Choosing between a BCom and BA degree: which is right for you?

Finishing school is a milestone that brings excitement but, at the same time, some big decisions. If you’ve decided to continue your studies, one of the first questions you’ll be asking is: Which degree should I choose? Two of the most popular options are the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) and the Bachelor of Arts (BA). While both open valuable opportunities, they focus on different skills and career paths so it’s good to understand them.

Here’s a breakdown of what each offers, to help guide your decision on which is the best fit for your future.

 

What is a BCom degree?

A Bachelor of Commerce is a three-year, full-time undergraduate qualification focused on the world of business, finance and commerce. It’s designed for those interested in fields like financial management, economics, accounting and strategic business leadership.

BCom graduates often work in environments where analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making are essential. This degree gives you a strong understanding of how organisations operate and how to drive them forward.

 

Focus areas in a BCom

At Emeris, you can specialise in core disciplines such as:

  • strong – learning to plan and guide organisations towards long-term goals.
  • Marketing management – understanding markets, consumers and how to build effective campaigns.
  • Financial management – overseeing budgets, investments and organisational financial health.
  • Finance and accounting – mastering the language of business through numbers and reporting.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have a balance of theory and practical skills that prepares you for complex professional challenges.

 

Career opportunities with a BCom

A BCom opens doors across industries, from finance to tech to consulting. Depending on your specialisation, you could pursue roles like:

  • Financial manager
  • Account manager
  • Tax consultant
  • Investment banker
  • Marketing executive

Many graduates also choose to continue their studies with postgraduate qualifications to deepen their expertise or give them a better chance at moving on to leadership roles.

 

What is a BA degree?

A Bachelor of Arts is also a three-year, full-time degree but its focus is on the humanities and social sciences. This includes subjects like languages, psychology, communication and the social sciences.

Rather than preparing you for one specific career, a BA equips you with adaptable skills such as research, communication, creativity and critical thinking – all highly valued by employers in many sectors. It’s a broader degree than a BCom and appeals to a wide range of people-centred interests.

 

Focus areas in a BA

At Emeris, you can choose from core disciplines such as:

  • English – developing strong written and spoken communication skills.
  • Psychology – understanding human behaviour and mental processes.
  • Communication science – exploring how people share, interpret and influence information.

In your second year, you’ll select two focus areas, which will become the core of your third-year studies.

Interested in knowing what the difference between a BA and A BSc is? Read our article on this topic here. 

 

Career opportunities with a BA

While BA graduates are able to work in a wide variety of industries, common career paths include:

  • Writing and editing
  • Social media management
  • Journalism
  • Research
  • Public relations

Further study can lead to careers in education, psychology or other specialised professions.

 

Deciding between a BCom and a BA

Both degrees are respected and provide a strong foundation for your future. The right choice depends on:

  • Your interests – are you drawn to numbers, strategy and business growth, or do you prefer language, communication and human understanding?
  • Your skills – do you excel in analytical and quantitative thinking, or do you thrive on creative and conceptual problem-solving?
  • Your career goals – do you want a direct path into business and finance, or a versatile qualification that can adapt to multiple industries?

Knowing the differences allows you to make better informed decisions about what’s right for you. You can’t go wrong with either degree, but whichever you settle on, real success will ultimately come from applying yourself and making the most of your learning journey.

 

Study your way at Emeris

At Emeris, we know that no two students are alike. That’s why we shape your education around your goals, passions and learning style. Our personalised approach ensures you graduate with not just a degree, but the confidence and skills to take on your future.

Whether you choose a BCom or BA, you’ll benefit from expert lecturers, practical learning opportunities and a supportive environment designed to help you thrive.