Is a Bachelor of Arts a worthwhile degree?
Choosing the right university and degree is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. At Deakin, we understand you're not just choosing what to study – you're choosing the future you want to create.
Deakin's Bachelor of Arts (BA) is more than a degree. It's a bold, flexible pathway that gives you the skills, experiences and confidence to step into a career that truly excites you.
With Deakin ranked the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, you can feel assured that your BA studies will set you up for success in a fast-changing job market.
What is a Bachelor of Arts degree?
Deakin’s BA is a three-year undergraduate degree designed to build the skills employers want most – critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving and communication.
The core units in Deakin's Bachelor of Arts lay a solid foundation in the arts and humanities, while a diverse range of majors, minors and electives across more than 30 study areas gives you the freedom to design a degree that reflects your interests and career goals.
You might choose from majors like media and communication, English literature, history, education, politics and policy studies, or visual arts and photography – building a study journey that's uniquely your own.
Study your way
- Shape your BA degree with majors and minors that match your interests and reflect your career objectives
- Study on campus, online or a mix of both – whatever suits your lifestyle
- Choose a double degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts/Master of Teaching or Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Laws, to open even more career doors.
Wherever you study, you'll have access to Deakin's cutting-edge facilities, online tools and student support services designed to help you succeed.
My arts degree opened doors to experiences and diverse skills that’ve been pivotal in my career. And it can do the same for you.
Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Arts graduate
Do Bachelor of Arts students gain professional experience?
At Deakin, your BA goes beyond the classroom. You'll graduate with practical experience that sets you apart:
- Internships and work experience placements with local or global organisations
- International exchange programs that let you study overseas
- Hands-on industry projects where you apply theory to practice.
Open doors to global careers
When Andriana Mantzouranis enrolled in a Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Arts double degree at Deakin, she discovered a new world of possibilities.
'I had never considered working in the automotive industry,’ she explains. ‘But suddenly, I was undertaking a yearlong internship at Holden – which turned out to be a degree highlight!’
Another unexpected experience for Andriana? Studying in Washington DC for a semester. An adventure Andriana credits with broadening her perspective.
‘I became a more engaged, curious global citizen. And I learned to listen – a must-have skill for any fast-paced career.'
What career paths are available with a Bachelor of Arts?
A Deakin Bachelor of Arts unlocks a wide range of industries, including:
- Media and communication
- Government and policy
- Education and training
- Marketing and public relations
- Arts, culture and heritage.
Deakin BA graduates take on roles like journalist, policy analyst, curator, content strategist, or corporate communicator. The degree’s transferable skills also prepare you for jobs you may not have imagined yet.
When I started university, I didn't know most of the jobs I’ve held even existed. But by being flexible and open to the unexpected, I’ve had the chance to try my hand in several different industries.
Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Arts graduate
Do employers value a Bachelor of Arts degree?
The demand for transferable skills is set to grow to 63% by 2030*. The good news? Deakin’s Bachelor of Arts equips you with exactly that:
- Advanced written and verbal communication
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Creativity and problem-solving
- Adaptability and cultural awareness.
Gain skills that shape success
Andriana’s arts degree might have led her to some unexpected places. But thanks to the skills she developed during her studies, she’s not just surviving – but thriving.
‘I have always accidentally found myself in STEM industries,’ she explains. ‘But my critical thinking skills and problem-solving ability are key to my success thanks to my Bachelor of Arts education.’
'Communication has been an essential tool in my career advancement. I can tell the story of a product and coordinate the big picture, which isn’t something that necessarily comes easily to more technically minded people.'
Is a Bachelor of Arts worth it?
If you’re still unsure whether a BA at Deakin is right for you, Andriana has some advice for future students:
‘In Year 12, I didn’t know which degree to choose. I know now that I probably needed reassurance that everything would be okay.'
‘So, here’s my reassurance to the next generation of students: My arts degree opened doors to experiences and diverse skills that have been pivotal in my career. And it can do the same for you with a Bachelor of Arts from Deakin.’
With flexible study options, career-focused experiences and global opportunities, Deakin’s Bachelor of Arts is your launchpad to a future full of possibility. Apply now.
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
*Deloitte Access Economics study, The Value of the Humanities, 2018.
