Guaranteed pathway to three bachelor degrees
Smaller class sizes
Up to 1 year credit towards a bachelor degree
Why choose arts at Deakin
The Associate Degree of Arts provides a supported pathway into university study and a guaranteed entry point into Deakin’s Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Criminology or Bachelor of International Studies. Designed for students beginning their university journey, the course helps you build the academic skills needed for further study.
You will develop communication, digital literacy, critical thinking and teamwork skills while completing units aligned to your chosen study area. From your first trimester, you can choose from general, criminology or international studies streams, allowing you to begin studying towards your target degree.
Smaller class sizes and a supportive learning environment help you build confidence as you transition into university study. You may also receive credit towards your bachelors degree, supporting progression into your second year.
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Your guaranteed pathway
Enter the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of International Studies or Bachelor of Criminology, with credit that may place you straight into your second year.
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Support throughout your studies
Study at Victoria’s #1 university for student support, with access to academic support, peer mentoring and learning resources to help you achieve your best.
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Gain industry-ready skills
Develop transferable skills relevant across industries and build the academic capabilities that will set you up for success at university.
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Explore future pathways
Progress with credit into bachelor degrees, including communication, psychology, health science, nursing, commerce, management or science (including marine biology).
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
Graduate with a standalone qualification or get guaranteed entry and credit towards year two in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of International Studies or Bachelor of Criminology.
Marketing communication specialist
A Bachelor of Arts prepares you to 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
A Bachelor of International Studies prepares you to research and analyse policy issues, evaluate evidence, consult stakeholders and develop advice to help governments or organisations make informed decisions.
- $110k
Typical salary in Australia
- 1,893
Jobs advertised
Industries you may work in
- Business
- Communications
- Education
- Finance
- Government
- NGOs
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
FAQs
Yes – every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning (WIL) in their degree. Each year, more than 30,000+ students complete a placement or internship with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, EY and the National Australia Bank. You can access WIL through placements, industry projects, field-based experiences, simulations and global programs, helping you apply your skills and graduate with the experience and confidence employers value.
DeakinTALENT is Deakin's award-winning career service, and you can access it for life – not just while you're studying. From personalised career coaching sessions and AI-enhanced resume support to a jobs and internships board with employment opportunities, it’s designed to give you the career management skills and connections you need to stand out. Every Deakin degree is built with input from employers, so your course is designed around real workplace needs, now and into the future.
Entry requirements and the minimum ATAR vary by degree and are detailed on the degree page, but if your ATAR is below the cut-off, you still have options. Use the pathway finder tool to find the opportunities available to you, including associate degrees and Deakin Guaranteed ATAR, which offers eligible students a guaranteed entry score that's on average 10 points below the lowest selection rank. If you don't have an ATAR, Deakin Uni Ready is a free, supported program designed to build your skills and confidence and open doors to degrees in arts, health, science and business. Access programs and equity schemes are also available.
At Deakin, employability isn't an add-on – it's built in. Our degrees are designed with industry input, so your skills are aligned to what employers actually need. Every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities such as placements, internships and industry projects, helping you build your professional network and practical experience before you even graduate. It's an approach that works: nine out of 10 Deakin graduates get a job within four to six months of finishing their degree.
Yes. Most eligible undergraduate students are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place meaning the government subsidises part of your tuition fees. If eligible, you can pay your student contribution using a HECS-HELP loan that you only start repaying once your income is above the repayment threshold. Deakin has scholarships that cater to our diverse student community, ranging from $5,000 per year for high ATAR achievers to $10,000 per year for students facing financial or personal hardship. The University also offers support services including financial counselling, budgeting help and access to short-term, interest-free loans to help you stay on track.
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for student support and that starts the moment you accept your offer. Orientation is designed to help you feel welcome and get to know your community of classmates and teachers from day one. Across all campuses, there's a vibrant student community with clubs, events and opportunities to build real friendships. Deakin offers a range of services to help students stay healthy and safe, including sport and fitness facilities, free counselling, on-campus medical services and around-the-clock security.
Yes, and it's straightforward. You can transfer to Deakin in a few steps and apply for credit through recognition of prior learning (RPL), so you won't necessarily repeat subjects you've already completed. If you're coming from a TAFE partner, you may get guaranteed entry into second year with guaranteed RPL. Deakin's three-trimester system also means you may be able to start mid-year rather than waiting until March.
Most Deakin courses run across three trimesters per year instead of the traditional two semesters. Trimester 1 begins around March, Trimester 2 around July and Trimester 3 around November, each with roughly 12 weeks of teaching followed by an exam period. This means you can usually start your degree at three different points in the year and have more flexibility to manage your study load. Check the intakes by location section on the course page for details.
*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.
^QS Stars University Ratings 2016–2017
#Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2022, Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)
What will I study in the Associate Degree of Arts?
Begin your university study by developing foundational skills in communication, digital literacy and teamwork, alongside specialised study in your chosen area.
Foundational skills
Develop core communication abilities
Learn how to write essays, complete exams, and deliver written and oral presentations.
Strengthen digital fundamentals
Explore how to evaluate, use and present digital information.
Select majors
Choose majors or electives from your preferred area in arts, criminology or international studies.
Deepening understanding
Build confidence
Complete study tasks as you expand your learning and broaden your skill set.
Focus on future pathways
Explore career direction and opportunities to showcase your experience and strengths as you progress through your studies.
Gain practical experience
Take advantage of a work-integrated learning opportunity and build industry insight with an internship.
Course structure
To complete the Associate Degree of Arts, you must pass 16 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:
Foundation units
Major Sequence areas to be chosen from the Bachelor of Arts (A310).
Please read the A310 course entry carefully for details of which major sequences are available at each campus location.
1 Employability sequence* credit point from the list below
OR
2 units from a first major sequence at level 1
2 units from a second major sequence at level 1
2 units from first major sequence at level 2
2 units from second major sequence at level 2
2 additional units from either the first or second major at level 2
1 additional unit from either the first or second major at level 2 OR 1 elective at level 1 or 2**
Maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
*AWL2XX must be taken in year 2
**Electives may be taken from inside or outside the Faculty of Arts and Education. Electives in year 1 are recommended to be level 1 only.
***Students who wish to undertake a double major in the Bachelor of Arts must take an additional unit in that major rather than elective.
Plus 6 electives at level 1 or 2 *
Maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
* Electives may be taken inside or outside the Faculty of Arts and Education. Electives in year 1 are recommended to be level 1 only.
Major sequence areas to be chosen from the Bachelor of International Studies (A326).
Please read the A326 course entry carefully for details of which major sequences are available at each campus location.
and
2 units from an International Studies major sequence at level 1
4 units from an International Studies major sequence at level 2
2 elective units at level 1 or 2*
*Electives may be taken inside or outside the Faculty of Arts and Education. Electives in year 1 are recommended to be level 1 only.
Students and Applicants seeking to undertake the International Studies stream
Travel between campuses will be required to complete the International Studies stream. The International Studies steam will be taught at Waterfront campus and elective units will be taught at the Waurn Ponds Campus.
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.
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.
General stream
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Acquire broad theoretical knowledge of and academic skills in the Arts, with some depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines or areas of practice in the Humanities, Social Sciences and/or the Creative Arts. Develop cognitive, technical and creative skills to understand discipline specific language in the Arts and apply this knowledge in employment contexts or for further studies. |
| Acquire skills in oral, written and electronic communication and the ability to use these skills to coherently present knowledge and ideas in a range or contexts. |
| Research, analyse and communicate information in using knowledge of, and technical skills in a range of digital technologies. |
| Use cognitive skills to identify analyse and critically evaluate information through the application of principles, concepts and techniques in one or more disciplines or areas of practice in the Humanities, Social Sciences and/or the Creative Arts. |
| Apply cognitive, technical and analytical skills and knowledge of principles and concepts in the Arts to investigate and transmit responses to sometimes complex problems in the Humanities, Social Sciences and/or the Creative Arts. |
| Act with autonomy, responsibility and accountability in learning and working independently and in collaboration with others in professional, and scholarly contexts. |
| Work and learn collaboratively with others and as a member of a team. |
| Understand and appreciate international perspectives in a global environment and act with awareness of ethics, cultural diversity and social responsibility in academic and work environments. |
Criminology stream
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Review and analyse major social science theories and key criminological concepts, theories and technical knowledge relating to crime and criminal justice issues, including the causes and consequences of crime, ways of responding to crime, and core debates in policing and security as well as broader issues of policy and politics, inclusion and exclusion, governing and governance, security, social justice, citizenship and human rights. |
| Effectively communicate the findings and analyses of criminological concepts, theories and technical knowledge, in a selection of written, digital and oral formats, to a range of audiences. |
| Employ a range of generic and specialist criminal justice-specific digital communication technologies to apply criminological knowledge, conduct research and deliver reports and presentations to a diverse range of audiences. |
| Analyse and critically evaluate theoretical approaches to crime problems and current policies and practices of governments and criminal justice practitioners and professions. |
| Employ initiative and creativity in conjunction with accepted evidence-based criminological methods to identify solutions to sometimes complex problems in criminology. |
| Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a continued commitment to learning and skills development in the criminological field. |
| Work and learn collaboratively with others in the criminology field and from different disciplines and backgrounds while still maintaining responsibility for their own learning. |
| Analyse and address criminological issues in the domestic and global context taking into consideration cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility and the application of the highest ethical standards. |
International Studies Stream
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Review, analyse and apply key concepts in International Studies relating to international politics and society, globalisation and development, intercultural competency, global citizenship including issues of human rights, race, gender and sexuality; professional development with reference to one or more Social Science disciplinary perspectives and appropriate theories and technical knowledge. |
| Apply learnings from personal and professional development in diverse organizational contexts to effectively communicate cross-cultural ideas, arguments and analyses to diverse audiences using a range of different mediums. |
| Employ a range of digital technologies and platforms to conduct research, engage in discussion and debate, document personal and professional skills and attributes, communicate effectively with and deliver reports and presentations to a diverse range of audiences within and outside the field of International Studies. |
| Analyse and critically evaluate conceptual and theoretical approaches to issues of international politics and society, intercultural competency, global citizenship, and professional development in the context of an increasingly complex globalised world that requires appreciation of local, national, regional and international dynamics and their interactions. |
| Employ initiative and creativity in conjunction with appropriate Social Science methods of research and analysis to systematically investigate and generate context-sensitive and pragmatic solutions to complex real-world problems. |
| Exercise autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a sustained and ongoing commitment to learning and skill development in International Studies contexts including but not limited to communities of practice and scholarship. |
| Work and learn collaboratively and productively with others in the field of International Studies and with stakeholders from other disciplines and backgrounds to achieve shared goals. |
| Analyse and respond appropriately to issues of cultural, social and political inequity; the transferability of knowledge and skills in different geographic, knowledge and organisational contexts as a reflective scholar and practitioner, taking into consideration cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility and adherence to professional and academic ethical standards. |
- Award granted
- Associate Degree of Arts
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400310251 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400510251 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) - Deakin code
- A250
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 6
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$15,518
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
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best.
Warrnambool Residential Scholarships
Planning to study at our Warrnambool Campus? The Deakin Warrnambool Residential Scholarship could help make your move easier, with support towards the cost of living on campus.
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 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.
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.
Pathways
Students who successfully complete the A250 Associate Degree of Arts are guaranteed entry into A310 Bachelor of Arts (General stream students) or A329 Bachelor of Criminology (Criminology Stream students) or A326 Bachelor of International Studies (International Studies Stream students) and may receive up to 16 credit points of Recognition of prior learning into these courses.
Following successful completion of the Associate Degree of Arts, students may also apply to transition, with credit, into a selected range of other Bachelor degrees, including Communications, Psychology, Health Science, Nursing, Commerce, Management or Science (including Marine Biology).