Three Deakin bachelor of creative arts honours students develop film in lab.

International

Bachelor of Communication and Creative Arts (Honours)

Pathway to a masters or research degree

I am an international student ?International students are students who intend to study, or are currently studying, in Australia and are temporary residents of Australia, permanent residents of New Zealand, or residents or citizens of any other country.
Domestic International
I am an international student ?International students are students who intend to study, or are currently studying, in Australia and are temporary residents of Australia, permanent residents of New Zealand, or residents or citizens of any other country.
Domestic International
English requirements 6.0 IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent View entry requirements
Academic requirements Course-specific academic requirements apply.
English requirements 6.0 IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent View entry requirements
Academic requirements Course-specific academic requirements apply.
English requirements 6.0 IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent View entry requirements
Academic requirements Course-specific academic requirements apply.
Campus
  • Burwood
  • Waurn Ponds
  • Online
Duration 1 year full-time
Intakes Trimester 1 View how to apply
Fees $38,600 for 1 yr full-time AUD View fees and scholarships

Professional studios for creating and showcasing

Join a vibrant network of practitioners and peers

Pathway to masters or research degree

Why choose communication and creative arts at Deakin

Explore advanced creative projects and research through a Bachelor of Communication and Creative Arts (Honours). Undertake specialised study combining the theory and practical skills gained throughout your undergraduate degree. With a strong interdisciplinary focus, you will collaborate with students from across communication and creative arts disciplines — including dance, theatre, film, television, animation, photography, design, digital media and visual arts — while developing your creative practice and scholarly research skills.  
 
Guided and supported by a supervisor you will undertake an individual creative project. You will build your skills, critical engagement and depth of knowledge in your chosen area of study. Look forward to expanding your knowledge in an area you are passionate about and gaining invaluable research and life skills. On graduation you can continue studying into the Master of Fine Arts or a Master of Arts, or you could pursue a PhD.

  • Connected creative community

    Expand your network, grow through critical feedback from peers, practitioners and academic experts deeply embedded in arts and media organisations.

  • Industry-leading creative spaces

    Access design and performance studios, green-screen and editorial hub, virtual production facilities and gallery spaces at the #1 university in the state of Victoria for facilities and resources.

  • Research-led honours year

    Build independent practice through a supervised creative project, with a pathway to the Master of Fine Arts, research masters or a PhD.

  • Learn from experts

    Be nurtured at the #1 university in the state of Victoria for student support, guided by academic staff who are active researchers and experienced educators.

Connected to industry

Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.

Deakin international students walk through Burwood Campus.

Proven employability

Deakin graduates are highly valued by employers. Gain a degree you will value as much as your future career. #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment.

Deakin puts employability first

Career outcomes

Develop advanced creative practice, research capability and transferable communication skills for work across creative arts and cultural industries or build a pathway to further study in your chosen specialisation.

Animator

Create 2D and 3D animation for film, television, digital media and other creative projects. Develop concepts, storyboards and visual sequences, then use specialist software to bring images and ideas to life.

  • $85k

    Typical salary in Australia

  • 9.9%

    Projected job growth in 5 years

Photographer

Plan and produce artistic or commercial images in studios or on location. Work with clients, select equipment and settings, capture subjects and refine images using digital editing tools.

  • $75k

    Typical salary in Australia

  • 4.5/5

    Job satisfaction

Careers depend on areas of specialisation:

  • Dance
  • Visual arts
  • Film
  • Communication design
  • Theatre
  • UX design

FAQs

Find answers to the most common questions about this course.

Deakin's campuses in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool are set in vibrant, multicultural communities where it is easy to connect and feel at home. As the #1 university in Australia for international student happiness and student satisfaction, you will be supported at every step of your journey. You can join clubs and societies through the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA), attend social events, go on trips and live on campus to meet people from around the world. Each campus has fitness centres, cafes and 24-hour security, as well as prayer rooms and multifaith chaplains.

Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.

As an international student at Deakin, you can work part time according to the conditions of your visa. On a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during trimesters. When you are on a trimester break you can work as much as you want. Compulsory work experience that forms part of your degree does not count toward this limit. Find part-time roles and internships through DeakinTALENT and learn more about working in Australia.

Most students studying full time at Deakin need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). You can apply for this visa after you accept your offer and receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). To apply, you will need a valid passport, your CoE, proof of Overseas Student Health Cover and any other documents required by the Department of Home Affairs. Apply as early as possible, but do not book travel until your visa has been granted. Find out more about student visas.

Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.

Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.

To enrol in an undergraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.

Deakin is the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. Our degrees are developed with industry insight, so you will gain career-ready skills from the beginning. Each Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities including placements, internships and projects with well-known industry partners. Our dedicated international student career support program helps you learn about the Australian workforce, make connections and build your network through placements. You will get support with your resume, help looking for an internship or a job after graduation and even advice about your career options overseas.

There is more than one way to study at Deakin. If you do not meet the academic requirements, Deakin College offers a guaranteed pathway to Deakin with small, supportive classes on campus. If you meet the academic requirements but not the English requirements, you can enrol in a Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) English pathway program and progress to your chosen Deakin degree upon successful completion. Deakin also has formal pathway agreements with partner institutions in countries like China, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and the United States, so you can start your studies locally before transferring to Australia to complete your degree.

*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.

What will I study in the Bachelor of Communication and Creative Arts (Honours)?

You will move through a tightly focused structure that blends research development, discipline-specific refinement and a major supervised project.

Sharpen your creative focus

Build your research approach

Learn how to frame questions, investigate contemporary practice and choose methods that suit your area. This gives your creative work or scholarly inquiry a clear, rigorous backbone.

Develop discipline-specific practice

Connect theory with practice. Extend the skills, techniques and conventions of your field.

Complete a supervised final project

Undertake a major project that can lean towards creative practice, industry engagement or disciplinary inquiry.

This learning journey is intended as a guide only. Individual study journeys may vary.

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Communication and Creative Arts (Honours), you must pass 8 credit points.

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.

Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.

All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements

Units

Compulsory 0-credit point module

To be completed in the first trimester of study:

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin

Units

Communication and Creative Arts Research Theory and Methods    (2 credit points)
Discipline Specific Research Practices    (2 credit points)
Supervised Creative/Industry Project A
Critical Writing: Theory and Contexts
Supervised Creative/Industry Project B

Students will be supported to choose one unit from:

Reading in the Discipline
Supervised Research/Industry Project C
Deakin student smiling and holding a bag, dressed in business wear.

What to expect while studying

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.

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.

At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.

If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.

When can I start?

When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.

Explore important dates

Campus
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Trimester 3
BurwoodMelbourne
Waurn PondsGeelong
Online

Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.

Course Learning Outcomes
Identify and apply critical analysis, engagement and evaluation within discipline specific contexts.  
Articulate discipline specific and interdisciplinary ideas, through a range of practical creative processes, to inform discussions of approach and relevant contemporary ideas.  
Utilise a range of technologies and digital strategies to research, develop and actualize projects within discipline specific contexts
Engage in high-level independent critical thinking to investigate, describe and synthesize ideas and their application within discipline specific discourses.  
Identify, evaluate and select the methods, techniques, concepts and processes to investigate and apply effective solutions.  
Exercise autonomy, adaptability, responsibility and a continued commitment to learning and skills development in professional, creative and scholarly contexts.
This Course Learning Outcome is not explicitly assessed
Apply self-reflexivity and critical analysis to personal cultural values, privileges, and biases while engaging with diverse perspectives, particularly Indigenous Knowledges, in the development of research and creative and industry specific works.

Approved at Faculty Board May 2025

Award granted
Bachelor of Communication and Creative Arts (Honours)
Year

2027 course information

Deakin code
A450
CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
118467G Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Level
Undergraduate
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8

Your academic history, work and life experience, and individual circumstances will be considered. Meeting the minimum academic and English language requirements does not guarantee admission, but alternative pathways may be available.

Entry requirements

To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • completion of a bachelor degree or higher or major in a related discipline* with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) (or equivalent average grade indicator) of at least 65 in third year units, or where relevant, final year units.

*Examples of related disciplines include but are not limited to film, television and animation, dance, theatre, visual arts, photography, journalism, advertising, digital and social media, public relations, communication design and UX design. 

References

Applicants are also advised to read further information and complete requirements outlined in the Information and Application form. These requirements may include work experience, reasons for undertaking the course, previous academic information and your research proposal.

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)

Get credit for your experience

We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.

Admissions information

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

Fees

Estimated tuition fee

$38,600

for 1 yr full-time AUD

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.

Learn more about tuition fees for international students.

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Scholarships

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.

Browse scholarships

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 StudyLink Connect

Recognition of prior learning

We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.