Key facts
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2023 close 25 June 2023
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2023 close 29 October 2023
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
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 majors ensures you gain a unique qualification built for your personal career goals.
Traditional yet contemporary, the commerce component of this degree is designed to help you find a professional fit. You’ll have opportunities to develop personally, to hone adaptability, curiosity, imagination, innovation, entrepreneurial thinking and professional confidence.
The arts component allows you to focus on your passions through a specialisation. You’ll graduate with transferable skills in communication, research, critical thinking and problem-solving, making you highly employable within a range of industries.
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 for your interest in people, society, politics, religion, sexuality or philosophy:
- anthropology
- criminology
- gender and sexuality studies
- history
- international relations
- philosophy
- politics and policy studies
- sociology
- religious studies.
You will enjoy a classroom that is innovative, contemporary and provides industry expertise.
Each degree also 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 MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Arts
- Year
2023 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
- 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 qualify for the award of Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Arts, students must complete 32 credit points plus the compulsory 0-credit point module, MAI010 Academic Integrity Module.
Compulsory 0-credit point unit:-
To be completed in the first trimester of study.
16 credit points of Commerce coded units:-
- 8 credit points of core units (MAA103, MAE101, MAF101, MIS171, MLC101, MMK101, MMM132 and MWL101*).
- one major sequence of 8 credit points must be included.
- A minimum of 4 credit points at level 3 of Commerce coded units
16 credit points of Arts coded units:-
- 3 credit points from the Global Challenge sequence (AGC109, AGC209, AGC309) or
- 3 credit points from the Employability sequence ((AWL100* plus 1 credit point from AWL200, AWL201, AWL202, AWL203) (plus 1 credit point from AWL300, AWL301, AWL302)).
- 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.
*Please 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.
Course requirements for both the Bachelor of Commerce (M300) and the Bachelor of Arts (A310) must be satisfied.
16
Commerce 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 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).
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
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
Need help?
Ask a question about studying at Deakin
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 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 this course and others that Deakin offers by visiting VTAC for more information. You can also discover how Deakin compares to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning by visiting the ComparED website.
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enables Deakin to consider disadvantageous circumstances you may have experienced and their 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.
You can also find out about different entry pathways into Deakin courses if you can't get in straight from high school.
Finally, Deakin is committed to admissions transparency. As part of that commitment, you can learn more about our first intake of 2023 students (PDF, 354.0KB) - their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
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 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 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
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’ll be ready for a variety of career opportunities including:
- art centre manager
- artist agent
- careers counsellor
- image consultant
- import/export manager
- marketing and communications manager
- media analyst
- NGO advisor
- public relations manager
- public servant
- small business owner
- trade delegate.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT
Professional recognition
Deakin Business School ranks in the top 1% of business schools globally.* The 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.
Students who complete the accounting major can 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).
Students who complete the marketing major are eligible for a one-year credit towards their five-year Certified Practicing Marketer certification awarded by the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI).
Students who complete the finance major are recognised through the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program.
Students who complete the financial planning major satisfy the education standards of the Financial Adviser Standards (FAS). This enables students to provide financial advice in Australia and eligibility to enter certification programs of the professional financial planning associations. These include the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® Certification Program by the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) and the Fellow Chartered Financial Practitioner designation by the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA).
Depending on your units of study, commerce graduates are also eligible to apply for membership to the:
- Australian HR Institute (AHRI)
- Institute of Managers and Leaders (IML)
- Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).
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.
See course entry for Bachelor of Commerce (M300) or Bachelor of Arts (A300)