#1 Melbourne 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
Develop business skills and arts‑based critical thinking that prepare you for roles in organisations, government, community and creative industries in Australia and worldwide.
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Practical industry learning
Complete work‑integrated learning with real organisations, such as internships and consulting projects, where you apply classroom knowledge in professional settings.
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Flexible double degree structure
Study business majors such as management or marketing together with arts majors drawn from more than 30 study areas, including international relations, journalism and creative arts.
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Global perspectives and social insight
Examine global issues, sustainability and social justice while strengthening your communication, analysis and problem‑solving skills for international careers.
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
FAQs
Deakin's campuses in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool are set in vibrant, multicultural communities where it is easy to connect and feel at home. As the #1 university in Australia for international student happiness and student satisfaction, you will be supported at every step of your journey. You can join clubs and societies through the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA), attend social events, go on trips and live on campus to meet people from around the world. Each campus has fitness centres, cafes and 24-hour security, as well as prayer rooms and multifaith chaplains.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
As an international student at Deakin, you can work part time according to the conditions of your visa. On a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during trimesters. When you are on a trimester break you can work as much as you want. Compulsory work experience that forms part of your degree does not count toward this limit. Find part-time roles and internships through DeakinTALENT and learn more about working in Australia.
Most students studying full time at Deakin need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). You can apply for this visa after you accept your offer and receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). To apply, you will need a valid passport, your CoE, proof of Overseas Student Health Cover and any other documents required by the Department of Home Affairs. Apply as early as possible, but do not book travel until your visa has been granted. Find out more about student visas.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in an undergraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin is the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. Our degrees are developed with industry insight, so you will gain career-ready skills from the beginning. Each Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities including placements, internships and projects with well-known industry partners. Our dedicated international student career support program helps you learn about the Australian workforce, make connections and build your network through placements. You will get support with your resume, help looking for an internship or a job after graduation and even advice about your career options overseas.
There is more than one way to study at Deakin. If you do not meet the academic requirements, Deakin College offers a guaranteed pathway to Deakin with small, supportive classes on campus. If you meet the academic requirements but not the English requirements, you can enrol in a Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) English pathway program and progress to your chosen Deakin degree upon successful completion. Deakin also has formal pathway agreements with partner institutions in countries like China, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and the United States, so you can start your studies locally before transferring to Australia to complete your degree.
*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
- 1400510643 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
- Deakin code
- D399
- 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
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$45,200
for 1 yr full-time AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarships
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Apply through VTAC
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you must submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). In addition, you may also apply directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
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.
Alternate exits
- Associate Degree of Arts (A250)
- Bachelor of Arts (A310)
- Bachelor of Business (M370)
- Diploma of Arts (A215)
- Diploma of Business Studies (M201)