Course overview
Follow your passion and gain sought-after skills with Deakin's Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Arts. Whether you choose a commerce profession, such as marketing, accounting or human resources, or arts pursuits, such as sociology or criminology, the complementary nature of these degrees ensures a unique qualification built around your career goals.
The commerce stream builds specialist expertise in analysis, communication and reporting to inform business and financial outcomes. You will also learn entrepreneurial thinking, adaptability and gain experience with real clients and tech.
The arts stream allows you to explore meaningful ideas aligned with your values through a specialisation. You will graduate with in-demand 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
• digital cultures
• gender and sexuality studies
• history
• international relations
• media and communication
• philosophy
• politics and policy studies
• sociology
• religious studies.
You will learn from leading academics and passionate practitioners who are engaged in industry and actively collaborating on key social issues. Our academics will support your personal growth and inspire you to push boundaries with your bold ideas.
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.
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 close 21 June 2026
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2026 close 18 October 2026
VTAC entries are closed.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Arts
- Year
2026 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?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 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
#1 Victorian uni for graduate employment
Choose a Deakin degree for vital industry experience on placements, hands-on learning in world-class facilities and guidance from industry-expert academics. We offer lifetime career support and are the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment.
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
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
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.
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
^ M300 Bachelor of Commerce is 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)
- Design thinking (Minor)
- Digital cultures (Major and 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.
- 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)
- 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 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 any Business, English other than EAL, any Information Technology, any LOTE, Media, Creative And Digital Media (VCE VET) I, Maths: General Mathematics, Politics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Equity schemes and scholarships, formerly known as Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS), enable Deakin to consider any disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and how these have impacted your studies. Equity schemes help us identify whether you are from an under-represented group when making selection decisions for certain courses. It's important to note that participation in an equity scheme does not exempt you from meeting the standard course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's equity schemes and scholarships.
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'.
$16,405 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
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 or estimate your tuition fees.
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 will open on 3 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.
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 Commerce/Bachelor of Arts with our pathways finder.
Alternate 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)
Articulated courses:
Career outcomes
Graduate from the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment and confidently start your career. 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 adviser
- 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.
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. | 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. |
| 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. | 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. |
| Digital Literacy | Use technologies to identify, locate, evaluate, synthesise and disseminate and communicate information in the field of commerce. | 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. |
| Critical thinking | Evaluate and critically analyse academic, professional and business information and values. | 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. |
| Problem Solving | Identify solutions to a diverse range of authentic problems in commerce. | Integrate cognitive, methodological, and creative skills to generate and communicate innovative approaches to unpredictable and complex problems. |
| Self-management | Take personal responsibility for actions, self-reflect and critique own performance and identify and plan future professional development. | 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. |
| Teamwork | Interact and collaborate with others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds. | Collaborate effectively and contribute constructively to team objectives with colleagues, other professionals, and members of the wider community in diverse professional and scholarly contexts. |
| Global Citizenship | Engage effectively in different environments and contexts reflecting social, sustainable, ethical, economic, and global perspectives in the field of commerce. | 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. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
