Note: This program is no longer taking enrolments.

If you are a current student who commenced this program prior to 2012, you should follow the program requirements according to the year you started your degree. For more information please visit Previous UNSW Online Handbooks.

Need information on our business programs? Start your search at the Australian School of Business website.



The Australian School of Business (ASB) in conjunction with the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences offers the combined Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Social Science (BCom/BSocSc).

This is a five year program combining the strengths and flexibility of each single degree program. It is expected that these combined programs will appeal to students wanting, in particular, a strong, focused and highly regarded business course that is complemented by a program of study in social research and policy analysis.

With approval, students with an excellent academic record may also enrol in an additional Honours year in the Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Social Sciences.

Bachelor of Social Science
The Bachelor of Social Science core program aims to provide students with skills in undertaking social research, particularly in an applied policy setting. These include written communication skills with particular emphasis on reports, submissions, position papers and proposals; the ability to undertake research and data analysis, both quantitative and qualitative; analysis and critical evaluation of research, arguments and policies; and the use of computers in social research and information processing.

The major study aims to equip students with a knowledge base in one of the social sciences.

The Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Social Science program is a five year (240 units of credit (UOC)) degree program consisting of 22 Business courses (132 UOC) and 18 Arts and Social Sciences courses (108 UOC) including 8 which must be in Social Science and Policy. Students will typically enrol in 48 UOC per year.

These units will be made up of:

Note: Actuarial Studies students should refer to the relevant plan page for core course requirements.

Completion of at least 48 UOC in an approved disciplinary stream and a minor of 24 UOC in one of the approved disciplinary streams in the Australian School of Business. Students are unable to take a modern language as a major stream.

Completion of at least 84 UOC, consisting of 42 UOC from each of two approved disciplinary streams in the Australian School of Business. Students are unable to take a modern language as a major stream.
The remaining Business course or credit requirements, not required for a major sequence and not Year 1 core courses as prescribed, if any, may be chosen from any other courses offered by the Australian School of Business.

Completion of at least 48 UOC in an approved disciplinary stream in one of the approved disciplinary streams in the Faculty of Arts and Social Science, including (in total) at least 36 UOC from Social Science and Policy in the approved sequence as outlined in rules for the Bachelor of Social Science degree.
The remaining course or credit requirements not required for a major sequence and not Year 1 core courses, as prescribed, if any, may be chosen from any other courses offered by the Faculty of Arts and Social Science.

Typically this would involve students enrolling in 4 Business courses (24 UOC) and 4 Arts and Social Sciences courses (24 UOC) each year.

Honours level study is available. Students interested in studying at Honours Level should refer to the relevant Honours plan record for entry requirements.

Honours in Social Science
Students wishing to take the Bachelor of Social Science at Honours level must consult the Head of School of Social Science and Policy.

Rules relating to the award of the degree of Bachelor of Commerce shall apply wherever relevant. Students are advised to consult the Academic Rules for further information.

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/fees/FeesMainPage.html

For further information, refer to the Professional Recognition of Programs in the Online Handbook.

Please note that these requirements may be subject to change.
Students are advised to follow requirements according to the year they commenced. Please refer to previous editions of the Online Handbook for your program requirements.

Contact the Australian School of Business Student Centre for advice.
tel: + 61 2 9385 3189
location: Ground Floor, West Wing, Australian School of Business Building
Forms, policies and procedures
Frequently asked questions


Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
e-mail: arts@unsw.edu.au
tel: + 61 2 9385 2289
location: Room G1, Ground Floor, Morven Brown Building