Progressive, real-world learning. Online.
Key facts
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2020 close 1 November 2020
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2021 close 21 February 2021
Timely VTAC entry closes 30 September 2020 at 5pm. View other VTAC dates
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
Designed to inspire the next generation of ‘big idea’ thinkers, the professionally accredited Bachelor of Communication (Advertising) gives you the skills to understand complex audiences, analyse media effectiveness and hone your creative thinking. Prepare for the challenges and excitement of developing incisive brand communication for the digital era as you work across real-world projects and connect with advertising practitioners.
Discover what makes a good ad by exploring the principles and practice of advertising. You’ll also experiment with future-focused approaches to brand communication, and critically evaluate the role and impact of advertising on society.
From your first year, you'll connect with a network of advertising professionals who will become part of your learning journey. Better still, you’ll build valuable industry experience and enhance your resume with an internship at an advertising agency, or with an 'in-house' brand or creative team.
Do you have a way with words and consider yourself a confident problem-solver?
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 internationally 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
- a minimum of 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
* from 2020 ALA303 and ALA304 replace ALA301 Creative Advertising Campaigns [2 credit points]
Course Electives
Complete three 1 credit point units from the following course electives (List A):
Either
Or
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.
Key information
2021 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.
Need help?
Ask a question about studying at Deakin
Entry requirements
Current or recent Year 12
If you are currently studying Year 12 in 2020 or completed Year 12 in 2018 or 2019 and have not attempted higher education or VET study since, your selection is based on the following.
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 considerations.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Higher education experience
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.
Senior secondary 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 or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course. Learn more about the personal statement.
STAT Multiple Choice
Applicants who wish to use a general aptitude test for consideration for entry must complete the STAT (Multiple Choice). Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
VET education experience
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 entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.
Senior secondary 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 or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course. Learn more about the personal statement.
STAT Multiple Choice
Applicants who wish to use a general aptitude test for consideration for entry must complete the STAT (Multiple Choice). Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
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.
Senior secondary 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 or equivalent, or Certificate IV: or higher, or concurrent Bachelor study.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.
Personal statement
Applicants who wish their work and volunteer/other experience to be considered as part of their application for entry are required to submit a personal statement with details of their work and volunteer/other experience, motivation to study and any other factors relevant to their application for the course.Learn more about the personal statement.
STAT Multiple Choice
Applicants who wish to use a general aptitude test for consideration for entry must complete the STAT (Multiple Choice). Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test.
Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.
Selection adjustments
Subject adjustment
A study score of 30 in any Business, Product Design And Technology, Economics, any English, Literature, Media, Interactive Digital Media, Psychology, Visual Communication Design or Extended Investigation equals 4 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
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 and your options for paying.
Learn more about fees.
The estimated tuition fee for Commonwealth supported places (CSP) is not currently available due to the Job-ready Graduates Package – higher education reforms recently announced by the Australian Government.
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
VTAC applications are now open for:
- current Year 12 students
- recent Year 12 student who completed secondary education in the past two years.
Apply to VTAC after reading the course entry requirements, or learn more about the application process.
Direct applications are now open for:
- applicants with work and life experience, who left secondary education more than two years ago
- applicants with TAFE experience
- applicants with higher education experience.
Apply to Deakin after reading the course entry requirements, or learn more about the application process.
Please note: If you’re applying for more than one course, you need to apply to VTAC.
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
Prospective Student Enquiry Centre
1800 693 888
myfuture@deakin.edu.au
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 | |
*2019 Student Experience Survey, based on undergraduate students
#ARWU Rankings 2019
~According to the Voice Project IT Service Quality Support Benchmark Survey
^Australian Graduate Recruitment Industry Awards, 2017, 2018, 2019 winner
^^Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2019 (GOS), Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)