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Business

Become a leader who can design innovative solutions to the world’s most challenging problems, while having the freedom to explore what you’re passionate about through our wide range of majors.

Business at La Trobe

You’ll learn the practical skills needed to design innovative solutions to some of the business world’s most challenging problems. Our Bachelor of Business takes an enquiry-based learning approach to help you develop the problem-solving and decision-making skills essential to success in business.

As a business student, you’ll spend your first semester studying key business areas. Experience accounting, economics, business and marketing subjects to gain the practical skills you’ll need to work across all industries. By semester two, you’ll identify your area of interest and choose the ultimate direction of your degree.

Areas of specialisation include business economics, business law, financial management, financial planning, international business, macroeconomics, marketing and sustainable resource management.

We’re flexible. You can study the Bachelor of Business throughout our metropolitan and regional campus network.

Why study business at La Trobe?

Top-rated globally

La Trobe is in the top 1% of universities worldwide.

Times Higher Education (THE), 2023, World University Rankings 2023; Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 2023, Ranking Web of Universities

Career information and advice

Find information resources and activities to help explore options and develop your career

Careers and Opportunities

Career opportunities

A qualification in business is your key into a career in any sector or industry. Graduate with the transferable skills and knowledge to stand out in a competitive field. You could consider working in such areas as:

  • economics
  • business law
  • financial management
  • international business
  • financial planning
  • sustainable resource management
  • macroeconomics
  • marketing
  • banking
  • accounting
  • advertising.

Short courses

We also offer single subject study. Visit our short courses page to find out more.

Student and graduate profiles

Find out about the experiences of one of our business students.

La Trobe graduates

Where have graduates found work opportunities?

Our recent graduates have started their careers within mid-tier and local firms, the public sector and not-for-profit organisations, and have risen to high-level positions as company directors in commercial organisations such as:

  • NAB
  • Melbourne Cricket Club
  • Oxford University Press
  • Mantra Group.

How much can I earn?

The wage of a business graduate can vary greatly based on your specialisation, position and organisation you find work in. Below is an estimation of the salary of an business graduate:

  • business graduate $45,000 - $55,000 per year*
  • experienced business analyst $50,000 - $100,000 per year
  • management position or higher $90,000 + per year.

*Average salary range for roles located in Melbourne and Sydney, as advertised on SEEK, 2017.

Industry links

What are industry links?

Industry links are organisations that work with us to shape our curriculum and provide partnership and placement opportunities. We look for strong links with industry, schools, community groups and other stakeholders to ensure you develop the best theoretical and practical skills required in your chosen career.

How do industry links affect me?

Our business industry links consider La Trobe graduates for internships, placements and employment opportunities, as they know our teaching and content standards. Our business industry links include:

  • 3M
  • CPA Australia
  • Drake
  • Oxford University Press
  • RACV
  • Rio Tinto
  • Westpac Banking Corporation
  • Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
  • Telstra
  • RSM
  • Victoria Police
  • Melbourne Water

Find out more about La Trobe Business School.

Alternative pathways

Are there alternative pathways into a business course?

Going straight from school to university isn't an option for everyone. If you have not completed year 12, didn't get the score you needed or are working on ways to transition into tertiary education, we have options for you.

  • Aspire Program - Be recognised for the difference you make. Refer to dates to see if your eligible for an early offer.
  • Course transfer - Start your studies in one business course and apply for transfers into another. *
  • Tertiary Enabling Program - Successfully complete our 17-week program and improve your academic results to be eligible for a range of courses.
  • Work Recognition Program - If you are over 21 years of age, you may be eligible to gain entry into a Bachelor of Business based on your work experience.
  • Diploma in Business - Successfully complete a Diploma in Business at one of our regional campuses and transfer into the second year of the Bachelor of Business.
  • La Trobe College Australia - Successfully complete a Diploma in Business with our pathway provider, and get guaranteed entry into the second year of our Bachelor of Business.
  • TAFE diplomas - Do a relevant course and get Advance Standing for your prior learning.**

    • * Other than Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics of Bachelor of Laws.
    ** Minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) required for entry into some courses. You may also be eligible for Advanced Standing

    If you'd like some more information, contact our future students team on:

  • T: 1300 135 045
  • W: Future Students website
  • Enquire online: Ask La Trobe

    • Or see alternative course pathways.

Our business staff

Experience the business industry in the classroom. You’ll learn from academics and Professors of Practice who have expertise across a range of industries and sectors. Our staff work with industry to:

  • link our courses with industry
  • design industry-relevant curriculum
  • reflect best practice nationally and globally through lectures, workshops and executive programs.

Placement opportunities

Be career ready. Extend your learning beyond the classroom by testing your knowledge in a ’real world’ role. Create your industry network and gain practical skills through Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and placement subjects. Work with your course coordinator to find opportunities that best suit your skills and interests. Previous students have found internship opportunities within organisations such as:

  • Carlton Football Club
  • Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
  • KPMG
  • New York Yankees.

Refer to course specifics above to see what placement opportunities exist for you.

International study opportunities

Give your qualification an global edge with international study. As a part of La Trobe Business School, you may be eligible for a number of opportunities, including study tours and international exchange. Previous International Study Programs have visited:

  • China
  • Indonesia
  • Vietnam
  • Europe.

Contact us

International students

Local students

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