Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Arts

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Key facts

Duration

4 years full-time

Locations

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 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.

Award granted: Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Arts
Year: 2025 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
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, DAI001 Academic Integrity Module.

Compulsory 0-credit point unit:-

To be completed in the first trimester of study.

DAI001 Academic Integrity Module

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:-

One major sequence (8 credit points) as described under course A310 Bachelor of Arts
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
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.

Commerce units

Arts units

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 enrolled in this combined course will be required to undertake units of study at both Waurn Ponds (Geelong) and the 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).

Additional course information

Course duration

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

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.

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.

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 (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.

Fees and scholarships

Fee information

Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place

$44,000 for 1 yr full-time AUD
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 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 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 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 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

Apply through VTAC and Deakin

If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you should also submit a separate application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), in addition to applying directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect.

Apply Through VTAC

Apply through Deakin

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.

Apply through StudyLink Connect

Deakin International office or Deakin representative

Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance

PDF Application form - 306 KB

Need more information on how to apply?

For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, visit the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.

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 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:

The marketing major provides a one-year credit towards Australian Marketing Institute (AMI)’s 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)’s 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)’s 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.

Please refer to the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) of the single degree.