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Bachelor of Creative Arts

Undergraduate degree

Immerse yourself in your creative practice and join a vibrant community of like-minded creatives, as you build a thriving arts career doing what you love.

Key facts

English language requirements

IELTS overall score of 6 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent

Duration

3-years full-time

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

Express your individuality, challenge the norm and create without limitations under the guidance of experienced industry professionals in Deakin's Bachelor of Creative Arts. Immerse yourself in your creative practice and develop the adaptable critical skills necessary to become an agile and versatile creative with a sustainable career in the arts sector.

Get amongst the next generation of dynamic practicing creatives when you major in one of the following specialist areas:

- dance

- drama

- photography

- publishing

- visual arts

- writing.

Along with your major, you’ll personalise your degree with minors in complementary study areas, like scriptwriting, 2D and 3D practices, theatre production, Indigenous studies and more. Each day you’ll delve into new creative mediums and experiment in areas that develop your interests and unique talents.

Want to build a sustained arts career doing what you love?

Realise your creative dreams when you study a Bachelor of Creative Arts at Deakin. You’ll dedicate yourself to mastering your creative practice and spend your days exploring fresh perspectives through your craft.

Explore a diverse range of creative mediums to tell captivating stories through your craft, in a flexible and supportive environment. You’ll have the scope to expand your creative practice beyond what you’ve ever imagined, preparing you to thrive in the contemporary arts world.

From day one, you’ll connect and collaborate with a vibrant community of creatives and makers who share the same passions as you. Our accomplished academics and practising creative professionals will support you along your journey, challenging you to reach your full potential. You’ll create in our specialty learning spaces – including studios, gallery spaces and theatres – and utilise the latest technology to enhance your creative vision.

Over the course of the degree, you’ll develop an entrepreneurial mindset and the leadership skills needed to keep pace in the fast-moving creative industries. Beyond your creative practice, you’ll develop real-world skills and form connections with the arts industry through programs, internships and volunteering opportunities.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have the foundations to work across the arts and entertainment industries in anything from live theatre and dance, film and television to media and communications, or develop an independent freelance career working towards exhibitions, publications, festivals and community productions and events.

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Course information

Award granted
Bachelor of Creative Arts
Year

2023 course information

VTAC code
1400511393 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
Deakin code
A317
CRICOS code?
109271E Burwood (Melbourne)
Level
Undergraduate
Approval status

This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.

Course structure

To complete the requirements for the Bachelor of Creative Arts, students must complete 24 credit points including:

  • 3 credit points of creative arts thematic core units
  • 3 credit points of employability sequence units

Plus either:

OR

Remaining credit points may be used to undertake elective units.

One major must be taken from the majors offered in the degree in which you are enrolled. The other major and minor sequences may be taken from Bachelor of Communication, Bachelor of Design or Bachelor of Film Television and Animation major or minor sequences.

Students must also ensure that they have met the following course rules to be eligible to graduate with a Bachelor of Creative Arts:

  • a maximum of 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)

A major or minor sequence is a group of units in a particular area of study taken over the three levels of your course. Each unit is usually worth 1 credit point.

A major sequence is made up of 8 credit points, and a minor sequence is made of 4 credit points.

Students are advised to refer to the details of each major or minor sequence for availability as some may be offered in campus and/or online mode only.

6

Creative arts and Employability core units

16

Major or Minor units

2

Elective units

24

Total  

Creative Arts Thematic Core

  • Creativity: Thinking Through Doing
  • Freelancing in the Arts
  • Critical Writing for Creative Practice
  • Employability sequence

  • Your Future Direction
  • Plus 1 credit point from:

  • Leadership and Transformation
  • Communication and Persuasive Presentation
  • Entrepreneurial Mindset
  • Expand Your Experience
  • Plus 1 credit point from:

  • Internship
  • Enhance Your Experience
  • Your Professional Story
  • Major sequences

    Please check the rules of each major sequence to see which units you need to complete to achieve the required credit points.

    Students are advised to refer to the details of each major or minor sequence for availability as some may be offered in campus and/or online mode only.

    Minor sequences

    *available via Online study only

    Please check the rules of each minor sequence to see which units you need to complete to achieve the required credit points.

    Students are advised to refer to the details of each major or minor sequence for availability as some may be offered in campus and/or online mode only.

    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:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)

    Trimester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)

    The first available intake into this course will be Trimester 1, 2023

    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.

    Course duration - additional information

    Typically 150-hours of learning and assessment activities per Deakin credit point.

    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

    Prepare for your future by getting real world experience and the employability skills to succeed, while completing your degree. The Employability Stream is tailored to support you to be future ready. Deakin’s suite of Work Integrated Learning programs can connect you with internships, social impact programs and opportunities to extend your skills in settings across the globe.

    Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.

    Entry requirements

    Senior certificate of education

    If you are currently studying Year 12 or completed Year 12 in the previous two years and have not attempted higher education or VET/Polytechnic study since, your selection is based on the following.

    VCE 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.

    International equivalent requirements

    To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.

    To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.

    Higher education study

    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.

    VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

    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.

    Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

    International equivalent requirements

    To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.

    To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.

    Polytechnic study

    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.

    VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

    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.

    Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

    International equivalent requirements

    To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.

    To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.

    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.

    VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

    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.

    Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

    International equivalent requirements

    To view the international academic admission and English language requirements visit the International entry requirements page. If your course or country of origin is not listed please contact study@deakin.edu.au.

    To submit an application please visit the how to apply page.

    Admissions information

    Learn more about this course and others that Deakin offers by visiting VTAC for more information. You can also discover how Deakin compares to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning by visiting the ComparED website.

    Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enables Deakin to consider disadvantageous circumstances you may have experienced and their 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.

    You can also find out about different entry pathways into Deakin courses if you can't get in straight from high school.

    Finally, Deakin is committed to admissions transparency. As part of that commitment, you can learn more about our first intake of 2022 students (PDF, 804.3KB) - their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.

    Online studies

    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.

    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 credit transfer. 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 credit transfer.

    Your credit transfer 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.

    You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning 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

    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

    Apply through VTAC and Deakin

    International students who are currently completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas should apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), as well as directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect – Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.

    Apply through Deakin

    All other international students apply directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page.

    Deakin International office or Deakin representative

    Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance

    Need more information on how to apply?

    For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
    If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.

    Download the course flyer

    To learn more about what a Bachelor of Creative Arts at Deakin has to offer, download our course flyer.

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    You'll have the freedom to experiment with creative art forms and explore a diverse range of majors and minors, allowing you to become a dynamic creative with a range of in-demand practical skills.

    Our work-integrated learning opportunities ensure that you’ll graduate with the professional network and practical skills needed to lead you to your future career in the arts, whether you decide to work in an arts organisation, or pursue your goals as an entrepreneurial freelancer.

    You’ll be able to take your degree into a range of careers, including:

    • acting
    • administration
    • art therapies
    • arts administration and curation
    • commercial art direction, design, or illustration
    • community art practice
    • community theatre
    • copywriting and technical writing
    • dance
    • drama
    • editing
    • education
    • event, festival and production management
    • experimental art practices
    • gallery curation
    • photography
    • professional and creative writing
    • publishing
    • research
    • stage management
    • theatre directing
    • visual arts
    • visual communication
    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

    Interpret and apply conceptual, theoretical and technical skills in the analysis and presentation of a range of artistic artefacts within areas of specialisation and across multidisciplinary contexts.

    Communication

    Articulate critical engagement with a variety of mediums, methods, techniques and strategies to present ideas, exhibitions, performances and/or practical work.

    Digital literacy

    Critically evaluate and apply a range of information technologies, digital tools, devices and environments to support and develop ideas and creative expression.

    Critical thinking

    Analyse and synthesize research materials through multiple sources and mediums to generate original and innovative ideas about creative work in diverse cultural settings.

    Problem solving

    Identify, explore and generate solutions to creative arts problems grounded in theory and/or practice.

    Self-management

    Develop, manage and critically reflect upon the production and presentation of creative works in accordance with industry standards and personal learning goals.

    Teamwork

    Contribute in a constructive, ethical and respectful way to the collaborative production of creative outcomes.

    Global citizenship

    Apply critical knowledge and awareness of diverse social and cultural contexts when engaging in creative arts practice.

    Approved at Faculty Board February 2022