Access internships with major media outlets
Accredited by the International Advertising Association
Lead by academics with extensive industry experience
Key facts
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
Catch people's attention, understand the world of brand communication and tell the story that sells. Designed to inspire the next generation of big idea thinkers, the Bachelor of Communication (Advertising) at Deakin allows you to understand complex audiences, analyse media effectiveness and hone your creative thinking.
Do you have a way with words and consider yourself a confident problem-solver?
Explore the principles and practice of advertising with hands-on learning at Deakin. Experiment with future-focused approaches to brand communication, and critically evaluate the role and impact of advertising on society.
From your first year onwards, you'll be connected to a network of advertising professionals who become part of your learning journey. Gain valuable industry experience and build your resume with an internship at an advertising agency or with an 'in house' brand or creative team.
If you're a strategic thinker and like to understand what motivates people, you'll relish the chance to work on real-world client briefs throughout your studies, helping you forge valuable connections with industry professionals.
Through this course, you'll be immersed in:
- advertising principles and practices
- branded content
- copywriting and ideation
- emerging advertising media
- creative work
- strategic planning.
You can also broaden your skill set and career opportunities by taking core elective units in related communication fields like design, public relations, journalism and digital media.
With an accredited advertising degree under your belt, you could transform brand communication in the digital era.
Read MoreCourse structure
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Communication (Advertising), a student must complete 24 credit points including:
- 12 credit points of core units
- 3 course electives from level 1 (List A)
- 3 course electives from level 2/3 (List B)
- 6 credit points of electives (at least two must be 2nd or 3rd level)
- no more than 10 credit points at level 1
- no fewer than 6 credit points at level 3
- Academic Integrity AAI018 Academic Integrity (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
18
Core units
6
Electives
24
Total units
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
ALA301* Creative Advertising Campaigns [2 credit points] (No longer available for enrolment)
*2 new units ALA303 and ALA304 to replace ALA301 commencing 2020
Course Electives
Complete three 1 credit point units from the following course electives (List A):
Complete three 1 credit point units from the following course electives (List B):
Electives
Complete 6 electives, of which at least 2 must be 2nd or 3rd level
We suggest students complete at least 4 credit points in a subject area different to their degree, preferably a linked sequence of study in the same area. This choice can include units from any degree in the University but is best chosen from the subject areas in the Bachelor of Arts. We also recommend students complete at least 2 more credit points from the core electives listed above.
Key information
2020 course information
1400610461 - Cloud (online), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Campuses by intake
Campus availability varies per trimester. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Read more to learn where this course will be offered throughout the year.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Cloud
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Cloud
Trimester 3 - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Cloud
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
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. Click here for more information.
Work experience
Work Integrated Learning experiences are embedded within the course’s core units.
Entry requirements
Entry information
Deakin University offers admission to undergraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
Entry for applicants with recent secondary education (previous three years) will be based on their performance in a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, with pre-requisite units 3 and 4; a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or 20 in English other than EAL. Applicants will be selected in accordance with the published Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) for that year.
Refer to the VTAC Guide for the latest pre-requisite information www.vtac.edu.au
Entry for applicants with previous Tertiary, VET, life or work experience will be based on their performance in:
- a Certificate IV in a related discipline OR
- a Diploma in any discipline or 50% completion of a Diploma in a related discipline OR
- successful completion of relevant study at an accredited higher education institution equivalent to at least two Deakin University units OR
- other evidence of academic capability judged to be equivalent for example relevant work or life experience
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 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 to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of 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 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 fees and available payment options.
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
How to apply
Applications through VTAC have now closed.
Applications can be made directly to the University through the Course and Scholarship Applicant Portal.
For more information on the application process and closing dates, visit the how to apply page.
Please complete the Register your interest form to receive further information about our direct application opportunities.
Entry pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Communication (Advertising) with our pathways finder.
Further studies are available at Honours and Postgraduate level. Many students choose to enter into the Bachelor of Communication (Honours) or the Master of Communication.
Contact information
Arts and Education Student Services and Enrolment Enquiries
Burwood (Melbourne)
Tel 03 9246 8100
artsed@deakin.edu.au
Frequently asked questions
What are the key study start dates?
Browse all start and finish dates for Deakin’s main study periods. You’ll also find dates relating to applications and prospective student events, plus a list of all public holidays and study breaks.
How much does it cost to study at Deakin?
Your tuition fees will depend on the type of student you are, the course you study and the year you start. Fees are based on an annual amount; they don't cover the entire duration of the course.
Use our fee estimator to gauge what your fees could be per year.
Can I speak to someone in person about my study options?
Yes! We regularly host a range of events including 1:1 consultations and information sessions, to assist you with your study options and career planning. Check out our upcoming events or contact our Prospective Student Enquiry Centre on 1800 693 888 for more information.
Am I eligible for a scholarship with this course?
Scholarships are available for domestic and international students at all study levels. Find a scholarship that works for you.
Can I claim recognition of prior learning (RPL) for this course?
In some courses, you can reduce your overall study time and tuition cost by getting your work and previous study experience recognised as recognition of prior learning (RPL).
Why choose Deakin
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
Pursue a career in agencies, or work in-house in the commercial, corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors. Deakin graduates find work in roles such as:
- account manager
- advertising art director
- advertising copywriter
- digital creative
- brand specialist
- digital marketer or media specialist
- marketing and communications officer
- media researcher or planner
- social media coordinator.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Communication (Advertising) is accredited by the International Advertising Association, ensuring you’re across the latest industry standards and remain connected to industry after you graduate.
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 |
| Discipline specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply knowledge of advertising principles, planning processes and creative practice to the evaluation of brand messaging and develop engaging, research-driven and ethically sound multi-channel advertising media content. |
| Communication | Articulate knowledge of advertising industry conditions and apply visual, spoken and textual communication skills to achieve effective advertising outcomes across various cultural and organisational contexts. |
| Digital literacy | Evaluate and apply the software, hardware and digital content that is used to research, produce, disseminate and consume advertising-related media. |
| Critical thinking | Identify and critically analyse contemporary advertising and media platforms as a means of building the adaptability required to develop creative brand content applicable to various sociocultural and organisational contexts. |
| Problem solving | Apply theories and principles of advertising strategy, consumer behaviour, client management and creative process in response to real world client briefs and standard and complex communication problems. |
| Self-management | Maintain professional practice and future career development using self-directed learning skills that encourage reflective practice consistent with a selected specialisation in the areas of communication strategy, advertising management and creative practice. |
| Teamwork | Contribute positively to collaborative projects, demonstrate the ability to plan and strategise in the context of team driven campaigns, including the ability to display initiative, provide considered feedback and be flexible in the context of project delivery. |
| Global citizenship | Engage with and critically evaluate research materials on ethical and intercultural communication and apply reflective practice principles to model the responsibilities expected of advertising practitioners who work within diverse social, cultural and regulatory frameworks. |
| Approved by Faculty Board September 2019 | |
Events Explore more events
*QS Stars University Ratings 2016–2017
^Mid-year intake is not available for all courses and some courses have limited places, apply early to avoid missing out.
* Application close dates vary. Some courses have limited places, apply early to avoid missing out.