Frequently Asked Questions
Will my qualifications from ECU be recognised in other countries?
Yes, qualifications from an Australian tertiary educational institution are recognised internationally. ECU Business has had students attending its courses from countries all over the world who have returned to their home country and been successful in obtaining employment in varying capacities with international companies.
How quickly do graduates find jobs?
Results from a survey of graduates who had graduated in 2002 indicated that 75% of Faculty graduates were engaged in full or part-time employment up to 6 months after graduation (2002 Graduate Destination Survey published by the Graduate Careers Council of Australia).
What sort of salary will I earn when I finish?
This is difficult to estimate as it varies according to the job and field of interest. However, the 2006 Good Universities Guide indicated that the national average salary for graduates from business and management was $38,361.
What is the difference between a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Commerce?
There is little difference between these. Both are equally recognised nationally and internationally and both comprise three years full-time or equivalent part-time study with a foundation in basic business principles with the opportunity to specialise in a major field. However ECU is the only Western Australian university to offer the “ECU Business Edge” or similar program as part of its Business Degree.
How many credit points must I complete to finish my degree?
A Bachelor of Business degree requires 360 credit points, with no more than 180 credit points obtained from Level 1 units and at least 90 credit points from Level 3 units. Each business unit is worth 15 credit points.
How many credit points can I complete in one semester?
Full-time study is 45 credit points (3 units) or 60 credit points (4 units) per semester. Part-time study is 15 credit points (1 unit) or 30 credit points (2 units) per semester. It is possible to study an overload, which will increase an enrolment to 75 credit points (5 units) per semester. To receive approval to study an overload, you must have a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 60% and you must not have failed a unit in the previous semester. Applications to study an overload can be made at Business Reception or the Student Information Office.
When do I need to choose my major?
Each major within the Bachelor of Business has compulsory core units. It is important you identify your major areas of study as early as possible to ensure you choose the correct core units. If you are having difficulty choosing a major, seek help from the Student Information Office.
Do I have to study a double major in the Bachelor of Business?
No, there are a number of options available. Please refer to the Bachelor of Business section for more details.
Can I study a minor or supporting major from outside the Faculty of Business and Law?
Yes. Once you have selected your first major from within the Faculty you can choose to study a minor or supporting major from another Faculty, or a minor program from within the Faculty of Business and Law. You must receive written permission from the Head of School from which your first major belongs. It is important to check the credit points involved with units from other Faculties as they may not hold the same weighting as a Business unit.
Can I change my major during my degree?
It is possible, depending on your stage of study. Contact the Student Information Office to confirm whether a change is possible and to check how the units you have completed will apply to your new major.
What units do I have left to study?
Check the list of required units on the Course Planner for your chosen course. If you need to discuss your choices contact a Student Information Officer for course advice.
What elective units can I choose?
You can either browse or search the Handbook.
Can I receive credit from other studies?
You may be eligible to receive credit from previous studies. To apply, complete an Application for Advanced Standing form and submit to the Co-ordinator Student Information and Academic Services in the Student Information Office with relevant course documentation and transcripts.
How do I find out fees information?
Refer to the ECU Fees and Payments website.
Whats the cutoff/start/end date for withdrawal/semester/HECS/etc.
Check the Academic Calendar for important dates.
Can you please send out a Course Planner/Brochure for...?
Yes. Contact the Faculty's Student Information Office to organise this.
Am I on the right track to graduate?
If you feel you are having difficulties in completing your course or a particular unit then you should contact a Student Information Officer.
If you are not sure about which units you need to finish your degree then:
- First check the list of required units on the Course Planner for your chosen course.
- If this doesn't help you can get Course Advice.
How do I go about changing my major?
In order to change your major please contact a Student Information Officer via phone on +61 (0)8 6304 5666 or e-mail businessandlaw@ecu.edu.au
I have finished my degree. When will the University contact me to confirm I will graduate?
Check the Corporate Events and Graduations web site for information and FAQ about graduations.
Which campus can I study at?
Check the Course Location for your course in Courses.
Which units should I enrol in first?
Check the course information for your chosen course on the Courses page or check the Course Planner.
What is a minor/elective?
An elective is a unit which does not form part of the compulsory units to be completed for a given course structure and it can be selected from any area in the University. A minor is formed by six units relevant to a major study. It is a taste of the major study. Minors and electives can be studied providing the relevant course structure allows it.
What should I choose as my minor?
Any minor can be selected*. It can be chosen to complement a major of study or be in a totally different field.
* Bachelor of Business students can not study a minor in Business.
Will I be able practise as a Lawyer when I finish my LLB?
Please see Bachelor of Laws (LLB) for more information.
I am presently studying at ECU. Can I transfer into the Law program?
To "transfer" to the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) students will need to apply for the course and go through the admission process. Acceptance into the course will be subject to meeting the LLB entry requirements. An offer of a place in the Law Program may be made if the student has demonstrated a strong and consistent academic performance after at least one year in their ECU course and has no failures on their academic record.
For more information please contact a Student Information Officer in the Student Information Office.
Does unit X have an exam?
Check the Unit Plan for that unit. You can only see the unit plan if you are enrolled in that unit.
Who is the lecturer for the unit?
Check the Unit Coordinators database. If the Unit Coordinator is not the lecturer for the unit they will be able to tell you who is.
What employment opportunities will I have if I complete such and such a course?
Discuss your career options with the Careers Advisory Service.
What day/time/semester/campus/room is the unit running?
Check the Unit Timetable on SIMO.