Key facts
*The next available intake into this course will be Trimester 1, 2026
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Undertake a year of specialist study in the communication discipline that interests you most (advertising, journalism, public relations, digital media) with the Bachelor of Communication (Honours). Drawing on the theory and practical skills gained throughout your undergraduate degree, you will work with experienced researchers and a dedicated supervisor to develop and research your own project, gaining valuable research skills and advanced knowledge sought after by employers.
Honours is an optional year of study that allows you to combine the theory and practical skills gained throughout your undergraduate degree.
You will engage with theories and concepts in your chosen discipline, explore various research methods and then design a research project that you will carry through to its fruition under the guidance of an experienced academic supervisor. You will improve your critical and constructive thinking and gain practical research skills that you can use in a range of private and public sectors to positively impact issues you care about.
Do you want to specialise in a particular aspect of communication?
Working with a dedicated supervisor on a research project with real-world application, you can specialise in any facet of communication you're passionate about, including:
- advertising
- digital media
- journalism
- public relations.
Combine coursework along with your research project by engaging with theories and concepts in your chosen discipline. Use the opportunity this course brings to showcase your talents and work ethic to potential employers across a range of sectors.
After graduating, you can further your studies in research or professional practice by applying for direct entry into the second year of the Master of Communication by coursework, a Master of Arts by Research, or you could pursue a PhD.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Communication (Honours)
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- A451
- CRICOS code?
- 083986K Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Communication (Honours), you must pass 8 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 8 credit points of core units
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.
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
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:
- Online*
- Burwood (Melbourne)*
* Next available intake will be for 2026
Trimester 2* - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online*
* Next available intake will be for 2026
Trimester 3* - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Online*
* Next available intake will be for 2026
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
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
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. More information available at Disability support services.
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 or higher 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.
Academic 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.
English language proficiency requirements
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)
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.
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 (RPL) 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, as each unit has its own cost. 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 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 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 fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website.
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
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
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
Work across a range of industries from public relations, multimedia production and journalism, to advertising and marketing communication.
Deakin graduates find work across various organisations in the following roles:
- advertising art director
- advertising copywriter
- brand manager
- digital marketing or media specialist
- digital media designer
- event operations manager
- illustrator
- journalist
- marketing and communications officer
- media analyst
- media and communications adviser
- public relations manager
- social media coordinator
- tourism officer.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
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 advanced theoretical and methodological insight to critical analysis and evaluation of the Australian media system and communication policies and practices. |
| Communication | Utilise high-level communication skills to coherently and ethically articulate arguments and ideas to professional, scholarly and media audiences in accordance with practitioner and academic standards. |
| Digital literacy | Utilise a range of technologies and digital platforms to research and analyse complex communication problems, and to develop and disseminate communication products and projects for diverse audiences and stakeholders. |
| Critical thinking | Apply high-level independent critical and analytical judgement in the evaluation and theorisation of communication issues and practices in professional and scholarly contexts. |
| Problem solving | Apply advanced knowledge of communication theories, concepts and methodologies in identifying issues and problems in communications and providing solutions through research and professional practice. |
| Self-management | Exercise autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a continued commitment to learning and skills development in professional and scholarly contexts. |
| Teamwork | Work and learn collaboratively with students from different disciplines and backgrounds, including working effectively in different roles in professional communication teams. |
| Global citizenship | Operate ethically, responsibly and with awareness of diverse social, cultural, economic and political contexts in research and as a professional in the communications industry. |
Approved at Faculty Board September 2019
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Footnotes
**ARWU Rankings 2022