Course overview
Study at the #1 university in the state of Victoria for undergraduate business employment and build commercial and communication skills that employers value. Benefit from Deakin’s redesigned Bachelor of Commerce, building foundations in accounting, economics, finance and analytics before tailoring your degree through majors, minors and electives.
Develop your communication craft in advertising, public relations, journalism or digital and social media, learning to create content that resonates with audiences across platforms. In both degrees you will interpret data and evidence, model outcomes and advise on how to respond to complex challenges, working with clients and industry-connected academics. With at least 80 hours of work-integrated learning through internships, consulting projects and study tours, you will graduate ready to help shape decisions in business, media, government and community settings in Australia and globally.
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 Communication
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400411463 - Waterfront (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400511463 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place - Deakin code
- D339
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 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
#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 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
- 1 credit point of core units
- 3 credit points of employability sequence units (inclusive of either AWL100 or MPB202)
- 1 major (8 credit points)
- 4 credit points of course elective units at levels 2 or 3
- a maximum of 12 credit points at level 1 across both courses
- a minimum of 10 credit points at level 3 across both courses.
Course requirements for both the Bachelor of Commerce (M380) 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.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Students must complete 8 credit points from the Bachelor of Commerce
*MPB202 (Commerce core unit) and AWL100 (Arts employability sequence unit) are incompatible; therefore, students must choose from either MPB202 or AWL100.
If MPB202 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 1 credit point of core from the Bachelor of Communications
Core:
*To be completed in first trimester of study.
Employability Sequence
Plus 1 credit point from:
Plus 1 credit point from:
Students must complete 1 Bachelor of Commerce major sequence chosen from the below list. Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability:
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
^ M380 Bachelor of Commerce is 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.
- 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
This course structure applies to students who commenced in 2027.
Students who commenced prior to 2027 should refer to the Handbook Archive for their course structure and consult with their enrolment officer.
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).
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
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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 or Maths: General 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.
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.
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
The estimated fee for this course is not currently available, please contact Student Central for further information.
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Apply through VTAC
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you must submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). In addition, you may also apply directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
Pathways
Alternate exits
- Bachelor of Commerce (M380)
- Bachelor of Communication (A318)
- Diploma of Business Studies (M201)
Articulated courses:
Career outcomes
Graduate from the #1 Victorian university for course satisfaction, and confidently start your career. 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
- international trade officer
- journalist
- marketing communications strategist
- 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’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).
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®.
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.
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.
| Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Commerce | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Communication |
|---|---|
| Evaluate broad knowledge of commerce, with depth in one or more business disciplines, and apply theoretical and technical expertise to inform financial, economic, and organisational decision-making. | Evaluate and apply knowledge of media and communication theories, frameworks, ecosystems, and creative practices to provide solutions to real-world contexts. |
| Communicate knowledge and ideas clearly and effectively through written, spoken, and digital formats suited to the discipline and context, demonstrating the level of professionalism expected in business settings. | Work creatively, and professionally in written, oral, and multimedia formats to communicate with stakeholders, to achieve defined outcomes and to engage target media audiences. |
| Effectively use discipline-specific and general digital technologies to research, evaluate, synthesise, and communicate business-relevant information in a dynamic global environment. | 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. |
| Analyse and evaluate academic, professional, and commercial information using relevant theories and methods to form reasoned judgements and support ethical, evidence informed decisions in commercial contexts. | 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. |
| Apply creative, cognitive, and technical skills to identify, investigate, and solve complex, realworld commercial problems using innovative and evidence-informed approaches. | 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. |
| Engage in independent and continuous learning across business disciplines to support personal and professional growth in a dynamic business environment; effectively manage resources, time, and constraints to deliver high-quality, timely outcomes. | 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. |
| Work and learn collaboratively with fellow peers, business professionals, and members of the wider community. | Collaborate respectfully and effectively in a timely way with people from different backgrounds and disciplines to foster successful relationships and achieve shared goals. |
| Develop an ethical awareness and a social responsibility by engaging respectfully and productively with Indigenous, local, national, and international stakeholders, and by applying knowledge and skills in ways that are culturally appropriate, inclusive, and informed by diverse worldviews and knowledges. | 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. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
