Key facts
IELTS overall score of 6 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent
4 years full-time
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
- 1400414433 - Waterfront (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400514433 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place - 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
Entry requirements
Senior certificate of education
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.
International equivalent requirements
To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.
To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.
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.
International equivalent requirements
To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.
To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.
Polytechnic 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.
International equivalent requirements
To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.
To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.
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.
International equivalent requirements
To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.
To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.
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.
Online studies
Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.
However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered online. International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as online study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for credit transfer. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your credit transfer.
Your credit transfer is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of 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 eight 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 international student fees.
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
International students who are currently completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas should apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), as well as directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect – Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
All other international students apply directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
Entry pathways
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)
Careers
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)
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