Program Overview

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Bachelor of Business

Overview

Kickstart your career with real-world industry experience and knowledge across the business sphere. Be ready today for tomorrow by learning how to analyse current trends to predict future priorities. Pursue profit and manage loss by developing effective strategies that are fit-for-purpose and unique to a business’s needs. Become a professional who can lead an organisation, support its strategy and innovate its operations.

Prepare for Success

Kickstart your career with a professional development program.

Industry Experience

Benefit from internships and an opportunity to have a business mentor.

Fast Facts

• Location: JCU campuses or study centres where you can study this course. 'Online' means the course can be studied off-campus using a combination of online resources, printed material or other technologies. Some online courses include on-campus workshops and travel for professional placements.
  • Online
  • Townsville
  • Cairns
  • Brisbane
• Commencing: The month(s) you can start the course. For courses offered at JCU Singapore and JCU Brisbane, see 'How to Apply'.
  • Online: January, May, September
  • Townsville: January, May, September
  • Cairns: January, May, September
  • Brisbane: January, May, September
• Fees: Indicative, annual cost of your course. Some courses are supported by the Australian Government with the government paying some of your fees. This is the Commonwealth Supported fee. The tuition fee is the fee payable if Commonwealth Support does not apply. You can defer your fees if eligible with HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP. The Student Services & Amenities Fee is a required payment from most students.
  • $15,450.00+ (estimated annual Commonwealth Supported Fee for a full-time study load)
  • Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
  • Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
• Duration: The time it will take you to complete the course as a full-time student. Also specifies if the course is available part-time. This section will indicate if some online courses may have a longer duration due to their different delivery method.
  • 3 years full-time
• Entry Requirements: This is usually a score given to Year 12 students upon completion of their studies. Non-school leavers can have their qualifications and work experience assessed to obtain an equivalent score. The score displayed is the minimum adjusted ATAR/rank that was required for entry. Some subjects are required for entry into a course. Whereas assumed knowledge indicates a minimum level of knowledge.
  • ATAR 59
  • Recommended Knowledge: English (Units 3/4,C), Mathematical Methods (Units 3/4,C)

Course Detail

What to expect

• Learn how decisions you make contribute directly to the organisation’s success.
• You will be empowered with knowledge of how to become a leader in business and understand the pillars of a sustainable business model.
• Our lecturers’ strong network connections and the Work Integrated Learning program ensures you receive relevant industry placements.

In your first year, you will study core subjects relevant to all business majors. You can then tailor the degree to suit your interests by selecting your preferred major and possible minor.

With the aim of equipping you with real-world experience, you will start preparing for Work Integrated Learning in your first year of study. Embedded throughout the degree, employability and career development tools prepare you for your final-year capstone subject where students have the flexibility to complete an internship within a local business or multidisciplinary project for an industry partner. Students who work full-time have the option to complete an independent project for their employer.

To bolster your employability, you also have the option of completing the Professional Development program alongside your degree. Additionally, students in Townsville will have the opportunity to in the Townsville Chamber of Commerce — James Cook University Mentoring Program. In your final year, you can apply to join the program and be connected to an industry professional from the Townsville Chamber of Commerce (a JCU Alumni, where possible) who will mentor you through one-on-one sessions, virtual check-ins and mentoring events. You can look to your mentor for guidance relating to career planning, skill development, networking and job search techniques. You’ll build and strengthen your network and gain the skills and confidence necessary to excel.

Students who are based in Townsville and have completed at least one year of their degree are eligible to apply for an Australian Public Service Academy Campus position. With opportunities in the Digital and Data spheres, you can align your studies to part-time work, that may translate into a full-time job offer upon graduation. Explore the APS Data and Digital Programs page for more information.

If you are a currently serving member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), you may be eligible for entry to the Bachelor of Business through the Army Tertiary Education Program (ATEP). Eligible ADF personnel can apply for advanced standing (study credit) to enter JCU’s Bachelor of Business in the final year of study (Year 3).* Explore the ATEP webpage to find out more and determine if you are eligible.

You can choose from seven business majors. Consult the Handbook for majors available at each campus.

You may also be interested in studying the Bachelor of Business in a joint degree:

• Bachelor of Business-Bachelor of Laws
• Bachelor of Business-Bachelor of Psychological Science
• Bachelor of Arts-Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Business and Environmental Science

*majoring in Human Resources Management or Management only.

Majors

A major is your chosen area of subject specialisation. JCU’s Bachelor of Business degree has seven majors for you to choose from. You can choose to add a minor to your major, or alternatively choose elective subjects that may interest you or compliment and add strength to your major. The handbook provides detail about the subjects you can study within each major and the campuses each major is available at.

Business Intelligence and Information Systems

• Learn how to integrate information technology systems and data into business strategies and work with digital information systems to manage large amounts of data securely.
• Use your insight as a business intelligence analyst to create cost-effective systems for business enterprises and identify business opportunities.
• Ensure your employability and maximise your opportunities in this rapidly growing industry.
• Graduates can apply for membership with the Australian Institute of Management (AIM).

Hospitality and Tourism Management

• Stand out from the crowd with this major and manage tourism and hospitality attractions, events, and services.
• Gain the professional expertise to manage, plan, and market the food, recreation, accommodation that form the backbone of the tourism industry.
• Your in-depth understanding of hospitality will allow you to create amazing travel and event experiences.

Human Resources Management

• Discover what motivates employees and how you can boost performance and productivity in organisations.
• Learn how to effectively communicate, develop positive employment relations and create environments that help people thrive.
• Your passion for human resources can take you across industries within Australia and around the world.

International Business

• Build specialised skills to manage and conduct business in a complex global environment.
• Your passion for developing strategies and planning short- and long-term projects will see you involved in multi-national enterprises.
• With the skills to work in the exciting international arena, you can build a sustainable, competitive business position in the international marketplace.

Management

• Use your love of innovation, entrepreneurship and people-management to strengthen your employability.
• Learn how to lead businesses in highly competitive environments, solve complex organisational problems, plan effectively and hire the right employees.
• Managing finances, resources, and direct business operations with confidence in a fast-paced setting.
• You will learn a variety of transferable skills, important in managing a business or team in any industry.

Marketing for the Digital Age

• Gain the skills to speak directly to your customers through traditional advertising, digital marketing and social media.
• Your creativity and understanding of people will help you to become an effective marketer, fulfilling the needs of your customers or growing a new customer base.
• Develop industry knowledge by creating sustainable marketing strategies for real-world businesses.
• Transfer your skills across organisations in private, public, and non-profit sectors and stand out in a competitive marketplace.

Sports and Events Management

• Enter the dynamic, fast-paced environments of the sporting and events industries.
• Learn how to create and coordinate sports, business, and public events on both a small and large scale.
• Events are central to local, national and international economies and tourism; you will be highly employable in an industry that is growing exponentially.
• Benefit from our strong industry connections with a major designed to meet employer needs by providing first-hand practical experience.

Honours

Honours is available in each discipline as additional 24 credit points of study. Refer to the Bachelor of Business (Honours) handbook for eligibility information.

Career Opportunities

JCU Business graduates are multi-skilled and are successful in finding employment in a wide range of industries.

Depending on which major/s you choose, potential careers could include:

• Business Intelligence Analyst, Information Security Analyst, IT Project Manager, Business Intelligence Consultant
• Governance Consultant, Policy Advisor, Stakeholder Management Officer, Strategic Planner, Public Affairs Leader, Government Relations Officer
• Events Manager, Tourism Officer, Marketing Officer, Market Researcher, Social Media Marketer, Brand Manager, Public Relations Officer
• Human Resource Manager
• Entrepreneur
• Project Manager
• Operations Manager

Admissions Transparency Data

• Entry score threshold: These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2024. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in June each year. Meeting the threshold doesn't guarantee admission.
  • ATAR/Selection Rank: 59.00
• Entry score range: This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the Bachelor of Business for Semester 1, 2024. The table includes offers deferred to Semester 1, 2024 which may have been assessed using the entry score threshold of an earlier year.
  • JCU Townsville
    • Without adjustments: Highest 87.85, Median 71.55, Lowest 59.70
    • With adjustments*: Highest 87.85, Median 75.70, Lowest 61.70
  • JCU Cairns
    • Without adjustments: Highest 90.20, Median 71.85, Lowest 60.85
    • With adjustments*: Highest 98.20, Median 74.50, Lowest 60.85
  • Brisbane
    • Without adjustments: Highest <5, Median <5, Lowest <5
    • With adjustments*: Highest <5, Median <5, Lowest <5
  • External
    • Without adjustments: Highest <5, Median <5, Lowest <5
    • With adjustments*: Highest <5, Median <5, Lowest <5

Adjustment Factors

James Cook University applies bonus ranks under the Regional Preference Scheme and QTAC’s Educational Access Scheme (EAS). Learn more about JCU’s adjustment factors.

Pathways to JCU

JCU Prep provides a pathway into this course. Enrolling in this flexible program will enable you to meet entry requirements including subject pre-requisites and ATARs. Introductory academic subjects are also available to prepare you for tertiary study.

Successful completion of some Certificate III, a Certificate IV or AQF Diploma qualifications can also be used as a pathway into this course.

Explore our list of guaranteed entry courses to see if you are eligible through your prior qualification.*

Some courses require that additional subject prerequisites are met. These prerequisites may include subjects such as English, Mathematics or Science. Subject prerequisites are detailed in the Handbook above.

Another pathway into this course is through a specific course-entry Diploma. Successful completion means you are eligible to transition into the associated JCU bachelor’s degree.

Contact our friendly JCU Future Students Team to find out more.

*Excludes entry into the Bachelor of Advanced Science, Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Marine Science, Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Nursing Science – Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours), Bachelor of Physiotherapy, and Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours).