Bachelor of Commerce with Honours in Accounting and Information Systems
An honours degree is an internationally recognised qualification representing a high
level of academic achievement. The Accounting and Information Systems (ACIS)
Honours Programme is research-led with an emphasis on rigour,
advanced study skills and practical relevance.
ACIS honours graduates are sought out by employers and often have an edge in the job market because of their advanced analytical, research and communication skills.
The Honours Programme is intellectually satisfying in its own right. Although you may not be considering further study or an academic career at this point in time, an honours degree is essential preparation for anyone contemplating an MCom or PhD. These may be options for you at a different stage of your career.
Benefits of the programme
The programme differs significantly from undergraduate studies. The smaller classes allow for greater interaction with lecturers and a more challenging learning experience. Standards are high and students are expected to take greater responsibility for their own learning and undertake original research projects.
You will learn to think conceptually and you will be expected to question "received wisdom". The focus is on creating and applying knowledge rather than simply acquiring it. You will develop a range of skills that will help throughout your career, including a professional work ethic, good time management, presentation and public speaking skills, and a range of research skills.
Classes often organise social activities, as well as attending functions with the lecturers. Strong friendships often form as honours students spend a large portion of their time together. Students in the ACIS Honours Programme can expect to challenge themselves and learn a great deal in a very short time.
The ACIS Honours programme can satisfy the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants requirement for 4 years tertiary study. ACIS honours is a postgraduate qualification, therefore ACIS honours graduates are exempt from the Institute's percentage requirements for liberal studies.
Programme structure
The programme is equivalent to one year of full-time study, being courses to the value of 120 credit points (or 1.000 EFTS). The degree may also be completed over a longer period (with approval of the Dean of Commerce).
ACCT 614 and INFO 614: Research Methodology is a first semester course worth 30 points (0.25 EFTS) and is normally required for all ACIS honours students.
ACCT 680 and INFO680: Research Project is a whole year course, also worth 30 points (0.25 EFTS) and is normally required as it brings together many of the key concepts from your other courses.
The other courses may be made up of:
- four 15-point (0.125 EFTS) courses;
- or two 15-point (0.125 EFTS) courses and one 30-point (0.25 EFTS) course;
- or two 30-point (0.25 EFTS) courses.
Most courses are offered in half-year format and involve a seminar programme. Some courses are offered in a half-year or whole year format. Whole year courses typically consist of a seminar component plus a research assignment.
Your previous studies and proposed career path will help determine which courses you will take. Please note that half-year courses will be offered in either semester 1 or semester 2. You should indicate your preference for semester 1 or 2 when you complete your application. This will help the department to determine in which semester the course will run. Courses are offered subject to minimum enrolments and staff availability. Students may take the equivalent of up to half their courses from other departments with approval of the ACIS Head of Department.
Entry requirements and application procedures
The department normally accepts students who have achieved a minimum average grade of B+ in:
- 90 points of ACIS (ACCT or INFO) at 300-level; or
- 60 points of ACIS (ACCT or INFO) at 300-level plus 28 points at 300-level in a relevant course with HOD approval.
Applications will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. Before formally enrolling for the BCom(Hons) or MCom, students contemplating entering the programme should discuss their plans with Neil Crombie.
An application form (PDF 153KB) can be downloaded or is available from the ACIS department.
Applications for the 2013 programme are due to the department before the end of January 2013. However, submitting your application earlier will help us to plan the year's courses, projects and facilities. Once you have been conditionally accepted by the department, you will be requested to enrol formally through the usual university process. Orientation for honours students will take place during the week prior to the start of classes.
International applicants
International students are required to provide evidence that their competence in English language is adequate for university study at a postgraduate level (unless their first language is English). The standard test acceptable to the ACIS department is IELTS (with 7.0 minimum on each test section).
Students whose first degree is not from a New Zealand university must
apply for admission.
Fees, allowances & financial assistance
For information about fees visit Enrol at UC.
For information about loans and allowances, please contact Studylink (0800 88 99 00).
Some scholarships are available for postgraduate students. Visit the following websites for more information:
There are often tutoring and research assistant positions available for postgraduate students within the department. If you are interested in these, please contact the relevant course coordinator.
Further study options
The Honours Programme forms Part I of the MCom (Master's Programme). Part II of the Master's Programme is based on research leading to submission of a thesis: it can be completed in one year of full-time study.
Contact information
Supervisor of Postgraduate Programme
Neil Crombie
Tel: +64 3 364 2987 ext 7359
Fax: +64 3 364 2727
Email: neil.crombie@canterbury.ac.nz