Course overview
Deakin's Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Communication empowers you to solve the problems of the future and be part of the next generation of 'big idea' thinkers. In this combined course, you will learn to think more critically as you gain a strong foundation in all aspects of commerce at Deakin's world-class business school. Choose from eight commerce majors, from accounting to financial planning, and graduate with a globally recognised degree. At the same time, you can choose a communication major, from public relations to journalism. Take the opportunity to hone your skills to become an effective communicator creating content that resonates with different audiences.
Both degrees offer opportunities to get involved in hands-on learning including overseas study tours, international and domestic internships, work placements and exchanges. Graduate with a combination of sought-after skills in just four years and be ready for an exciting career in your chosen field.
Want versatile, job-ready skills in both commerce and communication?
In the Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Communication you will study a range of topics across both areas.
- Develop your business knowledge through one of our commerce majors:
- accounting
- economics
- finance
- financial planning
- human resources management
- management
- management information systems
- marketing.
Explore the complementary communication component and strengthen your understanding of the principles and practice of advertising, brand communication for the digital era, complex audiences, media effectiveness and creative thinking. Key study areas include:
- advertising^
- journalism
- public relations
- digital and social media^.
Because your teachers are active in their fields, you will enjoy a classroom that is innovative, contemporary and provides industry expertise. Plus, you will have the chance to grow your connections through their professional networks.
^Advertising and Digital and Social Media major sequence not offered at Waurn Ponds Campus.
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 Communication
- Year
2025 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400411461 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400511461 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400611461 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Deakin code
- D360
- CRICOS code?
- 111439A 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 Communication, you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your 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 from the Faculty of Business and Law at level 3
- 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Communication
- 3 credit points of core units
- 3 credit points of employability sequence units (inclusive of either AWL100 or MWL101)
- 1 major (8 credit points)
- 2 credit points of course elective units at levels 2 or 3
- course requirements for both the Bachelor of Commerce (M300) and Bachelor of Communication (A318) must be satisfied.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
16
Commerce units
16
Communication units
32
Total
Core units
Students must complete 8 credit points from the Bachelor of Commerce
* MWL101 (Commerce core unit) and AWL100 (Arts employability sequence unit) are incompatible; therefore, students must choose from either MWL101 or AWL100.
If MWL101 is chosen in place of AWL100 as the A318 Bachelor of Communication employability sequence unit, students must choose a further 1 credit point elective unit from the range of units listed in A318 not previously studied.
Students must complete 3 credit points from the Bachelor of Communications
Thematic core:
Compulsory 0-credit point module
*To be completed in first trimester of study.
Course electives
Employability Sequence
Plus 1 credit point from:
Plus 1 credit point from:
Major sequences
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
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 Communication major sequence chosen from the below list. Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability:
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)
- Waterfront (Geelong)
- Online
Note: Students enrolled at Waterfront (Geelong) campus in this combined course will be required to undertake units of study at both Waurn Ponds (Geelong) and Waterfront (Geelong).
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
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
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 or Maths: Further Mathematics 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.
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
Students who complete the Diploma of Communication or the Diploma of Commerce at Deakin College will be guaranteed a place in the combined Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Communication and receive specified credit as per the existing agreements with Deakin College for the individual degrees that comprise this combined award.
Alternative exits
- Bachelor of Commerce (M300)
- Bachelor of Communication (A318)
- Diploma of Business Studies (M201)
Articulated courses
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
Career outcomes
The Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Communication sets you up with a wide-ranging skill set for the future. Your entrepreneurial mindset will be highly valued across many industries and your in-demand transferable skills mean you will adapt and thrive in a variety of roles.
Depending on your majors, you will have the practical experience needed to be successful as an:
- accountant
- account manager
- brand specialist
- business analytics professional
- digital creative
- economist
- financial planner
- human resource manager
- international trade officer
- journalist
- marketing communications strategist
- marketing manager
- media researcher or planner
- public relations professional
- social and economic policy developer.
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.
Depending on the major you choose, your Bachelor of Commerce component may give you eligibility for a range of professional memberships and accreditations.
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.
Depending on the major you choose, Bachelor of Communication component graduates will be eligible to apply for the following professional accreditation depending on their choice of major:
Students who complete the Advertising major - International Advertising Association.
Students who complete the Public Relations major - Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA).
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 Communication |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply a broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of commerce and its applications. | Evaluate and apply knowledge of media and communication theories, frameworks, ecosystems, and creative practices to provide solutions to real-world contexts. |
| 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. | Work creatively, and professionally in written, oral, and multimedia formats to communicate with stakeholders, to achieve defined outcomes and to engage target media audiences. |
| Digital literacy | Use technologies to identify, locate, evaluate, synthesise and disseminate and communicate information in the field of commerce. | Locate, gather, synthesise, produce, and publish information using industry-standard software across a range of media forms and platforms to inform and engage diverse audiences. |
| Critical thinking | Evaluate and critically analyse academic, professional and business information and values. | Exercise intellectual curiosity, reflexive self-awareness, and ethical judgement to critically analyse and evaluate data and information to inform decisions about communication and media industry practices. |
| Problem solving | Identify solutions to a diverse range of authentic problems in commerce. | Respond to complex and unpredictable challenges and situations that arise in a professional context and devise pragmatic and creative media and communication solutions that are strategic, legal, and ethical. |
| Self-management | Take personal responsibility for actions, self-reflect and critique own performance and identify and plan future professional development. | Recognise and exhibit actions consistent with principles of autonomy, responsibility and accountability required to work effectively as a communication professional in a range of contexts. |
| Teamwork | Interact and collaborate with others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds. | Collaborate respectfully and effectively in a timely way with people from different backgrounds and disciplines to foster successful relationships and achieve shared goals. |
| Global citizenship | Engage effectively in different environments and contexts reflecting social, sustainable, ethical, economic, and global perspectives in the field of commerce. | Apply relevant industry frameworks to inform ethical decision making that is respectful and inclusive of Indigenous voices and diverse cultures, and demonstrates an awareness of civic and social responsibility. |
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