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Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts

Undergraduate degree

Foster your creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Build a unique set of transferrable skills across business and the arts that will set you apart.

Domestic International

Domestic student information

Key facts

ATAR

Burwood:
60.35
Waterfront:
62.6
Online:
NP?
Lowest selection rank

Duration

4 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2024 close 23 June 2024

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2024 close 27 October 2024

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

Want a career rich with diverse experiences? The Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts combined course helps you build transferable skills that will equip you for a wide range of career opportunities, now and in the future. Enjoy opportunities to explore your creativity and the freedom to study more of what interests you, with a huge range of business and arts specialisations to choose from.

By combining knowledge from both specialisations, you can graduate with a unique skill set that sets you apart. For example, you can major in both media and communication and social media to develop dual expertise that is valued across all areas of business, media and marketing. Better still, you will gain plenty of practical experience that prepares you for the everyday challenges of business, including industry placements, work-integrated learning and overseas study tours.

If you are aspiring to become a leader in business, why not graduate with a set of complementary skills that boost your employability?

The arts component of the degree allows you to hone your critical thinking skills while the business component of the degree trains you to think with an entrepreneurial mindset, developing the foundations of your business expertise.

You will study core units that have been determined by looking at emerging growth areas in industry such as financial literacy, marketing fundamentals and the global economy, then tailor your degree to your interests and career goals by choosing from the following majors:

  • event management
  • organisational psychology
  • people management
  • project management
  • retail and supply chain management
  • business and digital communication
  • entrepreneurship and innovation
  • sustainability and development.

The flexibility doesn't stop there. Create a truly unique degree by choosing from a range of over 35 arts majors, from visual arts and photography and public relations studies to social media or visual communication design. This level of customisation allows you to study the units that are important to you, and the diverse skills you develop open the door to a world of career opportunities.

Just as important as what you learn is how you learn it. Deakin Business School's work integrated-learning (WIL) opportunities allow you to apply the skills you learn in the classroom in industry settings.

You'll solve practical business challenges, explore innovative and emerging business trends and prepare for the nuances of international business relationships. This practical experience is invaluable – there is no better way to prepare yourself for the everyday, practical challenges of modern businesses. The networks you create through WIL placements can be of significant benefit to your career. Be ready for your chosen industry by taking on a variety of other practical learning opportunities including:

  • mentoring
  • volunteering
  • consulting
  • internships.

You can also improve your global employability skills in teamwork and intercultural communication by gaining international experience across Asia, Europe or North America through overseas internships and study tours.

Read More

Course information

Award granted
Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Arts
Year

2024 course information

VTAC code
1400410641 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400510641 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400610641 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Deakin code
D330
CRICOS code?
0100730 Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)
Level
Undergraduate
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Business/ Bachelor of Arts, students must attain a total of 32 credit points consisting of 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Business and 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Arts. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point. Course requirements for both the Bachelor of Business (M325) and the Bachelor of Arts (A310) must be satisfied. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake 2 trimesters each year.

Compulsory 0-credit point unit (to be completed in first trimester of study):-

The 16 credit points of Business units include:-

  • 8 credit points of Bachelor of Business core (foundation) units: MAA104, MAE120, MIS203, MMK101, MMM132, MMM267, plus 2 Personal Skills units - MMM111 and MMM311
  • A prescribed Bachelor of Business 8 credit point major

The 16 credit points of Arts units include:-

  • Either the Global Challenge sequence (3 credit points) or Employability sequence (3 credit points) and
  • One major sequence (8 credit points) as described under the course A310 Bachelor of Arts.
  • The remaining credit points may be used to undertake a Bachelor of Arts minor sequence or additional elective units chosen from A310 Bachelor of Arts.
  • A minimum of 4 credit points at level 3 of Arts coded units

Course requirements for both the Bachelor of Business (M325) and the Bachelor of Arts (A310) must be satisfied.

16

Business units

16

Arts units

32

Total

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

Trimester 1 - March

  • Start date: March
  • Available at:
    • Burwood (Melbourne)
    • Waterfront (Geelong)
    • Online

Trimester 2 - July

  • Start date: July
  • Available at:
    • Burwood (Melbourne)
    • Waterfront (Geelong)
    • Online

Trimester 3 - November

  • Start date: November
  • Available at:
    • Burwood (Melbourne)
    • Online

Students and Applicants to Geelong Waterfront Campus
Travel between campuses will be required to complete this combined degree. The Bachelor of Business degree will be taught at Waterfront campus and the Bachelor of Arts degree will be taught at the Waurn Ponds Campus.

Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).

Additional course information

Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Mandatory student checks

Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.

Workload

As a student in the Faculty of Business and Law, you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Participation requirements

Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Entry requirements

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

Academic requirements

Current or recent secondary education

If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

Year 12 prerequisite subjects

  • Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL

ATAR

This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection consideration.

Higher education

If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

  • successful completion of at least two credit points in an equivalent (AQF Level 7) bachelor degree. 

Vocational education

If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

  • completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
  • completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
  • at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline

Work and life experience

If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and haven’t undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.

Submit a cover letter outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.

English language proficiency requirements

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

  • Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 20 in any other English
  • IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
  • other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

Selection adjustments

Subject adjustment

A study score of 30 in Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Art, any Business, Dance, Drama, English other than EAL, any Humanities, any Information Technology, any LOTE, Media, Creative And Digital Media (VCE VET) I, any Music, Maths: Further Mathematics, Studio Arts, Theatre Studies or Visual Communication Design equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.  

Access and equity

Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.

Admissions information

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2023 students (PDF, 354KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.

Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.

Recognition of prior learning

The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

Fees and scholarships

Fee information

Estimated tuition fee - (CSP)?
$14,985 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Learn more about fees.

The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.  Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value.

The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.  You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.  Learn more about fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website.

Scholarship options

A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships

Apply now

Apply through VTAC

Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 open in August. Each year, thousands of students prepare for uni with the help of Deakin support services. We offer a huge range of support, including one-on-one consultations, webinars, online resources and events throughout the year.

Apply direct to Deakin

Some of our courses have limited places available - for the latest on courses still open for application, visit Courses by trimester.

Create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, start your application, enter personal details, education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.

Download the course flyer

To learn more about what a Bachelor of Arts at Deakin has to offer, download our course flyer.

Entry pathways

View pathways into the Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts with our pathways finder.

Alternative exits

Contact information

Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

Careers

Career outcomes

By studying the Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts, you will be setting yourself up with a wide-ranging skill set for the jobs of the future. Not only will your entrepreneurial mindset be highly valued across many industries but your transferable skills will allow you to adapt and thrive in a variety of roles.

Depending on your majors, you will have the practical experience needed to be successful as a:

  • business analyst
  • business operations, event, retail or project manager
  • digital communications manager
  • journalist
  • marketing or media manager
  • photographer
  • policy developer
  • public relations practitioner
  • sustainability manager.

Professional recognition

Deakin Business School holds both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. These prestigious accreditations are awarded to business schools that meet strict standards of quality, academic and professional excellence, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation in their courses, ensuring our graduates are employable worldwide.

Depending on your arts specialisation, certain majors are accredited by relevant bodies. If you choose public relations, you will study subjects accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia. Our design-related units are also recognised by the Design Institute of Australia.

Course learning outcomes

Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

Please refer to the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) of the single degree.