Classical roots, digital futures:
celebrating 100 years of UQ's Bachelor of Commerce
Classical roots, digital futures:
celebrating 100 years of UQ's Bachelor of Commerce
From humble beginnings to global impact, The University of Queensland’s Bachelor of Commerce has shaped leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs for a century.
As we mark 100 years, we look back at the milestones that built one of Australia’s most respected business programs – and forward to the future of commerce in a digital world.
Era 1: Foundations (1909–1930s)
When UQ opened in 1909, it was Queensland’s first university – a bold move for a young state. But what should this new institution teach? Should it follow the traditional Oxbridge model of arts and classics, or focus on practical skills for a growing economy?
The early decision leaned towards tradition. Students were required to have studied languages like Latin, Greek, French or German alongside English. The aim was to develop “leaders of noble temper” – a lofty ideal that shaped UQ’s first decades.
Image: Day students at The University of Queensland in 1922.
Fryer Library University of Queensland photograph collection AJ_P_70.
The spark for commerce
By the 1920s, the rise of accountancy created demand for formal business education. UQ responded with a Diploma in Commerce in 1923, followed by the Bachelor and Master of Commerce in 1926. At first, these programs were more “arts” than “industry”, focusing on economics and liberal studies rather than practical business skills.
"The degree’s main purpose was to ensure those in accounting could attain a cultural standard and show mental alertness."
– Vice-Chancellor W. N. Robertson, 1927
Image: University of Queensland students, c1920. Fryer Library University of Queensland photograph collection AJ/P/74a.
Era 1: Foundations
(1909–1930s)
When UQ opened in 1909, it was Queensland’s first university – a bold move for a young state. But what should this new institution teach? Should it follow the traditional Oxbridge model of arts and classics, or focus on practical skills for a growing economy?
The early decision leaned towards tradition. Students were required to have studied languages like Latin, Greek, French or German alongside English. The aim was to develop “leaders of noble temper” – a lofty ideal that shaped UQ’s first decades.
Image: Day students at The University of Queensland in 1922.
Fryer Library University of Queensland photograph collection AJ_P_70.
The spark for commerce
By the 1920s, the rise of accountancy created demand for formal business education. UQ responded with a Diploma in Commerce in 1923, followed by the Bachelor and Master of Commerce in 1926. At first, these programs were more “arts” than “industry”, focusing on economics and liberal studies rather than practical business skills.
"The degree’s main purpose was to ensure those in accounting could attain a cultural standard and show mental alertness."
– Vice-Chancellor W. N. Robertson, 1927
Image: University of Queensland students, c1920. Fryer Library University of Queensland photograph collection AJ/P/74a.
Era 2: War and reconstruction (1930s–1950s)
By the 1930s, enrolments lagged behind other states. In 1934, UQ relaxed entry restrictions and partnered with the State Commercial High School to deliver practical courses. Still, students had to study a foreign language – a requirement that lasted well into the 1940s.
World War II halted growth. The St Lucia campus was used for military operations and many students went to war. When peace returned, ex-servicemen sought education, prompting UQ to ease entry requirements for the Diploma in Commerce.
Campus life snapshot
In 1946, the UQ Union sold a Commemorative Song Book for one shilling. Each faculty had its own anthem – the Commerce Faculty’s song urged students to “raise a rousing chorus” to the tune of Land of Hope and Glory.
Image: UQ Richards building and Steele Building, 1954. Fryer Library University of Queensland photograph collection AC/P/68.
Era 2: War and reconstruction
(1930s–1950s)
By the 1930s, enrolments lagged behind other states. In 1934, UQ relaxed entry restrictions and partnered with the State Commercial High School to deliver practical courses. Still, students had to study a foreign language – a requirement that lasted well into the 1940s.
World War II halted growth. The St Lucia campus was used for military operations and many students went to war. When peace returned, ex-servicemen sought education, prompting UQ to ease entry requirements for the Diploma in Commerce.
Image: UQ Richards building and Steele Building, 1954. Fryer Library University of Queensland photograph collection AC/P/68.
Image: UQ Richards building and Steele Building, 1954. Fryer Library University of Queensland photograph collection AC/P/68.
Campus life snapshot
In 1946, the UQ Union sold a Commemorative Song Book for one shilling. Each faculty had its own anthem – the Commerce Faculty’s song urged students to “raise a rousing chorus” to the tune of Land of Hope and Glory.
Era 3: Modernisation (1960s–1980s)
The post-war years brought big changes. By 1958, practical courses moved to St Lucia and the first accounting lecturers were appointed in 1959. The Department of Accounting was formed in 1961, led by Reg Gynther, and soon expanded to include Commercial Law, Business Finance and Information Systems.
Image: UQ Commerce building, 1975.
University of Queensland Archives, UQA S909 p1720a.
Milestones of the era
- 1967: Reg Gynther appointed Foundation Chair in Accounting
- 1969: First doctoral degree awarded; Diploma of Information Processing introduced
- 1970s: Department renamed Commerce; international reputation for research excellence begins
- 1976: Master of Financial Management launched
- 1979: Master of Information Systems introduced
By the 1980s, the Commerce degree had evolved into a rigorous program for technically skilled professionals. Dual degrees like Commerce/Law became popular and the program cemented its reputation for producing leaders in accounting and finance.
Image: Forgan Smith building, 1979.
University of Queensland Archives, UQA S971 p1521.
Era 3: Modernisation
(1960s–1980s)
The post-war years brought big changes. By 1958, practical courses moved to St Lucia and the first accounting lecturers were appointed in 1959. The Department of Accounting was formed in 1961, led by Reg Gynther, and soon expanded to include Commercial Law, Business Finance and Information Systems.
Image: UQ Commerce building, 1975.
University of Queensland Archives, UQA S909 p1720a.
Milestones of the era
- 1967: Reg Gynther appointed Foundation Chair in Accounting
- 1969: First doctoral degree awarded; Diploma of Information Processing introduced
- 1970s: Department renamed Commerce; international reputation for research excellence begins
- 1976: Master of Financial Management launched
- 1979: Master of Information Systems introduced
By the 1980s, the Commerce degree had evolved into a rigorous program for technically skilled professionals. Dual degrees like Commerce/Law became popular and the program cemented its reputation for producing leaders in accounting and finance.
Image: Forgan Smith building, 1979.
University of Queensland Archives, UQA S971 p1521.
Era 4: Becoming a global leader (1990s–2000s)
The 1990s brought reform and growth. Higher education funding changes provided resources that underpinned a strong international reputation for quality research and teaching. By the early 2000s, the Bachelor of Commerce program was considered a national leader in business education.
Image: The University of Queensland, St Lucia campus.
Key turning point
In 2002, the Department of Commerce merged with Management to form the UQ Business School. Formal majors in accounting, finance and information systems were introduced and the Bachelor of Commerce became a flagship program alongside the Bachelor of Business Management.
Image: The University of Queensland, St Lucia campus.
Era 4: Becoming a global leader
(1990s–2000s)
The 1990s brought reform and growth. Higher education funding changes provided resources that underpinned a strong international reputation for quality research and teaching. By the early 2000s, the Bachelor of Commerce program was considered a national leader in business education.
Image: The University of Queensland, St Lucia campus.
Image: The University of Queensland, St Lucia campus.
Key turning point
In 2002, the Department of Commerce merged with Management to form the UQ Business School. Formal majors in accounting, finance and information systems were introduced and the Bachelor of Commerce became a flagship program alongside the Bachelor of Business Management.
Era 5: The entrepreneurs of today (2010s–2020s)
The past decade has seen the Bachelor of Commerce evolve to meet the demands of a digital economy. In 2016, it paved the way for the Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics (Honours), followed by the Bachelor of Advanced Business (Honours) in 2018.
Image: The University of Queensland, Colin Clark building.
Modern features
- Flexible program design introduced in 2019
- Business Analytics major added in 2022
- Dual degree options with nine other programs
- Up to one-third of the degree can be taken outside the Business School
Today, the program continues to produce graduates who lead in finance, accounting and technology – many of whom have become entrepreneurs shaping industries worldwide.
Image: The University of Queensland.
Era 5: The entrepreneurs of today
(2010s–2020s)
The past decade has seen the Bachelor of Commerce evolve to meet the demands of a digital economy. In 2016, it paved the way for the Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics (Honours), followed by the Bachelor of Advanced Business (Honours) in 2018.
Image: The University of Queensland, Colin Clark building.
Modern features
- Flexible program design introduced in 2019
- Business Analytics major added in 2022
- Dual degree options with nine other programs
- Up to one-third of the degree can be taken outside the Business School
Today, the program continues to produce graduates who lead in finance, accounting and technology – many of whom have become entrepreneurs shaping industries worldwide.
Image: The University of Queensland.
Distinguished alumni
What the next 100 years look like
The future of commerce is digital, global and data-driven. UQ’s Bachelor of Commerce will continue to adapt – integrating analytics, sustainability and entrepreneurship to prepare graduates for challenges we can’t yet imagine.
The University of Queensland (UQ) acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which UQ operates. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country. We recognise their valuable contributions to Australian and global society.
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