Key facts
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2023 close 25 June 2023
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Want a career rich with diverse experiences? The Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts combined degree helps you build transferable skills that will equip you for a wide range of career opportunities, now and in the future. Enjoy opportunities to explore your creativity and the freedom to study more of what interests you, with a huge range of business and arts specialisations to choose from.
By combining knowledge from both your specialisations, you can graduate with a unique skill set that sets you apart. For example, you can major in both media and communication and social media to develop dual expertise that is valued across all areas of business, media and marketing. Better still, you will gain plenty of practical experience that prepares you for the everyday challenges of business, including industry placements, work-integrated learning and overseas 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?
This course is perfect for students looking for a career in business, who also hope to switch between a variety of roles throughout their life. The business component of the degree trains you to think with an entrepreneurial mindset, developing the foundations of your business expertise.
Study core units that have been determined by looking at emerging growth areas in industry such as financial literacy, marketing fundamentals and the global economy, then tailor your degree to your interests and career goals by choosing from the following majors:
- event management
- organisational psychology
- people management
- project management
- retail and supply chain management
- business and digital communication
- entrepreneurship and innovation
- sustainability and development.
The flexibility doesn't stop there. Create a truly unique degree by choosing from a range of over 35 arts majors, from visual arts and photography and public relations studies to social media or visual communication design. This level of customisation allows you to study the units that are important to you, and the diverse skills you develop open the door to a world of career opportunities.
Just as important as what you learn is how you learn it. Deakin Business School’s work integrated-learning (WIL) opportunities allow you to apply the skills you learn in the classroom in industry settings.
You’ll solve practical business challenges, explore innovative and emerging business trends and prepare for the nuances of international business relationships. This practical experience is invaluable – there is no better way to prepare yourself for the everyday, practical challenges of modern businesses. 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.
You can also improve your global employability skills in teamwork and intercultural communication by gaining international experience across Asia, Europe or North America through overseas internships and study tours.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Arts
- Year
2023 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?
- 0100730 Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (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 Business/ Bachelor of Arts, students must attain a total of 32 credit points consisting of 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Business and 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Arts. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point. Course requirements for both the Bachelor of Business (M325) and the Bachelor of Arts (A310) must be satisfied. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake 2 trimesters each year.
Compulsory 0-credit point unit (to be completed in first trimester of study):-
The 16 credit points of Business units include:-
- 8 credit points of Bachelor of Business core (foundation) units: MAA104, MAE101, MIS203, MMK101, MMM132, MMM267, plus 2 Personal Skills units - MMM111 and MMM311
- A prescribed Bachelor of Business 8 credit point major
The 16 credit points of Arts units include:-
- Either the Global Challenge sequence (3 credit points) or Employability sequence (3 credit points) and
- One major sequence (8 credit points) as described under the course A310 Bachelor of Arts.
- The remaining credit points may be used to undertake a Bachelor of Arts minor sequence or additional elective units chosen from A310 Bachelor of Arts.
- A minimum of 4 credit points at level 3 of Arts coded units
Course requirements for both the Bachelor of Business (M325) and the Bachelor of Arts (A310) must be satisfied.
16
Business units
16
Arts units
32
Total
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)
- Waterfront (Geelong)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waterfront (Geelong)
- Online
Trimester 3 - November
- 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).
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
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
As a student in the Faculty of Business and Law, you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. 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.
Entry requirements
Current or recent Year 12
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 consideration
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
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 or equivalent.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
Please complete and submit a personal statement if you would like any of the following to be considered:
- factors outside your control
- your professional work
- life or community experience
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.
VET 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 secondary education and subsequent academic records 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.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test - Multiple Choice
All Deakin Business School undergraduate courses require a minimum of 55 on the STAT Multiple Choice (MC) where the applicant has not completed senior secondary education (or equivalent) in the last ten years (from commencement date of the course applied for). The STAT MC is not required if the applicant has undertaken any tertiary study (minimum Certificate IV) within the last ten years (from commencement date of the course applied for).
Personal statement
Please complete and submit a personal statement if you would like any of the following to be considered:
- factors outside your control
- your professional work
- life or community experience
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.
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.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test - Multiple Choice
All Deakin Business School undergraduate courses require a minimum of 55 on the STAT Multiple Choice (MC) where the applicant has not completed senior secondary education (or equivalent) in the last ten years (from commencement date of the course applied for). The STAT MC is not required if the applicant has undertaken any tertiary study (minimum Certificate IV) within the last ten years (from commencement date of the course applied for).
Personal statement
Please complete and submit a personal statement if you would like any of the following to be considered:
- factors outside your control
- your professional work
- life or community experience
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.
Selection adjustments
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, 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: Further Mathematics, Studio Arts, Theatre Studies or Visual Communication Design equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the 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. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
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 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
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of 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 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 fees and available payment options.
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
Applications for Trimester 1, 2024 open in 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.
Direct applications are open for applicants who are not currently in Year 12, including:
- recent Year 12 students who completed secondary education in the past two years
- applicants with work and life experience
- applicants with TAFE study
- applicants with higher education study.
Please note: If you’re applying for more than one course, you need to apply through VTAC.
To learn more about what a Bachelor of Arts at Deakin has to offer, download our course flyer.
Entry pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts with our pathways finder.
Alternative 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)
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Mon–Thurs, 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–5pm
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Career outcomes
By studying the Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts, you’ll be setting yourself up to be flexible across the jobs of the future. Not only will your entrepreneurial mindset be highly valued across many industries, the transferable skills you develop will allow you to adapt and thrive in a variety of roles.
Depending on your majors, you’ll have the practical experience needed to be successful as a:
- business analyst
- business operations, event, 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 is in the top 1% of business schools globally by holding both AACSB and EQUIS accreditations. These prestigious accreditations are awarded to business schools that meet strict standards of quality, academic and professional excellence, and demonstrate a commitment to ongoing improvement and innovation in their courses, ensuring our graduates are employable worldwide.
Depending on your arts 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.
Please refer to the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) of each of the single degrees.