Course overview
Turn creative thinking into a career solving complex challenges with a standout combination of design and business capabilities. Design begins with understanding people; business connects people to organisations, markets, and value creation. Together, they create solutions that are meaningful and commercially sound. You'll develop design expertise: engaging audiences through creative, distinctly human solutions no algorithm can replicate. Take a double major in Communication Design and Interactive and UX Design, or single major with minors such as public relations, digital media, advertising and photography.
Build business foundations in digital information, financial literacy, economics, management and marketing, specialising in marketing, entrepreneurship, human resources, business or project management. Graduate having practised turning design insights into compelling business ideas, and those ideas into stories that connect with the intended audience, moving full circle from insight to execution.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Design / Bachelor of Business
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- D3200
- Level
- Undergraduate
- 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 Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Business, you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Design
- 1 credit point of core units
- 3 credit points of employability sequence units
- 1 Design major (8 credit points)
- 4 credit points of Arts and Education elective units at levels 2 or 3
- 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Business
- 7 credit points of core units
- 1 Business and Law Work integrated Learning Unit
- 1 Business major (8 credit points)
This double degree requires students to satisfy the course rules of both A319 Bachelor of Design and M370 Bachelor of Business through a 4 year integrated program of studies. A core first year requirement of M370 (MPB202 Professional Identity and Career Development), is satisfied by students undertaking the employability sequence core to A319.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester/semester and usually undertake two trimesters/semesters per year.
You can also choose to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree.
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
Employability sequence
1 credit point from:
Plus 1 credit point from:
Students must complete 1 of the following 8 credit point Design majors:
Core units
Work Integrated Learning
Plus 1 credit point from:
Students Must complete 1 of the following 8 credit point Business majors:
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.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Online
To complete the Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Business, students must attain a total of 32 credit points, consisting of 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Design and 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Business. Students enrolled at the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus will be required to undertake some units of study at the Geelong Waterfront Campus.
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.
Work experience
Work integrated learning is a core component of this degree. The Bachelor of Business offers Work Integrated Learning programs to enable students to enrich their studies with a range of international and domestic internships as well as volunteer experiences, while gaining credit towards their degree. Develop your professional work practices and networks while putting theoretical knowledge into practice.
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 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.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 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
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and have not undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter - it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
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)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2025 students (PDF, 793KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
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 (RPL) 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
$45,200 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
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.
Scholarship options
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you’ll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
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 VTAC
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you must submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). In addition, you may also apply directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
Pathways
Alternate exits
- Bachelor of Business (M370)
- Bachelor of Design (A319)
- Diploma of Business Studies (M201)
Career outcomes
The Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Business can lead to a variety of careers including:
- Brand designer
- Business analyst
- Business entrepreneur
- Communication designer
- Digital communications manager
- Digital designer
- Human resources officer
- Interactive designer
- Marketing officer
- Project manager
- Social media designer
- Systems designer
- UI designer
- UX designer
Professional recognition
Deakin Business School holds the prestigious and globally recognised AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, which attest to quality, academic and professional excellence, ongoing improvement, innovation and graduate employability.
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 Bachelor of Design (A319) | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Business ( M325) |
|---|---|
| Apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the forms, functions, processes, languages and materials of communication design to meet client requirements in a rapidly changing industry setting. | Analyse and evaluate business opportunities and organisational challenges using business concepts and frameworks to inform sustainable value creation. |
| Articulate ideas using design-specific language, concepts, and media to initiate, resolve and generate professional outcomes in response to design briefs. | Influence business decisions and outcomes through ethical and professional judgement and communication by analysing problems and implementing business solutions. |
| Identify, evaluate and navigate a complex and ever-changing range of digital tools in order to strategically achieve successful outcomes in dynamic industry environments. | Communicate business ideas, analyses, and recommendations clearly and professionally to diverse stakeholders, collaborate effectively in teams, and use feedback and reflection to improve business practice. |
| Critically analyse and evaluate design methodologies, concepts, modes and media in order to generate ideas and resolve complex problems to achieve professional industry-based outcomes. | Critically evaluate business models, strategies, and practices to assess their economic, environmental, and social impacts, and advance recommendations that support sustainable outcomes. |
| Strategically evaluate design research methodologies to identify appropriate approaches to complex and ill-defined problems that generate and deliver diverse communication solutions. | Select and apply appropriate business technologies, demonstrating judgement of their relevance for the task and context. |
| Critically reflect on professional performance and growth in order to prioritise needs and maintain professional accountability in communication design settings. | Apply business knowledge and cultural intelligence, with adaptability and reflective practice, to identify and address opportunities for shared prosperity across Indigenous, regional, and international contexts. |
| Lead, deliver and perform respectfully and inclusively within a collaborative and professional team, applying agile and responsive approaches in the delivery of industry standard outcomes. | |
| Evaluate and apply design’s capacity to act as an agent of change that is responsive to the social, cultural and ethical needs of diverse communities in global contexts. |
*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.