Course overview
Want a career rich with diverse experiences? Deakin’s Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts combines practical business expertise with creativity and critical thinking, preparing you for a career across industries and around the world. Explore your creativity and build transferable skills through a wide range of business and arts specialisations aligned to your career goals.
By combining knowledge from both disciplines, you will graduate with a unique skill set that sets you apart. For example, you can major in business and digital communications alongside social media, developing expertise valued across business, marketing, and media. You will also gain practical experience through industry placements, consulting projects, and international study tours.
If you are aspiring to become a leader in business, why not graduate with a set of complementary skills that boost your employability?
The arts component of the degree sharpens your creativity and critical thinking, while the business component develops your entrepreneurial mindset and business expertise.
You will study core units in areas identified by industry growth trends, including, financial literacy, marketing fundamentals and the global economy, then tailor your degree by selecting from the following majors:
- event management
- organisational psychology
- people management
- project management
- retail and supply chain management
- business and digital communication
- entrepreneurship and innovation
- Recruitment and talent acquisition
- sustainability and development.
You can also choose from over 30 arts majors, including visual arts and photography, public relations, social media and visual communication design. This flexibility allows you to customise your studies and develop diverse skills that open a wide range of career pathways. Just as important as what you learn is how you learn it. Deakin’s work integrated learning (WIL) opportunities prepare you for industry by applying your skills in real world settings.
You will solve practical business challenges, explore innovative and emerging business trends and build the practical skills needed for success in diverse industries.
The networks you create through WIL placements can be of significant benefit to your career. Be ready for your chosen industry by taking on a variety of other practical learning opportunities including:
- mentoring
- volunteering
- consulting
- internships
- student clubs and societies
- local and international business competitions.
You can also enhance your global employability by gaining international experience across Asia, Europe or North America through overseas internships and study tours.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 close 21 June 2026
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2026 close 18 October 2026
VTAC entries are closed.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts
- Year
2026 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400410641 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400510641 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400610641 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Deakin code
- D330
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 0100730 Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- 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 Business/Bachelor of Arts, you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Business
- 8 credit points of core units
- 1 major (8 credit points)
- 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Arts
- 1 major (8 credit points)
- a minimum of 4 credit points at level 3 of arts coded units
- the remaining credit point(s) may be used to undertake the Employability sequence, or additional elective units chosen from the Bachelor of Arts which may comprise of a minor sequence
- course requirements for both the Bachelor of Business (M325) and Bachelor of Arts (A310) must be satisfied.
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.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Students must complete 8 credit points of core (foundation) units from the Bachelor of Business
Plus 2 Personal Skills units
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
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 of a minor sequence.
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.
- business and digital communications
- entrepreneurship and innovation
- event management
- organisational psychology
- people management
- project management
- recruitment and talent acquisition
- retail and supply chain management
- sustainability and development
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 (Major and Minor)
- chinese (Major and 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)
- global challenges (Minor)
- history (Major and Minor)
- indigenous studies (Major and Minor)
- indonesian (Major and 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 (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
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.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waterfront (Geelong)
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waterfront (Geelong)
- Online
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
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.
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
#1 Victorian uni for graduate employment
Choose a Deakin degree for vital industry experience on placements, hands-on learning in world-class facilities and guidance from industry-expert academics. We offer lifetime career support and are the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment.
Course duration
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.
Mandatory student checks
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.
Workload
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.
Participation requirements
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Work experience
This course provides students 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.
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.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
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.
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 credit points in an equivalent (AQF Level 7) bachelor degree.
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
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 cover letter 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.
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)
Subject adjustment
A study score of 30 in Maths: Mathematical Methods or Maths: Specialist Mathematics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in Art Creative Practice, any Business, Dance, Drama, English other than EAL, any Humanities, any Information Technology, any LOTE, Media, Creative and Digital Media (VCE VET) I, any Music, Maths: General Mathematics, Art Making and Exhibiting, Theatre Studies or Visual Communication Design equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Equity schemes and scholarships, formerly known as Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS), enable Deakin to consider any disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and how these have impacted your studies. Equity schemes help us identify whether you are from an under-represented group when making selection decisions for certain courses. It's important to note that participation in an equity scheme does not exempt you from meeting the standard course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's equity schemes and scholarships.
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 2026 students (PDF, 879KB) – 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 (RPL) 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
Estimated tuition fee - (CSP) ?Enrolling in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees directly to Deakin, and you pay a 'student contribution'.
$15,657 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose, as each unit has its own cost. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in 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 this 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 or estimate your tuition fees.
Scholarship options
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.
Apply now
Apply through VTAC
Applications for Trimester 1, 2027 will open on 3 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.
Apply directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts with our pathways finder.
Alternate exits
- Associate Degree of Arts (A250)
- Bachelor of Arts (A310)
- Bachelor of Business (M325)
- Diploma of Arabic (A221)
- Diploma of Arts (A215)
- Diploma of Business Studies (M201)
- Diploma of Chinese (A222)
- Diploma of Indonesian (A223)
- Diploma of Spanish (A224)
Articulated courses:
Career outcomes
Graduate from #1 Victorian university for graduate employment and build a wide-ranging skill set for the jobs of the future. Through the Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts, you will develop transferable skills, entrepreneurial thinking and global awareness that are highly valued across industries.
Depending on your chosen majors, you will graduate with practical experience to thrive in a variety of careers, including:
- business analyst
- business operations, event, human resources, logistics, or retail or project manager
- digital communications manager
- journalist
- marketing or media manager
- photographer
- policy developer
- public relations practitioner
- sustainability manager.
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. If you choose public relations, you will study subjects accredited by the Public Relations Institute of Australia. Our design-related units are also recognised by the Design Institute of Australia.
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 Bachelor of Business (M325) | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Arts (A310) |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Evaluate, analyse and apply business theory and practice for real world business problems. | 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. |
| Communication | Communicate in a coherent manner using a variety of platforms for a range of purposes and audiences. | 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. |
| Digital literacy | Use a range of digitally based technologies to communicate and create solutions to business issues. | 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. |
| Critical thinking | Evaluate information, exercise and express sound judgement, ideas and reflection in relation to a range of business issues. | 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. |
| Problem solving | Create solutions to a diverse range of authentic business challenges and problems. | Integrate cognitive, methodological, and creative skills to generate and communicate innovative approaches to unpredictable and complex problems. |
| Self-management | Manage independent work and study, reflect on own performance, take personal responsibility for actions, and plan for future development needs. | 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. |
| Teamwork | Interact and collaborate with others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds. | Collaborate effectively and contribute constructively to team objectives with colleagues, other professionals, and members of the wider community in diverse professional and scholarly contexts. |
| Global citizenship | Engage and apply business knowledge in different environments and contexts reflecting social, sustainability, ethical, economic and global perspectives. | 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. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
