Finance and banking professionals use analytical knowledge and skills to help clients find financial solutions, start new businesses or expand existing ones. They work in corporate finance, financial markets, managed funds and superannuation, or in retail banking and private wealth management.

The Finance major gives you a broad understanding of the structure and operations of financial markets. You’ll learn about investment evaluation and how to make decisions on funding activities and disbursement of profits. You’ll also examine the role of financial markets.

This major will put you in a good position to sit for the highly regarded CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) exams, because it incorporates at least 70 per cent of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge into its curriculum.

This major sits within the Bachelor of Commerce degree. To apply for this major, you will apply for the Bachelor of Commerce.

You can also study this major as part of a Science and Commerce double degree.

Recommended double majors:

• Accounting
• Banking
• Economics
• Financial Planning
• International Business
• Management
• Marketing
• Property

Why study

• Learn from staff who undertake practical research in areas such as energy economics, public economics and the economics of electronic commerce.
• Use real case studies and examples to apply your learning and problem-solving skills.
• Attend lectures featuring representatives from financial companies. In the past, such companies have included Gilkinson Investments, Lighthouse Capital, Barns Financial Services and St.George Bank.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia has partnered with Curtin to offer internships to students who have completed 200 credits or more of their commerce degree. These internships will give you credit towards your degree, increase your industry experience and put you in direct contact with leading professionals.

Professional recognition

You may be eligible for membership of the Association of Financial Advisers, CFA Institute, Economic Society of Australia, Financial Planning Association of Australia, Financial Services Institute of Australasia, and the Women in Finance Network.

This course is also recognised as a University Affiliation Program by the CFA Institute.

Careers

• Bank manager
• Consultant
• Corporate finance analyst
• Credit analyst
• Econometrician
• Economic analyst
• Economist
• Financial manager
• Investment banker

Industries

• Banking
• Brokerage
• Consultancy
• Government
• Private business
• Resources