Key facts
IELTS overall score of 7 (with no band score less than 6.5) or equivalent
5 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
Combine a leading law degree with the commercial expertise that organisations are seeking by undertaking Deakin's Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws. Your broad knowledge of both commercial and legal concepts, as well as robust training, practical experience and industry placements, will give you a competitive edge in all areas of commercial law.
Graduate with two sought-after degrees in just five years – two fewer than if you completed each degree separately – and open up a world of exciting career opportunities with your dual expertise in commerce and law. In the law stream, you'll be trained in all major areas of law before applying your skills on real cases at the Deakin Law Clinic. In the commerce stream, you'll study a broad range of foundation units before choosing one of eight majors, allowing you to tailor your degree to your career goals.
Want workplace-ready business and legal skills with a commercial focus?
We know that lawyers are increasingly expected to provide commercial and practical insight beyond pure legal advice. Our combined course in commerce and law gives graduates practical, commercially-focused skills, as well as professional legal insight.
Your teachers are active researchers and field workers, so you'll always be learning the latest industry concepts, legal practice and approaches. Plus, you'll benefit from their existing connections and insights, giving you a competitive edge that's ready for the workplace.
In your commerce component, you'll choose a major in the area that interests you most. These majors prepare you to enter a ‘vertical’ profession where you obtain qualification and skills that enable you to work in corporations and governments.
Options include:
*accounting
*economics
*finance
*financial planning
*human resource management
*management
*management information systems
*marketing.
Deakin Law School provides a strong foundation in all major areas of law, including:
*contract law
*legal practice and ethics
*criminal law and procedure
*tort law
*property law
*constitutional law
*administrative law.
You'll expand on this valuable mix of education at the Deakin Law Clinic, where you'll conduct research on legal issues and offer advice under supervision from qualified solicitors. Sit in on real courtroom proceedings and undertake an internship placement for credit towards your degree.
Our Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws graduates have the combined business capabilities and legal expertise that organisations are looking for.
Course information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Laws
- Year
2023 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400414493 - Waterfront (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400514493 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place - Deakin code
- D322
- CRICOS code?
- 002452M 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 complete the Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws, students must attain a total of 40 credit points consisting of 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Commerce and 24 credit points from the Bachelor of Laws plus the compulsory 0-credit point module, MAI010 Academic Integrity Module. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake 2 trimesters each year.
16
Credit points from the Bachelor of Commerce
24
Credit points from the Bachelor of Laws
40
Total credit points
Units
Compulsory 0-credit point unit (to be completed in first trimester of study):-
- MAI010 Academic Integrity Module
The 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Commerce include:-
- 7** credit points of core units (MAA103, MAE101, MAF101, MIS171, MMK101, MMM132 and MWL101)
- an 8 credit point major sequence
- a one credit point elective unit chosen from across the University
- Level 3 - at least 4 credit points (which must be course grouped to a Faculty of Business and Law undergraduate degree)
The 24 credit points from the Bachelor of Laws include:-
- 18 credit points of core units
- 6 credit points of law elective units*, including 1 credit point of WIL/practical unit
**Please note: Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws course must not undertake MLC101 Law for Commerce (a core unit in the Bachelor of Commerce) as this unit is incompatible with MLL119 and MLL219 (core units in the Bachelor of Laws).
*See the Bachelor of Laws entry for a list of the Deakin Law School’s Commercial Law elective units
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:
- Online
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
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
Workload
As a student in the Faculty of Business and Law, you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time. The minimum expected workload for a Law unit will normally be around 150 hours, which includes attendance at class, reading, completion of any assessment, and preparation for the exam.
Participation requirements
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
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 30 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 25 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.
Weighted Average Mark (WAM)
Successful completion of 4 credit points or more at an accredited higher education institution with a minimum WAM of 60 or equivalent.
VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 25 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.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you have not successfully met the WAM requirements for this course, you will need to achieve at least 60 in the STAT (Multiple Choice) to be considered for this course. Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test results for entry into Deakin University here.
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 30 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 25 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 (STAT)
To be considered for this course you will need to achieve at least 60 in the STAT (Multiple Choice). Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test results for entry into Deakin University here.
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 30 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 25 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 (STAT)
To be considered for this course you will need to achieve at least 60 in the STAT (Multiple Choice). Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test results for entry into Deakin University here.
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 35 in English other than EAL, any History, Legal Studies, Australian Politics or Global Politics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in English other than EAL, any History, Legal Studies, 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.
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 Recognition of Prior Learning. 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 Recognition of Prior Learning.
Your Recognition of Prior Learning 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.
Careers
Career outcomes
Graduates from this course can look forward to a diverse and challenging range of opportunities that make you a sought-after candidate in a range of roles including:
* conveyancer
* corporate lawyer
* law reform officer
* police officer
* judge
* jury consultant
* law academic
* legal adviser
* mediator
* police development manager
* policy adviser
* private investigator
* liquidator
* legal secretary
* international trade law consultant
* accountant
* auditor
* human resources manager
* stockbroker
* organisational consultant
* small business owner
* immigration agent
* sport law adviser.
Professional recognition
Graduates of Deakin’s Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws may be eligible for professional recognition.
The Bachelor of Laws component is designed to satisfy the university component of the requirements to become an Australian Lawyer set by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB).
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 memberships.
*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 each of the single degrees.
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