What are the benefits of a Bachelor of Arts double degree?
Torn between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and another degree you’re passionate about? You’re not alone. With so many exciting areas of study and career paths to explore, it’s hard to pick just one. The good news is, at Deakin, you might not have to.
A BA double degree lets you mix and match your passions – think arts and law or arts and science – so you can design a study a path that’s as unique as you are. You’ll walk away with more knowledge, more skills and a serious competitive edge when it comes to landing your dream job.
What is a Bachelor of Arts double degree?
A Bachelor of Arts double degree lets you study two qualifications at once, so you can pursue multiple passions and graduate with a unique mix of skills. Deakin’s Bachelor of Arts has been carefully paired with complementary disciplines to give you diverse opportunities for your future career.
With double BA course options like arts and laws or arts and science, you’ll explore areas such as public policy, communication and environmental advocacy – preparing you for a wide range of careers.
A Bachelor of Arts double degree combines the core units of each program, meaning you can complete two degrees in less time than if you studied them separately. You also have the option to study a double BA online.
And don’t worry – a double degree doesn’t mean double the workload – you’ll complete the same number of units each year as a single degree.
Not sure how double BA courses work? Check out our double degree frequently asked questions.
Top five reasons to study a Bachelor of Arts double degree
- Stand out to employers: show off your versatility and ambition. Studying two fields highlights your diverse skills and commitment to a rigorous program – giving your resume an edge.
- Save time and get ahead: graduate with two qualifications in just four to five years – faster than completing them separately – so you can launch your career or postgraduate study sooner.
- Broaden your career options: open the door to more industries and roles. If one field doesn’t fit, your second degree gives you flexibility and backup career pathways.
- Build a unique skill set: combine creative and critical thinking from the arts with practical expertise from another discipline, like law, science or business, to gain an adaptable, future-ready skill set.
- See the bigger picture: studying across disciplines gives you a richer understanding of how different fields connect – and helps you solve industry problems from multiple perspectives.
I aspire to become a criminal lawyer and this course – along with the incredible networking opportunities – has equipped me with the skills and confidence to pursue that career path. The knowledge and experience I’ve gained at Deakin are unparalleled.
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws
Explore Deakin's Bachelor of Arts double degrees
Deakin’s Bachelor of Arts double degrees give you the freedom to design a study experience that truly reflects your interests and ambitions. With a huge range of majors and minors – from Indigenous studies and digital cultures to history, media and communication, education and more – you can dive deep into what matters most to you.
Here are double BA courses you can choose from at Deakin:
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Information Technology
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Arts/Master of International Relations
- Bachelor of Arts/Master of Teaching (Secondary)
- Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Health Sciences/Bachelor of Arts.
Study photography and science
If your passions also extend into another area, you can combine your arts degree with a complementary or contrasting field. For Deakin University graduate Molly Patton, who studied a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science, this cross-discipline approach allowed her to combine twin passions for creative arts and STEM and build a successful creative agency dedicated to scientific communication.
Double majors vs double degrees
Degree terminology can be confusing, so here’s a simple breakdown. A double major means studying two areas within one degree — for example, history and philosophy within a Bachelor of Arts. A double degree (or dual degree) means completing two separate qualifications, like a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science, often in less time than doing them individually.
Whether I’m presenting in boardrooms or launching new ventures, the skills I gained in the arts program – like clear communication and cultural insight – have helped me lead teams and launch global ventures.
Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Arts graduate and Director Commercial Operations & United Arab Emirates
What types of jobs can I get with a Bachelor of Arts double degree?
Deakin is proud to be the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment. Our research shows that one in four Deakin arts graduates are now in leadership or management roles and one in 10 have progressed to senior positions such as chief executive or managing director.
A Bachelor of Arts equips you to navigate uncertainty, manage complexity and lead with purpose. Pair it with a complementary or contrasting degree and you’ll broaden your career options and stand out even more in a competitive job market.
Combining arts and law can open doors to careers in human rights, politics and management consulting. Graduates of the Bachelor of Health Sciences/Bachelor of Arts can pursue roles across NGOs, education and international relations.
Still deciding what double degree to study?
With a Deakin Bachelor of Arts double degree, you don’t have to choose between your passions and your career goals. Build a future that’s as unique and adaptable as you are – and step into it with confidence.
Check out Deakin’s range of double degree programs and filter by arts to find the combinations that inspire you.
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
*Median graduate income five years out, humanities, culture and social sciences, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023.
