1 in 4 Deakin arts graduates hold leadership roles
Employability units are built into the degree
Choose from 600+ employers for internships
Why choose arts at Deakin
Unlock your potential with a Deakin Bachelor of Arts degree: one in four Deakin arts graduates hold leadership or managerial roles and one in 10 are chief executives or managing directors. Fuel your creativity and launch a career with purpose, adaptability and global reach.
Be empowered to explore a diverse range of over 30 study areas in a way that suits you – from Indigenous studies and digital cultures to history, media studies, education and more. Personalise your degree with topics you care about to build a career you will love. As AI, automation and global change reshape careers, Deakin’s Bachelor of Arts prepares students to navigate uncertainty with enduring skills in communication, creativity, collaboration and critical thinking. It’s why two-thirds of Australia’s workforce have humanities and social sciences degrees, as do two in three CEOs of ASX200 listed companies.
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Find your purpose
Tailor your degree to your interests. Choose from over 30 study areas including history, international relations, education, Indigenous knowledge and more.
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Early career focus
Build on your career aspirations and entrepreneurial skills from the start. Network with industry, develop your personal brand, volunteer, attend conferences or take a study tour.
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Supportive learning
Deakin academics are leaders in their fields. They will mentor and collaborate with you as you explore social issues, community organisations and industry partners.
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Learn through experiences
Intern, study overseas, complete industry projects. Be supported by Deakin as you design your internship or choose from 600+ employers.
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
Deakin arts graduates are uniquely equipped to shed light on critical issues. The mastery of critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills is needed for future leaders and is highly sought-after across a range of industries.
Marketing communication specialist
Plan, create and deliver marketing communications across digital, print and campaign channels to build brand awareness, engage audiences and support business goals.
- $95k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 12,900
More advertising and marketing jobs
Policy analyst
Work with the government or other large organisations to assist in the planning and development of policies. Review current policies and analyse data to assist with policy creation and modification.
- $110k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 1,893
Jobs advertised
Professional areas
- Culture and creative arts
- Education
- Government and NGOs
- Media, writing and communications
- Language and international relations
“My arts degree taught me how to read a room, pick up on context and adapt quickly. That ability to understand different perspectives has been a big part of making it work.”
Michael FiliusDeakin graduate and Director Commercial Operations, etisalat and (e& UAE)
Stories that start here
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
FAQs
A Deakin Bachelor of Arts opens doors across government, media, education, policy, the creative industries and public relations. In a study of nearly 10,000 Deakin arts graduates, one in four held leadership or managerial roles and one in 10 were chief executives or managing directors – with graduates living and working in 82 countries. Your degree gives you critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills that employers across every sector are looking for.
A high ATAR isn't the only way into your dream course. If you have prior higher education, VET study or a combination of qualifications and relevant work and life experience, you may qualify for direct entry through alternative pathways. You can also apply for the Associate Degree of Arts, a supported two-year program with a guaranteed pathway into the Bachelor of Arts and up to 16 credit points of recognition – potentially placing you straight into second year.
Deakin's Bachelor of Arts is built for real career outcomes, with one in four graduates holding leadership or managerial roles and one in 10 becoming chief executives or managing directors. With 30+ study areas spanning criminology, media, international relations and creative arts, you'll design a degree that fits your ambitions. The built-in employability sequence runs across all three years. It takes you from clarifying your career direction in first year through to an internship or shaping your professional story in third year, so you graduate career-ready, not just qualified.
Choose a major based on your career goals. For example, criminology and politics and policy studies suit careers in law enforcement, policy, justice and related sectors. International relations pairs well with diplomacy, global organisations and NGO pathways. If you're drawn to media and communication and strategic advertising, these study areas lead into journalism, PR and marketing roles. Creative writing suits publishing and content creation, and visual communication design opens doors in graphic design. Combining two complementary majors can also broaden your career options across industries.
You'll build the skills employers consistently rank as most sought-after: critical thinking, communication, problem-solving and leadership – capabilities that are increasingly vital as AI transforms the workplace. The 2025 World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report lists critical thinking as one of the most in-demand skills for the next five years. Through Deakin's employability sequence and work-integrated learning, you'll also develop your professional brand and expand your network of industry contacts.
*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?
Explore meaningful ideas that matter to you. Prepare to make a positive impact on the world and reach new heights personally and professionally.
Build foundations
Commence major study from day one
Choose from over 30 study areas including anthropology, digital cultures, politics and policy studies, and Middle East studies.
Broaden your skill set
Add electives, or a minor that complements your majors, and expand your versatility.
Career pathways
It’s never too early to start thinking about your future career. Benefit from career development tools, services and strategies to ensure you graduate job-ready.
Strengthen your studies
Undertake an internship
Take the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and expand your industry connections.
Develop professional capabilities
Build crucial communication, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Deepen understanding and perspective
Strengthen your specialist knowledge while connecting current global challenges to social justice issues.
Specialise and apply
Prepare for future careers
Build professional capabilities through employability units, clarify your career goals, strengthen your leadership and communication skills and explore internships.
Complete your major sequence
Finalise advanced discipline units along with any remaining electives.
Translate theory into practice
Tackle authentic tasks and projects that reflect industry challenges.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Arts, you must pass 24 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 module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
Employability sequence
Plus 1 credit point from:
Plus 1 credit point from:
A major or minor sequence is a group of units in a particular area of study taken over the three levels of your course. Each unit is usually worth 1 credit point.
A major sequence is made up of 8 credit points, and a minor sequence is made of 4 credit points.
Please check the rules of each major and minor sequence to see which units you need to complete to achieve the required credit points.
Students enrolled in other courses and faculties may take an Arts major sequence
(8 credit points), minor sequence (4 credit points) or individual electives from these discipline areas, subject to meeting the prerequisites.
| Area of Study | Type of sequence | Availability |
| Animation | Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Anthropology | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Arabic | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Chinese | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Criminology | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Digital cultures | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Design thinking | Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Education | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| English - Children's literature | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| English - Creative writing | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| English - Literature | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Film and television studies | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Gender and sexuality studies | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Global challenges | Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| History | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Indigenous studies | Major and Minor | Online |
| Indonesian | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| International relations | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong), Online |
| Media and communication | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Media studies | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Middle east studies | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Performing arts | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Philosophy | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Politics and policy studies | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Public relations studies | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Religious studies | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Social media | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Sociology | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Spanish | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Sport and society | Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Sport journalism | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Strategic advertising | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| UX* Design (*UX refers to User Experience) | Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Visual arts and photography | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Visual communication design | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Web design | Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
Interested in majoring in psychology? Consider a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
Professional recognition
Depending on your 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.
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.
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.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can apply directly through the NIKERI Institute
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 |
|---|
| Critically analyse and synthesise a broad and coherent body of knowledge in one or more Arts disciplines, and apply specialised conceptual understanding to professional practice and/or scholarship. |
| Articulate complex ideas using oral, written and digital communication skills and create professional and /or scholarly materials that effectively impart knowledge and research findings to diverse audiences. |
| Critically evaluate the effectiveness and ethical implications of digital technologies and apply them responsibly in the creation of research and analysis that is both authentic and accountable |
| Analyse, synthesise and evaluate, complex and wide-ranging knowledge and information to create logical judgements and informed perspectives in a range of professional and academic contexts. |
| Integrate cognitive, methodological, and creative skills to generate and communicate innovative approaches to unpredictable and complex problems |
| Plan and execute actions with a high level of responsibility, accountability, and independence, while maintaining a consistent commitment to continuous learning in professional and scholarly contexts. |
| Collaborate effectively and contribute constructively to team objectives with colleagues, other professionals, and members of the wider community in diverse professional and scholarly contexts. |
| Apply culturally responsive, critically reflective and embodied self-knowledge in decolonial practice and diversity principles, to engage ethically with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples as well as diverse communities and cultures, within professional and/or scholarly contexts. |
Approved at Faculty Board May 2025
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Arts
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
Arts: 1400311241 - Regional Access Scheme - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts: 1400314101 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts: 1400514101 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts: 1400614101 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)Arts (Criminology major): 1400311911 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Criminology major): 1400511911 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Criminology major): 1400611911 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Education major): 1400511951 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Education major): 1400611951 – Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (English - Children’s Literature major): 1400311941 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (English - Children’s Literature major): 1400511941 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (English - Children’s Literature major): 1400611941 – Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (English – Creative Writing major): 1400311931 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (English - Creative Writing major): 1400511931 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (English - Creative Writing major): 1400611931 – Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (English – Literature major): 1400311921 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (English - Literature major): 1400511921 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (English - Literature major): 1400611921 – Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Film and Television Studies major): 1400512151- Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Film and Television Studies major): 1400612151 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (History major): 1400311871 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (History major): 1400511871 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (History major): 1400611871 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Indigenous Studies major): 1400612161 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Media and Communication major): 1400311971 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Media and Communication major): 1400511971 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Media and Communication major): 1400611971 – Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Philosophy major): 1400311891 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Philosophy major): 1400511891 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Philosophy major): 1400611891 – Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Politics and Policy Studies major): 1400311881 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Politics and Policy Studies major): 1400511881 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Politics and Policy Studies major): 1400611881 – Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Sociology major): 1400311901 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Sociology major): 1400511901 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Sociology major): 1400611901 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Visual Communication Design major): 1400311961 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Visual Communication Design major): 1400511961 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Arts (Visual Communication Design major): 1400611961 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)- Deakin code
- A310
- 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
$15,971
for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Apply through VTAC
Applications are open. Apply through VTAC if you're:
- currently in Year 12 and applying for Trimester 1 or Semester 1
- applying for multiple undergraduate courses
Need help? Follow our step-by-step undergraduate guide to prepare and submit your application.
Indigenous students
Deakin courses are flexible and culturally inclusive. There are multiple ways you can apply for this course, including through the NIKERI Institute and the Indigenous Access Scheme.
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.
Not sure if you'll meet entry requirements?
Deakin offers a range of pathways into the Bachelor of Arts to suit your background and goals. Explore the pathways finder to see how previous study, diplomas or alternative qualifications can lead you into the course.
Looking ahead to what's next?
If you don't have an ATAR, or it's been some time since you last studied, Deakin Uni Ready is a free online program that helps you build the academic skills and confidence needed for university study. The program prepares you for entry into a range of undergraduate degrees in arts, health, science or business.
Don’t quite meet the entry requirements for this course? The Associate Degree of Arts (A250) can be used as a guaranteed entry pathway into the Bachelor of Arts and counts as credit towards your first year of study*. You’ll gain a solid foundation of relevant knowledge and be ready to transition seamlessly into your goal degree.
Upon completing your Bachelor of Arts, you are eligible for entry into a range of specialist masters degrees which will provide opportunities for you to become a highly-skilled professional, capable of rapid career development. Students with a Bachelor of Arts may be eligible for credit in these degrees, giving you a head start and allowing you to build on your undergraduate degree in areas such as:
The Humanities and Social Sciences - with Masters offered in Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies, Humanitarianism and Development, International Relations and Politics and Policy
Communication and Creative Arts - with Masters offered in Communication, Creative Arts, and Writing and Literature
Education - the Bachelor of Arts articulates into a postgraduate preservice teaching qualification through either the Master of Teaching (Primary) or Master of Teaching (Secondary).
Further Education pathway on offer: Education (Specialist Inclusive Education)
Research pathways - A Bachelor of Arts may also lead to a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Bachelor of Communication and Creative Arts (Honours), or even a Higher Degree by Research.
*Specific units of study must be completed within A250 for full credit to be granted. We recommend speaking with one of our student advisers before selecting your units.
Early Exit Option
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts are able to exit early through the Diploma of Arts (A215). The Diploma of Arts recognises the foundational knowledge and skills in a broad range of study areas in the humanities, social sciences, creative arts, communications and languages. It provides a basic for pursuing further pathways into future undergraduate university studies.
To be eligible to exit with a Diploma of Arts, students must have completed and passed 8 credit points, including a minimum of 6 credit points at level 1 from the Bachelor of Arts.
Alternate exits
- Associate Degree of Arts (A250)
- Diploma of Arts (A215)