of the VET qualifications listed below you are guaranteed both entry and credit into the Bachelor of Business. You will need to choose a study plan which contains a major relevant to your qualification.
- FNS50222 Diploma of Accounting- credit given is 100 credit points.
- BSB50420 Diploma of Accounting- credit given is 100 credit points.
Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement. Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and/or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.
You may be eligible for advanced standing (i.e. credit) in this degree if you:
- Have completed an award such as a Diploma or Advanced Diploma from the University or another institution;
- Are currently studying another Bachelor degree at the University or at another institution;
- Have completed a Bachelor degree at the University or an equivalent award from another institution.
In addition to these formal agreements, we also offer credit for a wide range of other VET qualifications. Generally, you can gain credit for your TAFE/VET study if:
- It’s in a similar study area as your proposed university study,
- Is at Diploma of Advanced Diploma level, and
- It was completed no more than 10 years ago.
Visit our TAFE and VET students website to learn more about articulation, and how to apply for credit into this degree.
Career opportunities
A double degree increases your career prospects and maximises your employability. A double degree can help you build a unique set of skills that will help you stand out in a competitive employment market. When you graduate from a double degree you will receive a separate degree certificate (also called a testamur) for each component program.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
---|---|---|
Economists | $93K to $120K | Down 11% |
Policy and Planning Managers | Over $120K | Up 53.8% |
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
How do I know if I‘m eligible to apply for a course?
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Contact us to find out more.
When is my cut-off date for enrolment?
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.