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Freelancing and Small Business unit (BMA357)

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Location: Hobart, Hong Kong Universal Ed, Online, Shanghai Ocean University

Introduction

This unit aims to develop students’ understanding of how to identify, communicate, and build their skills to meet market needs and design flexible and sustainable career pathways and small business opportunities. The unit explores freelancing and small business sectors, including small business management theories, concepts, technologies, and strategies. Students will develop a personal work/life career plan for future (self)employment to enhance their success in the new world of work. Students will also learn to design business models and develop strategies for enhancing business efficacy in real-world small business contexts. This unit is designed as a highly interactive and applied learning experience with innovative modes of delivery.

Summary

Unit name Freelancing and Small Business
Unit code BMA357
Credit points 12.5
College/School Tasmanian School of Business and Economics
Discipline Management
Coordinator Mr Alistair Chong
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania and Third Party(ies): ECA|Shanghai Ocean University AEIN Institute|Universal College of Higher Education Hong Kong
Level Advanced

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Hong Kong Universal Ed Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students
Online Semester 1 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Shanghai Ocean University Shanghai Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

Enrolment in units available at ECA Melbourne, Hong Kong Universal Ed, and Shanghai Ocean University is only available to eligible students studying at those corresponding locations.

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Shanghai Semester 1 11/10/2026 16/11/2026 24/11/2026 7/1/2027
Semester 1 22/2/2026 16/3/2026 19/4/2026 13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Evaluate and apply small business management theories and concepts to promote sustainable business practices.
  • Critically evaluate contemporary small business management challenges and opportunities using theory and research.
  • Communicate small business strategies and practices.

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
080301 $2,174.00 $1,703.00 not applicable $3,284.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

BMA227

Teaching

AssessmentAssessment Task 1: Design Your Work Life Project (50%)|Assessment Task 2: Small Business Project (50%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.
Recommended

Burnett, B., & Evans, D. (2021). Designing your new work life: How to Thrive and Change and Find Happiness--and a New Freedom--at Work. Vintage.


Osterwalder, A., & Pigneur, Y. (2013). Business model generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers. John Wiley & Sons.

 

Reading Lists provide direct access to all material on unit reading lists in one place. This includes eReadings and items in Reserve. You can access the Reading List for this unit from the link in MyLO, or by going to the Reading Lists page on the University Library website.

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