Course overview
Follow your passion and gain sought-after skills with Deakin's Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Arts. Whether you choose to focus on a commerce profession, such as marketing or human resources, or a broader range of pursuits in arts, such as sociology or criminology, the complementary nature of these two degrees ensures you gain a unique qualification built for your personal career goals.
The commerce component of the degree offers traditional content taught to contemporary contexts and is designed to help you find a professional fit in a commercial career. You will have opportunities to develop personally, to hone adaptability, curiosity, imagination, innovation, entrepreneurial thinking and professional confidence.
The arts component of the degree allows you to focus on your passions through a specialisation. You will graduate with transferable skills in communication, research, critical thinking and problem-solving, making you highly employable within a range of industries.
Are you looking to add perspective and versatility to your commerce qualification?
You may choose from these commerce majors:
- accounting
- economics
- finance
- financial planning
- human resources management
- management
- management information systems
- marketing.
At the same time, explore a complementary area of the arts from over 30 majors, for your interest in people, society, politics, languages, communications, religion or philosophy, including:
- anthropology
- criminology
- gender and sexuality studies
- history
- international relations
- media and communication
- philosophy
- politics and policy studies
- sociology
- religious studies.
You will enjoy a classroom that is innovative, contemporary and provides industry expertise.
Each degree offers opportunities to get involved in hands-on learning including overseas study tours, international and domestic internships, work placements and exchanges. Graduate with a well-rounded and global perspective employers will love.
Read MoreKey dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2025 close 22 June 2025
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2025 close 26 October 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Arts
- Year
2025 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400414431 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400514431 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400614431 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Deakin code
- D385
- CRICOS code?
- 0100819 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 Commerce/Bachelor of Arts students must pass 32 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Commerce
- 8 credit points of core units
- 1 major (8 credit points)
- a minimum of 4 credit points of Faculty of Business and Law units at level 3
- 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Arts
- 1 major (8 credit points)
- a minimum of 4 credit points of Faculty of Arts units at level 3
- 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 Commerce (M300) and Bachelor of Arts (A310) must be satisfied
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note: Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Arts course are not required to undertake MWL101 Professional Insight (a core unit in the Bachelor of Commerce) if undertaking AWL100 Your Future Direction (a core unit in the Employability sequence) or vice versa as the units are incompatible with each other
16
Commerce units
16
Arts units
32
Total
Core units
Students must complete 8 units from the Bachelor of Commerce
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Open electives
The remaining credit points may be used to undertake another Bachelor of Arts major, or a Bachelor of Arts minor and elective units chosen from the Bachelor of Arts. This may include the Employability sequence*.
* Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Arts course are not required to undertake MWL101 Professional Insight (a core unit in the Bachelor of Commerce) if undertaking AWL100 Your Future Direction (a core unit in the Employability sequence) or vice versa as the units are incompatible with each other.
Major sequences
Students must complete 1 Bachelor of Commerce major sequence chosen from the below list. Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability:
- Accounting^
- Economics
- Finance
- Financial Planning^
- Human Resource Management
- Management
- Management Information Systems
- Marketing
^ These majors are the recommended pathway to qualify for membership of professional organisations.
Students must complete 1 Bachelor of Arts major sequence chosen from the below list. 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)
- Digital Cultures (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.
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 Commerce 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).
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 elective work integrated learning units.
More Information: WIL Programs
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
Current or recent secondary education
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
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection consideration.
Higher education
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.
Vocational education
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
Work and life experience
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.
English language proficiency requirements
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)
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 any Business, English other than EAL, any Information Technology, any LOTE, Media, Creative And Digital Media (VCE VET) I, Maths: Further Mathematics, Australian Politics or Global Politics 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.
Admissions information
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 2024 students (PDF, 793KB) – 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
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.
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, 2026 open in July. 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.
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 Commerce/Bachelor of Arts with our pathways finder.
Alternative exits
- Associate Degree of Arts (A250)
- Bachelor of Arts (A310)
- Bachelor of Commerce (M300)
- 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 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
As a Bachelor of Commerce/ Bachelor of Arts graduate, you will be ready for a variety of career opportunities including:
- Accountant / auditor
- arts centre manager
- careers counsellor
- creative agent
- image consultant
- import/export manager
- marketing and communications manager
- media analyst
- NGO advisor
- public relations manager
- public servant
- small business owner
- trade delegate.
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.
Deakin’s accounting major enables students to apply for the:
- CA Program of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ)
- Associate membership for the CPA Program
- IPA Program of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA)
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
The marketing major provides a one-year credit towards the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI) five-year Certified Practicing Marketer and Chartered Marketer certification.
Students who complete the finance major are recognised through the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program.
The financial planning major satisfies the Financial Adviser Standards (FAS) education standards, meaning students can provide financial advice in Australia and are eligible for financial planning certification programs including:
- the Financial Adviser Association of Australia (FAAA) CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®.
The human resource management major enables students to apply for the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) membership.
Students should consult the professional body or a course adviser to identify additional requirements for membership.
*2022 QS World University Rankings by Subject and 2022 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject.
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.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Commerce | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Arts |
|---|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply a broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of commerce and its applications | Demonstrate a broad and coherent body of knowledge in the Arts disciplines, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines or areas of practice. |
| Communication | Communicate commerce concepts and information effectively including in oral, written and visual forms in a cohesive and understandable manner to academic audiences, business professionals and laypersons | Demonstrate highly developed skills in oral, written and electronic communication and the ability to communicate research outcomes, and produce scholarly papers. |
| Digital Literacy | Use technologies to identify, locate, evaluate, synthesise and disseminate and communicate information in the field of commerce | Research, analyse, synthesise and disseminate information using a range of appropriate technologies and resources in a rapidly-changing global environment. |
| Critical thinking | Evaluate and critically analyse academic, professional and business information and values | Use critical and analytical thinking and judgement in selecting and applying appropriate theories and methodologies to evaluate information and knowledge about society, culture and the arts. |
| Problem Solving | Identify solutions to a diverse range of authentic problems in commerce | Apply cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate solutions to unpredictable and sometimes complex problems in the Humanities, Social Sciences and the Creative Arts, including cross-disciplinary approaches. |
| Self-management | Take personal responsibility for actions, self-reflect and critique own performance and identify and plan future professional development | Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility and accountability for personal actions and a continued commitment to learning in personal, professional, and scholarly contexts. |
| Teamwork | Interact and collaborate with others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds | Work and learn collaboratively with colleagues, other professionals and members of the wider community. |
| Global Citizenship | Engage effectively in different environments and contexts reflecting social, sustainable, ethical, economic, and global perspectives in the field of commerce | Demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues, cultural diversity, and social responsibility when engaging in scholarship and professional roles in the local, national or international community. |
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Footnotes
++Some courses have limited places, apply early to avoid missing out.