Students who have not completed appropriate units as part of a bachelor degree are required to complete a preliminary program of study before taking the standard eight unit program of the MCom or MIB degree. The purpose of a preliminary program is to build essential foundation knowledge required for successful completion of Masters level units.
MIB and MCom in Business
The preliminary program for the MIB and MCom in Business consists of the following four units:
- GCSB100 Accounting 1A
- GCSB102 Techniques and Elements of Finance
- GCSB103 Fundamentals of Marketing
- GCSB104 Macroeconomic Principles
Students who complete the four unit preliminary program will be awarded a Graduate Certificate in Business.
MCom in Marketing
The preliminary program for the MCom in Marketing consists of the following four units:
- GCSB100 Accounting 1A
- GCSB103 Fundamentals of Marketing
- GCSB105 Principles of Management
- GCSB106 Microeconomic Principles
Students who complete the four unit preliminary program will be awarded a Graduate Certificate in Marketing.
MCom in Information Systems and Technology
The preliminary program for the MCom in Information Systems and Technology consists of the following four units:
- GCSB100 Accounting 1A
- GCSB105 Principles of Management
- GCSB107 Introduction to Information Systems and Technologies
- GCSB108 Introductory Statistics
Students who complete the four unit preliminary program will be awarded a Graduate Certificate in Information Systems and Technology.
Notification that a preliminary program is required
An applicant for the MCom or MIB will be advised of the need to take a preliminary program at the time an offer for the Masters degree is made.
International students will be advised by the Macquarie International. If required to complete a preliminary program, a student will be given an offer for a 1.5 year period of enrolment. The first semester will be spent taking the preliminary program (Graduate Certificate)and the remaining two semesters will be spent studying postgraduate units (MCom or MIB). At all times during the 1.5 year program, international students are recognised as postgraduate students.
Australian students will be advised directly by GACC if a preliminary program of study is required and the procedures for enrolment.
Completion of a four unit preliminary program of study will lead to the award of Graduate Certificate and automatic progression to the standard component of the MCom or MIB.
Number of preliminary units to complete
International students must study full-time according to visa regulations. It is expected that international students will take the standard preliminary program units shown above as these will provide the best preparation for the MCom or MIB postgraduate units. International students may be eligible for advanced standing based on studies completed in a bachelor degree.
Australian students will be advised directly by GACC as to how many preliminary units need to be completed. The number of required preliminary units will depend upon an assessment of prior university level studies successfully completed. If a preliminary program is required, it could be between one and four units, depending on the outcome of the assessment. Only students who complete a four unit preliminary program can be awarded a Graduate Certificate.
Recognition of prior learning
It is expected and strongly recommended that students take the standard preliminary program shown above applicable to their planned masters degree.
This will provide the best preparation for the MCom or MIB units. However, another unit may be substituted for a standard preliminary program unit if the standard unit has been completed in a prior degree. The substitute units available include those in one of the other preliminary programs as well as the units listed below.
GCSB101 Accounting 1B
GCSB109 Organisational Behaviour
GCSB110 Introduction to Computer Science
GCSB111 Introduction to Systems Design and Data Management
GCSB112 Mathematics 1E
GCSB113 English for Academic Purposes
Substitute units will count toward the Graduate Certificate awarded for completion of a four unit preliminary program.
Availability of preliminary program
Preliminary programs of study are conducted on behalf of the Graduate Accounting and Commerce Centre by the Sydney Institute of Business and Technology (SIBT) located at Macquarie University. Australian and international students will normally take their preliminary program at SIBT. In some cases, Australian and international students will take their preliminary program at the International College of Management, Sydney.
The preliminary program at SIBT can be commenced in March, June or October.
Students who cannot attend preliminary program classes at Macquarie or the International Campus can take the preliminary units through Open Universities Australia
Completion of preliminary program
It is important to note that the preliminary program must be completed in full for progression to MCom or MIB units. A pass grade (P) or better is required in ALL preliminary units attempted, including any substitute units, before a student will be permitted to enrol in any MCom or MIB units.
All students who successfully complete a four unit preliminary program will receive a transcript of studies and the award of Graduate Certificate.
Duration and fees
A preliminary program is additional to the standard eight units required for the MCom or MIB. It normally extends the term of candidature by one semester and it will increase the total tuition fee payable - refer to Fees.
Degrees without a preliminary program
The following coursework degrees do not have a preliminary program - students must be qualified to enter the degree directly.
Reminder Note: Where a student has completed appropriate foundation units as part of a bachelor degree, completion of a preliminary program will NOT be required for entry to the MCom or MIB.
