Choosing a unit
Use the Search for a unit feature in the Deakin handbook to find a non-award unit that interests you.
* Financial planning units
The studies you'll be required to undertake as an adviser to satisfy the Financial Adviser Standards education requirements depends on your previous studies.
Financial Adviser Standards has determined that existing advisers with an approved degree will be required to complete one unit covering Financial Adviser Standards' Code of Ethics by no later than January 2026.
Existing advisers with a relevant degree in a related field of study will be required to complete three bridging courses (equivalent to a Deakin unit), plus one Financial Adviser Standards compliant unit.
Students can elect to study the bridging unit, or units, as single units of study as per the table below. All four units can be studied in the Graduate Certificate of Financial Planning.
More information on the specific education requirements can be found in the Financial Adviser Standards Education Requirements policy.
* Law units
You can only undertake a law unit if you're re-qualifying for practice or an overseas trained professional looking to practise in Australia. You need to be a law graduate (entitled or eligible to practise as a legal practitioner in Australia or overseas).
Australia's six states and two territories each have separate admission boards with varying requirements for law practitioners. The first step is to contact the governing body in the state in which you intend to practice.
In Victoria, this body is the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB). If you are an overseas law graduate, VLAB will assess your qualifications and determine the areas of study you need to undertake in order to qualify for practice in Victoria. VLAB will supply you with a letter outlining the unit/s you need to enrol in. This letter must be supplied with your application.
Check the VLAB table below for equivalent units of study as some units require you to enrol in two parts. For example, to complete the property unit, you'll have to undertake both MLL327 Property and MLL325 Land Law to comply.
Using a single unit as a pathway to a course
If you complete a non-award unit successfully, it may be counted as credit towards a degree course at Deakin. If you enjoy your single-unit study experience at Deakin and decide to apply for an award course, submit a course application and include your completed unit on a recognition of prior learning application.
Cross-institutional unit applications
Students from other universities can apply to enrol in units at Deakin. Similarly, Deakin students can apply to enrol in units at another university.
How to apply
To apply for single-unit/non-award study, submit your application online via the Deakin Course and Scholarship applicant portal. Apply for multiple units in one trimester in a single application if you like and you'll be notified of the outcome by email. To study units in a subsequent trimester, you'll have to submit another online application.
Applications are now open
The Deakin Application Portal has made applying for your ultimate course easier than ever. Plus, you can chat with our application experts on 1800 693 888 if you need support at any step.
Fees
Deakin charges fees for single-unit/non-award enrolments as they aren't Commonwealth supported places. The cost of each unit depends on the government-classified area of study to which the unit belongs. To find information about specific unit fees check our non-award information for domestic and international students.
Rights and responsibilities
Just like a degree student, you'll be expected to complete all administrative, academic and examination requirements to get formal recognition that you've completed the unit properly. Once enrolled, you'll have the same rights and responsibilities as other Deakin students.
Computing requirements
At Deakin, we make extensive use of technology in our teaching. To study at Deakin you are required to have:
- access to a device such as a desktop computer or laptop
- connectivity to the internet
- capability to use Deakin's online learning environments.
Financial assistance
Single-unit students aren't eligible for university loans, financial assistance from Centrelink, grants, HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP (except bridging training for overseas trained professionals who may be eligible Government assistance.)
You'll be expected to meet all costs associated with the fees for single units.
Employer or sponsor fee payments
If your single-unit fees are being paid by an employer or a sponsor, please contact Student Central to make arrangements.