Employability units are built into the degree
Choose from 40+ arts and science majors and minors
1 in 4 Deakin arts graduates hold leadership roles
Why choose arts / science at Deakin
Gain a competitive edge in the job market by studying the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science double degree. Complement your understanding of science with valuable skills such as critical thinking and strong communication. Unlock your potential with a Deakin arts degree, where one in four Deakin arts graduates hold leadership or managerial roles and one in 10 are chief executives or managing directors. Choose from eight science study areas, including food science, environmental science, animal biology and human biology, alongside over 30 study areas. Enjoy the freedom to create your own study journey, with opportunities for international experiences. You can undertake internships with access to 600+ employers or design your own placement with Deakin support. You will also develop practical learning in world-class science labs and industry experience through community science projects and professional placements.
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Science you can practise
Learn in specialist science facilities, including biomedical and Geographic Information Systems labs at Melbourne's #1 university for science facilities and resources.
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Make industry connections
Complete a community science project, internship, volunteer experience, study tour or overseas study to develop career readiness at Melbourne's #1 university for course satisfaction.
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Accredited degree
The Bachelor of Science (chemistry major) has been professionally accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.
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Build a flexible double degree
Choose from 30+ arts study areas, from criminology to philosophy and international relations, to shape a course aligned with your interests and career goals.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Combine scientific knowledge with critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills. Depending on your majors, you could work across industry, government, research, media, laboratories and environmental fields.
Journalist
Research, write and present stories for print, digital, radio or television. With science expertise, you could interpret evidence, interview specialists and communicate scientific issues clearly to public audiences.
- $88k
Typical salary in Australia
- 4.3/5
Job satisfaction
Environmental scientist
Monitor and assess the impacts of human activity on the environment. Conduct research, analyse environmental challenges and recommend practical ways to prevent pollution, protect ecosystems and support sustainability.
- $95k
Typical salary in Australia
- 8.9%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Other professional areas include:
- Science journalism
- Occupational health and safety
- Biomedical science
- Environmental resources
- Government
- Education
FAQs
Deakin's campuses in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool are set in vibrant, multicultural communities where it is easy to connect and feel at home. As the #1 university in Australia for international student happiness and student satisfaction, you will be supported at every step of your journey. You can join clubs and societies through the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA), attend social events, go on trips and live on campus to meet people from around the world. Each campus has fitness centres, cafes and 24-hour security, as well as prayer rooms and multifaith chaplains.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
As an international student at Deakin, you can work part time according to the conditions of your visa. On a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during trimesters. When you are on a trimester break you can work as much as you want. Compulsory work experience that forms part of your degree does not count toward this limit. Find part-time roles and internships through DeakinTALENT and learn more about working in Australia.
Most students studying full time at Deakin need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). You can apply for this visa after you accept your offer and receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). To apply, you will need a valid passport, your CoE, proof of Overseas Student Health Cover and any other documents required by the Department of Home Affairs. Apply as early as possible, but do not book travel until your visa has been granted. Find out more about student visas.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in an undergraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin is the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. Our degrees are developed with industry insight, so you will gain career-ready skills from the beginning. Each Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities including placements, internships and projects with well-known industry partners. Our dedicated international student career support program helps you learn about the Australian workforce, make connections and build your network through placements. You will get support with your resume, help looking for an internship or a job after graduation and even advice about your career options overseas.
There is more than one way to study at Deakin. If you do not meet the academic requirements, Deakin College offers a guaranteed pathway to Deakin with small, supportive classes on campus. If you meet the academic requirements but not the English requirements, you can enrol in a Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) English pathway program and progress to your chosen Deakin degree upon successful completion. Deakin also has formal pathway agreements with partner institutions in countries like China, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and the United States, so you can start your studies locally before transferring to Australia to complete your degree.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science?
Complement your understanding of science with arts skills such as critical thinking and strong communication to broaden your thinking and career opportunities.
Build foundations across disciplines
Establish disciplinary foundations early
Investigate introductory scientific methods alongside humanities perspectives, building a balanced base in evidence, interpretation and communication.
Commence arts major study
Select from over 30 arts study areas including history, education, sport journalism and performing arts.
Develop academic and research skills
Practise analysis, argument construction and data interpretation, building capabilities that support both scientific inquiry and critical thinking.
Shape your academic focus
Explore career pathways
Begin thinking about your future career with support for early-stage career development and planning.
Strengthen applied learning skills
Assessments and projects develop your ability to interpret evidence, frame questions and communicate findings clearly for varied audiences.
Broaden your perspective through choice
Electives allow you to extend knowledge, deepen expertise or connect fields, helping you shape a degree aligned with your interests.
Applying knowledge in practice
Learn through experience
Participate in volunteer work, study tours, overseas study, industry projects or placements to apply theory and build industry connections.
Advance discipline knowledge
Engage with more challenging material that strengthens critical analysis, experimental reasoning and cross-disciplinary thinking.
Extend learning beyond the classroom
Gain practical experience through modern science laboratories and by completing a community science project or industry-based learning placement.
Consolidate expertise and graduate
Complete advanced study sequences
Final units deepen your focus areas while reinforcing your combined expertise and professional capability.
Undertake applied projects
Extended projects or investigations allow you to integrate research, analysis and communication in meaningful contexts.
Prepare for diverse careers
Graduate with scientific literacy, critical insight and adaptable thinking valued across industry, government and research.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science, you must pass 32 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Compulsory 0-credit point units
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
Employability sequence units
Plus 1 credit point from:
Plus 1 credit point from:
Majors and Minors
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
One (1) approved Arts major sequences of 8 credit points selected from A310 Bachelor of Arts Major/Minor listing, the remaining credit point(s) may be used to undertake a Bachelor of Arts minor sequence or to take additional elective units chosen from the Bachelor of Arts. A minimum of 4 credit points at level 3 of Arts coded units.
- Animation (Minor)
- Anthropology (Major and Minor)
- Arabic (Minor)~
- Chinese (Minor)~
- Criminology (Major and Minor)
- Design Thinking (Minor)
- Education (Major and Minor)
- English - Children's Literature (Major and Minor)
- English - Creative Writing (Major and Minor)
- English - Literature (Major and Minor)
- Film and Television Studies (Major and Minor)
- Gender and Sexuality Studies (Major and Minor)
- Global Challenges (Minor)
- History (Major and Minor)
- Indigenous Studies (Major and Minor)
- Indonesian (Minor)~
- International Relations (Major and Minor)
- Media and Communication (Major and Minor)
- Media Studies (Major and Minor)
- Middle East Studies (Major and Minor)
- Performing Arts (Major and Minor)
- Philosophy (Major and Minor)
- Politics and Policy Studies (Major and Minor)
- Public Relations Studies (Major and Minor)
- Religious Studies (Major and Minor)
- Social Media (Major and Minor)
- Sociology (Major and Minor)
- Spanish (Minor)~
- Sport and Society (Minor)
- Sport Journalism (Major and Minor)
- Strategic Advertising (Major and Minor)
- UX* Design (Minor)
- Visual Arts and Photography (Major and Minor)
- Visual Communication Design (Major and Minor)
- Web Design (Minor)
*UX refers to User Experience
~ Burwood (Melbourne) offering offered to continuing students
Compulsory 0-credit point units
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
To be completed in the first year of study:
Units
Choose one from:
# Must have successfully completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit)
∼ Mathematics - choose one from:
∼ Please note:
- It is recommended that students intending to take the Chemistry, Human Biology, Cell Biology and Genomics, Animal Biology, Plant Biology or Environmental Science majors undertake SIT191 Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis.
- students intending to take the Chemistry major and who have not previously completed VCE Maths Methods (units 3 and 4) are advised to alternatively undertake SIT190 Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs.
- students intending to take the Mathematical Modelling major who have not completed VCE Maths Methods (units 3 and 4) are strongly advised to first complete SIT190 Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs.
Students intending to take the Mathematical Modelling major are not required to complete SIT190 Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs or SIT191 Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis, however, they are able to undertake SIT190/ SIT191 as electives.
Chemistry - choose one from:
^Assumed knowledge: SLE133 Chemistry in our World or high achievement in VCE Chemistry 3 and 4 (or equivalent).
Please note: SLE155 Chemistry for the Professional Sciences is a required prerequisite when undertaking the Cell Biology and Genomics and Chemistry majors.
Majors and Minors
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
Students must complete at least one major from the following areas:
- Animal Biology*
- Cell Biology and Genomics
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Food Science
- Human Biology
- Mathematical Modelling
- Plant Biology*
*Enrolment in a Trimester 3 study period is compulsory
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Science (Chemistry major) has been professionally accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI). Graduates of this course are encouraged to apply for membership of the respective local branch of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
You may be required to complete units in Trimester 3 depending on your chosen major. Please refer to the Handbook for unit offering patterns.
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.
However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered online. International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as online study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Arts (A310) | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Science (S320) |
|---|---|
| Demonstrate a broad and coherent body of knowledge in the Arts disciplines, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines or areas of practice. | Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of the scientific disciplines of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and the environment within the chosen major area(s) of study to demonstrate a deep understanding of scientific facts, scientific practices and the edifice of science. Apply technical knowledge and skills and use them in a range of activities, in a professional and/or academic setting within the major area(s) of study; this application of technical knowledge and skills being characterised by demonstrable in-depth knowledge of scientific methods and tools, and demonstrable proficiency in the utilisation of chosen major area(s) knowledge. Use hypotheses, laws, facts and theories to investigate, test, analyse, and evaluate scientific data and demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement and responsibility to argue about characteristics and aspects of scientific theory in the advancement of science. |
| Demonstrate highly developed skills in oral, written and electronic communication and the ability to communicate research outcomes, and produce scholarly papers. | Demonstrate listening skills and the ability to use a range of communication skills to accommodate, encourage and answer audience questions. Articulate the boundaries or limits of scientific information, experimental or field data, discuss error, probability, uncertainty, conclusions and arguments. Judge how well to present essential details of scientific procedures, key observations, results and conclusions in a professional manner using appropriate style, language and references including local, national, and international contributions or contexts. |
| Research, analyse, synthesise and disseminate information using a range of appropriate technologies and resources in a rapidly-changing global environment. | Use well-developed technical skills, judgement and responsibility to independently locate, analyse, evaluate the merits of, synthesise and disseminate scientific literature, information, data and results. |
| Use critical and analytical thinking and judgement in selecting and applying appropriate theories and methodologies to evaluate information and knowledge about society, culture and the arts. | Locate and evaluate scientific information from multiple sources and use scientific methods and frameworks to structure and plan observations, experimentation or fieldwork investigations. Use critical and analytical thinking and judgement to analyse, synthesise and generate an integrated knowledge, formulate hypotheses and test them against evidence-based scientific concepts and principles. |
| Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate solutions to unpredictable and sometimes complex problems in the Humanities, Social Sciences and the Creative Arts, including cross-disciplinary approaches. | Use initiative and creativity in planning, identifying and using multiple approaches to recognise, clarify, construct and solve problems taking into account relevant contextual factors. Advocate scientific methodologies, hypotheses, laws, facts and principles to create solutions to authentic real world problems. |
| Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility and accountability for personal actions and a continued commitment to learning in personal, professional, and scholarly contexts. | Take personal, professional and social responsibility within changing professional science contexts to develop autonomy as learners and evaluate own performance. Work autonomously, responsibly and safely to solve unstructured problems and actively apply knowledge of regulatory frameworks and scientific methodologies to make informed choices. |
| Work and learn collaboratively with colleagues, other professionals and members of the wider community. | Work independently and collaboratively as a team to contribute towards achieving team goals and thereby demonstrate interpersonal skills including the ability to brainstorm, negotiate, resolve conflicts, managing difficult and awkward conversations, provide constructive feedback and work in diverse professional, social and cultural contexts. |
| Demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues, cultural diversity, and social responsibility when engaging in scholarship and professional roles in the local, national or international community. | Apply scientific knowledge and skills with a high level of autonomy, judgement, responsibility and accountability in collaboration with others to articulate the place and importance of science in the local and global community. |
Approved at Faculty Board February 2022
- Award granted
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400314393 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400514393 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place - Deakin code
- D311
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 085868M Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$44,800
for 1 yr full-time AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarships
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Apply through VTAC
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you must submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). In addition, you may also apply directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Alternate exits
- Associate Degree of Arts (A250)
- Bachelor of Arts (A310)
- Bachelor of Science (S320)
- Diploma of Arts (A215)