Key facts
IELTS overall score of 6 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent
3 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
If you have an innate curiosity about the world around you and a desire to create meaningful change, then a Bachelor of Arts is the perfect place to begin your journey towards realising your purpose.
Feel empowered to explore a diverse range of majors and minors in a way that suits you – from Indigenous studies to web design, and animation to criminology – you can personalise your degree to topics that you care about. Graduate with the critical thinking, communication and leadership skills required to address current and emerging global challenges in a rapidly changing world.
Want to find your purpose and develop the critical skills to make the world better?
Deakin’s Bachelor of Arts allows you to explore meaningful ideas that matter to you, preparing you to make a positive impact on the world around you. Through exceptional learning experiences, you’ll develop nuanced perspectives about current social justice issues and learn the critical skills to imagine a better future for all people.
You'll respond to critical issues you care about, from the climate crisis to the scourge of fake news, as well as new and emerging challenges of the future. Sharpen your critical thinking and leadership skills so that you can address current and emerging global issues with the knowledge, passion and empathy required to truly drive meaningful change.
By studying humanities, social sciences and languages, you’ll better understand yourself, what you stand for and the world around you. Design your own learning and future career by combining specific majors and minors – from international relations and journalism to design thinking and performing arts, strategic advertising and history to sport journalism and web design.
As you nurture your passion, you’ll dive deep into your practice and be fully supported on your journey towards your future career. You’ll engage with the community and industry through individually tailored work placement and networking opportunities, allowing you to develop leadership skills and the entrepreneurial mindset to make your mark in a career you love.
From day one you’ll have the flexibility to study your way. Feel encouraged to fit your learning in with your busy life, whether you want to slow down or speed up your studies, combine courses or study on-campus or via our leading online learning platform.
Learn from leading academics and passionate practitioners who are engaged in industry and actively collaborating on key social issues. Our academics support your personal growth and will inspire you to push boundaries with your bold ideas. When you study at Deakin, you’ll join a vibrant community of curious and creative minds who are passionate about delving into ideas that matter.
You won’t just talk about ideas; you'll learn by doing and discover how to put them into action. Our hands-on experiential learning gives you the critical skills to make an impact and curate a future career you love.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Arts
- Year
2023 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400314103 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400514103 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place - Deakin code
- A310
- CRICOS code?
- 109270F 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 complete the Bachelor of Arts, students must complete 24 credit point including:
- Global Challenges sequence (3 credit points)
- Employability sequence (3 credit points)
Plus either:
- 2 major sequences of at least 8 credit points
OR
- 1 major sequence of at least 8 credit points plus 1 minor sequence of at least 4 credit points
Students must also ensure that they have met the following course rules to be eligible to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts:
- a maximum of 10 credit points at level 1
- a minimum of 6 credit points at level 3
- AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
We offer 2 units that are specifically designed to help students with the transition to university study:
New students are encouraged to enrol in one or both of these units in their first year.
Your selection of Major/s, Minor/s, and electives will enable you to design a unique Bachelor of Arts which best suits your needs.
- Major: Your choice of major/s will develop your expertise in particular area/s of study. Each of our majors are carefully scaffolded to give you a comprehensive understanding of your chosen area of study. Within each major sequence, you will also have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills that will prepare you for your future careers.
- Minor: If you choose to undertake a minor you will develop additional knowledge in another area of study. Students will often choose minors that complement their major/s, or use them to discover and pursue their interests.
- Electives: These are units that you may select which interest you or support your career development. By giving you up to 6 electives to choose from, over the three levels, the Bachelor of Arts is all about you and your developing interests.
6
Global challenge and employability units
16
Major or Minor units
2
Elective units
24
Total
Global Challenges sequence
Employability sequence
Plus 1 credit point from:
Plus 1 credit point from:
Major sequences
A major or minor sequence is a group of units in a particular area of study taken over the three levels of your course. Each unit is usually worth 1 credit point.
A major sequence is made up of 8 credit points, and a minor sequence is made of 4 credit points.
Please check the rules of each major and minor sequence to see which units you need to complete to achieve the required credit points.
Students enrolled in other courses and faculties may take an Arts major sequence
(8 credit points), minor sequence (4 credit points) or individual electives from these discipline areas, subject to meeting the prerequisites.
| Area of Study | Type of sequence | Availability |
| Animation | Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Anthropology | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Arabic | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Chinese | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Criminology | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Design Thinking | Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Education | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| English - Children's Literature | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| English - Creative Writing | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| English - Literature | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Film and Television Studies | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Gender and Sexuality Studies | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| History | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Indigenous Studies | Minor | Online |
| Indonesian | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| International Relations | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Media and Communication | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Media Studies | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Performing Arts | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Philosophy | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Politics and Policy Studies | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Public Relations Studies | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Religious Studies | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Social Media | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Sociology | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Sport and Society | Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Sport Journalism | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Spanish | Major and Minor | Major: Burwood (Melbourne), Online Minor: Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Strategic Advertising | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Visual Arts and Photography | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Visual Communication Design | Major and Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
| Web Design | Minor | Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online |
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)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can apply directly through the NIKERI Institute.
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.
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.
Admissions information
Learn more about this course and others that Deakin offers by visiting VTAC for more information. You can also discover how Deakin compares to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning by visiting the ComparED website.
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enables Deakin to consider disadvantageous circumstances you may have experienced and their 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.
You can also find out about different entry pathways into Deakin courses if you can't get in straight from high school.
Finally, Deakin is committed to admissions transparency. As part of that commitment, you can learn more about our first intake of 2022 students (PDF, 804.3KB) - their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
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 calculated depending on the course you choose.
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.
To learn more about what a Bachelor of Arts at Deakin has to offer, download our course flyer.
Entry pathways
Don’t quite meet the entry requirements for this course? The Associate Degree of Arts (A250) can be used as a guaranteed entry pathway into the Bachelor of Arts and counts as credit towards your first year of study*. You’ll gain a solid foundation of relevant knowledge and be ready to transition seamlessly into your goal degree.
Upon completing your Bachelor of Arts, you are eligible for entry into a range of specialist Masters degrees which will provide opportunities for you to become a highly-skilled professional, capable of rapid career development. Students with a Bachelor of Arts may be eligible for credit in these degrees, giving you a headstart and allowing you to build on your undergraduate degree in areas such as:
The Humanities and Social Sciences - with Masters offered in Criminology, Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies, Development and Humanitarian Action, Humanitarian Assistance, International and Community Development, International Relations and Politics and Policy
Communication and Creative Arts - with Masters offered in Communication, Creative Arts, and Writing and Literature
Education - the Bachelor of Arts articulates into a postgraduate preservice teaching qualification through the Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary), which has options for teaching in Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary, also provides dual qualifications for Primary and Early Childhood or Primary and Secondary teaching.
Further Education pathway options include Languages Teaching, Professional Practice (Digital Learning), Specialist Inclusive Education, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Research pathways - A Bachelor of Arts may also lead to a Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours), Bachelor of Communication (Honours) or even a Higher Degree by Research.
*Specific units of study must be completed within A250 for full credit to be granted. We recommend speaking with one of our student advisers before selecting your units.
Early Exit Option
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts are able to exit early through the Diploma of Arts (A215). The Diploma of Arts recognises the foundational knowledge and skills in a broad range of study areas in the humanities, social sciences, creative arts, communications and languages. It provides a basic for pursuing further pathways into future undergraduate university studies.
To be eligible to exit with a Diploma of Arts, students must have completed and passed 8 credit points, including a minimum of 6 credit points at level 1 from the Bachelor of Arts.
Careers
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
In an ever-changing complex world, society needs bright and agile minds to help us understand the human experience and impact our collective future for the better. Students who study humanities and social sciences are uniquely equipped to shed light on critical issues with nuance and sensitivity. The mastery of critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills is needed for future leaders and is highly sought-after by employers across a vast spectrum of industries.
As a graduate of this course, you’ll have the skills, knowledge and professional networks to start your career anywhere in the world and thrive in a range of industries.
Affect change in fields that matter, spanning environmental, social, political or creative realms.
You’ll curate your future career from day one, personalising your degree so that it fully aligns with your unique interests and values. Graduate ready to hit the ground running with the unique and competitive skill sets required for specific careers across a variety of sectors, including in fields like:
- criminology, sociology and policy
- culture and creative arts
- education
- government and NGOs
- language and international relations
- media, writing and communication
At Deakin, you’ll feel supported as you shape your future career, whether you want to work in a specific sector or industry, an emerging job of the future or even create a dream career that might not yet exist – a world of opportunity awaits.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT
Professional recognition
Depending on your specialisation, certain majors are accredited by relevant bodies.
If you choose public relations, you’ll study subjects accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia. Our design-related units are also recognised by the Design Institute of Australia.
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 | Demonstrate a broad and coherent body of knowledge in the Arts disciplines, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines or areas of practice. |
| Communication | Demonstrate highly developed skills in oral, written and electronic communication and the ability to communicate research outcomes, and produce scholarly papers. |
| Digital literacy | Research, analyse, synthesise and disseminate information using a range of appropriate technologies and resources in a rapidly-changing global environment. |
| Critical thinking | Use critical and analytical thinking and judgment in selecting and applying appropriate theories and methodologies to evaluate information and knowledge about society, culture and the arts. |
| Problem solving | Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate solutions to unpredictable and sometimes complex problems in the Humanities, Social Sciences and the Creative Arts, including cross-disciplinary approaches. |
| Self-management | Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility and accountability for personal actions and a continued commitment to learning in personal, professional, and scholarly contexts. |
| Teamwork | Work and learn collaboratively with colleagues, other professionals and members of the wider community. |
| Global citizenship | Demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues, cultural diversity, and social responsibility when engaging in scholarship and professional roles in the local, national or international community. |
| Approved at Faculty Board February 2022 | |
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Footnotes
**ARWU Ranking 2020