Key facts
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Achieve your goals in a supported environment with Deakin's Associate Degree of Business. Take the first step towards a business career and open pathways for further study with two years of full-time study at our Warrnambool campus.
Build fundamental skills in accounting, marketing, finance, management and more in your first year and delve deeper with a specialisation in either business or accounting and finance in your second year.
Gain real-world experience with a work-integrated learning unit that will enhance your employability. A guaranteed internship within the local community will enable you to learn first-hand from industry leaders and build your professional network while you study.
Graduate with an Associate Degree of Business or take the opportunity progress to further study and complete a third and final year. Determined by your second year specialisation you will be set to meet the requirements of either a Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business.
Are you looking for a pathway into a business career?
Studying at Warrnambool, you will benefit from smaller than average class sizes and a close-kit community. Our strong relationships with local industries and employers feeds directly into the course through embedded practical experience.
The Associate Degree of Business has been specifically designed to give you the experience you need while opening pathways. Make your start at a top business school and watch your career options flourish.
There is also the option to exit with a Diploma of Business if you meet the requirements and choose not to complete the full Associate Degree. With so many options available, this course can be adapted to meet your individual needs and goals.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Associate Degree of Business
- Year
2024 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400712061 - Warrnambool, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
- Deakin code
- M250
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 6
Course structure
To qualify for the Associate Degree of Business students will be required to complete 16 credit points of study, comprising:
- ten credit points of core Associate Degree of Business Units
- one Work Integrated Learning (WIL) unit selected from course group electives list
- one 4 credit point Associate Degree of Business stream (Accounting and Finance or Business)
- completion of DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit point compulsory module) - to be completed in first trimester of study
- plus one (1) credit point of open (general) elective units.
Core Units
First Year Core Units (8 total):
Second Year Core Units (2 total):
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Course grouped WIL elective
plus one unit of course grouped WIL elective unit selected from:
Associate Degree study streams (4cp)
Students select to study either the set of units in Stream A or Stream B.
Stream A; Accounting and Finance (MJ-M250001)
Stream B: Business (MJ-M250002)
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.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Warrnambool
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Additional course information
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
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.
Academic 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
English language proficiency requirements
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)
Selection adjustments
Access and equity
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
Admissions information
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 2023 students (PDF, 354KB) – 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 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
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete 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 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for that 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 fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 open in 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.
Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 open in August.
In the meantime, why not speak to our student advisers about your course and career options? It’s the best way for future students like you to get expert advice on preparing your application.
Entry pathways
Students who successfully complete the M250 Associate Degree of Business are guaranteed entry into M300 Bachelor of Commerce or M325 Bachelor of Business and may receive up to 16 credit points of Recognition of prior learning into these courses.
Alternative exits
- Diploma of Business Studies (M201)
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Mon–Thurs, 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–5pm
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Career outcomes
You will graduate from the Associate Degree of Business with the experience and skill set to work in many industry sectors, including:
- agribusiness
- sales and customer service
- store management
- business administration
- business support officer
- bookkeeping/trainee accountant
- independent businesses/start-ups.
An associate degree equips you with the skills to succeed in both university and your career.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT
Course learning outcomes
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 | Evaluate, analyse and apply a broad range of knowledge of business theory and practice. |
| Communication | Effectively communicate business concepts and ideas using a variety of platforms for a range of purposes and audiences. |
| Digital Literacy | Use a range of digitally based technologies to research, analyse, communicate and create solutions to business issues. |
| Critical thinking | Evaluate and analyse information and ideas in relation to a range of business issues. |
| Problem Solving | Identify and create solutions to authentic business challenges and problems. |
| Self-management | Manage independent work and study, reflect on own performance, take personal responsibility for actions, and plan for future development needs. |
| Teamwork | Interact and collaborate with others on academic and business considerations. |
| Global Citizenship | Act responsibly in responding to key social, cultural, ethical, and sustainability challenges facing businesses locally and globally. |
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