Key facts
Duration
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
Course overview
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.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2027 close 7 February 2027
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- 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
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Course structure
To complete the Associate Degree of Arts you must pass 16 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 4 credit points of core units
- 12 credit points of units taken from the General stream, Criminology stream or the International Studies stream
- a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1.
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.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
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.
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)
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Course duration
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.
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.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, haven't completed Year 12 or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- successful completion of a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education
- completion of a certificate III or higher in any discipline
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- secondary schooling in English
- IELTS 5.5
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
All applicants for the Associate Degree of Arts must complete the Associate Degree of Arts Personal Statement Form where in approximately 500-words, you provide your name, highest qualification and an outline of your motivation to study and future aspirations.
Access and equity
Equity schemes and scholarships, formerly known as Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS), enable Deakin to consider any disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and how these have impacted your studies. Equity schemes help us identify whether you are from an under-represented group when making selection decisions for certain courses. It's important to note that participation in an equity scheme does not exempt you from meeting the standard course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's equity schemes and scholarships.
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.
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 (RPL) 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) ?Enrolling in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees directly to Deakin, and you pay a 'student contribution'.
$15,518 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Learn more about fees.
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.
Scholarship options
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. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Search or browse through our scholarships
In particular for applicants interested in studying at the Warrnambool campus, the Deakin Warrnambool residential scholarship may be of interest.
Apply now
Apply through VTAC
Applications for Trimester 1, 2027 will open on 3 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 directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and 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.
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).
Career outcomes
Upon graduation from the Associate Degree of Arts, you will have the opportunity to continue studying or use the degree as a standalone qualification. You will have guaranteed entry into our Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of International Studies, or Bachelor of Criminology depending on which specialisation you take, plus receive credit that could put you straight into your second year.
You will also have the opportunity to apply to transition into other bachelor degrees, including communication, design, psychology, health science, nursing, commerce, management or science.
An associate degree equips you with the skills to succeed in both university and your career.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
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.
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. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*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)
