Course details

Summary

Waikato's Bachelor of Business Analysis (BBA) will prepare you for a wide range of careers centred around helping clients and organisations to make better financial and economic decisions for the future.

BBA students will develop advanced skills in financial or economic analysis, which are required for many jobs working in government or the private sector. Future career pathways include accounting, corporate finance, investment banking, stockbroking, financial planning, insurance, government policy advice, business consultancy, and much more.

Economics graduates could use their expertise to help local or central government make better informed policy decisions on issues that have the potential to change people's lives - such as jobs, housing, transport, migration, taxes and the environment.

In first year, you'll take a variety of business fundamentals papers that provide a solid understanding of the global commercial environment. You'll also get to grips with legislation regulating business activities in New Zealand, and learn how different markets and economies operate around the world.

Students will evaluate data to find important trends, and consider business issues such as profitability and liquidity. You'll also gain the confidence to advise clients on business issues, and be able to clearly communicate this information.

Practical learning is a strong focus of the BBA degree. Students will learn how to prepare financial records using industry software such as MYOB, Xero and Excel; understand how to manage an investment portfolio; and be able to produce business reports.

2nd Major subjects

This degree also offers the flexibility to take a 2nd Major in any of the nine subjects listed below, or almost any other undergraduate subject offered at the University of Waikato.

• Accounting
• Digital Business
• Economics
• Finance
• Human Resource Management
• Marketing
• Public Relations
• Strategic Management
• Tourism and Hospitality Management

If you choose to do a double major for your degree, you will need to complete eight papers (120 points) in each of those subjects.

If you prefer to focus on a single major, you will need to complete nine papers (135 points) in that subject.

Accounting

Studying accounting is your pathway to working with clients to help them make their businesses more profitable and successful, and reduce their exposure to financial risk. With accounting you'll gain the skills you need to become a trusted business adviser and make strategic financial decisions for organisations. A qualification in accounting can lead you into all kinds of industries, such as agribusiness, manufacturing or entertainment.

Accountants can earn attractive salaries and are in demand both in New Zealand and overseas. They often work in high-level management positions where skills in financial control, decision making, legal compliance and leadership are essential.

If you enjoy working with numbers and people, and want to help businesses grow, then accounting may be a good fit for you.

In this subject, you'll learn how to prepare financial records to comply with professional reporting standards, and gain an understanding of commercial and taxation laws that apply to businesses.

Career opportunities

• Auditor
• Business consultant
• Chief financial officer
• Company accountant
• Financial accountant/controller
• Management accountant
• Tax accountant

Entry criteria

You're eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Business Analysis if you have University Entrance, or its equivalent. All other applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

University Entrance means: From 2015 - (i) NCEA Level 3, (ii) a minimum of 14 credits at Level 3 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework, in each of three approved subjects, and (iii) the numeracy requirements of a minimum of 10 credits at Level 1 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework, made up of achievement standards and/or unit standards specified by NZQA, and (iv) the literacy requirement of a minimum of 10 credits at Level 2 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework, made up of: (a) 5 credits in reading , and (b) 5 credits in writing from a list specified by NZQA.

English language requirements:

IELTS (Academic) - 6.0 overall (no band less than 6.0); iBT (internet based) TOEFL - 79-80 with a score of 20 in writing; Pearson PTE Academic - 57 with no less than 57 for each communicative skill; Waikato Pathways - Successful completion of Level 7 with a B grade average in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic English (CAAE) program.