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  • an Australian citizen;
  • an Australian permanent resident;
  • an Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder;
  • a New Zealand citizen.

International student

You are an international student if you are:

  • a temporary resident (visa status) of Australia;
  • a permanent resident (visa status) of New Zealand;
  • a resident or citizen of any other country, intending to study on a student visa.
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Course overview

Out-earn other arts grads in Victoria with a Deakin arts degree*. Now is your time to unlock your potential, creativity and realise your purpose.

Choosing arts at Deakin means backing your future: one in four Deakin arts graduates hold leadership or managerial roles and one in 10 are chief executives or managing directors. A Deakin arts degree launches careers with purpose, adaptability and global reach.

With us, you’ll be empowered to explore a diverse range of majors and minors in a way that suits you – from Indigenous studies and digital cultures to history, media and communication, education and more. Personalise your degree with topics that you care about and choose to fulfill your potential in a career that you love.

You will graduate with skills employers crave: exceptional communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership. This is why two-thirds of Australia’s workforce have humanities and social sciences degrees, as do two in three CEOs of ASX200 listed companies^.

Want to find your purpose and develop the critical skills to make an impact?

A Deakin Bachelor of Arts will prepare you to thrive in your career and reach new heights personally and professionally. You’ll explore meaningful ideas that matter to you, preparing you to make a positive impact on the world. Through exceptional learning experiences, you will develop nuanced perspectives about current social justice issues. You will also learn transferable skills – such as critical thinking, one of the most in-demand skills for the next five years according to the 2025 World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report. By studying arts, humanities and social sciences, you will better understand yourself, what you stand for and the world around you. Design your own learning and future career by combining specific majors and minors your way. Choose from over thirty majors and minors including:

You can even explore the possibility of studying a double major in the Bachelor of Arts. You will learn from leading academics and passionate practitioners who are engaged in industry and actively collaborating on key social issues. Our academics will support your personal growth and inspire you to push boundaries with your bold ideas. You will join a vibrant community of curious and creative minds who are passionate about delving into ideas that matter. Be supported by Deakin to design your internship. Choose from 600+ employers or craft your own. You can choose to:

All while learning critical skills and being fully supported by the Work Integrated Learning Team. Built into your degree is the employability sequence, designed to build on your career aspirations and entrepreneurial skills. You will engage with industry through networking opportunities and build your personal brand. From your first year of study, we work with you to develop your career objectives, building your confidence and essential skills. From day one, you will have the flexibility to study your degree your way. Slow down or speed up your studies, combine courses or study on-campus or via our leading online learning platform. You might also want to consider a Bachelor of Arts double degree at Deakin. You will:

Choose from commerce, laws, IT, international relations, and teaching – a double degree will save you time and money.

Interested in majoring in psychology? Consider our Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and gain insight into why people think, feel and behave the way they do, while developing critical, transferable skills. At Deakin, you won’t just talk about ideas; you will learn by doing and discover how to put them into action. Our hands-on experiential learning gives you the critical skills to make an impact and curate a future career you love. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can enrol in Deakin’s Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) through the National Indigenous Knowledges, Education, Research and Innovation (NIKERI) Institute. NIKERI offers culturally respectful, flexible, and accredited programs that combine week-long on-campus intensives with supported online learning. Your studies will be grounded in shared cultural values and designed to balance learning with your community commitments. Learn more at deakin.edu.au/NIKERI.

*Source: Median graduate income five years out, humanities, culture and social sciences, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023

^The Dassh report HASS and the Future Workforce – DASSH

Current Deakin students

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

Award granted
Bachelor of Arts
Year

2026 course information

VTAC code
1400314103 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400514103 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
Deakin code
A310
CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
109270F 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

GAIN VITAL INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Arts, you must pass 24 credit points. This includes:

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.

All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

We offer a unit that is specifically designed to help students with the transition to university study:

  • Introduction to University Study AIX160

    • New students are encouraged to enrol in this unit in their first year.

    Your selection of Major/s, Minor/s, and electives will enable you to design a unique Bachelor of Arts which best suits your needs.

    3
    Employability units
    +
    16
    Major or Minor units
    +
    5
    Elective units
    =
    24
    Total

    Compulsory 0-credit point module

    To be completed in the first trimester of study:

    Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin
    DAI001

    Employability sequence

    Your Future Direction
    AWL100

    Plus 1 credit point from:

    Leadership and Transformation
    AWL200
    Communication and Persuasive Presentation
    AWL201
    Entrepreneurial Mindset
    AWL202
    Expand Your Experience
    AWL203

    Plus 1 credit point from:

    Internship
    AWL300
    Enhance Your Experience
    AWL301
    Your Professional Story
    AWL302

    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.

    • Start date: March
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
      • Online
    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
      • Online
    • Start date: November
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
      • Online

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

    More skills, more careers

    Earn two degrees, faster, at the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. With a double degree, you can combine an arts degree with information technology, laws, science, international relations, teaching, business, commerce or health sciences. Save time, reduce costs and unlock more career opportunities.

    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.

    Mandatory student checks

    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.

    Participation requirements

    Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

    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.

    A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.

    If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.

    Academic requirements

    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

    • Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent

    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)

    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 2026 students (PDF, 879KB) – 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.

    Online studies

    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.

    Recognition of prior learning

    If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for credit transfer. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your credit transfer.

    Your credit transfer is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.

    You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place

    $37,400 for 1 yr full-time AUD
    Learn more about fees and your options for paying.

    The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of 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 eight credit points of a typical combination of units for this 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 international student fees.

    Scholarship options

    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.

    Find a scholarship that can support you

    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 STUDYLINK CONNECT

    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.

    APPLY THROUGH VTAC

    Need more information on how to apply?

    For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, visit the How to apply webpage.
    If you need assistance, please contact us.

    Pathways

    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 Criminology, 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.

    Articulated courses:

    Career outcomes

    In an ever-changing complex world, society needs bright and agile minds to help us understand the human experience and impact our collective future for the better. Students who study humanities and social sciences are uniquely equipped to shed light on critical issues with nuance and sensitivity. The mastery of critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills is needed for future leaders and is highly sought-after by employers across a vast spectrum of industries.

    Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment.** With us you can step-into your future with confidence. You will have the skills, knowledge and professional networks to start your career anywhere in the world and thrive in a range of industries.

    Affect change in fields that matter, spanning environmental, social, political or creative realms.

    You will curate your future career from day one, personalising your degree so that it fully aligns with your unique interests and values. Graduate ready to hit the ground running with the unique and competitive skill sets required for specific careers across a variety of sectors, including in fields like:

    At Deakin, you will feel supported as you shape your future career, whether you want to work in a specific sector or industry, an emerging job of the future or even create a dream career that might not yet exist – a world of opportunity awaits.

    For more information go to DeakinTALENT.

    **Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2023, Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT). The #1 graduate employment is based on overall employment for domestic undergraduates of Victorian universities, 4–6 months after course completion, with an equal overall employment rate with Monash University.

    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.

    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.

    Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes Course Learning Outcomes
    Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities 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.
    Communication 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.
    Digital literacy 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
    Critical thinking 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.
    Problem solving Integrate cognitive, methodological, and creative skills to generate and communicate innovative approaches to unpredictable and complex problems
    Self-management 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.
    Teamwork Collaborate effectively and contribute constructively to team objectives with colleagues, other professionals, and members of the wider community in diverse professional and scholarly contexts.
    Global citizenship 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

    *Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.

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