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Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science

Undergraduate degree

Complement an understanding of science with skills like critical thinking and strong communication to gain access to a world of exciting career options.

Key facts

English language requirements

IELTS overall score of 6 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent

Duration

4 years full-time

Current Deakin Students

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

Course overview

Gain a competitive edge in the job market by studying the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science double degree. Complement your understanding of science with invaluable skills like critical thinking and strong communication and open a world of exciting career options once you graduate.

You don’t need to have a defined career path mapped out when you start this combined course. Choose from a wide range of science and arts study areas and discover what disciplines you love as you progress.

The freedom to create your own study journey is a highlight of the course. So too is the extensive practical experience on offer. There are opportunities to gain a global perspective of arts with a range of international experiences. Plus, you’ll get hands-on training in world-class science labs and plenty of industry experience through community science projects and professional placements.

Want to secure your future with a combined course that prepares you for work in any industry?

More than just a qualification that demonstrates your expertise across a broad spectrum of fields, the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science lets you create a unique degree that highlights your skills and passions.

In the arts stream, you will develop specialist knowledge in your chosen disciplines and learn how to apply creative and strategic thinking to solve real-world issues. You will also develop transferable skills such as communication, research, critical thinking, and problem-solving, making you highly employable within a range of industries.

Learning from teaching staff who are active in their fields and recognised as leading practitioners, you’ll gain hands-on experience relevant to your chosen disciplines in our world-class purpose-built facilities.

Benefit from the many work placements we offer, and you will graduate ready to take your studies beyond the classroom and into the real world. Advance your job-readiness and gain a competitive edge by undertaking a study tour, internationally focused internship in Australia or overseas, language study, or longer study abroad exchange experience *.

The science stream will train you to be a scientific explorer, ready to solve tomorrow’s global issues through science and discovery. You’ll build your foundational knowledge through a range of science-related study areas before focusing on one of 10 majors:

  • animal biology
  • cell biology and genomics
  • chemistry
  • environmental science
  • human biology
  • mathematical modelling
  • plant biology.

Best of all, learning extends beyond the classroom. Throughout your science units, you will gain practical experience through programs in modern science laboratories, completion of a community science project and undertaking an industry-based learning placement. All of this prepares you for real-life science environments and scenarios, so you can confidently enter the workforce with the industry experience needed to thrive.

*Overseas study programs to be confirmed in 2023 

Read More

Course information

Award granted

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science

Year

2023 course information

VTAC code
1400314393 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400514393 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
Deakin code
D311
CRICOS code?
085868M Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Level
Undergraduate
Approval status

This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.

Course structure

In order to qualify for the award of Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science (D311), students must complete 32 credit points (16 credit points in the Faculty of Arts and Education and 16 credit points in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, which must include the following:

  • Course requirements for both the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science must be satisfied.
  • Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here or more information.

Bachelor of Arts

At least 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Arts, including:

  • Either the Global Challenge sequence (3cp) or Employability sequence (3cp)
  • One major sequence (8 credit points) as described under course A310 Bachelor of Arts
  • The remaining credit point(s) may be used to undertake a Bachelor of Arts minor sequence or to take additional elective units chosen from the Bachelor of Arts.
  • A minimum of 4 credit points at level 3 of Arts coded units.
  • AAI018 Academic Integrity (0 credit-point compulsory unit)

Bachelor of Science

  • At least 16 credit points from science course grouped units, including:
  • 9 core science units;
  • At least one 6 credit point approved Science major sequence;
  • Level 3 - a minimum of 4 Science units
  • SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit-point compulsory unit)
  • STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit-point compulsory unit)

16

Arts units

16

Science units

32

Total units

Global Challenges sequence

  • Global Challenges and Personal Agency
  • Global Challenges and Innovation Strategies
  • Global Challenges and Collaborative Action
  • OR

    Employability sequence

  • Your Future Direction
  • Plus 1 credit point from:

  • Leadership and Transformation
  • Communication and Persuasive Presentation
  • Entrepreneurial Mindset
  • Expand Your Experience
  • Plus 1 credit point from:

  • Internship
  • Enhance Your Experience
  • Your Professional Story
  • 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:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

    Trimester 2 - July

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

    Trimester 3 - November

    • Start date: November
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)

    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 - additional information

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

    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.

    You may be required to complete units in Trimester 3 depending on your chosen major. Please refer to the Handbook for unit offering patterns.

    Work experience

    Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.

    Entry requirements

    Senior certificate of education

    If you are currently studying Year 12 or completed Year 12 in the previous two years and have not attempted higher education or VET/Polytechnic study since, your selection is based on the following.

    VCE 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

    This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.

    Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

    International equivalent requirements

    To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.

    To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.

    Higher education study

    If you have undertaken at least one unit of higher education after secondary schooling, your selection is based on the following.

    Education

    This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

    VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

    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 or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.

    All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

    Personal statement

    Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course. Learn more about the personal statement.

    Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

    International equivalent requirements

    To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.

    To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.

    Polytechnic study

    If you have undertaken at least one unit of Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, your selection is based on the following.

    Education

    This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

    VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

    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 or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.

    All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

    Personal statement

    Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course. Learn more about the personal statement.

    Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

    International equivalent requirements

    To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.

    To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.

    Work and life experience

    If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago or did not finish Year 12, your selection is based on the following.

    Education

    This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

    VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

    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 or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.

    All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

    Personal statement

    Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course. Learn more about the personal statement.

    Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

    International equivalent requirements

    To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.

    To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.

    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 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

    The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in.

    The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of 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 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 international student fees.

    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

    Apply through VTAC and Deakin

    International students who are currently completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas should apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), as well as directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect – Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.

    Apply through Deakin

    All other international students apply directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.

    Deakin International office or Deakin representative

    Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance

    Need more information on how to apply?

    For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
    If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.

    Entry pathways

    Alternative exits

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    Deakin’s Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science allows you to explore the relationships between various areas of study, combining them in innovative ways to prepare yourself for a broad range of career opportunities in industry, government and research. The types of opportunities available will depend on the major sequences taken within the course. For more detailed information on career outcomes for this combined course, see the entries for the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science.

    For more information go to DeakinTALENT

    Professional recognition

    The Bachelor of Science (Chemistry major) has been professionally accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI). Graduates of this course are encouraged to apply for membership of the respective local branch of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.

    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.

    Please refer to the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) of the single degree.