Key facts
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 will 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 will 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
- food 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.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
- Year
2024 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
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science, students must complete 32 credit points consisting of 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Arts and 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Science, 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.
Students must complete 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.
- DAI001 Academic Integrity (0 credit-point compulsory unit)
Students must complete 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)
Note: DAI001 Academic Integrity Module replaces STP050 Academic Integrity from 2024.
16
Bachelor of Arts credit points
16
Bachelor of Science credit points
32
Total credit points
Bachelor of Arts units
Global Challenges sequence
or
Employability sequence
Plus 1 credit point from:
Plus 1 credit point from:
Bachelor of Arts Majors and Minors
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
One (1) approved Arts major sequences of 8 credit points selected from A310 Bachelor of Arts Major/Minor listing, 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.
- Animation (Minor)
- Anthropology (Major and Minor)
- Arabic (Major and Minor)
- Chinese (Major and Minor)
- Criminology (Major and Minor)
- Design Thinking (Major and Minor)
- Education (Major and Minor)
- English - Children's Literature (Major and Minor)
- English - Creative Writing (Major and Minor)
- English - Literature (Major and Minor)
- Film and Television Studies (Major and Minor)
- Gender and Sexuality Studies (Major and Minor)
- History (Major and Minor)
- Indonesian (Major and Minor)
- International Relations (Major and Minor)
- Media and Communication (Major and Minor)
- Media Studies (Major and Minor)
- Performing Arts (Major and Minor)
- Philosophy (Major and Minor)
- Politics and Policy Studies (Major and Minor)
- Public Relations Studies (Major and Minor)
- Religious Studies (Major and Minor)
- Social Media (Major and Minor)
- Sociology (Major and Minor)
- Spanish (Major and Minor)
- Sport and Society (Minor)
- Sport Journalism (Major and Minor)
- Strategic Advertising (Major and Minor)
- UX* Design (Minor)
- Visual Arts and Photography (Major and Minor)
- Visual Communication Design (Major and Minor)
- Web Design (Minor)
*UX refers to User Experience
Bachelor of Science units
Choose one from:
# Must have successfully completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit)
∼ Mathematics - choose one from:
∼ Please note:
- It is recommended that students intending to take the Chemistry, Human Biology, Cell Biology and Genomics, Animal Biology, Plant Biology or Environmental Science majors undertake SIT191 Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis.
- students intending to take the Chemistry major and who have not previously completed VCE Maths Methods (units 3 and 4) are advised to alternatively undertake SIT190 Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs.
- students intending to take the Mathematical Modelling major who have not completed VCE Maths Methods (units 3 and 4) are strongly advised to first complete SIT190 Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs.
Students intending to take the Mathematical Modelling major are not required to complete SIT190 Introduction to Functions, Relations and Graphs or SIT191 Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis, however, they are able to undertake SIT190/ SIT191 as electives.
Chemistry - choose one from:
^Assumed knowledge: SLE133 Chemistry in our World or high achievement in VCE Chemistry 3 and 4 (or equivalent).
Please note: SLE155 Chemistry for the Professional Sciences is a required prerequisite when undertaking the Cell Biology and Genomics and Chemistry majors.
Bachelor of Science Majors and Minors
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
Students must complete at least one major from the following areas:
- Animal Biology*
- Cell Biology and Genomics
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Food Science
- Human Biology
- Mathematical Modelling
- Plant Biology*
*Enrolment in a Trimester 3 study period is compulsory
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
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
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
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:
- 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)
Admission criteria
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 course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Higher education study
Academic requirements
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
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:
- 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)
Admission criteria
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 course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Polytechnic study
Academic requirements
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related 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:
- 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)
Admission criteria
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 course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Work and life experience
Academic requirements
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and haven't undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter - it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
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:
- 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)
Admission criteria
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 course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
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, 354.0KB) – 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 system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
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 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
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.
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.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
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
- Associate Degree of Arts (A250)
- Bachelor of Arts (A310)
- Bachelor of Science (S320)
- Diploma of Arabic (A221)
- Diploma of Arts (A215)
- Diploma of Chinese (A222)
- Diploma of Indonesian (A223)
- Diploma of Spanish (A224)
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.