Course overview
Combine business with professional communication skills and graduate with a versatile skill set valued across industries. Study at the #1 university in the state of Victoria for graduate business employment while building knowledge in business and communication before tailoring your degree through majors, minors and electives.
Choose to major in advertising, public relations, journalism or digital and social media. Get hands-on experience, explore new mediums and craft impactful content in our world-class facilities.
Pair your communication major with a business major in marketing management, human resource management, project management, entrepreneurship and innovation, business management or AI and business information systems. Gain practical experience through 80+ hours of work-integrated learning, including internships, consulting projects and study tours, and graduate ready for careers across business, media, government and the community sector.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2027 close 7 February 2027
Timely VTAC entry closes 28 September 2026 at 5pm. View other VTAC dates
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 Communication
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400412321 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400512321 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400612321 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) - Deakin code
- D3100
- 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 Commerce/Bachelor of Communication 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
- 7 credit points of core units (excluding MPB202)
- 1 credit point of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) course elective units
- 1 major (8 credit points)
- a minimum of 4 credit points from the Faculty of Business and Law at level 3
- 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Communication
- 1 credit point of core units
- 3 credit points of employability sequence units (inclusive of AWL100)
- 1 major (8 credit points)
- 4 credit points of course elective units at levels 2 or 3
- a maximum of 12 credit points at level 1 across both courses
- a minimum of 10 credit points at level 3 across both courses.
Course requirements for both the Bachelor of Business (M370) and Bachelor of Communication (A318) 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.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Students must complete 8 credit points from the Bachelor of Business
Students must complete 1 credit point of core from the Bachelor of Communication
*To be completed in first trimester of study.
Students must complete a 1 credit point Work Integrated Learning unit.
Recommended business WIL units:
Employability Sequence
Plus 1 credit point from:
Plus 1 credit point from:
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
Students must complete 1 Bachelor of Business major sequence chosen from the below list. Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability:
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
Students must to complete 1 major sequence from the Bachelor of Communication:
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)
- Waterfront (Geelong)
- Online
Note: Students enrolled at Waterfront (Geelong) campus in this combined course will be required to undertake units of study at both Waurn Ponds (Geelong) and Waterfront (Geelong).
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
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
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.
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
Applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage are encouraged to apply for equity schemes. Depending on eligibility and your circumstances, an equity schemes application may provide support for your course application. For further information go to Deakin University Equity schemes information and the Deakin University website
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'.
$18,025 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Learn more about fees.
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.
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 are open. We've helped over 300,000 Deakin graduates across Australia and throughout the world apply with confidence. In Year 12? Follow these how to apply steps. Completed secondary education in or prior to 2024? Follow these how to apply steps.
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 Communication with our pathways finder.
Alternate exits
Career outcomes
Graduate from the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment and confidently start your career. The Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Communication sets you up with a wide-ranging skill set for the future.
Depending on your majors, you will have the practical experience needed to be successful as an:
- advertising account manager
- brand specialist
- business analyst
- business entrepreneur
- communications strategist
- digital communications manager
- digital marketer or media specialist
- human resources officer
- journalist
- marketing specialist
- project manager
- public relations professional
- social media 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.
Bachelor of Communication component graduates who complete the Advertising major will be eligible to apply for the following professional accreditation:
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 Bachelor of Business (M325) | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Communication (A318) |
|---|---|
| Evaluate and apply knowledge of media and communication theories, frameworks, ecosystems, and creative practices to provide solutions to real-world contexts. | Evaluate and apply knowledge of media and communication theories, frameworks, ecosystems, and creative practices to provide solutions to real-world contexts. |
| Work creatively, and professionally in written, oral, and multimedia formats to communicate with stakeholders, to achieve defined outcomes and to engage target media audiences. | Work creatively, and professionally in written, oral, and multimedia formats to communicate with stakeholders, to achieve defined outcomes and to engage target media audiences. |
| Locate, gather, synthesise, produce, and publish information using industry-standard software across a range of media forms and platforms to inform and engage diverse audiences. | Locate, gather, synthesise, produce, and publish information using industry-standard software across a range of media forms and platforms to inform and engage diverse audiences. |
| Exercise intellectual curiosity, reflexive self-awareness, and ethical judgement to critically analyse and evaluate data and information to inform decisions about communication and media industry practices | Exercise intellectual curiosity, reflexive self-awareness, and ethical judgement to critically analyse and evaluate data and information to inform decisions about communication and media industry practices. |
| Respond to complex and unpredictable challenges and situations that arise in a professional context and devise pragmatic and creative media and communication solutions that are strategic, legal, and ethical. | Respond to complex and unpredictable challenges and situations that arise in a professional context and devise pragmatic and creative media and communication solutions that are strategic, legal, and ethical. |
| Recognise and exhibit actions consistent with principles of autonomy, responsibility and accountability required to work effectively as a communication professional in a range of contexts. | Recognise and exhibit actions consistent with principles of autonomy, responsibility and accountability required to work effectively as a communication professional in a range of contexts. |
| Collaborate respectfully and effectively in a timely way with people from different backgrounds and disciplines to foster successful relationships and achieve shared goals. | Collaborate respectfully and effectively in a timely way with people from different backgrounds and disciplines to foster successful relationships and achieve shared goals. |
| Apply relevant industry frameworks to inform ethical decision making that is respectful and inclusive of Indigenous voices and diverse cultures and demonstrates an awareness of civic and social responsibility. | Apply relevant industry frameworks to inform ethical decision making that is respectful and inclusive of Indigenous voices and diverse cultures, and demonstrates an awareness of civic and social responsibility. |
*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.
