Course overview
Combine a leading law degree with the specialist commercial expertise that organisations are seeking by undertaking Deakin's Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws.
Build broad knowledge across key legal and business disciplines, with comprehensive training and practical experience that gives you a competitive edge in all areas of commercial law. Complete two in-demand degrees in just five years - two fewer than if you completed them separately - and unlock a world of career opportunities with your dual expertise. In law, study all major areas of the profession, taught by experienced academics, with opportunities to apply your skills through initiatives like the Deakin Law Clinic, supporting real community cases. In commerce, gain specialist knowledge and data-informed insight in your chosen major, building the professional capabilities to influence organisational outcomes.
Want career-ready business and legal skills with a commercial focus?
We know that lawyers are increasingly expected to provide commercial and practical insight beyond traditional legal advice. Our combined course in commerce and law develops graduates with practical, commercially focused skills, and professional legal expertise.
Your teachers are active researchers and industry professional ensuring you learn the latest concepts, practices and approaches. You will also benefit from their strong industry connections and insights, giving you a competitive edge.
In your commerce component, you will select a major in the area that interests you most. Through these majors, you will build the specialist skills and qualifications needed to pursue your chosen profession.
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
- criminal law and procedure
- tort law
- property law
- equity and trusts
- constitutional law
- administrative law.
Our Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws graduates combine business knowledge with legal expertise preparing you to meet the needs of employers across industries.
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 Laws
- Year
2026 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?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 002452M 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
Mooting at Deakin Law School
Meet Swathika, a Deakin Law graduate who discovered her voice through mooting and now uses law as a tool for change. Discover how Deakin Law School nurtured Swathika's confidence and built career readiness through our mooting program and practical legal experiences.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws, you must pass 40 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
- 7 credit points of core units (excluding MLC101)
- 1 major (8 credit points)
- 1 credit point of open elective units
- a minimum of 4 credit points of Faculty of Business and Law units at level 3
- 24 credit points from the Bachelor of Laws
- 18 credit points of core units
- 1 credit point of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) or practical course elective units (as outlined in the Bachelor of Laws)
- 5 credit points of course elective units
- course requirements for both the Bachelor of Commerce (M300) and Bachelor of Laws (M312) 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.
Students must complete 7 credit points from the Bachelor of Commerce
Students must complete 18 credit points from the Bachelor of Laws
Note: MLP code denotes Priestley units, which teach the academic areas of knowledge prescribed for admission to legal practice.
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Students must complete 5 Law electives from the following list
*MLI code denotes optional residential version of the unit.
^MLT324 does not count as one of the WIL/Practical course elective units (listed above) required for the Bachelor of Laws.
Note:
Not all units will be offered every year.
The Law School might from time to time develop new units to strengthen the law elective list.
Students must complete one of the following experiential/practice units as one of their Law Elective units:
Further details can be found at WIL Opportunities for law students
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
^ M300 Bachelor of Commerce is the recommended pathway to qualify for membership of professional organisations.
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:
- Online
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
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
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. 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.
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.
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 30 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 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 the following to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least four credit points in an equivalent (AQF Level 7) bachelor degree with a minimum WAM of 60 or equivalent
This course does not accept VET study for entry, please check for alternative entry requirements or visit the pathways finder for alternate pathways into this course.
This course does not accept work, volunteer and/or life experience for entry. Please check for alternative entry requirements or visit the pathways finder for alternate pathways into this course.
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 greater than 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or greater than 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 6.5) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Subject adjustment
A study score of 35 in English other than EAL, any History, Legal Studies, Politics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in English other than EAL, any History, Legal Studies, Politics 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.
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.
RPL will generally be granted for a Priestley 11 unit where a student completed the unit within 5 years of the date on which they will commence their Law degree at Deakin University. Whether RPL is granted for a Priestley unit that a student completed more than 5 years before that date will depend on an assessment of the particular unit, including whether its content remains current and it is substantially equivalent to the relevant unit in the Deakin Law course for which RPL is sought. It is possible that RPL may not be granted where the coverage of Priestley 11 knowledge areas across units of study is structured differently in the Law course at Deakin University compared to the Law course at the university where the student previously studied.
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
$46,400 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
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.
Readmission into law courses
All students seeking readmission into law courses must be readmitted into the latest version of a course. Please note that students readmitting may be required to pick up additional units or repeat units where prior studies were undertaken at Deakin more than 5 years ago; or where units were undertaken in a previous course version. This is due to units no longer being current so that students will have satisfied the requirements necessary for admission to the legal profession.
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.
Pathways
Alternate exits
Articulated courses:
Career outcomes
With Deakin ranked #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, you will graduate with the skills and confidence to step into a range of exciting roles across law and business.
Depending on your majors and career interests, you could pursue opportunities such as:
- 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
Deakin's Bachelor of Laws is designed to satisfy the academic qualifications necessary for admission to the legal profession. In Victoria these have been set by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB). In addition to satisfying the academic qualifications, a person seeking admission to the legal profession in Victoria is required to have satisfactorily completed certain practical legal training requirements and must be considered a fit and proper person to be admitted to the legal profession.
Requirements for admission in jurisdictions outside Australia vary. Please check with the relevant jurisdiction’s legal admissions authority to confirm the required academic qualifications criteria, including any restrictions on online study or distance education.
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.
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 (M300) | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Laws (M312) |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply a broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of commerce and its applications. | Demonstrate an understanding of the Australian legal system and the fundamental areas of knowledge required for legal practice as situated within international contexts and the broader contexts within which legal issues arise. |
| 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. | Communicate legal knowledge effectively to legal and non-legal audiences, both verbally and in writing. |
| Digital literacy | Use technologies to identify, locate, evaluate, synthesise and disseminate and communicate information in the field of commerce. | Use a range of digitally-based technologies to locate, evaluate and disseminate information. |
| Critical thinking | Evaluate and critically analyse academic, professional and business information and values. | Exercise critical thinking, judgment and intellectual independence to evaluate, consolidate and synthesise knowledge relevant to legal doctrine and legal practice. |
| Problem solving | Identify solutions to a diverse range of authentic problems in commerce. | Apply legal reasoning and critical analysis to generate and articulate accurate and relevant responses to legal issues. |
| Self-management | Take personal responsibility for actions, self-reflect and critique own performance and identify and plan future professional development. | Exercise responsibility and accountability for own learning, and possess abilities to reflect on own capabilities, performance and feedback to support personal and professional development. |
| Teamwork | Interact and collaborate with others from a range of disciplines and backgrounds. | Collaborate effectively in a team environment demonstrating constructive engagement and contribution to the team and the ability to draw on strengths of others. |
| Global citizenship | Engage effectively in different environments and contexts reflecting social, sustainable, ethical, economic, and global perspectives in the field of commerce. | Reflect on the ethical and professional behaviours and responsibilities of legal professionals and demonstrate an understanding of the impact that different social, ethical, global or environmental perspectives have on exercising legal practice in the community. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
