#1 Victorian university for business undergraduate employment
1 in 4 Deakin arts graduates hold leadership roles
80+ hours work-integrated learning
Why choose business / arts at Deakin
Deakin’s Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts is for curious thinkers who want a career rich in choice, backed by the #1 university for undergraduate employment in the state of Victoria. You pair practical business studies in leadership, project management, entrepreneurship, people management and the global economy with arts majors that sharpen your creativity and critical thinking.
Across both degrees you will build adaptable skills in communication, analysis and evidence-based decision-making, then tailor them through majors and minors spanning finance, marketing, media, humanities, languages and more. With a wide range of arts study areas available, you can unlock your potential and earn more with a Deakin arts degree. You will gain practical experience through work-integrated learning, consulting projects, mentoring and global study opportunities, graduating ready to thrive in business, government, community organisations and the creative industries.
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Proven employability
Build enterprise‑ready business skills alongside arts‑based critical thinking and communication, preparing you for careers across business, government, community and creative sectors.
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Work-integrated learning
Build experience through internships, consulting projects and placements with 600+ employers, tackling contemporary social and business challenges.
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Flexible majors across two degrees
Combine business majors like management or marketing with arts majors from diverse study areas including criminology, history, sociology, politics and policy studies and more.
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Global and social impact focus
Explore global trends, sustainability and social justice while building the leadership, analysis and communication skills to make a positive impact in diverse communities.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Develop business acumen alongside critical thinking and communication skills, opening pathways into management, marketing and people-focused roles across industries.
Human resources manager
Lead an organisation's HR function, overseeing recruitment, performance, employee relations and workforce planning to support strategic business goals.
- $130k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 16.3%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 4.1/5
Job satisfaction
Business development manager
Identify new business opportunities, build client relationships and negotiate partnerships to drive growth. Develop sales strategies, secure new business and expand revenue across existing and new markets.
- $115k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 4.1/5
Job satisfaction
Other jobs
- Business manager
- Business innovator and entrepreneur
- Marketing manager
- Digital communications manager
- Retail manager
- Business analyst
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
FAQs
Yes – every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning (WIL) in their degree. Each year, more than 30,000+ students complete a placement or internship with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, EY and the National Australia Bank. You can access WIL through placements, industry projects, field-based experiences, simulations and global programs, helping you apply your skills and graduate with the experience and confidence employers value.
DeakinTALENT is Deakin's award-winning career service, and you can access it for life – not just while you're studying. From personalised career coaching sessions and AI-enhanced resume support to a jobs and internships board with employment opportunities, it’s designed to give you the career management skills and connections you need to stand out. Every Deakin degree is built with input from employers, so your course is designed around real workplace needs, now and into the future.
Entry requirements and the minimum ATAR vary by degree and are detailed on the degree page, but if your ATAR is below the cut-off, you still have options. Use the pathway finder tool to find the opportunities available to you, including associate degrees and Deakin Guaranteed ATAR, which offers eligible students a guaranteed entry score that's on average 10 points below the lowest selection rank. If you don't have an ATAR, Deakin Uni Ready is a free, supported program designed to build your skills and confidence and open doors to degrees in arts, health, science and business. Access programs and equity schemes are also available.
At Deakin, employability isn't an add-on – it's built in. Our degrees are designed with industry input, so your skills are aligned to what employers actually need. Every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities such as placements, internships and industry projects, helping you build your professional network and practical experience before you even graduate. It's an approach that works: nine out of 10 Deakin graduates get a job within four to six months of finishing their degree.
Yes. Most eligible undergraduate students are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place meaning the government subsidises part of your tuition fees. If eligible, you can pay your student contribution using a HECS-HELP loan that you only start repaying once your income is above the repayment threshold. Deakin has scholarships that cater to our diverse student community, ranging from $5,000 per year for high ATAR achievers to $10,000 per year for students facing financial or personal hardship. The University also offers support services including financial counselling, budgeting help and access to short-term, interest-free loans to help you stay on track.
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for student support and that starts the moment you accept your offer. Orientation is designed to help you feel welcome and get to know your community of classmates and teachers from day one. Across all campuses, there's a vibrant student community with clubs, events and opportunities to build real friendships. Deakin offers a range of services to help students stay healthy and safe, including sport and fitness facilities, free counselling, on-campus medical services and around-the-clock security.
Yes, and it's straightforward. You can transfer to Deakin in a few steps and apply for credit through recognition of prior learning (RPL), so you won't necessarily repeat subjects you've already completed. If you're coming from a TAFE partner, you may get guaranteed entry into second year with guaranteed RPL. Deakin's three-trimester system also means you may be able to start mid-year rather than waiting until March.
Most Deakin courses run across three trimesters per year instead of the traditional two semesters. Trimester 1 begins around March, Trimester 2 around July and Trimester 3 around November, each with roughly 12 weeks of teaching followed by an exam period. This means you can usually start your degree at three different points in the year and have more flexibility to manage your study load. Check the intakes by location section on the course page for details.
*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.
What will I study in the Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts?
In this double degree you progress from foundations in business and humanities to advanced studies in your chosen business major and arts disciplines, building a unique blend of commercial, creative and critical thinking skills.
Build your combined foundations
Explore core business fundamentals
Learn the language of business through introductory units that build skills in financial literacy, economics, digital information, marketing, and managing people and organisations.
Understand business in a changing world
Study shared core units that explore global megatrends, sustainability and social impact so you can see how technology and climate shape industries.
Discover key arts disciplines
Sample subjects across areas such as humanities, social sciences and communication to understand how culture, history and ideas shape society.
Choose majors and deepen expertise
Select your business major
Commit to a business study area that develops your commercial decision‑making and prepares you for management and leadership roles.
Shape your arts study plan
Build depth in one or more arts disciplines, exploring themes such as politics, media, culture or global perspectives in more detail.
Connect theory with real contexts
Examine how business and arts knowledge intersect in areas like policy, communication, communities and organisations.
Apply learning across both degrees
Extend your business capabilities
Build stronger expertise in your major, working with case studies and scenarios that reflect current industry challenges.
Advance your arts specialisation
Engage with higher‑level topics that deepen your understanding of society, culture and ideas in your chosen arts disciplines.
Practise integrated problem‑solving
Use perspectives from both business and arts to analyse issues such as sustainability, social impact or organisational change.
Integrate, experience and prepare for your career
Complete advanced business studies
Finalise upper‑level units in your business major, strengthening your ability to interpret evidence and make informed decisions.
Consolidate your arts learning
Draw together themes from your arts disciplines to refine your communication, analysis and creative thinking.
Gain experience and plan your pathway
Take advantage of work‑integrated learning or project opportunities and clarify options for careers or further study in fields such as business, government or the creative industries.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts, you must pass 32 credit points.
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.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Students must complete 8 credit points of core (foundation) units from the Bachelor of Business
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Bachelor of Business majors
Students must complete 1 Bachelor of Business major sequence chosen from the below list. Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
- AI and business information systems
- business management
- entrepreneurship and innovation
- human resource management
- marketing management
- project management
Bachelor of Arts majors and minors
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.
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability
- animation (Minor)
- anthropology (Major and Minor)
- arabic (Minor)
- chinese (Minor)
- criminology (Major and Minor)
- design thinking (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)
- indigenous studies (Major and Minor)
- indonesian (Minor)
- international relations (Major and Minor)
- media and communication (Major and Minor)
- media studies (Major and Minor)
- middle east 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 (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
The remaining credit points may be used to undertake the Employability sequence, or additional elective units chosen from the Bachelor of Arts which may comprise a minor sequence.
Professional recognition
Deakin Business School holds the prestigious and globally recognised AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, which attest to quality, academic and professional excellence, ongoing improvement, innovation and graduate employability.
Depending on your arts specialisation, certain majors are accredited by relevant bodies. Our design-related units are recognised by the Design Institute of Australia.
What to expect while studying
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.
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
This course provides students with the opportunity to complete one or more work integrated learning units.
Explore Business and Law WIL opportunities.
International Students:
This course includes Work Integrated Learning (WIL) formally registered as part of the course on the CRICOS register. The total work integrated learning hours will differ depending on the WIL unit you choose. For more information about WIL hours, please check the unit information in the handbook or the unit guide.
For information about how WIL units may impact student visa holder work rights, please visit Home Affairs. See 8105 Work limitation.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
This course structure applies to students who commenced in 2027.
Students who commenced prior to 2027 should refer to the Handbook Archive for their course structure and consult with their enrolment officer.
Students and Applicants to Geelong Waterfront Campus
Travel between campuses will be required to complete this combined degree. The Bachelor of Business degree will be taught at Waterfront campus and the Bachelor of Arts degree will be taught at the Waurn Ponds Campus.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes for Bachelor of Business (M370) | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Arts (A310) |
|---|---|
| Analyse and evaluate business opportunities and organisational challenges using business concepts and frameworks to inform sustainable value creation. | Critically analyse and synthesise a broad and coherent body of knowledge in one or more Arts disciplines, and apply specialised conceptual understanding to professional practice and/or scholarship. |
| Influence business decisions and outcomes through ethical and professional judgement and communication by analysing problems and implementing business solutions. | Articulate complex ideas using oral, written and digital communication skills and create professional and /or scholarly materials that effectively impart knowledge and research findings to diverse audiences. |
| Communicate business ideas, analyses, and recommendations clearly and professionally to diverse stakeholders, collaborate effectively in teams, and use feedback and reflection to improve business practice. | Critically evaluate the effectiveness and ethical implications of digital technologies and apply them responsibly in the creation of research and analysis that is both authentic and accountable. |
| Critically evaluate business models, strategies, and practices to assess their economic, environmental, and social impacts, and advance recommendations that support sustainable outcomes. | Analyse, synthesise and evaluate, complex and wide-ranging knowledge and information to create logical judgements and informed perspectives in a range of professional and academic contexts. |
| Select and apply appropriate business technologies, demonstrating judgement of their relevance for the task and context. | Integrate cognitive, methodological, and creative skills to generate and communicate innovative approaches to unpredictable and complex problems. |
| Apply business knowledge and cultural intelligence, with adaptability and reflective practice, to identify and address opportunities for shared prosperity across Indigenous, regional, and international contexts. | Plan and execute actions with a high level of responsibility, accountability, and independence, while maintaining a consistent commitment to continuous learning in professional and scholarly contexts. |
| Collaborate effectively and contribute constructively to team objectives with colleagues, other professionals, and members of the wider community in diverse professional and scholarly contexts. | |
| Apply culturally responsive, critically reflective and embodied self-knowledge in decolonial practice and diversity principles, to engage ethically with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples as well as diverse communities and cultures, within professional and/or scholarly contexts. |
- Award granted
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400410641 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400510641 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400610641 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) - Deakin code
- D399
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$16,409
for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
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.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Apply through VTAC
Applications are open. Apply through VTAC if you're:
- currently in Year 12 and applying for Trimester 1 or Semester 1
- applying for multiple undergraduate courses
Need help? Follow our step-by-step undergraduate guide to prepare and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Not sure if you'll meet entry requirements?
Deakin offers a range of pathways into the Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts to suit your background and goals. Explore the pathways finder to see how previous study, diplomas or alternative qualifications can lead you into the course.
Alternate exits
- Associate Degree of Arts (A250)
- Bachelor of Arts (A310)
- Bachelor of Business (M370)
- Diploma of Arts (A215)
- Diploma of Business Studies (M201)